Swimming at J. Percy Priest Lake
One of the more popular water-based activities at J. Percy Priest Lake, swimming is prohibited at launching ramps, mooring points, marinas, public docks, and posted areas. It is allowed elsewhere, but for safety's sake please swim only in specifically designated areas. These areas are much safer as they are off-limits to boaters of all kinds. They are surrounded by “restricted area” buoys and a floating orange pipeline. The Corps of Engineers operates three such swim areas on J. Percy Priest: Anderson Road, Cook, and Seven Points Campground. Anderson Road and Cook both have sand beaches and playgrounds and there is a nominal Day Use Fee of $5 per vehicle. Commercial vehicles are charged $20. Pets are prohibited at Anderson Road and Cook Recreation Areas. Seven Points Campground includes a sandy beach for registered campers and their authorized visitors. Anderson Road and Cook Recreation Areas offer picnic sites, group shelters, boat launching ramps, and bathrooms. These areas are open from April 1 to October 29 annually and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Other designated swim areas at J. Percy Priest include Nashville Shores (admission to park required), and Long Hunter State Park – Bryant Grove (user fee required).