October 10th-11th marks what has traditionally been the last get together for many hovercrafters before winter sets in. The Big Spring, TN event, held at the Rural Retreat campground, is a very relaxed event with good cruising and good company. There is plenty of water to play in and if the water level is down a bit, there is delightful fun to be had on the mud flats across the river.

General Information

Lodging:
The closest town with name brand lodging and food is Cleveland Tennessee, about 16 miles from the campground. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland for a list of motels available. Camping ($8.00 per night) and RV parking ($12.00 per night) are available on-site.

Food:
The name brand fast food places plus Cracker Barrel, etc. are back in Cleveland. There is a place a couple of miles away where some go for breakfast and there is a restaurant in Decatur 11 miles NE. For the past several years, Linda Braden, our host, has orchestrated a great cookout for Saturday evening including grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, salad, baked beans, etc. and a couple of big pans of her famous killer banana pudding. Those participating chip in $3 or $4 to cover expenses. Otherwise, bring what food and beverages you will need for the weekend and perhaps toss in a few extra for someone who may have forgotten to bring something. For the coffee drinkers, Linda graciously provides a big pot of brewed coffee each morning.

Evenings are spent around a big campfire hangar flying, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. Bring marshmallows and coat hangers for the kids. If you have room, you may want to throw a few sticks of firewood in your hovercraft for the evening fire.

For those tent camping:
One year it was 29 degrees in the morning so be prepared. Other years the kids are swimming in the lake. Be prepared for either unless you completely trust the weather report. Hot showers are available and there are electrical hookups. Bring your cords.

Clothing:
It could get nice enough for shorts and a t-shirt during the day. The evenings are brisk and overnight it can get very cold if you are in a tent on the ground. Jackets can feel really good while hovering on cool mornings and to wear in the evenings.

Location:
Rural Retreat Campground and RV Park
GPS coordinates: 35N22'57" x 84W54'22"
5584 State Hwy 58 South
Decatur, TN 37322

Directions:
From Chattanooga area take I-75 north to Cleveland, TN. Exit off on Hwy 60 (Exit #25). This exit ramp loops around 180 degrees therefore you will turn right on TN 60N.  Follow Hwy 60N northwest about 8 miles to intersection of Hwy 58 at the traffic light. A convenience store is on the right. Turn right on Hwy 58N and proceed northeast about 7 miles to the narrow steel bridge over the Hiawassee River which is under construction so be careful. Proceed another 3/4 miles and look for Rural Retreat sign on right just past guardrail and a little mud flat or pond depending on water level. Go up the long driveway to the house and turn left in front of the house and youwill see the campground & RV's.   From Knoxville on I-75, take the Calhoun/County Road 163 exit #36 and turn right. (Don’t turn left but if you did, this would be 163). You will be on Lamontville Road which later becomes Big Spring-Calhoun Road. Proceed about nine miles to stop sign and turn left on TN 58. There is an old store building on the left. This is the little dot on the map which is what there is of beautiful downtown Big Spring. Go SW down 58 (towards Chattanooga) about one mile and be looking for the Rural Retreat sign on the left and follow directions in last sentence above paragraph.

Maps:

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  For more information please contact the event organizers:

Information submitted by Harold Carter (770) 979-1560
Maps submitted by Steven Mayor

To view previous Big Spring event highlights click here .