How much does camping cost at Cages Bend?

Camping fees at Cages Bend range from $30-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cages Bend first-come first-served or reservation?

Cages Bend accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cages Bend before I book?

Yes! Cages Bend has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cages Bend?

Cages Bend is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cages Bend?

Yes, Cages Bend has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Cages Bend?

Cell phone service at Cages Bend is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cages Bend have?

Cages Bend has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cages Bend?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cages Bend. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cages Bend?

Cages Bend offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cages Bend

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cages Bend?

Fire policies at Cages Bend: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

656 reviews

1125 BENDERS FERRY ROAD

Top 20% in TNFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Nashville Boating Camping Tennessee RV Camping Tennessee +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open from April 1 th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Cages Bend

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-66822: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

615-824-4989

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cages Bend

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Campground Map

1125 BENDERS FERRY ROAD

Cages Bend

1125 BENDERS FERRY ROAD

Nearby places

Gallatin, TN (approximately 5 miles, 10–15 minutes travel time). Hendersonville, TN (approximately 30 minutes). Downtown Nashville, TN (just over a 30-minute drive).

Weather at Cages Bend

Current alerts(2)

Campsite must be reserved; no walk-ins
Check-In Time: 3:00 PM Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM

Best Time to Camp at Cages Bend

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best blend of comfortable weather, lower humidity, and spectacular lakeside scenery — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. This is prime time for boating and fishing as the lake cools and fish become active, and the surrounding deciduous woods take on gold and red hues for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Crowds thin after the summer rush (especially on weekdays), so you’ll get quieter shorelines and easier access/ﬁ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 20% in TN

“Fall delivers the best conditions” — cool days, active fish, colorful woods; highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 1 through October 30 annually. Reservations for individual sites are released on a rolling 6-month basis.

About Cages Bend

Cages Bend sits on Old Hickory Lake near Gallatin, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a seasonal lakefront campground. The mid-sized facility offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station, drawing tent and RV campers who fish and boat the lake. Reviewers praise the peaceful setting and attentive hosts, though some note aging infrastructure and narrow access roads.

Cages Bend Campground offers versatile camping options catered to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and group campers, with accessible sites available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best blend of comfortable weather, lower humidity, and spectacular lakeside scenery — daytime highs typically sit in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. This is prime time for boating and fishing as the lake cools and fish become active, and the surrounding deciduous woods take on gold and red hues for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. Crowds thin after the summer rush (especially on weekdays), so you’ll get quieter shorelines and easier access/ﬁ Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation482 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOld Hickory Lake dominates the scenery here, a river-fed reservoir where water meets deciduous woodland. The forest habitat supports herons fishing in the shallows, deer at the water's edge, and songbirds in the canopy. The campground sits at 482 feet elevation, with trees framing lake views and providing shade at many sites. Patient observers catch glimpses of wildlife moving between woodland and shoreline, especially at dawn.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabin accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site capacity.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the mobile app.

AccessibilityFour campsites meet accessibility standards, and there is accessible parking and an accessible shower. However, the family/handicap restroom with a shower was reportedly locked for several weeks during one stay.

Site SizeSites vary from small to spacious, with some sites large enough to accommodate big rigs. For example, site #16 was described as 'very large,' while site #17 offered 'large sites with lots of shade.

PrivacySome sites offer a high level of privacy. For instance, sites #1 and #2 are described as being away from others, providing quiet and privacy. However, waterfront sites are closer together.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #28 offers a concrete pad and patio area by the lake. Site #15 is ideal for fishing but has limited awning space due to tree placement.

Best CampsitesWaterfront sites #15, #28, and #12 get high marks for lake views and water access. Sites #1 and #2 sit away from others if you want quiet and privacy. Site #16 is very large, good for big rigs. Site #17 offers lots of shade. Waterfront sites generally sit closer together than interior spots.

Need help booking Cages Bend?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cages Bend Campground offers a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience. Situated on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, the campground features showers, flush toilets, accessible sites, a playground, and laundry facilities. All campsites include electric and water hookups. Highlights include a boat ramp, two fishing docks (one within the campground and the other near the boat ramp), and a group picnic shelter. Accessible parking and showers are available, and pets are permitted.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cages Bend Campground offers a range of recreational activities focused on water-based fun, wildlife observation, and relaxation. Popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing, and birdwatching. The playground provides entertainment for children.

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are provided but were reportedly not emptied frequently enough during some users' stays. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is reportedly strong due to proximity to the city. One user noted, 'Proximity to the city means great cell reception.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

656 reviews

Recommended

Cages Bend is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cages Bend are mixed, with strong appreciation for the scenic beauty of Old Hickory Lake and spacious campsites but frequent criticism of outdated facilities and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 656 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 656 reviews.

Site #28Loved
Site #28: Beautiful lakefront site with a paved pad and shaded areas..
Site #33Loved
Site #33: Praised for its privacy and scenic views.
Site #16Mentioned
Site #16: Spacious but difficult to back into..
Site #15Issues noted
Site #15: Tight for larger trailers and surrounded by debris on the shoreline..

What Campers Love

Guests often praise the peaceful environment, lakefront views, and friendly campground hosts. One user stated, 'We love Cages Bend, the grounds are beautiful very well kept. The host Willy is super...

Based on 656 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include aging facilities, lack of cleanliness in restrooms, and poor shoreline maintenance. Some users also found the roads and campsite layouts challenging for larger vehicles.

Based on 656 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend booking well in advance due to high demand. Guests with large RVs are advised to use Cages Bend Road rather than Shute Lane for easier access.

Based on 656 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are peak seasons for camping, with guests enjoying cooler weather and vibrant natural surroundings. Summer is less favorable due to hot, crowded conditions and stifling bathhouses.

Based on 656 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground and views.' 2. 'The sites are spacious with amazing views of Old Hickory Lake.' 3. 'Bathrooms are outdated and hot, but the campground itself is peaceful and lovely.' 4....

Based on 656 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites are available, but some users stated the family/handicap restroom and shower were locked during their visit. Accessibility parking and showers are provided.

Based on 656 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some users reported barking dogs during quiet hours. One reviewer appreciated the staff's kindness towards their dog, receiving a dog biscuit at check-in.

Based on 656 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Old Hickory Lake

Cages Bend

About Old Hickory Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Cages Bend, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Old Hickory Lake is a popular recreation destination and ranks third in Corps-wide visitation. Lakefront property is in great demand. Situated only 15 miles from Nashville, (the Home of Country Music), many country music stars have made Old Hickory Lake their backyard. Visitors come to have fun and we deliver great camping and the opportunity for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling and more. The fishing at Old Hickory Lake is world class. The 25 pound world record walleye was caught here in 1960. Largemouth bass are the premier game fish on Old Hickory.

Directions

From Nashville, north on I-65 to Madison exit, east on TN 45 to the lake.