Spring City's waterfront camping options sit on the 39,000-acre Watts Bar Lake, with elevations around 850 feet and average summer highs in the mid-80s. Most campgrounds in the area open from April through October, with several locations offering both primitive sites and those with water and electric hookups. Fall sees lower humidity and temperatures in the 60s, making it a popular season for tent campers.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Cumberland Mountain State Park offers multiple hiking options for campers. "One of the best hiking parks I've ever been to. Miles and miles of trails; short, long, loops, overnights. This place has it all," notes one visitor to Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Fishing from your site: Several waterfront campgrounds have sites directly on the water for easy fishing access. A camper at Fooshee Pass Campground shared, "We got to watch fish jump and a crane fishing in the morning. Only caught small fish, but the kids had a blast swimming."
Water activities: Rent equipment at various locations around Spring City for lake recreation. "Easy water access if you are trailer boating. Single room shower house for men and women. Wonderful lake view sunset!" reports a visitor to Rhea Springs Recreation Area.
Relaxing at camp: Some campers prefer to simply enjoy their campsite's natural setting. A visitor to Fooshee Pass noted, "Gorgeous waterfront spaces from the entrance of the camp ground to the back... The views are absolutely stunning, even though the campsites are a little close together."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the lake access at Spring City area campgrounds. "My husband and I really enjoyed this CG on the lake and was fortunate to stay in the front, quiet and uncrowded section of the park where sites are long, widely spaced, grassy and shaded," shared a visitor to Fooshee Pass Campground.
Scenic landscapes: The natural beauty surrounding Spring City draws many campers. One visitor to Hornsby Hollow Campground commented, "The campground was one of the most scenic I've been to. Some of the lakefront spots had their own access to the lake and plenty of trees."
Swimming options: Lake swimming ranks high on camper favorites. A camper at Jackson Island Dispersed Campground reported, "Beautiful place, peaceful this time of year. Husband caught a bass & dogs enjoyed the shallow edge of the lake at our site."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable pricing. "This is one of the nicest free camp grounds I have been to. It is very clean and a number of campsite both RV and tent. Most are on the water where others you can see the water," noted a visitor about Rhea Springs.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close during winter months. A camper at Jackson Island Dispersed Campground shared, "We arrived on Oct 30 to find several spaces available, many of which are convenient pull-through spaces... We were informed by a man driving around to be out by Nov 3 as they're closing the site for the season."
Varying site conditions: Campsite quality and amenities vary widely between campgrounds. "I don't think we'd stay here again. The biggest reason, the very poor design of the water spigot and electric receptacle. The water spigot is in the ground right next to the mud, very hard to get to," noted a visitor to Fooshee Pass.
Weekend crowds: Popular free campgrounds can become crowded on weekends and holidays. A camper at Jackson Island Dispersed Campground warned, "We went this past summer and had a nice visit. There wasn't too many people but a few weeks later we drove thru and people were packed in like sardines."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between locations. One camper at Rhea Springs noted, "The shower had no curtain so a bathing suit or a buddy would be needed to use this and have privacy. The water in the showers does get very warm, so that is a bonus."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water activities: Kids enjoy campgrounds with swimming areas. A visitor to Cumberland Mountain State Park noted, "This is a larger state park that includes a restaurant, golf course, pool, etc. but also some nice trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the area."
Consider weather timing: Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures for family camping. "We camped here in July but also stayed at the Inn during the spring. The Inn has a buffet style restaurant, all rooms overlook the lake, and there's a game room for the kids as well as a heated pool," mentioned a visitor to Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Check for noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others, an important factor for families. A camper at Fooshee Pass shared, "The lake is shallow with a slow grade which was perfect for our young children. Everyone was friendly and respectful."
Pack security items: At less developed campgrounds, keep valuables secure. One Jackson Island camper warned, "Left to go on a hike & came back to our chairs & wood being stolen. Disappointing, but also the chance you take when leaving your personal items unattended."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup accessibility: Some campgrounds have poorly designed utility connections. A Fooshee Pass visitor cautioned, "The electrical, there is NO way to shut it off. The receptacle is about 12" off of the ground which means when you connect your surge protector, your connections are laying on the ground."
Confirm site dimensions: Sites vary in size and level ground. A camper at Cumberland Mountain State Park advised, "Most sites are small but was very quiet. Sites give you a lot of room."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. "No sewer but do have dump station. Owners are friendly and helpful. They have a small playground, two swimming areas and a boat ramp. Sites are gravel and have a fire ring and concrete picnic tables," shared a visitor to Hornsby Hollow.
Look for pull-through options: Some campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites for easier parking. A visitor at Rhea Springs noted, "I pulled into Rhea Springs later in the afternoon on a Wednesday and found a waterside site with ease. Though there were several other campers there it did not seem crowded at all as spacing of sites is well thought."
