Hermitage, Tennessee · Davidson County · Campground
Overview Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of i…
Overview Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.Recreation The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its 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. A large sandy swimming beach provides guests of Cook Day Use Area with convenient access to swimming and comfortable sunbathing. The Three Hickories Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile nature trail located in a wooded area within Cook Recreation Area. Facilities Cook Day Use Area offers two large group shelters for day use, which can accommodate 75 and 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions. A large playground surrounded by lush, grassy areas are perfect for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors. 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 ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural acti
Photos
COOK DAY USE AREA - shelter 1 — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA- Picnic Area — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA - Shelter #2 — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA - SWIM BEACH — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA - THREE HICKORIES TRAIL — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA - Beach Area — USACECook Day Use - Shelter 1 — USACECOOK DAY SHELTER AREA - playground — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA — USACECOOK DAY USE AREA - SHELTER 2 — USACE
How to Get There
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 7 miles to exit 221B. Turn right on Old Hickory Boulevard, left on Bell Road, right on New Hope Road and right on Stewarts Ferry Pike. Follow the signs to the picnic shelters.
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 COOK DAY USE AREA
Heading to COOK DAY USE AREA? 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 COOK DAY USE AREA?
No central reservation system listed for COOK DAY USE AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232556) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to COOK DAY USE AREA?
From downtown Nashville, TN, take I-40 east for 7 miles to exit 221B. Turn right on Old Hickory Boulevard, left on Bell Road, right on New Hope Road and right on Stewarts Ferry Pike. Follow the signs to the picnic shelters.
