Parks and Campgrounds on Watts Bar Lake

Watts Bar Lake has seven major public parks and TVA-operated campgrounds, plus several smaller county parks. Rhea Springs Recreation Area is the most family-oriented (boat ramp, swim beach, campground in one). Kingston City Park is the most accessible day-use park. Hornsby Hollow, Fooshee Pass, and Riley Creek are TVA-operated lakefront campgrounds at three different points along the lake.

Quick Comparison

Park	Region	Type	Camping	Swim	Ramp

Choosing a Park

Family swim-beach + boat ramp + camping in one place: Rhea Springs Recreation Area on the Spring City side.
Day-use family park with swim area: Kingston City Park.
Mid-lake RV camping: Hornsby Hollow Campground.
Spring City lakefront camping: Fooshee Pass Campground.
Quiet upper-lake camping: Riley Creek Campground.
Dam sightseeing and tailwater fishing access: Watts Bar Dam Reservation.
Picnic and shore-fishing without a swim area: Roane County Park.

How to Reserve a Campsite

TVA campgrounds (Hornsby Hollow, Fooshee Pass, Riley Creek) take reservations through TVA's recreation system. Summer weekends fill weeks ahead; reserve early. Rhea Springs campsites are managed by Rhea County; reserve through Rhea County or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which park on Watts Bar Lake is best for kids?

For families with kids combining a swim area, beach, picnic, and easy boat launching: Rhea Springs Recreation Area on the Spring City side and Kingston City Park on the Kingston side are the two strongest options.

Can I camp on Watts Bar Lake?

Yes. The lake has multiple TVA-operated campgrounds with RV hookups and tent sites: Hornsby Hollow, Fooshee Pass, and Riley Creek. Plus the Rhea County campground at Rhea Springs Recreation Area.

Where can I swim on Watts Bar Lake?

Designated public swim beaches are at Rhea Springs Recreation Area and Kingston City Park. Fooshee Pass and Riley Creek campgrounds have informal swim access from their shorelines. See the /swim/ page for the full list including informal coves.