Rhea Springs Recreation Area sits along the waterfront outside Spring City, Tennessee, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority on a stretch of land where Watts Bar Lake provides direct access for boaters, paddlers, and swimmers. The last five miles of road in are paved but potholed and narrow, so drivers towing larger rigs should take it slow. RVs up to 40 feet are accommodated, and cell service is available on site.
Water access is the defining feature here. Most sites sit at or near the water's edge, with fire rings and picnic tables at each one. As Gail U. put it, "Most are on the water where others you can see the water." A large boat ramp serves trailer boaters, and the swim area draws day visitors as well as overnight campers. Kayaks and paddleboards get frequent use. No water or electric hookups are available at any site, so campers need to plan accordingly. Firewood is not sold within the immediate area, but a gas station called Rocky Spring Mart near Cuzzin RV Park carries some.
Restrooms include flushing toilets and one shower stall per building, with reported hot water and daily cleaning. Shower doors are low enough that taller campers may feel exposed. There are no mirrors in the restrooms. Trash pickup runs every few days, and recycling is available near the facilities. The campground formerly operated for free, which led to significant crowding; since fees were introduced ($10 to $22 per night), reviewers report that site availability has improved noticeably, even on busy holiday weekends.
Operating hours and seasonal closures are a recurring issue. Multiple visitors have arrived to find the gate locked, sometimes without advance notice. Calling ahead at 1-423-775-7801 is strongly recommended before making the drive. The campground is closed on Sundays. Jackson Island Dispersed Campground is a nearby TVA alternative worth checking as a backup, though it has also been subject to closures. Campers who prioritize waterfront positioning, boat-in access, and basic amenities at a low nightly rate will find Rhea Springs a functional and well-situated base.
Description
Rhea Springs Day Use area is located on Watts Bar Reservoir on the Piney River at mile 3.3L (Tennessee River 532.5R) in Rhea County, Tennessee. The Day Use area is located off of Rhea Springs Road in Spring City, Tennessee. It includes approximately 30.06 acres and 1,837.14 feet of shoreline. The site has one bathhouse, 42 picnic tables, one 6'x35' long fishing pier, a 20 space parking lot and paved circle drive.
HOW TO GET THERE Located North East of Spring City, TN in Rhea County. From Chattanooga, take Highway 27 North to Spring City, Turn right Vanns Creek Road, turn left at the stop sign onto Toestring Valley Road, go about 3 miles and turn right on Rhea Springs Road. Take Rhea Springs Road all the way to the end until you see the lake.
PET FRIENDLY NOTES Pets will love this recreation area! Take them for a walk along the lake and enjoy a picnic lunch, too!
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Camping
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRhea Springs Recreation Area County Park and Campground is located in Tennessee near Spring City
Public CampgroundDirections
Located North East of Spring City, TN in Rhea County. From Chattanooga, take Highway 27 North to Spring City, Turn right Vanns Creek Road, turn left at the stop sign onto Toestring Valley Road, go about 3 miles and turn right on Rhea Springs Road. Take Rhea Springs Road all the way to the end until you see the lake.
Address
Rhea Springs Road
Spring City, TN 37381
Coordinates
35.6832001 N
84.8262004 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/12/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/12/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 49 min from Cleveland, TN
- 53 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 59 min from Knoxville, TN
- 1 hr 40 min from Morristown, TN
