Lakeshore Marina in Chattanooga: Boat Slips and Rentals on the Tennessee River
Lakeshore Marina sits on the Tennessee River in north Chattanooga and operates year-round wet slips for boat owners, along with seasonal rental options for visitors without their own vessels.
What Lakeshore Marina actually is
Lakeshore Marina is a full-service facility offering both permanent mooring and short-term access to the Tennessee River. The marina handles boats up to approximately 40 feet and provides fuel, launch services, and basic maintenance support. Unlike transient-focused operations, Lakeshore caters primarily to slip renters who keep boats year-round, though day-use and overnight visitors are accommodated when space allows.
Slip fees and rental pricing
Monthly slip rates range from $400 to $700 depending on boat size and slip location (end vs. middle). Annual slip holders typically commit to 12-month agreements and receive lower per-month pricing. Transient overnight slips cost $60 to $90 per night for boats under 35 feet, with fuel surcharges applied separately. Rental boats, when available, run approximately $250 to $400 for a half-day (four hours) and $400 to $600 for a full day. Confirm current pricing before booking, as fuel costs and seasonal demand adjust rates.
Services and onsite amenities
The marina supplies diesel and gasoline at competitive regional pricing. A boat launch ramp accommodates trailers year-round. Lakeshore offers basic haul-out and dry-storage facilities for maintenance and off-season storage. Restrooms, potable water, and 30- and 50-amp electrical service are available. The operation does not include a full repair yard or restaurant, distinguishing it from larger regional marinas like Chickamauga Cove Marina near Chattanooga, which offers more extensive mechanical services and food service.
How Lakeshore Marina compares to other Chattanooga marinas
Chickamauga Cove Marina, also on the Tennessee River south of the city, accommodates larger vessels (up to 70+ feet), offers a full-service shipyard, and includes dockside dining. Its slip rates run 15 to 25 percent higher, reflecting expanded infrastructure. North Shore Marina operates on Nickajack Lake west of Chattanooga and focuses on recreational boating with lower slip rates ($350–$500 monthly) but serves a freshwater lake rather than the river, limiting access to downstream water travel. Lakeshore occupies a middle ground: less specialized than Chickamauga Cove, but positioned on the main river corridor with straightforward slip management and straightforward transient access.
Who should use Lakeshore and who should not
Lakeshore suits boat owners living in or near north Chattanooga who want reliable, affordable river access without the premium pricing or complex services of a full shipyard. Transient boaters planning a night or weekend on the Tennessee River will find functional accommodations. The marina does not serve owners of mega-yachts or those needing major overhauls; Chickamauga Cove is better equipped for that segment. Sailboat owners should confirm slip configurations, as most river marinas in the area favor powerboats.
What to expect on a first visit
Call ahead to check slip availability and current rates. On arrival, you will check in at the office, receive a slip assignment, and be directed to fuel and water hookups. Electrical connections are standard 30 or 50 amp depending on your boat's panel. The launch ramp is accessible to all registered boats during daylight hours. A typical first-time overnight typically involves one phone call, 15 minutes of paperwork, and immediate access to your slip. There is no extensive orientation or waiver process for short-term transient use.
Hours, parking, and access
Lakeshore Marina operates dawn to dusk for launch-ramp access; office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited weekend availability. Call to confirm weekend staffing. Onsite parking accommodates vehicle and trailer storage. The marina is accessible via North Shore Drive from Interstate 24 exits in north Chattanooga. River access is year-round, though winter water levels may affect launch conditions; contact the marina before visiting November through February.
Lakeshore Marina fills a practical role for Chattanooga boaters who want straightforward river access without the overhead of a resort-style operation, making it a natural choice for year-round slip holders and overnight transient traffic on the Tennessee River.
