Jacksons Island Boondocking in Spring City, TN
Off-Grid Camping and Outdoor Adventure
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Spring City, TN GPS: 35.663921, -84.845266 Elevation: 764′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Tennessee Valley Authority recreational land. (Official) (800) 882-5263 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Jacksons Island Boondocking: The road in is Dirt and Paved right to entrance. Dirt road maybe 1/3 mile long. miles from a paved road. Jackson’s Island is open Seasonally. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Jacksons Island.
Located outside Spring City, TN is a nice primitive campground on TVA land. It’s a peninsula that extends out into Watts Bar Lake so all campsites are waterfront. I would estimate 50 sites. There are trash cans and they have port-a-potties scatter throughout. That’s it.
Campfires permitted. It’s nothing fancy but plenty of shade and a beautiful view. Bring your boat and park it at your campsite. RV’s do come here but it’s primitive camping. I’d say half RVs, half tents.
It is randomly patrolled and no alcohol, firearms or fireworks are allowed. On occasion the law does search coolers if they suspect you are drinking. For the most part it’s a peaceful campground. Three C-stores maybe 1-2 miles away. Grocery store maybe 4-5 miles away in Spring City.
About This Location
If you’re hunting for a quiet, free spot to boondock near Spring City, TN, Jacksons Island boondocking area might be just the ticket. This rustic campground sits right by a lake, offering tent sites on concrete slabs and fire rings. There aren’t any bathrooms, water, or other frills, so it’s a true back-to-nature kind of place. It’s a solid choice if you want to skip the crowds and keep things simple.
Most vehicles—even trucks and smaller RVs—can get in without much trouble, but since there aren’t any hookups, you’ll need to come fully stocked. The area feels calm and scenic, but you’ll want to pitch in with cleanup and bring all your own essentials. Some parts of Jacksons Island boondocking area have shut down for good, so checking for updates before you go is smart.
Key Takeaways
- Jacksons Island boondocking area has free, rustic camping by a lake with just the basics.
- Access works for tents, trucks, and smaller RVs—no hookups, though.
- Prep is everything: bring what you need, since amenities are basically nonexistent.
Jacksons Island Boondocking in Spring City, TN
Jacksons Island boondocking area gives you a quiet spot for boondocking near Spring City, Tennessee. It’s free to use and pretty bare-bones, which is perfect if you’re into the simple, unplugged camping vibe.
You can stay up to 14 days here. There are concrete slabs for tents and fire rings, but no bathrooms, grills, or water, so make sure you pack in everything you’ll need.
The island hugs a lake, so you can fish or boat if you’re into that. RVs are welcome, just don’t expect electric or water hookups. Plan to haul out all your trash—waste facilities are limited.
Here’s the gist:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Max Stay | 14 days |
| Amenities | Concrete tent slabs, fire rings, trash cans |
| No Amenities | Bathrooms, water, grills, tables |
| Activities | Fishing, boating, tent camping, RV parking |
Jacksons Island boondocking area is open seasonally, usually from mid-March to mid-November. It sits at about 721 feet elevation, so the weather’s generally pretty pleasant. If you want to unplug and avoid crowds, this spot checks those boxes.
Things to Do
There’s plenty to keep you busy—or relaxed—at Jacksons Island boondocking area. Fishing is popular, since the lake is right there. Bring your gear and try your luck from the shore or a boat.
There’s a boat ramp for easy access, so you can paddle, kayak, or use a small motorboat to poke around the lake. The water’s usually calm, which makes for a pretty peaceful trip.
Camping’s straightforward: tents on concrete slabs, fire rings for evenings. No grills or water, so don’t forget your food and supplies.
If you’re itching to hike or bike, you won’t find marked trails here, but you can wander the surrounding areas. The quiet nights are great for stargazing—there’s barely any light pollution, so the stars really pop.
There’s no live music or hot springs at Jacksons Island boondocking area, but nearby towns sometimes host local events. If you want to play games, bring your own—no one’s setting up cornhole for you.
| Activities | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fishing | From shore or boat |
| Boating | Boat ramp available |
| Tent camping | Concrete slabs, fire rings |
| Hiking | Nearby areas, not marked |
| Stargazing | Low light pollution |
| Games | Bring your own |
Directions
To get to Jacksons Island Boondocking in Spring City, TN, start in Spring City. Take US-27 South out of town.
A few miles down, turn left onto a dirt road. It’s only about a third of a mile to the island from there, but the road’s unpaved—take it slow and watch for bumps. Driving slowly is a good idea.
GPS might not get you all the way there, so save offline maps or directions before you lose cell service. There’s no real address, so just follow these steps.
Once you roll in, you’ll see over 30 campsites. Both tents and big RVs fit, and there’s no limit on RV length. Parking’s usually easy for any type of vehicle.
The nearest grocery store is about 4 or 5 miles back in Spring City, so stock up before you head out—there’s nothing at the site itself.
Quick Direction Summary:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start in Spring City, TN |
| 2 | Take US-27 South |
| 3 | Turn left onto dirt road |
| 4 | Drive 1/3 mile to campsite |
It’s a pretty simple route, but come ready for a no-frills camping experience.
Vehicle Access
Getting to Jacksons Island boondocking area by car isn’t tough. The main entrance is off McCabe Road near Spring City, and the roads are paved almost all the way.
You’ll find parking for both RVs and tents. Larger vehicles like trailers or motorhomes fit just fine, and the ground’s flat enough to make setup easy.
You won’t find hookups for water, electricity, or sewage. Bring what you need for your vehicle and your stay.
There’s a boat ramp if you want to get out on the water. Pets are welcome, so bring your dog along if you want.
Some camping spots are on dirt or grass, so if it’s rained recently, expect mud. Take it slow to avoid tearing up the area or getting stuck.
Some areas might require a permit, especially if you’re camping outside the main sites. It’s worth checking local rules before you go.
Quick vehicle access rundown:
- Paved roads almost all the way in
- Level parking for RVs and tents
- No hookups
- Boat ramp
- Pets allowed
- Possible permit needed for some areas
It’s a solid setup for boondocking—just bring your own gear and enjoy the quiet, natural setting by the lake.
RV and Camping Trailer Information
Jacksons Island boondocking area in Spring City, TN, is open to both RVs and camping trailers. There’s space for RVs, but the vibe is definitely more on the rustic side.
You won’t find water hookups, electrical connections, or dump stations. Bring your own water and figure out your waste management plan.
Most sites have concrete slabs for tents, which is handy if you want to camp next to your rig. Fire rings are there, but you won’t see grills, tables, or bathrooms. Self-sufficiency is the name of the game.
You can stay up to 14 days, which gives you plenty of time to settle in and enjoy. Pets are welcome, so bring your furry buddies.
Since it’s dispersed camping, you’ll need to “pack in, pack out.” Don’t leave trash behind.
The campground is open from March 15 to November 15, and at around 721 feet elevation, the climate’s pretty comfortable.
Before you go, check if you need a permit for camping or the boat ramp. Better safe than sorry.
Paid or Permit Sites
At Jacksons Island boondocking area, you’ll find that most camping spots are free or dispersed, though a few areas might still ask for a permit. It’s a good idea to check local rules before heading out—nobody likes last-minute surprises. Permits exist mostly to keep things sustainable and protect the land, which, honestly, seems fair.
If you’re eyeing a designated spot, you’ll probably need to grab a permit from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) or maybe the local ranger’s office. Getting one isn’t usually a hassle—you can often do it online or just stop by a visitor center.
A few things to know about permits:
- You might need one for group camping or if you plan to stick around for more than a couple of nights.
- Some spots cap the number of days you can stay, mainly to keep the area from getting overused.
- Stick to the “pack in, pack out” rule—nobody wants to find someone else’s mess.
There aren’t many paid campsites nearby, and most are run by TVA or local parks. These places usually just offer the basics—think parking, maybe a fire ring. Don’t count on luxury.
Honestly, it’s smart to check official websites or call local offices before you go. You’ll know if you need a permit or have to pay a fee, and you’ll save yourself some headaches later.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Near Water Boat Ramp Pets Welcome Trash Cans |
RV Parking Tent Camping Boating Fishing Swimming Water Sports Wildlife Viewing |
Helpful Boondocking Information Links:
Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace
State Specific Information Links
Tennessee Park Service
Tennessee Fish and Game