Lakes · French Broad River
French Broad lake near Dandridge with Smokies views, built in record time during World War II.
Douglas Lake is TVA’s French Broad River reservoir behind Douglas Dam, built in a record 382 days during World War II. Most of the lake is in Jefferson County, with public access at the Dandridge Dock downtown; the upper lake reaches into Cocke County, where TWRA’s Rankin Bottoms is a well-known waterbird area, and the dam itself is on the Sevier County side.
Because it’s a flood-control lake, water levels swing a lot between summer pool and winter drawdown — check TVA before you plan a launch or a lakefront stay.
Checked Oct 28, 2026 · we link to official pages instead of printing water levels, hours or fees.
We’re building verified lists of marinas, public ramps, boat rentals, fishing guides and places to stay on Douglas Lake. Nothing is listed until we’ve checked it.
Lake illustrations are AI-assisted artwork by My East TN — not photos or maps.