Within Old Hickory Lake's protected waters, Rockland Recreation Area operates as a US Army Corps of Engineers day-use facility that explicitly prohibits overnight camping. The site sits about six miles from Interstate 65 on Hendersonville's outskirts, managed with the characteristic attention to detail that Corps facilities maintain.
The recreation area centers entirely around water activities, with boat ramps and docking facilities providing direct lake access. Shelly S. notes it's "definitely a water sport area, no trails here, but there is an archery area." Multiple picnic tables and pavilions spread across the forested grounds, while a fishing pier extends into the lake. Visitors consistently spot waterfowl, with geese and ducks maintaining a regular presence along the shoreline.
Corps regulations require anyone born after 1989 to hold proper licensing for any watercraft use, including kayaks. The facility includes restrooms, an archery range, volleyball courts, and playground equipment. For overnight stays, campers can explore campgrounds around Old Hickory Lake or check nearby options like Old Hickory Beach, located less than a mile southwest.
This day-use area works best for anglers, boaters, and families planning lakeside picnics rather than overnight camping adventures.
Description
Overview
Rockland Recreation Area is located on the shore of Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Old Hickory Lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, nicknamed for his tough and aggressive personality.
Natural Features:
Set in a moderately wooded area, Rockland Recreation Area is host to numerous wetland species that occupy the wooded areas along the nature trails within the area. Migratory birds visit the area during the winter months as well as year-round forest birds.
Recreation:
Visitors enjoy a vast array of recreational opportunities at Old Hickory including waterskiing, fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. The area provides excellent fishing for several species including bass, crappie, walleye, sauger and catfish. There are boat ramps located at Black Jack Cove, Creekwood Marina, Drakes Creek Marina and Shady Cove Marina.
Facilities:
Rockland Recreation Area contains five group shelters and one gazebo. All shelters are covered and readily equipped with tables and grills. Many of the visitors to the shelters find the ease of bank fishing popular within the Rockland Recreation Area.
Nearby Attractions:
Nashville, Tennessee, is located within a 20 to 25 minutes’ drive from Rockland Recreation Area. The Old Hickory Lake Resource Managers Office and Visitor Center are located directly within the Rockland Recreation Area. A trip to the Visitor Center is an excellent way to learn more about the history, navigational facilities and other programs at Old Hickory Lake. There are numerous stores with amenities within the Old Hickory Lake area.
Location
Private CampgroundRockland Recreation Area is located in Tennessee
Directions
North of Nashville, TN, on I-65 exit onto Vietnam Veterans Blvd E, take exit 3 toward Hendersonville. Turn right onto Rockland Road then right on Power Plant Road. Follow signs into Rockland Recreation Area.
Coordinates
36.2986116 N
86.651388 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/30/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/30/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 11 min from Nashville, TN
- 47 min from Clarksville, TN
- 47 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 45 min from Owensboro, KY
