Are boat ramps in Tennessee free?

Many boat ramps in Tennessee are free, especially those managed by state parks or the Army Corps of Engineers. Some may charge a launch fee.

How do I find boat ramps near me in Tennessee?

Use RampSeeker to browse all 454 boat ramps in Tennessee by city. Each listing includes a map and directions.

Many public boat ramps are free, especially those run by state parks, Army Corps of Engineers, or county agencies. Some charge $5-15 per launch or require an annual pass.

Do you need a permit to use a boat ramp?

Most public boat ramps do not require a special permit. You need a valid boat registration and in some states a launch pass. Check local regulations before launching.

What time do boat ramps open?

Most public boat ramps are open 24 hours. Some state park ramps follow park hours, typically dawn to dusk. Pay ramps may have limited hours for fee collection.

Can you launch a kayak at a boat ramp?

Yes, most boat ramps accommodate kayaks and canoes. Some ramps have dedicated kayak launch areas. Smaller paddlecraft can also use informal put-ins and shoreline access points.

Tennessee Boat Ramp Directory

Every Boat Ramp in Tennessee

Q: How many boat ramps are in Tennessee?

There are 454 boat ramps in Tennessee. RampSeeker has mapped every public boat launch across the state.

454+ boat ramps across 20 lakes and rivers. TVA reservoir chain, world-record smallmouth bass (Dale Hollow), Great Smoky Mountains trout.

Tennessee offers 454+ public boat ramps across its waterways. From Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, and the Tennessee River, the state provides excellent access for boaters, anglers, and kayakers. Popular catches include bass, crappie, and catfish. Learn how to launch safely.

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Featured: Chickamauga Lake

6 named ramps

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Island View Boat Ramp

Tennessee

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Skull Island Boat Launch

Tennessee

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Bear Branch Boat Launch

Tennessee

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Grasshopper Recreation Area Boat Launch

Tennessee

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Eldridge Slough Boat Launch

Tennessee

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Ware Branch Boat Launch

Tennessee

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Tennessee Lakes & Rivers

Percy Priest Lake

Nashville, Smyrna, La Vergne

14,200 acres90 ft deep

Center Hill Lake

Smithville, Silver Point, Lancaster

18,220 acres175 ft deep

Chickamauga Lake

Chattanooga, Dayton, Soddy-Daisy

35,400 acres55 ft deep

Old Hickory Lake

Nashville, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet

22,500 acres60 ft deep

Tims Ford Lake

Winchester, Tullahoma, Lynchburg

10,700 acres90 ft deep

Kentucky Lake (Tennessee)

Paris, Camden, New Johnsonville

160,300 acres75 ft deep

Pickwick Lake (Tennessee)

Savannah, Counce, Pickwick Dam

43,100 acres57 ft deep

Watts Bar Lake

Spring City, Kingston, Rockwood

39,090 acres70 ft deep

Nickajack Lake

South Pittsburg, Jasper, Kimball

10,370 acres45 ft deep

Tennessee River

Nashville, Savannah, Clifton

60 ft deep

Norris Lake

Rocky Top, Jacksboro, La Follette

34,200 acres200 ft deep

Cherokee Lake

Morristown, Jefferson City, Rogersville

28,300 acres160 ft deep

Douglas Lake

Dandridge, Sevierville, Newport

28,420 acres150 ft deep

Fort Loudoun Lake

Knoxville, Lenoir City, Loudon

14,600 acres75 ft deep

Dale Hollow Lake

Celina, Livingston, Byrdstown

27,700 acres130 ft deep

Reelfoot Lake

Tiptonville, Samburg

15,500 acres18 ft deep

Great Smoky Mountains Streams

Gatlinburg, Townsend, Cosby

10 ft deep

Watauga Lake

Elizabethton, Butler, Hampton

6,430 acres285 ft deep

Boone Lake

Johnson City, Kingsport, Boones Creek

4,400 acres100 ft deep

South Holston Lake

Bristol, Bluff City, Abingdon

7,580 acres230 ft deep

All 454 Tennessee Boat Ramps

Apalachia Powerhouse Boat Launch

Tennessee

Barton Springs Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Bear Branch Boat Launch

Tennessee

Bennett Lake Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Bennett Lake Pier

Tennessee

Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Blythe Ferry Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Booker T State Park Ramp

Tennessee

Brimstone Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Bryant Grove Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Buffalo Ramp

Tennessee

Butler'S Landing Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Camp Jordan South Chick

Tennessee

Camp Jordan West Chick

Tennessee

Canoe Ramp

Tennessee

Cedar Point Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Center Hill Dam Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Chickamauga Dam Marina

Tennessee

Chickamauga Dam North Shore

Tennessee

Chickasaw Trace

Tennessee

Cline Ridge Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Coolidge Park Kayak Launch

Tennessee

Coolidge Park Market Street TN RIver

Tennessee

Coolidge Park Tremont Street TN River

Tennessee

Cummings Hwy Lookout Creek

Tennessee

Davis Corner Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Defeated Creek Campground Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Defeated Creek Marina Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Defeated Creek Recreation Area Boat Ramp

Tennessee

Eagle Bluff Vincent Rd

Tennessee

Additional Launch Sites

Tips for Boating in Tennessee

✓ Tennessee requires all motorized boats to be registered before launching at any public ramp.
✓ A fishing license is required for anyone 16+ fishing from a boat in Tennessee.
✓ Life jackets are required for all children under 13 on any watercraft in Tennessee.
✓ Most public ramps are first-come, first-served — arrive early on weekends and holidays.
✓ Practice good ramp etiquette: prep in the parking area, not on the ramp.

Essential Boat Launch Gear

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Trailer Guide Poles

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Universal Boat Drain Plug

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Wheel Bearing Grease

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Tennessee Boating FAQ

How many boat ramps are in Tennessee?

RampSeeker lists 454+ boat ramps across Tennessee, from the TVA reservoirs to the Great Smoky Mountains.

What are the best fishing spots in Tennessee?

Dale Hollow Lake holds the world record for smallmouth bass. Norris Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear water and striped bass. Kentucky Lake is the largest lake east of the Mississippi with outstanding bass and crappie fishing. Reelfoot Lake is a crappie fishing paradise. The Great Smoky Mountains offer pristine trout streams.

Do I need a boating license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires Boating Safety Education for all motorized vessel operators born on or after January 1, 1989. All motorized boats must be registered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Do I need a boating license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires a boating safety education certificate for boat operators. Check with the state's wildlife agency for specific age and horsepower requirements.

When is the best time to boat in Tennessee?

Peak boating season in Tennessee runs from May through October, but many waterways are accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer less crowded conditions and excellent fishing.

Boating Tips & Guides

Tips

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