Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL
Staci R.
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

Drag Boat Racing & Camping: go together like PB&J

Birmingham Ferry is the elite campground for national level drag boat racing, and the camp ground reflects the elite sport enthusiasts who enjoy drag boat racing while camping. While considered to be back country and primative (only select sites have electric or water) people come in from all over the US to participate in the drag boat races every year. All roads to campground are paved, and campground roads are gravel or compacted rock. The campground is terraced, and actually spreads through several sections that provide campers with the choice of being very close to the water (or activities if racing is going on) or further in the woods and more quiet. The boat ramp has a large parking area at the ramp and on the plateau above the ramp, providing for long term trailer parking. While most all sites are long or large enough for RV's in the immediate boat ramp area, you will need to be a confident driver to back a camper up and onto some sites. The campground is divided into the original or "old" side, with the large boat ramp, and the flatter side is gated and has more of the paved sites. The gated side is closed to walk-in camping during specific times of year in order for Birmingham Ferry to host drag boat racing (this year's schedule is posted as a photo). This is a fee camping area, and requires registration, available at either Welcome Station or any of the four hosted campgrounds.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017
  • Kentucky lake from the boat ramp and shore
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  • Review photo of Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL by Staci R., July 29, 2017