Search Results

We ’ re always looking for ways to make your Douglas Lake vacation at Fanchers Campground and Lakeside Rentals even better. As we gear up for another fantastic camping season in Tennessee , we ’ ve made some exciting updates—both at the campground and online! 🏀 New Multi-Use Court – Now with Pickleball! Our basketball court has been revamped and expanded into a multi-use court, now featuring a dedicated pickleball court! Whether you're shooting hoops or paddling it out on the court, this new space is perfect for friendly competition and fun family time. 🐟 Big News for Bluegill – A Lakeside Patio & Dock! The Bluegill Loft is getting an upgrade! We're adding a new lakeside concrete patio and dock, giving guests even more space to enjoy the water. If you've stayed in our Bluegill Loft before, you know it already has some of the best lake views—but we're taking it to the next level! This brand-new addition will make the rental even better for relaxing by the water. Stay tuned for updates as this project comes to life! 🚜 Cove Cleanup in Progress! The TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) has been working to clean up the cove near the bridge, making for an even better experience on the water. 🌐 A Few Small Tweaks to Make Booking Even Easier While we ’ ve been making updates around the campground, we ’ ve also made a few behind-the-scenes improvements to make booking even smoother. If you ’ re planning a lakefront getaway in East Tennessee, check it out and let us know what you think! 📅 Ready to Plan Your Next Getaway? With all these exciting updates, now's the perfect time to book your stay! Popular weekends fill up fast, so don ’ t wait too long to grab your spot. 👉 Reserve your stay today! Our family can ’ t wait to welcome you back and help create more unforgettable memories at the lake! Fanchers Campground and Lakeside Rentals in Dandridge, TN, is upgrading our outdoor spaces! Enjoy basketball and pickleball on our new multi-use court. TWRA is clearing debris near the bridge at Douglas Lake, improving water access for boaters, anglers, and guests of the Sailboat Lakeside Rental at Fanchers Campground in Dandridge, TN. TWRA is clearing debris near the bridge at Douglas Lake, improving water access for boaters and guests staying at the Little Cabin, Lakeview, and Pontoon rentals at Fanchers Campground in Dandridge, TN.

Hey campers, I wanted to update you on the Douglas Lake Debris Removal Project based on the information I received from the agencies involved. Work in our area is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2025. If you have a lakefront lot, please do what you can to help, not hinder this process- clean-up crews may need to walk on and between lots to access debris. They will not be lifting docks. FAQs: Water Levels & Debris Removal A question that’s come up a lot is: Q: Will TVA keep the lake level lower until all the debris is removed? A: According to TVA, they do not plan to change the normal Douglas Lake operating guide for this project. Their contractors have factored the river management schedule into their plans. Community Open House – Save the Date! TVA and other agencies involved in the project are hosting a Community Open House to share updates and answer questions: 📅 Monday, February 24, 2025 ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Jefferson County High School Auditorium This time, they’re starting with an interagency presentation so everyone gets the same information upfront. After that, there will be time to review submitted questions and talk directly with agency representatives at information booths. If you have questions you’d like addressed at the meeting, TVA is asking folks to email them in advance to mahedgec@tva.gov  by February 14, 2025. You can still ask questions the night of, but sending them early will help them prepare the best information ahead of time. That’s the latest update! Hope this helps keep everyone informed, and I’ll share more as I hear it.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has lifted the water contact advisory issued after Hurricane Helene. Work is being done and is expected to be ready for you to plan a getaway trip to Douglas Lake for days of fun in the sun on the lake this summer. 💡 What You Should Know: 💧 Water Quality: Testing confirms water quality has returned to pre-hurricane levels. Boating, swimming, and fishing are safe this spring. 🗑 Debris Update: Cleanup crews are hard at work, and TDEC expects the lake to be in top shape by spring. 🐟 Fishing on Douglas: Fish are safe to eat, with additional testing scheduled this summer to ensure long-term safety. 📅Plan Your Visit: Book one of our lakeside rentals in Dandridge, Tennessee, and make unforgettable memories this summer. Our lake cove is the perfect place to have fun in the sun! See y'all out on the water- Lily The best life is the lake life especially the Bluegill at Fanchers.

Exploring East Tennessee: Must-Do Activities Near Fancher’s Campground 🏕️🎒 Nestled along Douglas Lake, Fancher’s Campground is the ultimate base camp for things to do near Dandridge! Whether you're craving outdoor thrills, family fun, or tasty treats, there’s so much to explore just a short drive away. 🚗💨 Let’s dive into some must-visit spots within an hour's drive! --- 1. Dollywood & Splash Country 🎢💦 ⏰ ~45 minutes away Start your engines (and roller coaster screams) at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge! From adrenaline-pumping rides to toe-tapping live shows, it’s an all-ages wonderland. During the summer, Splash Country is perfect for cooling off with wave pools, lazy rivers, and epic water slides. 🌞💧 --- 2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 🌄🐻 ⏰ ~1 hour away Calling all nature lovers! 🌿 The Smokies are packed with hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Trek to Laurel Falls for a quick yet stunning hike or take on Alum Cave Trail for mountain views that will blow your mind. For a more relaxed vibe, cruise through Cades Cove, where deer and black bears love to hang out. 🐾 --- 3. Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Fun 🎠 ⏰ ~50 minutes away These lively towns are packed with attractions: - 🎡 The Island in Pigeon Forge: Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, grab some funnel cake, and shop ‘til you drop. - 🚡 Ober Mountain Year-round fun with skiing, ice skating, and a mountain coaster! - 🐟 ipley’s Aquarium: Say hello to sharks, penguins, and jellyfish in one of the best aquariums in the U.S. --- 4. Forbidden Caverns 🕯️🌌 ⏰ ~30 minutes away Step into an underground wonderland at Forbidden Cavern! Wander through glowing stalactites, hear fascinating stories of moonshiners, and feel the cool cave air—it’s like stepping into another world. 🌟 --- 5. Rafting in Hartford, TN 🚣‍♀️💦 ⏰ ~45 minutes away Ready to ride the rapids? The Pigeon River in Hartford is the perfect spot for whitewater rafting! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center will make sure you have a thrilling and safe adventure. 🏞️💧 --- 6. Side-by-Side Riding Adventures 🏞️ ⏰ ~30–50 minutes away For off-road enthusiasts, East Tennessee offers epic trails for side-by-side riding! Explore rugged terrain and soak in breathtaking mountain views with rentals and guided tours in areas like Dandridge and Sevierville. --- 7. Tanger Outlets in Sevierville 🛍️👗 ⏰ ~40 minutes away Shopping, anyone? 🛒 From designer brands to unbeatable deals, Tanger Outlets is a shopper’s dream. Afterward, treat yourself to a slice of pie or a gourmet burger at one of the nearby eateries. 🍔🥧 --- Local Distilleries, Breweries & Wineries 🍺🥃 ⏰ ~30–50 minutes away Sip your way through East Tennessee! - 🌟 Old Forge Distillery** (Pigeon Forge): Sample moonshine and whiskey with a kick. - 🍇 Mountain Valley Winery** (Sevierville): Sweet muscadine wines and gorgeous views. - 🍺 Xül Beer Co.** (Knoxville): A craft beer haven with creative brews and a laid-back vibe. - 🥃 Mossy Creek Distillery** (Jefferson City): A hidden gem known for its small-batch moonshine and authentic Appalachian flavors. --- 9. Douglas Lake Adventures 🚤🎣 ⏰ 0 minutes—it’s right here! Why leave when Douglas Lake is calling your name? 🏞️ Go fishing for bass, kayak the sparkling waters, or simply relax by the shore. Fancher’s Campground has boat docks, ramps, and even lake toys for rent. It’s a water lover’s paradise! 🛶🐟 --- 10. Festivals & Fun 🎉🎶 ⏰ Varies East Tennessee loves a good party! From the twinkling lights of Winterfest to the mouthwatering eats at the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, there’s always something exciting happening. Mark your calendar for a dose of local culture! 🎻🌽 --- Adventure Awaits! 🌟 With so much to see and do near Fancher’s Campground, boredom isn’t an option. Whether you’re rafting down rapids, soaring through the Smokies, or sipping on local moonshine, your East Tennessee getaway is guaranteed to be packed with fun and memories. 🏔️💖 Start planning your adventure today—your lakeside cabin (and the fun) is waiting! ✨

Douglas Lake in East Tennessee is gearing up for an action-packed 2025 fishing season! Whether you're a seasoned angler chasing trophies or a first-timer looking for fun, these tournaments are sure to reel you in. Here's a look at some of the most exciting events happening on the lake this year. --- 🎣 Phoenix Bass Fishing League – Douglas Lake 📅 Date: March 8, 2025 🗺️ Details:** Hosted by Major League Fishing, this tournament offers competitive opportunities for both boaters and co-anglers. Early birds save on registration fees, so don’t wait! --- 🏆 National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) Tournament 📅 Dates: May 22–24, 2025 🗺️ Details: The NPFL makes its debut on Douglas Lake! Expect fierce competition as pros take on the lake's legendary bass. Don't miss the weigh-ins at the Dandridge Boat Ramp! --- 🎶 Mountain Music Kids Fishing Tournament 📅 Date: July 26, 2025 🗺️ Details: This family-friendly event is perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing! 🎉 Registration kicks off at 9:00 AM, with fishing fun starting in the afternoon. --- 🌟 Douglas Lake Celebrity Pro/AM Bass Tournament 📅 Dates: August 27–28, 2025 🗺️ Details: Fish alongside celebrities and professional anglers in this thrilling event. It’s the ultimate chance to cast your line with the stars! 🌟 --- 💰 Big Bass Tour – Ott Defoe Classic 📅 Dates: October 3–5, 2025 🗺️ Details: This highlight of the fishing calendar boasts $150,000 in guaranteed prizes! Join for one, two, or all three days to show off your big bass skills. --- 🎣 Stay Tuned for More! Some tournaments, like the TN Team Trail, are still finalizing dates for 2025. Be sure to check with organizers and stay updated on the latest events. --- Douglas Lake’s 2025 fishing tournament lineup is full of fun, competition, and incredible prizes. So grab your gear, pack your tackle box, and get ready for a year of unforgettable fishing adventures! 🌊🐟 Fanchers Campground

Douglas Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of Tennessee’s most popular fishing destinations. Known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant fish populations, it’s a hotspot for anglers of all skill levels. Before casting your line, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations specific to this lake to ensure you’re compliant and to help maintain the lake’s ecosystem. Let’s dive in! Fishing License Requirements To fish in Douglas Lake, you must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. This requirement applies to residents and non-residents aged 13 and older. Licenses can be purchased here at the store during and before your stay as well as online at https://gooutdoorstennessee.com . Just let me know if I can help with this process. 📏 Douglas Lake Specific Regulations Douglas Lake falls under the jurisdiction of the TWRA, which sets specific rules to protect its fish populations. Here are the key regulations: Creel and Size Limits 🐟 Largemouth Bass Creel limit: 5 per day (combined with Smallmouth and Spotted Bass). Minimum size: 15 inches. Smallmouth Bass Creel limit: 5 per day (combined with Largemouth and Spotted Bass). Minimum size: 18 inches (during certain times of the year, typically March through June, consult TWRA for seasonal updates). Spotted Bass Creel limit: 5 per day (combined with Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass). No size limit. Crappie (Black and White) Creel limit: 15 per day. Minimum size: 10 inches. Catfish Creel limit: 5 per day for catfish over 34 inches. No limit for catfish under 34 inches. Striped Bass Creel limit: 2 per day. Minimum size: 36 inches. Bluegill and Other Sunfish No creel or size limits, but harvesting responsibly is encouraged. Fishing Methods 🎣 Rod and Reel: Anglers are allowed to use rods and reels. The maximum number of rods allowed is typically three per person unless otherwise specified by TWRA. Trotlines and Jug Fishing: Permitted with some restrictions. Ensure your equipment is properly marked with your name and address. Bow Fishing: Legal for certain species like carp and gar. However, bow fishing is not allowed within 1,000 feet of any public or commercial dock. Seasonal Considerations Douglas Lake’s fish populations, particularly Smallmouth Bass, have seasonal protections during spawning periods. Pay close attention to the TWRA’s seasonal guidelines, which may impose temporary restrictions on fishing certain species or areas of the lake. 🚨 Invasive Species Awareness Douglas Lake’s ecosystem is vulnerable to invasive species such as Asian Carp and Zebra Mussels. Anglers can help protect the lake by: 🧼 Cleaning boats and equipment thoroughly before entering or leaving the water. 🪱 Not transporting live fish or bait from one body of water to another. 📞 Reporting sightings of invasive species to TWRA. 🛥️ Boating Safety and Courtesy If you’re fishing from a boat, ensure it meets all safety requirements, including having life jackets for all passengers. Respect other anglers, swimmers, and boaters by maintaining a safe distance and following all posted waterway regulations. 🌟 Conclusion Fishing in Douglas Lake offers an unparalleled experience for both casual and seasoned anglers. By adhering to Tennessee’s fishing regulations and practicing responsible angling, you can enjoy a productive day on the water while contributing to the conservation of this stunning lake’s natural resources. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website . Happy fishing, and tight lines! 🐟🎣🌞 Having fun at our annual Kids Tournament Fishing runs deep in in the Fancher blood! A picture of my granddaddy, aunt, and mom! Hope you can catch some big ones too!-Alex Fancher