Nickell Branch Campground, near Grand Rivers, Kentucky, is a primitive camping spot that offers a laid-back experience in the beautiful Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. With a handful of designated sites, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature without the frills.

This campground is known for its scenic views and access to the water, making it a great place for fishing and boating. Visitors have mentioned the convenience of launching boats right from the campground, and the shaded sites along the shore provide a nice spot to relax. One camper noted, “I love the convenience to Grand Rivers, the ability to launch my boat onsite and all the shade trees over sites along the shore.”

Amenities are basic, with a single vault toilet and no potable water, so be prepared to bring your own supplies. The lack of crowds is a big plus, allowing for a peaceful stay where you can truly unwind. Reviewers appreciated the reasonable fees and the chance to enjoy the outdoors without the noise of more developed campgrounds.

For those looking to stretch their legs, the nearby Canal Loop Trail offers hiking and biking opportunities with some lovely views along the way. While it’s a no-frills experience, the natural beauty and tranquility of Nickell Branch make it a solid choice for campers seeking a more rustic adventure.

Nickell Branch Campground

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Grand Rivers, KY has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Grand Rivers, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Grand Rivers camping trip.

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The Best Camping Near Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Nickell Branch was a miss. It has one set of bathrooms, but they’re not centrally located. There are campsites close to the water, but not a lot of flat ground close to it, so you’re camping higher up and away from the shoreline, and even then the ground wasn’t very flat – so not a good place if you want to sleep in a tent. The sites were primitive – a picnic table and a fire pit, but not all sites had both. The nicest thing about this place was the road in and out which was nicely paved and allowed for some enjoyable biking, but given the options of campsites in the park area, I would look elsewhere before considering this place.

Much better spots within LBL to set up camp

**Nickel Branch** is an example of a _basic campsite._ Which you purchase an annual permit for at one of the visitor centers. Realize when you are at a _basic campsite_ there are no frills...thus the name ;)

Nickel Branch ,down a gravel road off The Trace in Land Between The Lakes,Ky is a nice enough area and perfect fit people who want to go all natural in the woods.

There is only one restroom, pit style, not really convenient to any of the camp sites....then again when I'm camping all natural I don't usually walk all the way to a restroom....just sayin.

There is a boat ramp, also not real convenient, though there are a few sites pretty close to it. So hopefully you like one of those or you will be walking a little way to put in. Unless you enjoy bouncing off a drop off and hoping for the best.

There is a trailhead for the Canal Loop at the front of the campground, once again, not convenient to any campsite (are you noticing a theme here). The trail is bike and hiker friendly, be courteous to each other. Will take you along the lake edge and there are some nice views. (Moderate).

There has been a lot of rain this year and some high water levels. When the water goes down trash can be left along the shores as well as a lot of drift. So if you have a minute feel free to pick some up and throw it away. Leave it better then you found it:)

Basic Camping

Nickell branch is a Backcountry area in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. This is a very primitive camping that is first come first serve. It requires a Backcountry or dispersed camping permit which is available at any of the visitor centers.

Penny for your thoughts

Nickel branch is the first campground on the north end of Land between the Lakes. the sites are maintained fairly well. 
 There is a boat ramp, a basic outhouse, and good place to swim or fish. 
 nickel branch offers a place for anyone wanting to tent camp. you can basically throw a tent up where ever you find a spot. 
 I stayed there for a week right next to the water and was pretty well left alone by anyone else in the campground. 
 There are hiking trails, fishing spots and being at the north end; your only about 15 minutes away from the closest store.  this area requires a backwoods permit which is available at the north welcome station ( also about 15 minutes away) 

The "go to" campground for the north end of LBL. 

Basic campground. No water or electric. One vault toilet. Probably 15 true sites but several grassy areas that tents and hammocks can use. 

Can be nice

Nickell is the northernmost campground in LBL. It is a self-service campground with 11 designated sites. The access road FR-102 is gravel and in pretty good shape aside from some large potholes. There is a large loop with a big open grassy area once you get to the pay station. From there, 3 short offshoots A, B &amp; C - A is the boat ramp area and site #1; B is where the single vault toilet is located and sites #2 &amp; #3; C loop has the remaining sites #4 - #8 which are for small to medium RVs, and sites #9 - #11 are grass tent sites. There are picnic tables and very nice fire rings at each site. Besides the toilet, boat ramp, and a new dumpster, those are the only amenities.

The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail). The campground is near the Barkley Canal that connects the two lakes making for lots of boating and paddling options. The North Welcome Center has fresh water and a dump station just a few miles away.

The cell reception is great - I got download speeds of 18-34 Mbps. Also, several OTA TV channels. These sites are all situated in the woods near the water so none are particularly good for solar. But otherwise, for the price this is pretty sweet dry camping.

Great time

I love camping here but there is constant traffic with boats being put in via the boat ramp if you camp in the first 2 branches. The woods have been picked free of firewood around the sites but it is pretty. There are hiking trails connected there so that is a plus. 

It’s  now a pay site  $10 a night  

I camp here often several times a year either bringing my camper or my Tentsile (tree tent). I love the convenience to Grand Rivers, the ability to launch my boat onsite and all the shade trees overs sites along the shore.  

Super Lake View

The Land Between the Lakes area is packed with campgrounds. This was one of the first I encountered as I headed south, and I didn't feel the need to look further. It is very, very nice. Note that this is a primitive campground, with just a single vault toilet and no potable water available on site. (The lovely town of Grand Rivers is just a few minutes away, though.) The upsides were the very reasonable fee, the lack of crowds, and the beautiful views. There was a slight fishy odor wafting up from the lake, but I'm not very sensitive to this and it didn't bother me. There was also a skunk hanging around the dumpster at dusk. I kept my distance and we didn't bother one another.

Aside from fishing, there isn't much to do here. However, I enjoyed staying here and left feeling refreshed. Quite a different experience from the crowded, civilized campgrounds.

Beautiful primitive camping

Stayed 2 days in this northern LBL campground. Well maintained and level spot. 8. Has 3 spots for bigger motor homes. Also tent areas. Will definitely come back to this place. With America beautiful pass only 5 bucks. Only drawback was that a train station was about 1 mile away and could hear them pulling out at night. Not bad though 

Well Worth Money 

The sites had amazing views. Spaced pretty close together but still felt private enough. There was an outhouse that was very clean and in the center of the camp sites. No showers. We loved it!

Photos of Nickell Branch Campground

Real photos from real campers