Douglas Reservoir is located among the rolling uplands of the Great Valley of east Tennessee. Set against the backdrop of the lush, green Smoky Mountain foothills, Douglas attracts two million recreation visitors a year. Picnicking, camping, boating, and fishing are all popular activities at the reservoir.

Douglas and other TVA reservoirs built during World War II made a historic contribution, providing hydropower to drive the war effort. The reservoir remains an integral unit in the overall water control system in the Tennessee Valley.

Under normal conditions, Douglas stores spring rainwater for release during the dry summer and fall months to maintain adequate depth for navigation on the Tennessee River and to generate electricity. Water levels begin dropping in late summer to provide space for the next spring's rains.

Birdwatchers enjoy the fall migration of shore birds, wading birds, and other waterfowl that flock to Douglas from late July to early October. The birds rest and feed in the muddy shoreline and areas of shallow water exposed as the level of the reservoir is lowered to prevent spring flooding downstream.