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Cook Day Use Area

J Percy Priest Lake, Tennessee

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As of October 2026, Cook Day Use Area is a campground in Tennessee with 2 campsites. Cook Day Use Area is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Cook Day Use Area is located at 36.1367° N, 86.5958° W.

people allowed on 1 of 2 sites: 75
people allowed on the largest site: 100

Cook Day Use Area reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Cook Day Use Area, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Cook Day Use Area

Group 2
Hookups 2

Amenities

potable water

At a glance: Setting: Lake.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, horse riding.

All sites at Cook Day Use Area, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the COOK loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Hookups
COOK1	Group	75	Electric
COOK2	Group	100	Electric

About Cook Day Use Area

Overview

Cook Day Use Area is a lakeside oasis in the hills of middle Tennessee, providing visitors with countless recreational activities on the lake and in the surrounding woods and grasslands.

Recreation

The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. Because of its temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, visitors have numerous activities to choose from, including fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

Fishing opportunities abound at J. Percy Priest Lake, with a wide variety of species available, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, striped bass, Cherokee bass and white bass. Other species such as catfish, bluegill, bream and trout provide excellent opportunities for younger anglers.

A large sandy swimming beach provides guests of Cook Day Use Area with convenient access to swimming and comfortable sunbathing.

The Three Hickories Nature Trail is a 1.6 mile nature trail located in a wooded area within Cook Recreation Area.

Facilities

Cook Day Use Area offers two large group shelters for day use, which can accommodate 75 and 100 guests, making it an ideal spot for large parties and family functions.

A large playground surrounded by lush, grassy areas are perfect for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors.

Natural Features

J. Percy Priest Dam and Lake was one of the first Corps of Engineers lakes to have recreation as part of its mission. The dam, completed in 1968, impounds 42 miles, with 14,200 surface acres of water.

In soothing contrast to the sparkling waters of the lake are the adjacent 19,087 acres of grasslands and woodlands.

A highlight of the region, the Cedar Glades Natural Area, is home to countless wildlife and plant species, including the Tennessee coneflower.

Nearby Attractions

J. Percy Priest Lake is conveniently located about ten miles east of downtown Nashville, offering visitors countless cultural activities and the conveniences of a metro area.

Cook Day Use Area is also close to the Hermitage, the historic home of President Andrew Jackson.

Rules and notices at Cook Day Use Area

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Cook Day Use Area on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Each vehicle will be charged a $5.00 day use fee upon entrance to the park.

No off-road vehicles permitted

No pets allowed at day use area

Activities other than picnicking in the group shelters must be pre-approved by the Resource Manager

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.

STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Cook Day Use Area FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Cook Day Use Area?

Cook Day Use Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Cook Day Use Area?

Cancellations happen frequently at Cook Day Use Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Cook Day Use Area have?

Cook Day Use Area has 2 campsites.

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