Tims Ford's sprawling arms of water are popular with canoeists, kayakers, and anglers. To improve the quality of aquatic life below the dam, TVA runs air compressors that add oxygen to the water. A small turbine has also been added to supply a minimum flow of water to support aquatic life when the hydropower plant is not generating electricity.

In addition to power generation and recreation, Tims Ford offers flood protection downstream on the Elk River (primarily for Fayetteville, Tennessee), and provides water supply.