Beach vacations in Tennessee (Photo: douglas lake image by gou from Fotolia.com )

The sandy shores of Tennessees lakes offer scenic settings for beach and water play. Summertime unleashes sunbathing, swimming, boating, fishing and camping fun along impounded and natural lakes. Tennessee state parks and federally managed areas create beach vacation hot spots for quality experiences.

A peaceful Tennessee beach vacation destination, Seven Points Campground at Hermitage sits along the 14,200-acre J. Percy Priest Lake. Nature surrounds the federally managed Seven Points with thousands of acres of grasslands and woodlands. Its a getaway for water lovers located just 10 miles from the heart of Nashville where a concert or backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry is a perfect rainy day activity. In addition to a sandy beach and swimming options, the impounded waters provide boating and fishing for bass, bluegill, trout and other species. Seven Points features 59 campsites open April 1 through October. Campground amenities include water, a dump station, toilets, showers and a boat ramp.

Pickett CCC Memorial State Park at Jamestown is home to what is considered one of the Souths most scenic beaches. Framed by towering sandstone bluffs, the Arch Lake beach is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park sits within the 19,200-acre Pickett State Forest and is adjacent to a 125,000-acre nature preserve. Water activities include fishing and paddling. Rowboat rentals are available during summer months. Ten hiking trails invite exploring nature within the Cumberland Plateau. In 2015, the park was designated an official dark sky viewing area by the International Dark Sky Association. When night falls, visitors enjoy a celestial show. Settle in to one of 20 cabins or 31 modern campsites for a great Tennessee beach vacation by day and night.

For beach lovers who prefer some of the comforts of home, Rock Island State Park at Rock Island offers fully equipped housekeeping cabins. Considered among the best cabins within the Tennessee State park system, amenities include a microwave, linens and an indoor fireplace to cozy up beside on chilly evenings. The park also offers 50 modern campsites and 20 tent sites. The parks natural sand beach sits at the headwaters of Center Hill Lake. Currents can be swift, so swimmers and paddlers are advised to use caution. The 870-acre park and lake sit at the confluence of three rivers to offer plenty of outdoor adventures to fill vacation days. Enjoy trophy fishing, kayaking, hiking, scenic overlooks of Caney Fork Gorge and a rushing 30-foot waterfall.

The federally operated Old Hickory Lake and Dam along the Cumberland River offers the choice of four swimming beaches. Choose one or make the rounds for a custom Tennessee beach getaway. Beaches are located at Cedar Creek, Laguardo, Lock 3 and include Old Hickory Beach. Expect to pay a nominal entrance fee to the beaches. Old Hickory Lake spans 22,500 acres. Water recreation includes scuba diving, boating, water skiing and fishing. Abundant wildlife and scenic views make it a popular site for photographers. Hiking options include Old Hickory Lake Trail, a part of National Trails System. Two seasonal campgrounds along the lake offer choice for settling in for a multi-day stay. Cages Bend campground at Hendersonville/Gallatin and Nashville sit along the lakes north shore. It offers 43 modern campsites. Cedar Creek campground along the lakes south side outside of Nashville offers 59 modern campsites. During summer months, the US Army Corps of Engineers offers a free, 90-minute guided tour of the Old Hickory Navigation Lock and Hydroelectric Dam from at the navigation lock at Old Hickory. Call the resource managers office at (615) 822-4846 or 847-2395 to submit a tour request.

Sally Barber is a 20-year veteran of the publishing industry. A specialist in business, travel, sustainable tourism and the environment, she has written for Virgin Atlantic Airways, the "Detroit Free Press," "Great Lakes Seaway Review" and various websites. Barber is also the author of three books.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Roadway to Lindsey Lake in David Crockett State Park, located a half mile west of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.

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Great Beach Vacations in Tennessee | USA Today