Water defines the experience at Hillman Ferry. Set within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, this large Forest Service campground sits along Kentucky Lake, where numerous sites front the water directly and boat access is available alongside standard drive-in entry. The scale here is notable: over 300 sites spread across multiple loops, ranging from primitive tent spots to full hookup pads with electric, water, and sewer connections.
Crowding is the detail reviewers mention most consistently. On spring break weekends and summer holidays, the campground fills with families, boats moored along the shoreline, golf carts circling the loops, and activity at the playground, basketball courts, and archery range. Jason W. called it "a veritable modern day camper city," which captures the atmosphere accurately. Campers who prefer low-traffic settings should plan around peak dates or visit in early spring, when the campground quiets considerably. Cell service is limited or absent.
Site quality varies across the loops. Waterfront sites draw the most interest but tend to go fast. Some pads are level once you're in, though backing larger rigs into certain sites requires careful maneuvering. Shade can be minimal on exposed lakeside spots. Bathrooms and shower houses are distributed across the campground, though their condition has drawn mixed comments. A camp store carries ice cream, firewood, and basics. Pisgah Bay Campground @ Land Between the Lakes and Twin Lakes Campground are nearby alternatives worth considering. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends.
Map & DirectionsLand Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground is located in Kentucky near Grand Rivers
Directions
From Grand Rivers, KY, take State Rt 453 ("The Trace") south 4.5 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground.
Address
820 Hillman Ferry Road
Grand Rivers, KY 42045
Coordinates
36.94420014 N
88.18170055 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/1/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 29 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 11 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 42 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 48 min from Cape Girardeau, MO



















