146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The lands surrounding Albany, Kentucky feature several established campgrounds centered around the region's waterways and forests. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, located in nearby Burkesville, provides tent and RV camping along with cabin rentals from April through October. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown offers similar accommodation types with water recreation as the primary draw. Several Corps of Engineers campgrounds dot the shorelines of Lake Cumberland and Dale Hollow Lake, providing more basic facilities but scenic waterfront locations.
Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically closing between late October and early April. Kendall Campground near Jamestown features multiple hookup options for RVs including electric, water, and sewer connections, while providing basic tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. "The Campground is my favorite type, small. You can easily feel like your camping in the 50's with all the modern conveniences," noted one visitor about Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground, which remains open year-round. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds experiencing limited connectivity, particularly those in more remote settings like Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Waterfront access represents a key attraction for campers in the Albany area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake or river views. Several reviewers mentioned the quality of fishing opportunities and boating access, particularly at Kendall Recreation Area and Lillydale Campground. Tent campers will find more secluded options at places like Tuscarora Glade or within the Big South Fork area. Many campsites feature moderate to steep terrain due to the region's rolling hills and valleys. While some campgrounds offer modern amenities including showers and laundry facilities, others provide more primitive experiences with only basic pit toilets. The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area also contain hiking trails that connect to or near many camping areas, adding recreational opportunities beyond water activities.
"Outside Jamestown,Ky on Rt 127 it is easy to find and well worth the drive. The Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery is in the same area below the dam of Lake Cumberland."
"Nestled in the trees near the Cumberland Lake, and dam, this is a beautiful place to relax."
from $16 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is right on the Kentucky/ Tennessee boarder and not a short drive from anywhere. It is out in the farmlands, but worth the drive."
"The only issue I had with this camp was the way the sites were situated. They were in sets, like a cul-de-sac shape, and put you really close to your neighbors. "
from $40 - $73 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone (the lake comes to a dead-end back by this row of campsites, so there isn't a lot of boat traffic)."
"Lillydale sits on Dale Hollow Lake, which -- for some delightful reason -- has serious limits on development."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Stayed close to the playground. Kids loved playing and being close to the site."
"Nice level campgrounds very close to the water."
from $26 - $56 / night
Check Availability"Standing stone is a small campground that sits in a wooded area surrounded by green rolling hills and farmland."
"Although our campsite was listed as 42 foot in length our TT is 32 feet), my very experienced in driving a trailer husband had to take several attempts to back in due to trees closely lining the road and"
"We did drive around the campground area though for future reference and were not sad about our choice to stay in the lodge."
"**This is a larger state park that includes a restaurant, golf course, pool, etc. but also some nice trails to enjoy the natural beauty of the area."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."
"Family freindly, kept very clean, great hiking in Big South Fork w/some trails even starting at the campground."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"PICKETT STATE RUSTIC PARK is located adjacent to Scott State Forest, Big South Fork River, Tn and below Daniel Boone National Forest, Ky. The Campground is my favorite type, small."
"Grandma couldn’t leisurely walk, or scale some of the trails, so you have been warned. But for able bodied persons, the hikes are all doable."
"You are surrounded by trees with a fabulous open spot to view the heavens. Come enjoy this little bit of paradise."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Very pretty and close to Dale Hollow Lake."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe lakes are way low, so our lakeside campsite was not really. With no flow, the lake stunk and had a slimey feel. Too many motors to paddle, too loud, no privacy. I’ll not visit this one again.
ScoutMost of the camp sites on the Clifty side are small and right on top of each other, except one- T-49. T-49 is off by itself and its big and private. There is a trail head (12) right next to the site, which was great. Its about a 1.5 mile hike, moderately difficult. This site is also not too far from the bathrooms, which were very clean. You can fill up a water can in the bathroom. We have At&t and had no service at the camp site. Lastly, there is plenty of fire wood at the site if you're willing to process it. So long as it has not rained recently, no need to buy fire wood. 5 stars for sure!
GuideThis looks like a nice campground, but I just needed to sleep. I asked for the least expensive site and was told $70. The WiFi didn't even work. Under new ownership and was told it would be getting better. They claim to be the friendliest dog RV Park in America, but they don't even have a dog park so I don't know why they think they're the best.
TravelerPrioritize money over safety of guests, period. Focus on seasonal money over long-term gas period management has literally said, we don't like these people, we realize you don't like these people, but we need their money, so get along with them. This is what they tell their permanent people to deal with during the summer when there are drunks. Literally had golf carts with unsupervised kids going past the house, over 300 notifications. Normal traffic is about 100, just on the weekend. Drunks on boats. Management is two-faced. They are so focused on making it a bougie place since they took over four and a half, five years ago, that they no longer care about making sure that they have a community that cares about each other. They have three communities. They have permanent communities who care about the park and get together and look out for each other. Then they have seasonal people who are drunk, don't care, don't follow the rules. And then they have work groups who they prioritize over residents and people who have picked up, cleaned the park, cared about the park, and don't want to see toddlers get run over by kids on golf carts like last summer. Every summer, it is nuts. There's no quiet anytime anymore, even in the dead of winter. This place is nuts. Overpriced. If you get anything in permission, like I did, get it in writing or management will use it to throw you out. I had permission for what I was doing. I'd done it for three years, and they prioritized a group of project workers that will be gone in a few months over a long-term resident who is disabled, not available to meet, not arguing with a neighbor who's a child, and lied three times in the middle of our own private conversation and ran to management with lies.
GuideA beautiful well maintained state park. Would have got 5 stars but no electricity at sites due to flooding and the warnings online made it sound like it was just a few sites affected but we had a generator so it all worked out definitely worth a visit
TravelerThe campground was nice and quiet, hardly any people especially on the 4th of July holiday weekend. Campground bathrooms were clean.
GuideWe had a decent tent camping experience here. They have all the amenities. The showers were great, but I saw a rat in the pool. The tent camping was a bit creepy, with very dim lights, and the picnic tables were quite dirty.
ScoutLovely 5 site park on the family farm. 30/50 amp water and sewer. Exrtremly quite park
Enjoyed our stay. Debbie and Ernie were wonderful to work with. Had a cloudy night so didnt get to see sunset. But heard they are marvelous.
ScoutVery clean and well cared for, the store is well stocked with nice extras. Shannon is very sweet.
Campgrounds near Albany, Kentucky primarily center around Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland. The region sits within the Highland Rim geographical area with elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet, creating rolling terrain that affects campsite placement and access. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing December through February, making some primitive camping areas challenging without proper equipment.
Kayaking on Dale Hollow Lake: Paddlers can explore the numerous "fingers" and "tendrils" that form quiet coves at Lillydale Campground. "The lake has dozens of little 'fingers' and 'tendrils,' making for great little coves to paddle, explore, or just find some peace and quiet," notes a visitor who appreciated the minimal development along shorelines.
Trout fishing below dams: Anglers access prime fishing spots at Kendall Campground where the trout hatchery releases fish. "There is a snack bar/bait shop on site. The National Fish Hatchery is beside the campground, along with the Trout Stream, which is a really neat man-made stream and wetland from the hatchery down to the Cumberland River," explains one fisherman.
Stargazing at dark sky locations: The region includes internationally recognized dark sky viewing areas at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. A camper noted, "Pickett CCC is recognized as a dark sky park. If you're into astronomy or just enjoy looking up at the stars this is the perfect place. The stars can be enjoyed from just about anywhere but a short drive down the road there's an astronomy field."
Hiking natural bridges: Several parks feature distinctive rock formations accessible via moderate trails. "The rock formations are awesome. Then there's the trails. A suspension bridge, another natural bridge and a cave area. These are easy to moderate trails but can be a little hazardous so watch your step," advises a hiker.
Private island camping: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at Tuscarora Glade, which offers primitive sites with natural star-viewing clearings. "You are surrounded by trees with a fabulous open spot to view the heavens. Come enjoy this little bit of paradise," writes one reviewer about this secluded campsite option.
Lakefront site accessibility: Sites along the water at many campgrounds allow campers to launch directly from their spot. "If you get a lakefront site you can throw your kayak or float in right at your site. You can't go wrong in site selection," mentions one camper at Obey River Park who valued the direct water access.
Family-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds feature circular arrangements that work well for groups. "Campsites are on loops off the main loop/road. It puts 7-8 sites in a circle so it's possible for families to rent multiple sites in same loop. Plenty of room for kids to play and also has a swimming pool!" explains a visitor to Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most established campgrounds maintain high standards. "The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I've seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too," noted a camper at Bandy Creek Campground.
Campsite layout challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult site arrangements. "15 mph speed limit and above average traffic through campground. No speedbumps so folks fly. Very dangerous. Lots of kids riding bikes but folks still drive too fast. Take an extra power cord. Electric and water are laid out poorly and we had to purchase an extra cord," warns a camper at Lake Cumberland.
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from April through October with limited winter accessibility. "I wish they would have mentioned the length to water hookup. We ended up having to go buy a longer water hose bc the hookup was more than 30 foot away," notes one visitor about preparations needed for certain sites.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. "There was no wifi or cable/TV connection and we had zero cell phone coverage (our carrier is T-Mobile). However, lack of television or ability to surf the web/social media really didn't bother us much," explains a camper at Lillydale.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are present in the region, requiring proper food storage. "Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there's wildlife around for sure!" reports a visitor at Bandy Creek Campground.
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near recreation areas for convenience with children. "Stayed close to the playground. Kids loved playing and being close to the site," mentions a camper at Obey River Park.
Water recreation options: Lakes offer swimming areas designated for children. "At the lake there's kayak and canoeing where you actually paddle under a natural bridge. There's a swimming area, geese and fishing," describes a visitor to Pickett CCC Memorial Park.
Bike-friendly loops: Several campgrounds feature circular layouts where children can safely ride. "Kids can ride their bikes around the circle. Playgrounds are everywhere. Very clean. Full hookups. Nice pool and mini golf too!" notes a Dale Hollow Lake visitor.
Ranger programs: Check schedules for educational activities led by park staff. "We took advantage of two excellent ranger led programs. The dark sky did not cooperate for us (cloud coverage), but the evening hike to see the glow worms was spectacular!" shares an enthusiastic family.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring extra equipment. "Our site (7) was spacious (we had a teardrop, shower/changing tent, ground tent, and rooftop tent). Did not have any issues with electric the whole time we were there," explains a camper describing their setup requirements.
Power and water connections: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement. "The sites were a little short and we couldn't park our tow vehicle in front of our 17' camper. So large campers beware. There are limited parking spots near the shower house," warns a visitor with a smaller RV.
Access road restrictions: Larger vehicles face challenges at some entrances. "The south entrance is a single lane bridge with a sharp turn so longer rigs need to come in on the north end," advises a camper at Standing Stone State Park.
Maintenance considerations: Older campgrounds may have infrastructure issues. "The campground needs investment as majority of the sites are narrow with difficult positions for hooking up and leveling, make sure you pay attention to each site description. The Full hookup/Ada sites are new, the rest are vintage from the 70s," notes an RVer about preparing for older facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Albany, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Albany, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Albany, KY and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Albany, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Albany, KY is Kendall Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Albany, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Albany, KY.
What parks are near Albany, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 parks near Albany, KY that allow camping, notably Dale Hollow Lake and Lake Cumberland.
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