Tennessee, nicknamed the "Volunteer State" because of the role volunteer soldiers from the state played in the War of 1812, has a thriving tourism industry based largely on fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor activities. Tennessee has a variety of sandy beaches for swimmers, located primarily within some of the state's 54 state parks.
Located in Henderson in southwestern Tennessee, Chickasaw State Park is home to a picturesque sandy beach on the shore of Lake Placid. A modern bathhouse is available for visitors to the swimming beach. Other activities on Lake Placid in the park include boating and fishing. Rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent. Gasoline-powered boats are not permitted. Anglers fish for bass, catfish, crappie and freshwater bream in the lake.
Located in Maynardville in northeastern Tennessee, Big Ridge State Park is a heavily forested park approximately 25 miles north of Knoxville. It is home to a sandy beach on the shore of Big Ridge Lake that is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. A small, enclosed concrete-bottomed area is provided for children to swim. Swimming is free of charge. There is no lifeguard on duty.
Located in Jamestown in northeastern Tennessee, Pickett State Park is within Pickett State Forest and adjacent to the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The park's swimming area on Arch Lake features a scenic beach lined with sandstone bluffs. Swimming is free of charge. No lifeguards are on duty. Adult swimmers must accompany children in the lake. The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Located in Old Hickory, Tennessee, northwest of Nashville in the central part of the state, Old Hickory Lock is home to a small beach where visitors can lounge, sunbathe or swim into the lake. A section of the lake is roped off for the convenience of swimmers. It is a fine spot for children and families, although adult swimmers should accompany children in the lake. A parking lot, a picnic area and a playground are nearby.
