Watauga Lake is about 25–35 minutes from the cabins at 327 Jenkins Hollow Rd in Elizabethton — a day’s fishing, boating, or swimming, then back to the woods.
The lake is a 6,400-acre TVA reservoir in the Cherokee National Forest: smallmouth and largemouth, walleye, trout in the tailwater, swimming and picnic spots, and public boat launches (including Rat Branch and Little Milligan). Marinas on the lake handle rentals, bait, and slips. After a day on the water, come back to the firepit, a private hot tub, and a quiet cabin.
How far is Watauga Lake from the cabins?
The lake has more than one shore — Elizabethton, Hampton, Butler. Drive times from 327 Jenkins Hollow Rd:
| Where | About | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Watauga Lake (dam / public boat launches) | 25–35 minutes | Which shore you pick changes the drive a little |
| Downtown Elizabethton (ice, groceries, licenses) | ~10 minutes | Do this on the way to the lake |
| Laurel Fork Falls / Dennis Cove | ~25–30 minutes | Pair a hike with a short water day |
| Roan Mountain State Park | ~35 minutes | If the lake is windy, go uphill |
| Johnson City | ~25 minutes | Bigger stores, restaurants |
Check hours and lake level on TVA information before you trailer a boat. Summer weekends and holiday Mondays fill parking at the lake.
What’s at the lake
Watauga is known for smallmouth and largemouth, walleye, and trout in the tailwater and tributaries. You need a Tennessee fishing license (TWRA). Marinas on the lake can help with boats, bait, and a slip if you need one. After you clean up, both cabins have a kitchen and a washer and dryer.
More fishing detail: Watauga Lake fishing from our cabins. More lake context is in our Watauga Lake guide. For a swim-hole afternoon that is not the main lake, see Blue Hole Falls.
Back at the cabins
- Unwind at the firepit after a day on the water
- A private hot tub at each cabin
- Wooded five acres — pets welcome with a fee
- Two cabins if two families want the same weekend
- Dinner in Elizabethton on the way back, or cook at the cabin
Cabin A is the couples cabin. Cabin B sleeps 6 in two bedrooms. Details and photos are on Our Cabins.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive to the lake?
About 25–35 minutes from Jenkins Hollow, depending which shore you pick.
Can we trailer a boat?
You can leave a vehicle and trailer in our private parking if it fits the drive and does not block the other cabin. Tell us when you book if you are bringing a trailer.
Is the lake in the Great Smoky Mountains?
No. Watauga Lake is in the Southern Appalachians / Cherokee National Forest, Carter and Johnson counties. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about two hours west. Do not plan a “lake plus Clingmans Dome” day from here.
Also see: Roan Mountain · Watauga Lake · Blue Hole Falls · Laurel Fork Falls · Covered Bridge / downtown · Tweetsie Trail · Bristol Speedway · pet-friendly. Compare Cabin A and Cabin B.
Contact Us: