About NAT CALDWELL PARK
Overview Nat Caldwell Park is located right off of US-31E/Nashville Pike. This park is an ideal place for a day of picnicking and other outdoor activities.Recreation Nat Caldwell is smaller and not as busy as some of the other parks in the area making it a great place to relax and enjoy your day. It offers a reserveable group picnic shelter, grill, open grassy areas, and shoreline for fishing. It also serves as a great place to launch kayaks and canoes from the shoreline due to the fact is is in the headwaters of Station Camp Creek on Old Hickory Lake. If you need to launch a larger boat, Station Camp Creek is located straight across Nashville Pike just off of Douglas Bend Road.Facilities The group picnic shelter holds up to 50 guests with parking available for approximately 25 vehicles.Natural Features Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality. The lake features 440 miles of scenic shoreline, surrounded by wooded flatlands and plenty of access points. Nearby Attractions Hikers may be interested in the nearby Lock 4 Park. It offers hiking trails as well as mountain bike trails. Charges & Cancellations If a customer cancels a group day use facility (shelter) reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge.
How to Get There
From Nashville, take I-65 North to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue East on TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Boulevard to exit 9. Merge onto US-31E N/Johnny Cash Pkwy/E Main St. and continue approximately 2.5 miles. Nat Caldwell Park will be on your left just before crossing over Station Camp Creek.
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 NAT CALDWELL PARK
Heading to NAT CALDWELL PARK? 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 NAT CALDWELL PARK?
No central reservation system listed for NAT CALDWELL PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232650) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to NAT CALDWELL PARK?
From Nashville, take I-65 North to TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Blvd. Continue East on TN-386/Vietnam Veterans Boulevard to exit 9. Merge onto US-31E N/Johnny Cash Pkwy/E Main St. and continue approximately 2.5 miles. Nat Caldwell Park will be on your left just before crossing over Station Camp Creek.
How do I contact NAT CALDWELL PARK?
You can reach the park at phone: (615) 822-4846.
References & Official Resources
