Tennessee River RV Fishing: From Pickwick to Watts Bar
The Tennessee River is one of America’s premier fishing destinations, a 652-mile waterway transformed by the TVA into a chain of world-class reservoirs teeming with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, stripers, and more. For RV enthusiasts who love to fish, this stretch from Pickwick Lake (TRM 207) upstream to Watts Bar Lake (TRM 530) offers the perfect combination of epic angling, scenic beauty, and convenient RV camping. Whether you’re a weekend warrior towing a bass boat or a full-timer seeking extended stays with lakefront sites, this route delivers unparalleled access to the water while providing all the comforts of home on wheels.
Imagine waking up in your RV with the sound of lapping waves just steps away, brewing coffee in your galley kitchen, then stepping out to cast a line from a fishing pier or launch your boat from an on-site ramp. No hotel check-ins, no packing and unpacking—just hook up, fish, repeat. This 2000-word guide explores the best RV campgrounds, the undeniable benefits of RV-based fishing adventures, and handy Great American RV SuperStores locations to keep your rig running smoothly along the way.
Why RV Camping Elevates Your Tennessee River Fishing Experience
RV camping isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer for serious anglers. First, proximity and flexibility mean you can chase the bite across multiple lakes without losing time or money on lodging. Park your rig at a full-hookup site with 50-amp power, water, and sewer, and you’re set for days or weeks. Many campgrounds here feature lakefront or riverfront pads where you can fish right from your campsite at dawn or dusk when the fish are most active.
Comfort after long days on the water is huge. After battling wind, sun, and big bass, return to a climate-controlled interior with a full kitchen to clean and cook your catch, a hot shower to rinse off the lake smell, and a comfortable bed instead of a cramped tent or distant motel. Refrigerators keep bait fresh and fillets iced, while ample storage holds rods, tackle boxes, life jackets, and coolers—organized and secure.
Cost savings add up quickly. RV sites often run $30–$60/night versus $150+ for hotels, plus you avoid restaurant meals by cooking onboard. Pet-friendly policies let you bring Fido along for waterfront walks, and family-oriented parks keep kids entertained with pools, playgrounds, and splash pads while parents fish.
Mobility and self-sufficiency shine on this route. Highways like I-65, US 72, and TN 58 parallel the river, letting you reposition easily between lakes. Many RVs tow a fishing boat or kayak; campgrounds provide boat ramps and slips. Generators and solar setups handle remote sites, and Wi-Fi at most parks lets you check TVA lake levels or fishing reports via apps.
Community and safety are bonuses too. Fellow RVers swap hotspot tips (“Try the stump fields at mile 350 for crappie!”), and gated or patrolled parks offer peace of mind for solo travelers or families. Environmentally, RVs minimize waste with proper dump stations, aligning with Leave No Trace principles along these pristine TVA waters.
In short, RV fishing on the Tennessee River turns a hobby into a lifestyle—mobile, comfortable, and deeply connected to nature. Now, let’s navigate the route from south to north (upstream), highlighting standout campgrounds and fishing opportunities.
Pickwick Lake: Gateway to Tennessee River RV Fishing
Starting at Pickwick Lake near the Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee border, this 43-mile-long reservoir behind Pickwick Dam is a smallmouth and largemouth bass hotspot. The clear, rocky waters produce trophy fish year-round, with spring and fall topwater action legendary. Catfish and crappie abound in the creeks and tailwaters.
Pickwick Landing State Park (Counce, TN) is a flagship spot. Spanning 1,416 acres just south of the dam, it offers RV and tent sites amid forested hills with easy access to the lake and river. The park’s marina provides boat rentals, launches, and slips—perfect for RVers towing or renting. Amenities include picnic areas, a lodge with restaurant (great for non-cooking nights), indoor/outdoor pools, golf, disc golf, and hiking trails leading to prime shoreline fishing. Birdwatching is excellent, with bald eagles often spotted. Though the campground may close seasonally for weather, when open it’s ideal for extended stays. Contact: 731-689-3129 or tnstateparks.com.
Just below the dam on the Tennessee River tailwater, River and Reel Campground delivers 11 spacious full-hookup sites (50/30/20 amp), seven riverfront with direct fishing access. Features include fire pits, picnic tables, covered grills, a large grassy area, and stairs to the river for shore fishing or watching barges. Pet-friendly and peaceful, it’s perfect for catfish anglers or those targeting tailwater smallmouth. Only ¾ mile from Pickwick Dam—ideal for quick lock-through trips if boating the full chain.
Other options include Goat Island Campground on Pickwick Lake for island vibes with boat/kayak access, and nearby private spots like Silverwater Campground. Nearby attractions: Shiloh National Military Park (short drive) adds history to your trip.
From here, head east/north along US 72 or I-65 into Alabama for the next reservoirs.
Alabama’s TVA Gems: Wheeler, Wilson, and Guntersville Lakes
The middle stretch crosses into Alabama for Wheeler Lake (behind Wheeler Dam), Wilson Lake, and the massive Guntersville Lake—69,000 acres known as “Bass Capital of the South.” These waters host major tournaments; expect 5–10 lb largemouth common, with stripers and hybrids in deeper channels.
Joe Wheeler State Park (near Rogersville, AL, on Wheeler Lake) boasts 116 campsites, 110 with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) accommodating any RV size. Lakeside cottages and a full-service marina with overnight slips make it angler heaven. Fish for bass, bream, and catfish right from park shores or rent a boat. Additional perks: championship golf, lodge with restaurant, and trails. The park straddles the Tennessee River, offering varied fishing.
Nearby, Decatur / Wheeler Lake KOA Holiday (Hillsboro, AL) provides year-round shaded sites with lake views, pool, and easy access to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge for birding between fishing sessions.
Guntersville Lake steals the show for big bass. Lake Guntersville State Park offers 282 improved RV sites with 50/30-amp hookups, sewer, water, picnic tables, grills, and fire pits (max 14-day stay). Seven bathhouses (some with laundry), playground, splash pad, tennis, and basketball keep everyone happy. Direct shoreline fishing and a marina provide boat access to legendary structure—points, creeks, and grass beds. Eagles nest here; sunsets over the lake are unforgettable.
River Ridge Retreat (Guntersville, AL) is a newer gem on 670+ acres with 54 pull-thru full-hookup RV sites (30/50 amp, 72-ft pads), patios, fire rings, and lakefront access. Hiking trails, fishing pier, playground, and golf cart rentals add fun. Quiet and modern—perfect for serious anglers wanting space.
Honeycomb Campground (Grant, AL) features 130 sites, swim beach, boat rentals (pontoons, jon boats), store, and bathhouses on Guntersville Lake. Excellent for families combining fishing with swimming.
Mountain Lakes RV Resort and Georgia Mountain RV Resort offer additional full-hookup options with lake views and fishing piers.
Fishing tip: Use Carolina rigs or jigs in 10–20 ft for Guntersville bass; check TVA app for generation schedules affecting bite.
Great American RV SuperStores shines here. Their Huntsville/Tanner, AL location (21768 AL Hwy 20, off I-65 Exit 340B) is minutes from Wheeler and Guntersville—perfect for service, parts, or upgrades like rod storage racks or awnings before hitting the water. Sales and service Mon–Sat; call 844-806-5580.
Chickamauga Lake: Chattanooga-Area Bass Bonanza
Back in Tennessee near Chattanooga, Chickamauga Lake (58 miles long) is another bass powerhouse—home to state-record largemouth potential. Shallow flats, grass, and deep ledges produce year-round action.
Harrison Bay State Park (near Chattanooga) sits on 40 miles of Chickamauga shoreline. 128 RV sites with water/electric hookups (up to 65 ft) plus a full marina, fishing piers, boat rentals, swimming pool, trails, and golf. First Tennessee State Park (1937)—historic charm with modern amenities.
Blue Water RV Resort & Marina (Dayton, TN) caters to fishermen with waterfront RV sites, full hookups, and direct lake access on Chickamauga. Marina, condo lodge, and proximity to dining make it convenient.
Skull Island Campground (Harrison, TN) offers 68 sites (many waterfront), 50/30/20 amp, beach, camp store with fishing supplies, and kayak/canoe rentals. Pet-friendly and fun for families.
Other nearby: River Breeze RV Park (Decatur, TN) with boat ramp to Chickamauga via Hiwassee River.
Attractions: Chattanooga’s aquarium, Lookout Mountain, or Civil War sites.
Watts Bar Lake: Peaceful Eastern Tennessee Finale
Ending at Watts Bar Lake (72 miles, near Spring City to Lenoir City), this reservoir mixes river and lake fishing with 783 miles of shoreline. Excellent for crappie, largemouth/smallmouth bass, stripers, and catfish. Quieter than southern lakes, ideal for relaxed RV stays amid Smoky Mountain foothills.
Watts Bar Lake Jellystone Park (Loudon, TN) spans 74 acres with RV sites, pet-friendly bark park, splash park, two pools, activity center, café, and fire pits. Surrounded by Watts Bar Lake waters—launch kayaks or fish from shore. Yogi Bear-themed fun for kids.
Hornsby Hollow Campground on Watts Bar offers lakefront sites, boat ramp, swimming, and trails. Crappie and bass fishing from shore or boat is superb.
Euchee Marina Resort (Ten Mile, TN) provides lakefront and off-water RV sites with full hookups, marina, boat rentals, and direct fishing access.
Caney Creek Marina & RV Resort (Harriman, TN), Bayside Marina & RV Park, and Bluebirds Landing add more options with ramps, docks, and year-round access. Many feature cabins too.
Fishing peaks in spring for bedding bass; fall for topwater. Nearby: Oak Ridge history or Knoxville day trips.
Gear Up and Service at Great American RV SuperStores
Throughout your journey, Great American RV SuperStores keeps rigs adventure-ready. With locations in Huntsville, AL (mid-trip convenience near Wheeler/Guntersville), and Calera, AL (southern access), they offer full sales and service for Class A, B, C, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and more. Expert technicians handle maintenance, repairs, and upgrades—think solar panels for boondocking or custom rod holders. Mon–Sat hours, easy interstate access. Their “Making Memories One Weekend at a Time” motto fits perfectly for RV fishers. Stock up on accessories, or buy/sell if upgrading your RV. Visit greatamericanrv.com for details.
Planning Your Epic RV Fishing Road Trip
A 1–2 week itinerary: Start Pickwick (3–4 days), drive to Guntersville/Wheeler (4 days), Chickamauga (3 days), end at Watts Bar (3+ days). Total driving ~300 miles, but worth it for variety. Check TVA.gov for lake levels/locks (if boating through). Book sites early for peak spring/fall. Pack versatile tackle, PFDs, and a good VHF radio for water safety.
The Tennessee River from Pickwick to Watts Bar isn’t just a fishing trip—it’s a rolling adventure blending world-class angling, stunning scenery, and the freedom only an RV provides. Hook up your rig, cast your line, and create memories that last a lifetime. Tight lines!
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