Smyrna, Tennessee · Rutherford County · Campground
Overview Jefferson Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.…
Overview Jefferson Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers. Facilities Jefferson Springs Recreation Area offers a large group shelter for day use and can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions. Natural Features J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water. In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands. A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower. Nearby Attractions J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities in addition to the conveniences of a metro area.
Photos
Jefferson Springs - Group Shelter to rent — USACEJEFFERSON SPRINGS - picnic sites — USACEJEFFERSON SPRINGS - boat ramp — USACEJEFFERSON SPRINGS - group shelter — USACE
How to Get There
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-24 east to Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn left onto Jefferson Pike and the Recreation Area will be on the left.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to JEFFERSON SPRINGS
Heading to JEFFERSON SPRINGS? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for JEFFERSON SPRINGS?
No central reservation system listed for JEFFERSON SPRINGS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233107) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at JEFFERSON SPRINGS?
JEFFERSON SPRINGS has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to JEFFERSON SPRINGS?
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-24 east to Sam Ridley Parkway. Turn left onto Jefferson Pike and the Recreation Area will be on the left.
