Tennessee / Davidson County / Nashville-Davidson

Smith Springs

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Reopens March 3, 2026. The campground closes annually from early November through early March for maintenance.

About

Smith Springs Recreation Area is a lakeside oasis situated on the shores of J. Percy Priest Lake in the hills of middle Tennessee. The recreation area provides visitors with countless outdoor activities including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The facility features a large group shelter with electric hookups that can accommodate up to 50 guests, with limited parking for 12 vehicles. J. Percy Priest Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass, and white bass, along with catfish, bluegill, bream and trout. The lake's 14,200 surface acres and 42 miles of shoreline provide ample space for boating and water recreation. The adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands offer opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. A highlight of the area is the nearby Cedar Glades Natural Area, home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the endangered Tennessee coneflower. The Anderson Road Fitness Trail, a paved trail winding a little over a mile through the cedar glade area beside the lake, provides accessible hiking opportunities. Located just 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, Smith Springs offers convenient access to metro amenities while providing a peaceful natural setting.

Directions

From downtown Nashville, take I-40 east 5 miles to exit 219. Turn right on Stewarts Ferry Pike, then left on Smith Springs Road. The recreation area is on the left after about 2 miles.

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