Adventure Brief
Make every summer day a swim day with the Fontana Dam Season Pass. Perfect for families — kids under five swim free and additional children are only $50 each.
1–4 hours per visit
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required

Make every summer day a swim day with the Fontana Dam Season Pass. Perfect for families — kids under five swim free and additional children are only $50 each.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–4 hours per visit
Fitness Level
Light: suitable for families and casual swimmers; basic mobility to use pool stairs required
Wildlife
History
Fontana Dam was completed during World War II to generate hydroelectric power and control floods; its construction reshaped the local landscape and community access to the lake.
Conservation
Respect shoreline rules, pack out trash, and follow pool-area guidelines to reduce impacts. Limited capacity helps protect both the facility and nearby natural areas.
Fontana Village Resort & Marina
Fontana Village Resort & Marina is a lakeside resort and outdoor activity provider located in Fontana Dam, North Carolina. The resort operates Fontana Lake marina services including pontoon, fishing boat, kayak and canoe rentals, plus guided and self-guided hiking and biking experiences. Guests can rent 22' Deluxe and Premier 115HP pontoons, electric mountain bikes, and golf carts for on-site exploration. On-water options include SUP rentals, kayak rentals, canoe rentals, and scenic and historical lake tours aboard the Miss Hazel pontoon. The marina permits fishing from the Deluxe pontoon and welcomes pets on select rentals. On land, Fontana Village maintains more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails; the Appalachian Trail crosses the Fontana Dam and is accessible from the resort.
Guided hikes are available both on-site and off-site, and some guided hikes use a boat shuttle to reach trailheads. The property also offers Dam Tour Hike opportunities and scheduled historical lake tours led by a knowledgeable captain. Safety equipment such as helmets for e-bikes is provided. Located on the shores of Fontana Lake, the resort serves visitors seeking boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, and family-friendly recreation in the Great Smoky Mountains area. Reservations and details are managed by Fontana Village Resort & Marina; prospective guests should check availability and policies directly with the resort before booking. Marina staff coordinate equipment, safety briefings, and local trail information to help visitors plan boating, fishing, paddling, biking, and guided hiking outings for day trips and extended lake excursions seasonally across Fontana Lake shores.
Location
Fontana Dam, NC
On the shores of Fontana Lake
Water Rentals
Pontoons, SUPs, Kayaks
Pontoon, SUP, kayak & canoe rentals
Trails
20+ miles
Hiking & biking trails onsite
Experiences
13 Experiences
Guided hikes, lake tours and rentals
Reserve pontoon rentals, SUPs, kayaks, e-bikes, or guided hikes today for a safe, scenic outing on Fontana Lake.
Bring Photo ID Daily
Pass holder photo ID is required at every visit for entry; leave copies at home and carry the original to avoid delays.
Arrive Early on Holidays
Peak holiday weekends fill fast—arrive early to claim shaded seating and avoid long lines.
Pack Swim Essentials
Waterproof sunscreen, swim diapers for toddlers, and a small cooler with drinks keep kids comfortable for long afternoons.
Plan for Weather
Pool hours and operations can change with storms—check Fontana Village schedules the morning of your visit.
Swimsuit
Core item for pool access and comfort in the water.
summer
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin during extended periods outdoors and near reflective water.
summer
Swim Diapers
Required for infants and toddlers who are not toilet trained.
summer
Towel and Cooler
Towel for drying and a cooler for snacks and drinks during long stay periods.
summer