About AVONDALE
Overview Avondale is a wonderful destination for people looking to launch a boat or have a picnic. Visitors can bring their family and friends for water sports and plenty of sunshine. The boat launch area at Avondale is open year-round. Here, boaters can find quick access to the main channel of Old Hickory Lake. The picnic shelter can accomodate up to 50 people and is reservable on weekdays. Recreation Avondale is an ideal launching point for boat fishing. Bank fishing is also popular. Black bass, crappie, and paddlefish can be found in the area. Water skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and swimming are also big attractions at Old Hickory Lake. Facilities The group picnic shelter accommodates up to 50 people and approximately 30 vehicles.Flush toilets (seasonal) and a boat ramp are available for use. Natural Features Located in Middle Tennessee, Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (615) 822-4846. Nearby Attractions Cages Bend Campground, with 42 water & electric sites, is just a short drive away from Avondale Access. At Cages Bend Boat Ramp, you can utilize both the launching ramp and fishing pier free of charge. Other nearby recreation areas include Rockland in Hendersonville and Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin. Nearby Nashville attractions include sites such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Visitors can also tour President Andrew Jackson's early 19th century home, the Hermitage, a National Histric Landmark.
How to Get There
From Nashville, TN: Take I-65 N to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Take Exit 9 from TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd, turn right onto Shute Lane. Continue straight onto Avondale Access Road. Follow signs into recreation area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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 AVONDALE
Heading to AVONDALE? 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 AVONDALE?
No central reservation system listed for AVONDALE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232518) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to AVONDALE?
From Nashville, TN: Take I-65 N to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Take Exit 9 from TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd, turn right onto Shute Lane. Continue straight onto Avondale Access Road. Follow signs into recreation area.
How do I contact AVONDALE?
You can reach the park at phone: (615) 822-4846.
References & Official Resources
