5 Best Lakes Near Nashville for Weekend Boating

There's nothing quite like a Saturday morning on the water. The engine hums, the sun hits the lake, and suddenly that Monday meeting feels a million miles away. If you're a boat owner in the Nashville area — or thinking about becoming one — you're sitting in one of the best spots in the country for freshwater boating.

Here are five lakes we recommend to every customer who drives a boat off our lot.

1. Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest is Nashville's backyard lake, and for good reason. It's just 20 minutes east of downtown, which means you can be on the water before your coffee gets cold. The lake covers over 14,000 acres with 213 miles of shoreline, so even on a busy summer Saturday you can find your own quiet cove.

Best for: wake surfing, tubing, cruising, and swimming. The coves on the eastern side are perfect for anchoring up and spending the afternoon.

Pro tip: Launch from Fate Sanders Marina for the easiest access to the widest part of the lake.

2. Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory wraps around the north side of Nashville and offers a completely different vibe from Percy Priest. It's a bit more spread out, the shoreline is more wooded, and the fishing is outstanding. If you've got a pontoon or a deck boat, this is your lake.

Best for: fishing (largemouth bass, crappie, catfish), pontoon cruising, and family days on the water. The area around Sanders Ferry is especially scenic.

Pro tip: Old Hickory tends to be less crowded than Percy Priest on weekends — if you want more space, head here.

3. Center Hill Lake

About 80 miles east of Nashville, Center Hill is worth the drive. The water is crystal clear — we're talking visibility you won't find at most Tennessee lakes. The cliffs and deep water make it feel like you've traveled much farther than an hour and a half.

Best for: cliff jumping, swimming, wake sports, and overnight trips. Rent a slip at one of the marinas and make a weekend of it.

Pro tip: The water stays cooler here because of the depth, which is a blessing in August.

4. Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow sits on the Tennessee-Kentucky border and is consistently ranked among the cleanest lakes in America. The water is deep, the scenery is gorgeous, and the smallmouth bass fishing is world-class. This is where serious boaters go when they want to get away from it all.

Best for: fishing, houseboat trips, and anyone who wants to feel like they've escaped to a national park.

Pro tip: If you're towing your boat, plan for about two and a half hours from Nashville. It's worth every minute.

5. Tims Ford Lake

Down near Winchester, Tims Ford is the hidden gem of Middle Tennessee. It's big enough to spend a full day exploring but small enough that it never feels overcrowded. The lake is surrounded by Tims Ford State Park, so the shoreline stays natural and undeveloped.

Best for: skiing, wakeboarding, pontoon cruising, and camping trips where you boat during the day and grill at the campsite at night.

Pro tip: The marina at Holiday Landing has everything you need if you forgot sunscreen or snacks.

Ready to Hit the Water?

All five of these lakes are within easy reach of our lot in Hermitage. Whether you're looking for a wake boat to surf Percy Priest or a pontoon to cruise Old Hickory, we've got you covered.

Browse our current inventory or stop by and see what's on the lot. We're always happy to talk boats — and lakes.