Rockland Recreation Area
1.8132 reviewsRockland Recreation Area
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Rockland Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderWhat Campers Say
1.81
Mixed Reviews
Based on 32 reviews
1018 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanshadewater
"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Rockland Recreation Area, describing it as beautiful, clean, and ideal for family gatherings, picnics, and outdoor fun by the river/lake. Many highlight the shaded areas, wildlife, playground, and pavilions/shelters as big assets. A minority of reviews mention bathroom or water-access issues and occasional staff communication problems, but overall sentiment is very positive."
Best Time to Camp at Rockland Recreation Area
The rhythm of the seasons brings ever-changing wildlife to Rockland's shores and trails. As winter settles over the lake, migratory birds arrive to take advantage of the area's rich wetland habitats, creating exceptional birdwatching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Throughout the year, the forest comes alive with the songs and movements of resident bird species, making any season ideal for wildlife observation along the nature trails and shoreline.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Best
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About Rockland Recreation Area
Nestled along the peaceful shores of Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Rockland Recreation Area welcomes visitors to a lakeside haven where covered pavilions and open green spaces meet the water's edge. Whether you're casting a line from the bank, launching your boat, or gathering under one of the shaded group shelters, this waterfront retreat offers the perfect blend of active recreation and relaxed lakeside living.
The recreation area includes covered group shelters and a gazebo intended for group use and day recreation. No specific information is provided about tent, RV, primitive, cabin or glamping campsites.
Historical SignificanceThe waters you'll enjoy at Rockland Recreation Area are part of Old Hickory Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Cumberland River that honors President Andrew Jackson, whose famous nickname gives the lake its name. Today, the recreation area serves as home to the Old Hickory Lake Resource Manager's Office and Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the lake's history, ecosystems, and recreational opportunities while planning your visit to this historic waterway.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of the seasons brings ever-changing wildlife to Rockland's shores and trails. As winter settles over the lake, migratory birds arrive to take advantage of the area's rich wetland habitats, creating exceptional birdwatching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Throughout the year, the forest comes alive with the songs and movements of resident bird species, making any season ideal for wildlife observation along the nature trails and shoreline.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere woodland meets water, Rockland Recreation Area showcases the natural beauty of Tennessee's lake country. Moderate tree cover creates dappled shade across the grounds, while the shoreline transitions into diverse wetland habitats that attract an impressive variety of wildlife. Wind through the nature trails and you'll discover why both migratory visitors and year-round residents choose these woods as home—the habitat diversity here creates a living tapestry of forest and water that changes with every visit, offering quiet moments of discovery for those who take the time to look and listen.
Geological RegionNestled along the Cumberland River's Old Hickory Lake, where ancient river valleys were transformed into a sprawling reservoir that now defines the landscape of Middle Tennessee
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesThere are five covered group shelters and one gazebo, all equipped with tables and grills; many visitors use the shelters for easy bank fishing. The on-site Visitor Center provides information on the lake's history, navigation facilities and programs.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
- Contains five covered group shelters and one gazebo
- all shelters are equipped with tables and grills and are suitable for group gatherings.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFacility contains five covered group shelters and one gazebo (all with tables and grills), a volleyball court, a playground and large grassy areas; nature trails run through wooded/wetland sections.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Rockland Recreation Area on Old Hickory Lake offers a variety of water- and land-based recreation, with facilities and natural features that support fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. The Visitor Center provides educational information about the lake, its history and programs.
Hiking
Nature trails run through moderately wooded areas and wetlands, providing hiking opportunities and access to bird- and wetland-occupied habitat.Fishing
Bank and lake fishing are popular; the area provides excellent fishing for species including bass, crappie, walleye, sauger and catfish.Swimming
Swimming is listed among the recreational opportunities on Old Hickory Lake.Boating
Old Hickory Lake supports boating activities, including waterskiing and general recreational boating on the reservoir created by the Army Corps of Engineers.Wildlife viewing
The site hosts numerous wetland species, migratory birds in winter months and year-round forest birds, making it suitable for birdwatching and wildlife observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Old Hickory Lake Visitor Center located within the area offers information about the history, navigational facilities and other programs at Old Hickory Lake.Winter Activities
Birdwatching for migratory species during winter months.Water Sports
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Rockland Recreation Area
37
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 61%
Wind: 11.6 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of Old Hickory Lake; bank fishing is popular within the recreation area.
Campground Map
Rockland Recreation Area
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Accessible via I-65 North and TN-386 (Vietnam Veterans Blvd); use exit 3 for US-31E toward Hendersonville, then Rockland Road.Nearby places
Nashville, TN — approximately a 20 to 25 minute drive
Nearby supplies
Numerous stores with amenities within the Old Hickory Lake area.
Reviews from booking and map sources
1.8
32 reviews
Rockland Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly love Rockland Recreation Area, describing it as beautiful, clean, and ideal for family gatherings, picnics, and outdoor fun by the river/lake. Many highlight the shaded areas, wildlife, playground, and pavilions/shelters as big assets. A minority of reviews mention bathroom or water-access issues and occasional staff communication problems, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the scenic views, shaded areas, and proximity to the water, calling it serene and beautiful with lots of wildlife and vegetation. Families especially appreciate the playground, sand...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most consistent issues involve restrooms: a few reviewers report dirty bathrooms, locked or closed restrooms without prior notice, and non-working faucets. One reviewer also noted advertised...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users suggest bringing your own drinking water and ways to keep it cold, as well as fishing poles and outdoor games (like volleyball and cornhole) to make the most of the open space. For...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"My grand daughter and I enjoy coming to this park. There are ducks, fishing, and a playground! And a sand volleyball court. This park also offers pavilions,a stage, and grills and picnic tables...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Shelter 1 is described as a small but nice area on top of a hill away from the lake, with plenty of parking; one reviewer noted water was not available as advertised, while another enjoyed...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
A few reviews mention features relevant to accessibility: one Rec.gov reviewer said the area was “comfortable for the elderly,” especially where a kitchen is available for washing utensils and fish....
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Pet-Friendly Features
One reviewer described taking two dogs walking in the park to get them used to leashes, indicating pets are allowed. However, they noted a downside when another couple had an unleashed, aggressive...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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