About CAGES BEND
Overview Cages Bend Campground is located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, offering campers the opportunity to enjoy activities with a beautiful scenic backdrop. Water recreation is the major attraction for lake-goers, but with white-tailed deer, migratory song birds and waterfowl abundant in the area, birding and wildlife photography is popular as well.Recreation Swimming and sailing are popular ways to enjoy the lake, and anglers can find exceptional bank and boat fishing for catfish, crappie and bass.Facilities The campground offers a playground for families, a boat ramp for easy lake access, showers for comfort and a group picnic shelter for convenient entertaining. All sites have electric and water hookups and four sites meet accessibility standards. Laundry facilities are also onsite. Two docks are also available for fishing only, one is located inside the campground and the other is beside the boat ramp.Natural Features Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir just northeast of the Nashville metropolitan area. Fed by the Cumberland River, it stretches for 97 miles, offering an ideal home for several birds and animals in its woodland habitat. Nearby Attractions Downtown Nashville, known as "the music city," is just over a thirty minute drive from the campground. Visitors looking for more pier fishing opportunities can explore nearby piers at Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Shutes Branch and Bledsoe Creek State Park. History buffs will appreciate a day trip to the Hermitage, an impressive National Historic Landmark where the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson lived.Charges & Cancellations * Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates. * Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. * No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. * If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been cha
How to Get There
From Nashville, TN, travel North on I-65 and take TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue to exit 12, Big Station Camp Blvd. Turn right onto Big Station Camp Bldvd. Continue staight across Nashville Pike onto Cages Bend Road. Take Cages Bend Road to Benders Ferry Road. The recreation area will be ahead on the left.
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).
- 👖
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.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
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 CAGES BEND
Heading to CAGES BEND? 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 CAGES BEND?
No central reservation system listed for CAGES BEND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232539) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CAGES BEND?
From Nashville, TN, travel North on I-65 and take TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue to exit 12, Big Station Camp Blvd. Turn right onto Big Station Camp Bldvd. Continue staight across Nashville Pike onto Cages Bend Road. Take Cages Bend Road to Benders Ferry Road. The recreation area will be ahead on the left.
How do I contact CAGES BEND?
You can reach the park at phone: 615-824-4989.
References & Official Resources
