Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500-acre US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Cumberland River, with shoreline split between Davidson, Wilson, and Sumner counties. For Wilson County residents and visitors, the lake offers boat ramps, swim areas, fishing piers, picnic grounds, and multi-use recreation parks managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District.

The Wilson County shoreline runs along the southern and eastern portions of the lake. Rules and operating dates come from the Corps, not the counties — a useful distinction when confirming whether a specific ramp is open, fee-required, or seasonal.

Quick Facts

• Size: ~22,500 acres
• Counties: Davidson, Wilson, Sumner
• Manager: US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District
• Website: lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/Lakes/Old-Hickory-Lake/

Source: US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. Retrieved 2026-04-18.

Who Manages Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake is a federal reservoir managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. The Corps operates public-access areas, manages water levels, sets shoreline-use rules, issues dock permits, and coordinates recreation use. Access points range from developed day-use areas to campgrounds to smaller utility ramps.

Main Wilson County Side Access Points

Cook Recreation Area. A developed recreation area on the Wilson County shoreline with boat-launch facilities, picnic areas, and day-use access. One of the more commonly-used access points for Wilson County residents on the southern/eastern shoreline.

Laguardo Recreation Area. Corps-operated recreation area in the Wilson County/Sumner County area with day-use access. Useful for the northern parts of the lake's Wilson County shoreline.

Walton Ferry / Shutes Branch. Additional Corps-managed access points on or near the Wilson County shoreline, with boat ramps and day-use areas.

Anderson Road (Davidson County, but near Wilson). Swim, picnic, and boat-launch facilities across the county line — relevant for Wilson County users depending on launch location.

For the full current list of access points with addresses, amenities, and fees: consult lrn.usace.army.mil/Locations/Lakes/Old-Hickory-Lake/.

Fees and Permits

• Day-use fees may apply at developed areas — typically a few dollars per vehicle
• Federal passes (America the Beautiful / Senior / Access) provide fee coverage at many Corps sites
• Camping fees apply at overnight facilities
• Fishing licenses required per Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — tn.gov/twra

What You Can Do

Boating: Motorized boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding.

Fishing: Old Hickory is known for bass (largemouth, smallmouth, striped), crappie, bluegill, catfish. Tennessee fishing license required.

Swimming: Designated swim areas at some recreation areas, typically with lifeguards during peak summer weekends (verify current staffing).

Camping: Corps-operated campgrounds offer tent, RV, and group facilities. Reservations through recreation.gov required for most sites.

Wildlife viewing: Bald eagles, osprey, herons, and waterfowl. Early morning and late afternoon are prime viewing windows — the eastern coves are reliable bald-eagle spots from November through March.

Best Times to Go

• Peak: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Heavy crowds on weekends and holiday weeks.
• Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October): great weather with lighter crowds.
• Winter: Excellent for fishing (especially striped bass) and wildlife viewing; limited other recreation.

Getting There from Wilson County

Source: Google Maps. Retrieved April 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages Old Hickory Lake? The US Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. The Corps operates the dam, manages water levels, maintains public-access areas, and sets rules for shoreline use.

Are there public boat ramps on the Wilson County side? Yes. Cook Recreation Area, Laguardo Recreation Area, Walton Ferry, Shutes Branch, and other Corps-managed points provide public boat ramps on or near the Wilson County shoreline.

Do I need a fishing license? Yes. Tennessee fishing licenses are required per TWRA regulations — tn.gov/twra.

Is the lake free to access? Day-use fees may apply at developed recreation areas. Utility ramps may be free. Federal passes cover fees at many Corps sites.

Are campgrounds available? Yes — Corps-operated campgrounds offer tent, RV, and group camping. Reservations through recreation.gov. Book 4–6 months ahead for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

A Local's Take

For Wilson County residents, Old Hickory Lake is one of the underutilized amenities that locals take for granted and new arrivals often don't realize they have access to. A 22,500-acre Corps reservoir, with multiple public boat ramps and day-use areas, within a 15–25 minute drive of Mt. Juliet — that's a meaningful lifestyle feature. Get a Tennessee fishing license and a decent pair of binoculars, and the lake becomes a year-round amenity rather than just a summer one.

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Written by Jacob Armbrester, Real Estate Broker with Compass. Published 2026-04-30. Last updated 2026-04-19.