Percy Priest Lake - Cook Recreation Area and Campground

I used to go here all the time when I was younger, it's been awhile, but I imagine the same people run it. And let me tell you, I do not like the men who ride around in the golf carts. I used to catch them staring at me and my sisters, and it was always unsettling. The beach is fun though, even when it's crowded. I used to make friends there all the time. more

In response to the previous reviewer: I have been going to this beach ALONE with my children for the last couple of years and have loved it. On weekends, it can get crowded with people you might not encounter in the more affluent areas of Nashville. Most of these people are family -oriented and very nice, but I am sure occasionally there are some undesirables. I think it is a beautiful and well-maintained facility. If you can get there early on a Sunday or on a weekday, there is hardly anyone there. The scenery is beautiful and it is like a little oasis. They haul in fresh sand so your kids can play and you can go in the water without plantlife and rocks annoying your feet. The facility is run by older men and women and know they can be a stickler for rules. I have always found them pleasant. If you just want to relax and swim and have a picnic, this is a great spot. It is far and away the best swimming area on Percy Priest in my opinion. While I would not give this place 5 stars compared to a picturesque ocean beach or pristine lake, for the immediate Nashville area it cannot be beat. Also, it is amazing in October! more

Took my 4 young children and a friend late in the afternoon. Basically paid a full days price for 1 hour- no big deal- $4. The area was overrun with undesirable crowds! We went far down a path to have some peace, and also, frankly, for safety from some of the crowd... The gates get locked at 7:45. Gathering the 5 children with me, carrying the crying 2 yr old, we come trudging back up the long path we had gone down realizing it's right about that time! Well, you'd have thought I'd have committed a heinous crime! There waiting, are the two obviously DISGUSTED old men on their golf carts, both RUDE as one can possibly be- especially to a woman with her hands obviously full, moving as fast as was capable! THE ICING ON THE CAKE was as we were finally loaded in the car, apologizing to deaf ears, about to leave, one of the old men had the unmitigated gall to throw in, ""Is your husband not with you?!!!!"" To which I replied, ""Uh, no, he doesn't do lakes from a bank."" To which the old man replied (before I could finish,) ""well, maybe it'd be best if you just not come back."" (did he just imply I was incapable as a women... because of 15 minutes??) I assured him we would NEVER be back, especially now that we had seen the type and masses of crowds that now come there, and what a shame it was that the area had gone downhill so much... He obviously had no idea what a freakishly strong, outdoorsy, highly educated, modern, mother of 4 is capable of. Pros: Beautiful lake! (go somewhere else to enjoy it) Cons: Rude, crotchety, old staff. undesirable huge crowds. dirty more