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Watauga Point Recreation Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Unicoi · North Carolina · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Cherokee National Forest |
| Location | Unicoi · North Carolina · Cherokee National Forest · 36.32083, -82.08556 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group picnic area |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 2 sites Water hookups at 0 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 10:00 AM · Out 8:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Drinking water |
| Phone | 423-735-1500 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-10-14.
From the official listing
Overview Watauga Point bathrooms are WINTERIZED for the season and the general area is open to drive-thru traffic only. Watauga Point Recreation Area is located on the southern shore of Watauga Lake in Carter County. Large shade trees scattered throughout grassy areas provide a park setting for picnicking and sunbathing. In addition to picnic facilities, there is a lake and a gravel trail that loops through the nearby forest.
Recreation Boaters, anglers, and picnickers all enjoy Watauga Point. There is a wooded trail on site as well.
Facilities Watauga Point Recreation Area has one pavilion with electricity, a shady area, accessible flush toilets, and several other picnic tables and pedestal grills spread throughout. There are six picnic tables and two large grills at the pavilion. The shady area has five picnic tables and two grills. The pavilion and shady area are both reservable. Please make sure you are reserving the right thing (either the pavilion or the shady area) when making your reservation.
Natural Features At more than 1,900 feet in elevation, Watauga is the highest reservoir in Tennessee. This scenic 6,400-acre reservoir is managed for flood management, power generation, aquatic ecology and recreation. Watauga Point overlooks the reservoir and the Big Laurel Branch Wilderness Area on the opposite shore.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (423) 735-1500. Nearby Attractions Both water-based and land-based recreation activities abound near Watauga Point Recreation Area. Forest Service facilities within three miles include Cardens Bluff Campground, Rat Branch Boat Ramp, and Pond Mountain Shooting Range.
Directions, from the listing
From Elizabethton, take US 19E/321 south for five miles to Hampton. Turn left on US 321/TN 67 south for six miles, then turn left into Watauga Point.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · Unicoi North CarolinaNPSNational Park ServiceJohns River Road Backcountry Camping
23 mi straight-line · ASHEVILLE North CarolinaNPSNational Park ServiceJulian Price Campground
23 mi straight-line · Asheville North CarolinaNPSNational Park ServiceLinville Falls Campground
26 mi straight-line · Asheville North CarolinaFSU.S. Forest ServiceKaty Branch
27 mi straight-line · Greeneville North Carolina
Trip Card — Watauga Point Recreation Area
Unicoi · North Carolina · Cherokee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Unicoi · North Carolina · Cherokee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/121940 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.