Cages Bend Campground sits on the shores of Old Hickory Lake in Gallatin, Tennessee, and holds a 4.6-star rating from 273 reviews. It is listed as a campground (Bumi perkemahan) at 1125 Benders Ferry Rd, and phone contact is available at +1 615-824-4989, with online details hosted on Recreation.gov. This review compiles what the source data and visitor feedback say about the place, without inventing hours, prices, or facilities beyond what is documented.
Cages Bend Campground at a Glance
The campground is located at 8F3P+X4J Cages Bend Campground, 1125 Benders Ferry Rd, Gallatin, TN 37066. Its coordinates place it in the America/Chicago timezone, and it is categorized as a campground. The source record indicates a price level of 0, while user reviews mention a nightly rate, so current pricing should be confirmed directly. Contact is possible by phone at +1 615-824-4989, and the official website for reservations and details is hosted on Recreation.gov. The campground sits on Old Hickory Lake and is listed as suitable for children and dogs, with RV camping allowed and a camping fee noted in the activities data.
What Do Visitors Like About Cages Bend Campground?
Overall, visitor feedback is strongly positive, with many reviewers praising the lakeside setting, spacious sites, and helpful staff. Several reviewers describe the campground as clean and well maintained, and some call it a hidden gem. A few reviewers raise concerns about aging bathroom facilities and narrow access roads, and one reviewer describes a negative interaction with a staff member. These are individual opinions and not universal experiences.
1. Waterfront Sites and Lake Access
Multiple reviewers highlight that most sites are right on the water. Heather Bennett wrote that most sites are right on the water so you can just walk down and get in, and noted that swimming is possible though the shoreline is rocky and muddy with no sandy area. Scott described the location as a perfect spot on Old Hickory Lake for camping and taking in an amazing sunrise, mentioning that kayaks can be launched from the shore and that a boat launch is available for boats or jet skis. Tammy Davis said sites were very spacious with separate paved areas and a beautiful view of the lake, and Ron Goins noted that most sites are waterfront and very level. Teresa Parks mentioned bringing a boat and loving the water sites.
2. Staff and Camp Hosts
Several reviewers single out the camp hosts for praise. Scott named Tanya and Donnie as amazing, helpful, and kind from day one, and said it blows his mind to see any negative reviews about them. Cameron Webb described Tammy and Bobby, who run the campground, as wonderful. Matt NAPPIER said staff were super friendly. Susan Aulgur called the camp hosts friendly and helpful. In contrast, Mare Ferral described a negative interaction with a male staff member, while noting the lady at the front was nice and welcoming. These are contrasting individual experiences.
3. Cleanliness and Maintenance
Cleanliness is a recurring positive theme. Cameron Webb called the grounds and bathrooms very clean, and Scott said the campground is kept very clean and hosts take pride in it. Ron Goins described bathrooms as old but very clean. Daniel Oliver said the campground is quiet, friendly, and well maintained. However, Colleen Moran described the bathroom as awful, smelling of dirt and mold with filthy showers, and Matthew Finney said the bathhouse needs updating. Melissa Jones noted infrastructure in need of updating and repair, including crumbling asphalt.
4. Site Size and Layout
Reviewers frequently mention spacious, well-spaced sites. Melissa Jones said sites are large and spacious and you are not on top of neighbors. Aryn H said all sites have great views of the water and are well spaced, noting a stay on site 13. Tammy Davis described a very spacious paved site with a separate paved area with picnic table and a small wooden table for a camp stove, with electric and water and a dump station near the bath house. Teresa Parks, who has a large fifth wheel, advised watching some sites because of length with truck and camper, and noted no parking on grass is enforced.
5. Access Roads and Big Rigs
Several reviewers note tight access for larger vehicles. Matthew Finney said the road is tight with a 40ft fifth wheel but doable unless you are a rookie. Susan Aulgur said the campground is not very conducive to big rigs and the road coming in is very tight. Melissa Jones advised going slow on narrow and difficult access roads. These comments suggest larger rigs should plan carefully, though reviewers say it is manageable with caution.
6. Boating, Fishing, and Water Depth
Reviewers describe the lake as better suited to boating and fishing than swimming. Scott mentioned launching a kayak from shore and catching bass, and Daniel Oliver noted the bay is very shallow, making the boat dock tricky to use. Mare Ferral said the lake is not the best for swimming and is better for boating or fishing, and described the park as best for the non adventurous. Tammy Davis said their son put a paddleboard in and it was great, and that you can also fish off the shore.