Spending time by the water is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Tennessee’s natural beauty, but as I’ve explored more lakes across the state, I’ve become more aware of how important it is to protect these places. The quiet coves, scenic trails, and clear waters aren’t just for us—they’re part of a delicate ecosystem that supports wildlife, plants, and future generations of lake lovers. Whether you’re boating, swimming, camping, or simply taking in the view, there are plenty of eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes that can help you leave a lighter footprint.
We all love to enjoy these natural spaces, but it’s just as important to respect and preserve them. Making small changes in how we pack, travel, and behave outdoors can go a long way in keeping Tennessee’s lakes clean, safe, and beautiful. From mindful waste disposal to sustainable gear choices, here are my favorite eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes—tips that I follow every time I head out to explore the water.
Travel Light and Pack Smart
One of the simplest ways to reduce environmental impact is by packing only what you need and making thoughtful choices about the items you bring. Reusable containers, water bottles, and food wraps are my go-to essentials. Instead of grabbing single-use plastic bags or Styrofoam coolers, I use durable gear that I can wash and use again on the next trip.
When I plan a lakeside day trip or weekend getaway, I also choose biodegradable soap and natural sunscreens. Regular sunscreens can wash off into the lake and harm aquatic life, but reef-safe and lake-safe alternatives are easy to find and just as effective. Every little choice matters, especially when you’re swimming, paddling, or fishing in the water.
Stick to Established Trails and Campsites
Wandering off the trail might seem harmless, but it can lead to soil erosion, damage to native plants, and disruption of wildlife habitats. I always stay on marked trails and camp in designated areas, especially in state parks and protected zones like Pickett CCC Memorial State Park or Norris Dam State Park. These areas are designed to handle foot traffic and reduce the risk of environmental damage.
If you’re camping near the lake, it’s best to use existing fire rings and avoid clearing new spots for tents or fires. This not only protects the vegetation but also helps preserve the scenic landscape for other visitors. It’s one of those eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes that makes a big difference with very little effort.
Reduce Waste and Take It All With You
I’ve made it a habit to leave every lake cleaner than I found it. That means packing out all my trash—every wrapper, bottle cap, and leftover crumb. Even biodegradable items like orange peels or food scraps can attract animals or disturb the natural balance of an area.
It’s also helpful to bring an extra bag to pick up any litter you see along the way. I’ve found that most other lake visitors are more than willing to pitch in when they see someone else doing their part. It doesn’t take long to make a big impact, and it feels good knowing you’re leaving the place better than you found it.
Respect Wildlife and Their Space
Tennessee’s lakes are home to a wide variety of animals, from herons and turtles to deer and beavers. It’s always a treat to spot them, but I’ve learned that keeping a respectful distance is key to protecting their well-being. Feeding wildlife might seem like a kind gesture, but it can actually make animals sick or cause them to lose their natural fear of humans.
When I’m kayaking or hiking near the water, I keep my voice low and avoid sudden movements. This lets me enjoy those magical moments of watching wildlife without disturbing them. Whether it’s a bald eagle circling above Reelfoot Lake or a family of ducks gliding across Douglas Lake, observing without interfering is one of the most important eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes.
Choose Human-Powered Recreation When Possible
There’s nothing quite like paddling across a glassy lake at dawn, watching the mist lift and hearing only the dip of your paddle. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are some of the most environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the water. They don’t use fuel, don’t cause shoreline erosion, and let you get closer to wildlife without creating noise pollution.
I try to opt for these low-impact activities as often as I can. If you do use a motorboat, it helps to go slow near the shoreline, avoid idling for long periods, and maintain your engine to prevent oil leaks. Responsible boating practices are one of the most overlooked but essential eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes.
Use Eco-Friendly Fishing Practices
Fishing is one of Tennessee’s most popular lake activities, but even anglers have a role to play in lake conservation. I always make sure to collect used fishing line, hooks, and bait containers before leaving. These items can easily harm birds, fish, and turtles if left behind.
Using barbless hooks and practicing catch-and-release techniques also helps preserve fish populations. I never keep more than I plan to eat, and I check local regulations to make sure I’m fishing responsibly. Sharing the water with wildlife means treating it with care, and that includes the fish beneath the surface.
Camp With Minimal Impact
Camping by a lake is one of my favorite ways to relax and disconnect, but it’s important to camp with nature in mind. I use a small camp stove rather than building open fires, especially during dry seasons when fire danger is high. If I do use fire, I make sure it’s completely out before I leave and that I only burn wood from the area to prevent the spread of pests.
Lights are another consideration. Using solar lanterns or low-impact lighting not only reduces energy use but also preserves the natural nighttime environment for animals. I’ve watched fireflies dance across the dark shores of Tims Ford Lake—something I might have missed with a bright lantern or headlamp turned on.
Be Mindful of Water Quality
What goes into the lake stays in the lake, and even small pollutants can have big effects over time. I avoid washing anything directly in the water, whether it’s clothes, dishes, or even myself. Instead, I use portable basins and biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from the shoreline.
I also skip chemical-heavy bug sprays and switch to natural repellents when I know I’ll be close to water. It’s a small change that keeps toxins out of the ecosystem. The clearer the water stays, the better it is for everyone—from swimmers to fish to the birds that depend on clean lakes for survival.
Support Local Conservation Efforts
Tennessee has a strong network of conservation groups and park systems working to protect its lakes and surrounding landscapes. I always try to give back by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Whether it’s the Tennessee State Parks system, the Tennessee RiverLine project, or local clean-up crews, these organizations make it possible for us to continue enjoying the lakes year after year.
Participating in shoreline cleanups or citizen science projects adds a deeper sense of connection to the places I love. It’s rewarding to know that my time and effort are helping preserve not just the view but the entire ecosystem. It’s one of the most meaningful eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes because it turns appreciation into action.
Educate Friends and Fellow Visitors
Sharing what I’ve learned with others is another way to multiply the impact of responsible outdoor habits. Whether I’m hiking with friends or chatting with another camper at a park, I try to lead by example. Explaining why I carry reusable gear or why I steer clear of feeding ducks can open up conversations that lead to real change.
Most people want to do the right thing—they just might not know how. By being open and respectful, we can all encourage a culture of stewardship that keeps Tennessee’s lakes thriving.
Plan for the Long Term
Visiting Tennessee’s lakes isn’t just about the moment—it’s about creating lasting memories in places that deserve long-term care. I try to think beyond a single weekend or season and consider how my actions today might affect what the lake looks like years from now.
That mindset has helped me fall even more in love with these places. Whether I’m hiking the shores of Boone Lake or paddling into the quiet inlets of Pickwick Lake, I know I’m part of something bigger. And that makes each trip feel more meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes aren’t about doing everything perfectly—they’re about making intentional, thoughtful choices that add up over time. Every water bottle you reuse, every trail you stay on, and every piece of trash you pick up helps preserve the lakes we all love so much.
Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful freshwater landscapes in the country, and it’s up to all of us to keep them healthy and accessible for generations to come. Whether you’re headed to a bustling lake like Percy Priest or a hidden gem like Watauga, bringing a mindset of care and responsibility with you will make your trip even more rewarding.
These eco-friendly tips for visiting Tennessee lakes have become second nature for me, and I hope they inspire others to tread a little lighter, explore a little deeper, and protect the waters that bring us so much peace and joy. Every lake visit is an opportunity to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the shared responsibility to leave these places better than we found them.