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Boat Life in Tennessee: Discover Riverside Marina in Soddy-Daisy
- Camille Stone
- Aug 7
- 8 min read
There is something special about life on the water. Mornings feel calmer, sunsets seem brighter, and even an ordinary afternoon can become an adventure. Whether you are an experienced boater, a weekend explorer, or simply someone who feels more relaxed near the water, boat life offers a refreshing escape from the pace of everyday life.
Located at 3900 Lee Pike in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, Riverside Marina is surrounded by wooded East Tennessee scenery and offers access to the Tennessee River system. It is a welcoming place to slow down, connect with nature, meet fellow boaters, and enjoy the waterfront lifestyle.
A Peaceful, Protected Marina Setting
Riverside Marina is positioned inside a protected, wake-free cove connected directly to the main river channel. There are no bridges between the marina and the main channel, eliminating bridge-clearance concerns along that portion of the route.
Water depths vary throughout the marina, reaching approximately 20 feet in select deep-water zones. Actual depth depends on location, weather, seasonal conditions, and Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir management.
The typical summer operating range for Chickamauga Reservoir is approximately 681.5 to 682.5 feet above mean sea level. TVA begins its seasonal drawdown after Labor Day, and the minimum winter elevation may reach approximately 675 feet.
Boaters should always review current conditions through the TVA Chickamauga Operating Guide or the TVA Lake Info app before traveling, particularly during fall and winter.
Riverside Marina Services and Amenities
Riverside Marina offers essential services and conveniences for boaters, including:
Fuel
Electrical power
Water
Restrooms with showers
A covered dock
Exterior security cameras
A grounds person living on site
Having an on-site presence and security cameras provides additional oversight around the property, while fuel, power, water, showers, and covered dock space make it easier for residents and visiting boaters to enjoy their time at the marina.
Amenities and dock availability may vary, so visitors should contact Riverside Marina before arriving, especially when requesting transient accommodations, fuel, covered dock access, or an extended stay.
Why People Love Boat Life
Boat life is about much more than owning a boat. It is a lifestyle centered around freedom, relaxation, outdoor recreation, and community.
A day on the water might include cruising with friends, fishing in a quiet cove, enjoying lunch on deck, watching wildlife along the shoreline, or simply sitting at the marina and appreciating the view. The water encourages us to slow down and enjoy moments that can easily be missed during a busy week.
Marinas also create natural communities. Boaters exchange stories, share local knowledge, lend a helping hand, and build friendships with people who share their appreciation for the water.
From longtime sailors to families experiencing lake life for the first time, Riverside Marina offers an opportunity to enjoy this welcoming waterfront culture.
Waterfront Vacation Rentals Are Coming
One of the most exciting additions planned for Riverside Marina is a floating cabin and houseboat, which will be offered as short-term vacation rentals.
These unique accommodations will allow guests to experience boat life without owning a boat. Imagine waking up to reflections dancing across the water, enjoying coffee from your floating retreat, and ending the evening surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the marina.
The floating cabin and houseboat will offer an unforgettable alternative to a traditional hotel or vacation rental. They will be ideal for romantic getaways, fishing trips, outdoor adventures, quiet weekends, and travelers who want to experience the Chattanooga area from a completely different perspective.
More information about opening dates, amenities, rates, and reservations will be announced as the accommodations are completed.
Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals Coming Spring 2027
Beginning in spring 2027, Riverside Marina plans to offer paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are wonderful ways to explore the water at a slower pace. Guests will be able to paddle around the protected cove, take in the scenery, watch for birds and wildlife, or enjoy a relaxing outdoor workout.
These rentals will make the marina more accessible to visitors who do not own a boat but still want to experience the water. They will also be a wonderful addition for guests staying in the upcoming floating cabin or houseboat.
Restaurant and Boat Rentals Coming Spring 2027
Additional plans for spring 2027 include a waterfront restaurant and boat rentals.
The restaurant will create a gathering place where marina residents, boaters, visitors, and local families can enjoy a meal surrounded by the atmosphere of the water. There is something especially enjoyable about arriving by boat, sharing food with friends, and watching marina activity from a waterfront table.
Planned boat rentals will allow more visitors to experience the boating lifestyle without the long-term responsibilities of boat ownership. Guests will be able to plan family outings, celebrations, sightseeing excursions, fishing trips, or peaceful days on the river.
Together, the floating accommodations, restaurant, paddleboards, kayaks, and boat rentals will help Riverside Marina grow into a destination where people can stay, dine, paddle, cruise, and make lasting memories.
Where Can You Go by Boat from Riverside Marina?
Riverside Marina provides access to a much larger boating network through Chickamauga Reservoir and the Tennessee River system.
Boaters should plan routes according to their vessel’s size, fuel range, speed, experience, weather conditions, reservoir elevations, and lock schedules.
Chattanooga
Downtown Chattanooga and Ross’s Landing can be reached by traveling downstream and passing through Chickamauga Lock. The lock is located approximately seven river miles above downtown Chattanooga.
After locking through, boaters can experience the downtown riverfront, Tennessee Aquarium area, restaurants, markets, concerts, and seasonal festivals.
Learn more about the river’s navigation locks through TVA’s Tennessee River Navigation Guide.
Nickajack Lake and the Tennessee River Gorge
After passing through Chickamauga Lock, boaters enter Nickajack Lake. This section of the river passes through Chattanooga and continues into the spectacular Tennessee River Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Tennessee.
The route offers dramatic cliffs, wooded shorelines, scenic coves, fishing areas, wildlife, and memorable cruising opportunities.
Longer trips may require additional lock passages, careful fuel planning, overnight accommodations, and current navigation information.
Dayton, Tennessee
Boaters can travel north toward the Dayton and Rhea County area through the upper portion of Chickamauga Reservoir.
Dayton is known for its historic downtown, local restaurants, community events, fishing culture, and access to outdoor recreation. Downtown events generally require transportation from an appropriate marina or public landing, so boaters should confirm docking and ground transportation before departing.
Explore upcoming activities through the MainStreet Dayton Events Calendar.
Watts Bar Lake
Watts Bar Lake lies upstream from Chickamauga Reservoir and can be reached through Watts Bar Lock.
This is a longer-distance boating trip that requires advance planning, adequate fuel, lock passage, appropriate safety equipment, and confirmation of marina or transient-slip availability. Watts Bar offers additional cruising, fishing, waterfront destinations, and access to communities along the upper Tennessee River.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a beautiful regional attraction, but it is not directly accessible by boat from Riverside Marina.
It makes an excellent inland day trip during a longer marina or floating-cabin stay. Visitors can experience waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a lake, a golf course, and other outdoor activities before returning to the peaceful waterfront setting at Riverside Marina.
Upcoming 2026 Events to Add to Your Boating Calendar
The Tennessee River connects boaters with exciting seasonal activities throughout the Chattanooga and upper river areas. Docking availability is limited during major events, and some events may create temporary river closures or controlled navigation zones. Always review local notices, reserve dockage when possible, and follow instructions from law enforcement, the Coast Guard, TVA, and event officials.
Riverfront Nights — Through September 5, 2026
TVFCU Riverfront Nights brings free live music to Ross’s Landing in downtown Chattanooga every Saturday evening through September 5.
Food vendors open at 6:00 p.m., with music beginning at 7:00 p.m. Boaters may be able to arrange downtown docking and enjoy a summer concert beside the Tennessee River. Confirm boat-parking availability before traveling.
Chattanooga River Market — Saturdays Through October 31, 2026
The Chattanooga River Market is held Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Tennessee Aquarium Plaza.
Visitors can shop for locally made goods, artwork, food, and specialty products within walking distance of the Chattanooga riverfront. Boaters should arrange appropriate docking before arrival.
Savor Dayton — September 19, 2026
Savor Dayton is scheduled for September 19 in downtown Dayton.
Boaters traveling toward the Dayton area can turn the event into a longer river excursion by arranging docking at a nearby marina or landing and coordinating transportation into downtown.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival — October 2–3, 2026
The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival returns to Ross’s Landing on October 2 and 3.
This free riverfront festival features traditional and contemporary bluegrass performances beside the Tennessee River. Because it is held at the Chattanooga Pier and Ross’s Landing, boaters should expect increased activity and confirm docking options and navigation restrictions well in advance.
Dayton PumpkinFest — October 30–31, 2026
Dayton’s annual PumpkinFest returns October 30 and 31, celebrating its 20th year in 2026.
Visitors can combine a fall boat trip toward the Dayton area with seasonal activities downtown. Docking and transportation from the water should be arranged before departure.
Head of the Hooch — November 7–8, 2026
The Head of the Hooch rowing regatta will take place November 7 and 8 at Ross’s Landing.
The event brings thousands of athletes and spectators to Chattanooga’s riverfront. Because the racecourse occupies the river, recreational boaters should expect controlled access, temporary restrictions, heavy rowing traffic, and special navigation instructions. This event is better enjoyed after securing approved docking outside the racecourse and following all official directions.
Additional Chattanooga activities can be found through the Chattanooga Events Calendar.
Attractions Near Riverside Marina
Guests can also enjoy many popular attractions within driving distance of the marina.
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park
Located near Soddy-Daisy, North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park protects approximately 6,000 acres of wilderness. Visitors can experience sandstone bluffs, forested trails, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and North Chickamauga Creek.
Chester Frost Park
Chester Frost Park is located along Chickamauga Lake in nearby Hixson. The park offers a beach, campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing, and other outdoor recreation.
Tennessee Aquarium
Located beside the river in downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Its River Journey and Ocean Journey buildings introduce visitors to animals and ecosystems ranging from Appalachian streams to the open ocean.
Ruby Falls
Visitors can travel beneath Lookout Mountain to experience Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall surrounded by remarkable cave formations. Scenic overlooks and seasonal zipline experiences add even more adventure.
Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens features ancient rock formations, botanical gardens, walking paths, mountain views, and the famous overlook at Lover’s Leap.
Plan Your Riverside Marina Experience
Riverside Marina is more than a place to keep a boat. It is a peaceful waterfront community and a starting point for exploring Chickamauga Reservoir, the Tennessee River, Chattanooga, Dayton, Nickajack Lake, Watts Bar Lake, and the many attractions of East Tennessee.
With a floating cabin, houseboat, paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, a waterfront restaurant, and boat rentals planned, Riverside Marina is entering an exciting new chapter.
We invite you to visit, enjoy the protected cove, experience the boating community, and discover why life feels better on the water.
Riverside Marina is located at:
3900 Lee PikeSoddy-Daisy, TN 37379
To ask about marina services, schedule a visit, or receive updates about the upcoming floating vacation rentals, contact Stone Source Management, call 423-260-1916, or email info@stonesourcemanagement.com.
Contact us to begin planning your stay and explore the many concerts, festivals, markets, sporting events, and seasonal happenings that can become part of your next Tennessee River adventure.
Boating routes, water depths, lake elevations, lock operations, fuel requirements, marina access, event dates, and docking availability are subject to change. Captains are responsible for checking current weather, TVA lake levels, navigation notices, lock schedules, temporary river restrictions, and vessel requirements before departure.
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