About ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA
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.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. 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. A volleyball court, playground, and large grassy areas are also available.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. Nearby Attractions Nashville, Tennessee, is located within a 20 to 25 minute s\drive from Rockland Recreation Area. The Old Hickory Lake Resource Manager's 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.
How to Get There
From Nashville, TN, take I-65 North to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue East on TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. to exit 3 for US-31E toward Hendersonville. Turn right onto Rockland Road (1st red light you come to), travel approximately 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Power Plant Road. Turn left onto Overlook Circle. You are now in Rockland Recreation Area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
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
- 💧
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 ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA
Heading to ROCKLAND RECREATION 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 ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234754) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA?
From Nashville, TN, take I-65 North to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue East on TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. to exit 3 for US-31E toward Hendersonville. Turn right onto Rockland Road (1st red light you come to), travel approximately 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Power Plant Road. Turn left onto Overlook Circle. You are now in Rockland Recreation Area.
How do I contact ROCKLAND RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 615-822-4846 or email: noel.c.smith@us.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
