
If you’re a fan of lakefront living on our beautiful East Tennessee Lakes and looking for a unique way to experience the great outdoors, camping on a pontoon boat is a great option. With the right preparation and equipment, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable night on your favorite Tennessee lake. Here are some tips on how to camp on a pontoon boat.
Let’s Get Started Planning
- Choose the right boat: Not all pontoon boats are suitable for camping. Look for a boat that is at least 24 feet long and has enough space for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing. Consider renting a boat from a reputable company that specializes in pontoon camping.
- Plan your route: Before setting out, plan your route and identify potential camping spots. Make sure you have the necessary permits and follow any local regulations regarding camping on the water.
- Pack the essentials: You’ll need to bring all the equipment and supplies you would for traditional camping, plus the essential accessories for boating. Make sure you have a tent or canopy for shelter, a sleeping bag and pillows, cooking supplies, food and water, and personal hygiene items.
- Be prepared for the summer heat: Boating trips on your favorite lake are safer and more enjoyable when you are properly prepared for the summer heat.

Don’t Forget the Basics
- Secure your boat: When you arrive at your chosen campsite, make sure your boat is securely anchored or tied to shore. Check the weather forecast and be prepared to adjust your anchor or tie-downs if needed.
- Set up camp: Once your boat is secure, set up your campsite on the deck. If you have a canopy, set it up first to provide shade and shelter from the elements. Then set up your tent, sleeping bags, and any other camping gear you have brought.
Enjoy Your Camping Adventure
- Cook and eat: One of the benefits of camping on a pontoon boat is that you have a flat surface for cooking and eating. Set up your stove or grill on the deck and prepare your meals while enjoying the view of the water.
- Relax and enjoy: After a long day of boating and camping, take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Listen to the sound of the water, watch the sunset, and spend time with friends and family.

Camping on a pontoon boat in East Tennessee can be a unique and rewarding experience. It does require some extra preparation and attention to detail. With the right equipment and mindset, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable night on the water. Using these tips on how to camp on a pontoon boat should get you inspired! So pack your bags, hit the lake, and start camping on a pontoon boat today!
Great Waterway Adventures in East Tennessee
Our active Tennessee lakes offer a magnificent variety of boating and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal place to explore beyond the immediate horizon. One of the best ways to pontoon camp is during the adventurous route of boating from your dream East Tennessee lake house to the Gulf of Mexico! With the stunning Appalachian Mountains in the background, to get to the Gulf you’ll cruise down the lock and dam systems before reaching the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Known as the Tenn-Tom, this leg of your voyage is 234 miles long and is the best route to the Gulf of Mexico. The Tenn-Tom route offers 38 marinas, convenient stops, plenty of safe anchorages, amenities, great sightseeing, and wonderful side trip opportunities. This is the most enjoyable, fun, and relaxing route to take compared to the much longer Lower Mississippi route. Embarking on this beautiful voyage or others such as the Great Loop are just a few of the many perks of owning lakefront property in East Tennessee lakes. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate in lakefront living.
Original post by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”
Reposted by Sandor Pardi, Lakefront Living Realty, TN
