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Everything You Need to Know About Percy Priest Lake Near Nashville, Tennessee
Twenty minutes after leaving downtown Nashville, you can be launching a kayak, catching stripers, grilling burgers at Seven Points, or floating in a quiet cove watching an eagle hunt breakfast.
That’s why Percy Priest Lake stays packed every summer.
Whether you’re trying to find the best fishing spots, camping areas, swimming beaches, kayak launches, marinas, hiking trails, or simply figure out where to take the family this weekend, this guide puts everything in one place.
Quick Facts About Percy Priest Lake
| Official Name | J. Percy Priest Lake |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Surface Area | 14,200 Acres |
| Shoreline | 213 Miles |
| River | Stones River |
| Summer Pool | 490 Feet |
| Completed | 1967 |
| Managed By | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
Things To Do At Percy Priest Lake
Most visitors fall into one of six categories:
- Fishing
- Camping
- Swimming
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Hanging out with family and friends
The nice thing about Percy Priest is you don’t have to pick just one.
Fishing Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest is known throughout Tennessee for striped bass fishing, but that’s only part of the story.
Fish Species Found In Percy Priest Lake
- Striped Bass
- Hybrid Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Smallmouth Bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Bluegill
- Walleye
Best Structure To Fish
- Submerged roadbeds
- Brush piles
- Creek channels
- Standing timber
- Main lake ledges
- Rocky points
Recommended Fishing Gear
Fish Finder
Striper Rod
Spinning Reel
Tackle Bag
Landing Net
Best Fishing Areas On Percy Priest Lake
Seven Points
Great bank fishing and easy boat access.
Fate Sanders
Excellent for stripers and hybrids.
Long Hunter
Popular for crappie and bass.
Dam Area
Can be phenomenal when water is moving.
Camping At Percy Priest Lake
Seven Points Campground
The busiest campground on the lake.
Anderson Road Campground
A little quieter and close to Nashville.
Poole Knobs Campground
Usually the best choice if you want fewer crowds.
Recommended Camping Gear
Family Camping Tent
Sleeping Bag
Camp Stove
Camp Chairs
Cooler
Swimming At Percy Priest Lake
When someone asks where to swim at Percy Priest, these are usually the first places mentioned.
- Anderson Road Beach
- Seven Points Beach
- Smith Springs
- Long Hunter State Park
Best Beaches At Percy Priest Lake
Anderson Road Beach
Probably the most popular swimming beach on the lake.
Seven Points Beach
Good combination of beach access and nearby facilities.
Smith Springs
Popular with locals.
Safety Gear For Swimmers
Adult Life Jacket – Non Inflatable
Inflatable Life Jacket – PFD for Adults
Children’s Life Jacket
Throwable Flotation Device
Marine First Aid Kit
Kayaking Percy Priest Lake
If your goal is quiet water and fewer crowds, kayaking might be the best way to enjoy the lake.
Best Kayak Launches
- Bryant Grove
- Couchville Lake
- Seven Points
- Long Hunter
- Fate Sanders
Recommended Kayak Gear
Fishing Kayak
Kayak Paddle
Dry Bag
Kayak Cart
Kayak Anchor
Boat Rentals On Percy Priest Lake
Don’t own a boat? No problem.
Available Rentals
- Pontoons
- Fishing Boats
- Jet Skis
- Paddleboards
- Kayaks
Popular Marinas
Elm Hill Marina
Nashville Shores Marina
Fate Sanders Marina
Percy Priest Lake Water Levels
The number you’ll hear most often is 490 feet.
That’s summer pool.
The Corps lowers the lake seasonally, so don’t be surprised if familiar shorelines look different during winter.
Wildlife Around Percy Priest Lake
- Bald Eagles
- Osprey
- Great Blue Herons
- White-Tailed Deer
- Beavers
- River Otters
- Wild Turkey
Family Activities At Percy Priest Lake
- Rent a pontoon
- Spend the day at Anderson Road Beach
- Picnic at Seven Points
- Paddle around Long Hunter
- Watch sunset near Elm Hill
- Camp at Poole Knobs
- Fish at dawn
Frequently Asked Questions About Percy Priest Lake
How Deep Is Percy Priest Lake?
Read the full Percy Priest Lake depth guide.
Can You Swim In Percy Priest Lake?
Yes, several designated beaches and swimming areas are available.
What Fish Are In Percy Priest Lake?
Stripers, hybrids, bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and walleye.
Why Are There So Few Lakefront Homes?
Most shoreline is controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Related Percy Priest Lake Articles
- How Deep Is Percy Priest Lake?
- Percy Priest Fishing Reports
- Percy Priest Campgrounds
- Percy Priest Beaches
- Percy Priest Cliff Jumping – Hole in the Wall Island
- Percy Priest Cliff Jumping – Elm Hill Marina
- Percy Priest Kayaking Guide – Best Launch Spots
- Percy Priest Kayaking – Best Coves for Calm Water
Plan Your Percy Priest Lake Day
If you are comparing rentals, marinas, beach stops, kayak launches, or family-friendly gear, start with these planning resources before you go.
Compare boat rentals and marinas Use the day trip checklist
For safety, confirm current rules, hours, weather, and rental availability before leaving home.
Lake Day Gear Worth Checking Before You Go
If you are boating, swimming, or spending a full day at the lake, these are the practical items most visitors forget until they need them.
Good fit for boating, fishing, swimming, and family lake days.
Check current priceHelpful for phones, lights, small electronics, and longer camping days.
Check current priceHelpful for picnics, campgrounds, swim areas, and marina days.
Check current priceUseful for calm-water paddling and kayak launch planning.
Check current priceDisclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Always confirm current product details, sizing, safety requirements, and availability before buying.
Fishing Gear To Check Before This Trip
A small amount of planning can make a fishing day smoother, especially when you are comparing structure, access, weather, and changing water conditions.
Best fit for boat anglers comparing ledges, points, structure, and baitfish.
Check current priceA practical all-around option for lake and river fishing setups.
Check current priceGood fit for boating, fishing, swimming, and family lake days.
Check current priceHelpful for phones, lights, small electronics, and longer camping days.
Check current priceDisclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases. Always confirm current product details, sizing, safety requirements, and availability before buying.
Own A Tennessee Lake Or River Business?
Marinas, boat rental companies, fishing guides, campgrounds, cabin owners, and outdoor outfitters can be a useful next step for readers planning a real trip.
If your business serves Tennessee lake or river visitors, reach out about being considered for a future guide, comparison table, sponsored listing, or referral partnership.
See the Percy Priest rental guide Contact Tennessee Lakes and Rivers
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