Tennessee has a lot to offer when it comes to lakes. With more than 15 across the state, including the ever-popular Center Hill Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and Douglas Lake, it’s easy enough to find one that suits your vacation mode. These picturesque spots are home to plenty of different lake houses, ranging from romantic Airbnbs to enjoy with your other half to spacious houses with room for the whole family.
Many of the best lake houses in Tennessee come with private lake access as well as water toys like standup paddle boards and kayaks. You’ll be just steps away from all the fun, like swimming, fishing, boating, and more. Not sure where to stay? Read on for all of the best lake house rentals in Tennessee.
Lake House Rentals for Couples
Lake Living 10 Feet from the Lake - Ooltewah
This one-bedroom lake house may be part of a larger property but, with its own kitchen, living room and bathroom, it’ll certainly feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. Based only three feet away from the water’s edge, you couldn’t really stay much closer to the lake here unless you actually set up camp on the water itself. That means you’ll probably fall asleep listening to the water lap against the shore and wake to its relaxing noises, too. This spot is perfect for a romantic getaway, with space for two guests in a beautiful setting. Staying here comes with not just direct lake access but also all of its amenities: stand up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks. You’re free to swim or fish all day long here, before heading back to the house and falling asleep on its memory foam mattress.
Romantic Secluded Cabin - Muddy Pond
Designed for romance, “Two’s Company” is a cozy studio space located in the small Mennonite community of Muddy Pond. It’s the only dwelling along the banks of a 1.5-acre private lake, offering the chance to enjoy plenty of privacy and seclusion. It has a porch with a swing and rocker for enjoying the views along with a gas fireplace and a king-size bed with a two-person heart-shaped Jacuzzi right next to it. Fishing is possible and you’ll find tranquil lanes for strolling hand-in-hand.
Comfy, Cozy, Rustic A-Frame Cabin with River View - Soddy-Daisy
This modern A-frame cabin is the rustic getaway of your dreams, designed to let you truly appreciate your surroundings. It’s hard not to feel the magic when you’re staying here, as, from every part of the cabin, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lake and woodlands. With space for two guests in its one bedroom, this cabin provides a wonderful backdrop for a romantic vacation with your other half. Snuggle up on the sunroom couch and enjoy your own million-dollar view of the sunset over Soddy Lake with the mountains in the distance. Inside, you’ll find a queen bed, two bathrooms with walk-in showers, a full-size kitchen with a deluxe continental breakfast and a living room. There’s free high speed Internet and cable TV, but chances are you’ll spend most of your time here exploring the beautiful outdoors.
Treehouse by the Lake - Chattanooga
The problem with some lake houses is their rural setting. That’s not so great if you’re looking for a vacation but can’t spend hours and hours driving through the countryside. This Chattanooga vacation spot is the perfect fusion of urban and rural living, far away enough from civilization that it feels completely remote, but actually within easy distance to the city itself. This three-bedroom house brings together everything you could need from a lakeside vacation, with space for six people. An ideal family spot with king and queen size beds throughout, it offers both lake and mountain views and is surrounded by peaceful woodlands. After spending a day fishing or hiking on the many trails that Chattanooga, Harrison, Ooltewah and surrounding spots have to offer, you’ll be able to head inside and enjoy the stone fireplace with gas burning logs.
Luxury Lakefront Home - Castalian Springs
Located on Old Hickory Lake, this gorgeous lakefront home is only 40 minutes from downtown Nashville while offering plenty to do on-site, indoors or out. You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, a huge living room with a wood-burning fireplace and flat-screen TV along with a bonus room that includes a large flat-screen TV for watching the big game or movies. Relax with a picturesque lake view, gather around the fire pit under the stars, and enjoy cookouts on the grill followed by alfresco dining in the outdoor dining area.
Watauga Lake Dock, Kayaks & Mountain View - Butler
The two-bedroom “Loon Tunes” cottage is nestled in a tranquil cove providing magnificent views of Watauga Lake and the Cherokee National Forest in an area filled with abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and the loons that gave the dwelling its name. By booking this rental you’ll have your own dock with deep water access for fishing and boating, with two kayaks, a canoe, and an oasis pad all included. There’s a fire pit to cozy up to after dark while enjoying the stars and everything you need for a comfortable stay inside too. That includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and HDTV with Roku.
My Favorite Memory Chalet - Smithville
Take a trip to Smithville, Tennessee to stay in a beautiful lake house cut into a hill and spread across multiple levels. The best part about this Tennessee lake house? It’s home to a little of everything. The multi-level aspect of this Airbnb ensures pretty views from higher up than many lake houses, while its ideal location only steps from the water allows for plenty of lake-side fun during your vacation, too. This spacious house has room for up to 10 guests across its three bedrooms, making it perfect for a few small families looking to vacation together or a group of friends heading to the lake. Inside you’ll find what looks almost like a barn conversion, with double height rooms, modern decor, and cozy bedrooms. This luxurious neighborhood offers a community pool and fitness center, which you’re free to use throughout your stay.
A Private Family Waterfront Resort - Spring City
This incredible property sits on a three-acre peninsula on Watts Barr Lake, located in Spring City. Incredible to look at both inside and out, it’s worth spending some time simply wandering through each room of this lakeside Airbnb before you’ve even decided how to spend your time here. With a private beach, dock, kayaks, canoe, paddle boat, trails, and waterfalls to explore, you could easily find yourself wanting to extend your stay just to squeeze everything in. A wonderful place to enjoy family time, it’s got space for 10 guests in total and plenty of communal spaces to enjoy together. Look out of the bedroom windows and take in the forest views all around, or wander down to the lake first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise in pure tranquility.
Closest Lake House to Nashville - Nashville
This lake house mon Old Hickory Lake may be ideal for those who want to enjoy the city attractions and time around the water. The space is on the second floor of the three-story home with a private entrance. It includes three bedrooms, each of which has a TV, while the open concept main area features a 60″ 3DTV, pool table, massage chair, workout equipment, and a kitchenette with a dining table. You’ll have your own temperature control, a washer/dryer, and a private furnished balcony/porch with a grill and fire table too.
Lakefront Peninsula Home - Butler
“Sugar Hollow Point” is a three-bedroom lakefront home for up to eight, with the lakefront very close, water on two sides, and fabulous views from multiple vantage points. You’ll even have a private island to explore which lies beyond the fire pit where you can look forward to making S’mores. From the wrap-around patio, watch the kids swim in the lagoon, or enjoy fishing on your own secluded peninsula at the tip of the island considered to be the very best fishing spot on the lake. You’ll have a BBQ grill, full kitchen, washer/dryer, TV, and Wi-Fi here too.
Lakefront with Kayak, Fire Pit, BBQ, Ping Pong - Gallatin
This 4,000-square-foot lakefront home is just 30 minutes from the attractions in Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry, while providing an idyllic retreat on a one-acre property with magnificent views from both of its two floors. There’s a large deck that overlooks the lake, a screened-in porch with a TV, two living rooms, and much more. You’ll have complimentary kayaks, a dock, foosball, and a Ping Pong table too.
5 Bedroom with Private Dock on Tims Ford - Winchester
Accommodating up to a dozen guests, the Edgewater Escape offers over 3,000 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, located on a 2.5-acre property along Tims Ford Lake. It comes with a private, covered dock and swim platform along with many complimentary perks like two kayaks, a canoe, fishing poles, life jackets, and floats. There’s a propane grill, large deck, and corn hole boards too, providing plenty of fun for all. You’ll have laundry facilities, a well-stocked kitchen with two full-size refrigerators, and there’s a mini-fridge available too. Indoor entertainment includes a TV with cable channels, HBO, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.
Watts Bar Lake Waterfront Home - Spring City
This beautiful lake house takes Tennessee charm to a whole new level. A place appreciated on a year-round basis, it’s incredible during the summer months when its deck comes bathed by sunlight, or visit during fall to watch warm-toned leaves fall from the trees all around. This hillside property is a dream come true with a staircase leading down to the beach, dock, and boardwalk on the water’s edge. It’s designed for those who don’t just want a lake view, but also desire easy access to the water itself. Here, you’ve got a stunning, unobstructed four mile view of the lake, with plenty of impressive amenities inside as well. This five-bedroom house is well equipped for large groups, with enough space to comfortably fit 16 people without treading on anybody’s toes.
Blue Heron Lodge on Watts Bar Lake - Ten Mile
The floor-to-ceiling glass windows of this lake house ensure you never forget where you’re staying once you’ve checked in here. This stunningly beautiful lake house may only have two bedrooms but there’s space for up to 14 guests, with 10 beds spread throughout. You’ll probably appreciate this spot the most if you’re traveling with a large group of friends, thanks to its vast communal space where you’re free to spend the evenings chilling out together. While the inside is modern and functional, the outdoors is where this Airbnb truly shines. Wander around the wrap-around deck with its two screen porches that offer breathtaking lake views all around. Bring your boat or jet ski and enjoy the private boat ramp and dock that surrounds the property or make use of the included kayaks, picnic area, and fire pit.
Watts Bar Lake House - Spring City
Watts Bar Lake House’s spacious deck backs onto the lake itself, which means you’re free to start each morning here practicing yoga overlooking the water or simply enjoying a mug of coffee on one of its comfortable seats. This tranquil lake house is the perfect lakefront vacation home, with its four bedrooms and space for up to 16 guests. Spacious both inside and out, there’s plenty of room here for all to enjoy, whether you’re traveling with adults or children. Each room of this lake house comes with warm, homely design elements, like the fully equipped kitchen or the living room with its comfy corner sofas. Bring a boat, swim off the dock, step into the hot tub or sit back and kick your feet up on the screened in porch and enjoy the view. Once you’ve checked in here, you’ll never want to leave.
Beautiful and Quiet Lake House - Sale Creek
The first thing you’ll fall in love with at this oversized lake house is its tree-shrouded balcony, which overlooks the lake with a gentle breeze flowing through on a 24/7 basis. This stunning property looks more like it should be on the pages of a countryside magazine than someone’s actual home. Set in a picturesque, quiet setting, it’s somewhere you’ll be free to enjoy the wonders of the lake without any outside distractions. However, if you do fancy heading out for supplies or checking out the local area, you’re only 35 minutes from downtown Chattanooga while staying here. There’s access to a private dock at the back of the house with a swim deck and plenty of cool amenities inside including standup paddle boards, an espresso maker, a theater-style room and a dart board.
Stunning Memphis Lake Front Home - Memphis
This large four-bedroom lakefront home can accommodate as many as 13. It sits on a 1.5-acre lot along a private lake offering resort living just 15 minutes from downtown Memphis. The outdoor patio includes a huge fire pit and BBQ area, while games like darts and corn hole are included too. Many prefer to simply revel in the tranquility enjoying a panoramic view from the sun deck overlooking the water. You’ll find plenty to love indoors too, including a spacious high-end kitchen, a living room with large picture windows showcasing a lake view, a gas fireplace, and a 65″ Smart TV that includes Netflix, Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu.
Hidden Gem Lakeside Retreat with Hot Tub, Dock, and Slip - Spring City
This Airbnb calls itself a hidden gem and, with its perfect location, included hot tub, and wonderfully cozy terrace, that’s a name that seems pretty fitting. This lakefront home is a spacious one, complete with space for 14 guests across its five bedrooms and plenty of nature-filled surroundings to enjoy together. Here, there’s ample room for a large gathering of friends or family. This high-end craftsman-style lake house is ideal for making fun memories together year-round, whether that’s outside the house on the lake itself with the rental’s stand-up paddle board or kayak or inside with the large TV, grill, and other amenities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful quiet sanctuary or are planning a full-energy family vacation with the kids, you’ll find yourself suitably comforted here. The best part? The wrap-around decking with its fairy lights and gorgeous views.
Private Lakefront Log Cabin with Dock & Hot Tub - Tullahoma
Located on Tims Ford Lake, this log cabin has 450 feet of lakefront and a private dock for use between April and October. Look forward to all sorts of water fun, including swimming, with a beach and swim area. You can bring your boat to launch it here too. Afterward, enjoy cookouts on the grill, relax in the hot tub, and gather around the fire pit. Inside, you’ll have a full kitchen, fireplace, and a 52″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Roku, and standard cable channels.
Private Lakefront Cabin within 4 Miles of I-75 - Caryville
This lakefront cabin for up to 11 is private and secluded yet it’s just minutes from the interstate. “Nauti Pines” sits on 5.5 acres and comes with 1100 feet of water frontage and a 1 slip-covered dock with a swim platform. Enjoy swimming and relaxing, or rent a boat at the nearby Twin Coves Marina. The cabin is handicapped accessible, with a ramp at the back for access to the main level which includes a kitchen, dining room, living room, washer/dryer, and one of the four bedrooms. There’s also a spacious deck, a covered porch, and a small bar.
