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Camping near Barkley Lake

609 Reviews

Camping near Barkley Lake, Kentucky encompasses a mix of state park facilities, developed campgrounds, and more rustic options within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The region sits at the intersection of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, creating a peninsula with abundant waterfront camping opportunities. Notable locations include Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Energy Lake Campground, and Hillman Ferry Campground, which provide varying levels of amenities. Many sites offer direct water access, with boat ramps and docks available for visitors bringing watercraft. According to reviews, the waterfront sites provide "beautiful views of Barkley Lake" with "spectacular sunsets" that enhance the camping experience.

Most campgrounds in the Barkley Lake area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some basic sites remain open year-round. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and for special events like the Hot August Blues festival at Kenlake State Park. An annual dispersed camping permit ($30) is required for primitive sites within Land Between the Lakes. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near towns like Cadiz and Grand Rivers, and more limited service in remote areas.

The camping options around Barkley Lake cater to different preferences and equipment needs. Full-service RV parks with concrete pads and hookups are concentrated near highway access points, while more primitive tent camping areas can be found along forest roads deeper into Land Between the Lakes. Campers note that Hurricane Creek offers "lots of shade trees and its own boat ramp" with sites that are "close but not stacked on top of each other." Family-friendly amenities are abundant at larger campgrounds like Piney, which features playgrounds, bike paths, and swimming areas. Wildlife sightings, including deer and coyotes, are common throughout the area, particularly at more remote sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Barkley Lake (129)

    1. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-1131

    $17 - $25 / night

    "the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"

    "Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."

    2. Energy Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2270

    "We have two small kids and were with family (in adjacent D4) so we really hoped for a site with flat space for the kids to play in, but there was absolutely no grassy area."

    "Each loop has its own restroom/shower house and all are near the lake( some closer then others) canoe rental or bring your own, basketball court and playground as well as swimming area."

    3. Redd Hollow

    10 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    8 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "There are several sites water level where you can put in to the lake and there are some very picturesque sites that overlook the lake. First come first get."

    "All you need to camp here is a camping permit from Land Between the Lakes which is 30 dollars online. If you have a Kentucky resident sportsmans licence this permit is included in that!"

    4. Bumpus Mills

    8 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4236

    $28 - $30 / night

    "Great little campground close to the Bumpus Mills Marina. Electric and water hookups with dump site at the entry/exit."

    "Several sites are on the water and the rest are near it.  Great for boating or kayaking.

    Nice bath/showerhouse if you need it.

    Lots of shade!"

    5. Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Barkley Lake, TN
    8 miles
    Website

    "Ranger Review: Matador Droplet at Ginger Bay Land Between the Lakes, Ky.

    Campground Review:We visited Ginger Bay boat ramp and dispersed camping area while at Land Between the Lakes(LBL) , Ky."

    "I don’t recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up it. The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig."

    6. Hurricane Creek

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-8821

    $16 - $32 / night

    "Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes."

    "**The nearby Land Between the Lakes park is amazing. This is a much more basic park and campground on the shore of the eastern lake."

    7. Piney Campground

    26 Reviews
    Buchanan, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 232-5331

    "We’ve only been once but can say it’s a great campground, with 2 boat ramps, store, regular patrols, a beach, activities for kids and pretty good views of Kentucky Lake."

    "Being close to water is always nice, and our family always looks for this when we are traveling away from home to camp. Kentucky Lake is nearby, and we spent most of our day here."

    8. Hillman Ferry Campground

    37 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Hillman Ferry is the northernmost full service campground in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and is an excellent base camp for exploring the LBL and other recreation opportunities in"

    "This campsite is located in beautiful Land Between the Lakes. Many sites are by reservation, but many more are first come first serve. Sites are big and open and some provide views of Kentucky Lake."

    9. Kenlake State Resort Park

    13 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 474-2211

    $18 - $35 / night

    "First be aware there are several seasonal campers who pretty much feel like they own the place, so their children's running around on golf carts, bicycles and walking through your camp to get to the "trail"

    "The sites with the decks have amazing views of Kentucky Lake, and there is a trail just south east of the camping area that leads down to the water for easy access for canoes or kayaks."

    10. Boswell Landing Campground

    11 Reviews
    New Concord, TN
    13 miles
    Website

    $5 - $12 / night

    "Boswell Landing is a quiet spot of the park with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake where you can pull up a chair (or tent!) and relax."

    "Well maintained road to get here and pretty close to a modern campground with a small store. We'll be coming back here again!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Barkley Lake

137 Photos of 129 Barkley Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Barkley Lake

609 Reviews of 129 Barkley Lake Campgrounds

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Fenton Self-Service Campground

    Basic

    Right off a main road the spots are shallow so not ideal for long rigs. It does have power and one pit toilet at one end.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Cheyanne S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Shaded but unlevel

    Enjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.

  • R S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Paducah RV Park & Campground

    Quick full hook up pull through, with Great sky views , country feel and a common outdoor area near lake.

    Like the lake and outdoor commons area

  • Maryann
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes

    Good place to boon camp

    We stayed here two nights with our friends in two travel trailers. We had 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 2, 3, and 10) and we had the best time. This was our first time boon camping and it was actually way more enjoyable than being at a campground! It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Campground

    Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord

Guide to Barkley Lake

Camping near Barkley Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the great outdoors, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the calm waters of Energy Lake Campground. One visitor shared, "The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted... my favorite lake to kayak through with all three dogs on board."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Piney Campground. A camper noted, "Great place to take the family. Nice hiking trails."
  • Fishing: Many campers love the fishing opportunities at Hurricane Creek. One review mentioned, "Nice campground right on the lake. Family friendly, lots of children on their scooters."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hillman Ferry Campground. One family said, "The bathrooms were very clean. The showers were OK."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. A visitor remarked, "The campground is well laid out. Each site has a paved parking pad, some overlooking the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Clarksville RV Resort. One reviewer said, "The employees are so nice and so helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at Hillman Ferry Campground. A camper warned, "Please be aware there is very little cell phone service and the internet was down while we were there."
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: If you're staying at Hurricane Creek, note that there are no showers available. One visitor mentioned, "on-site bathrooms and showers were dirty."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds, like Energy Lake Campground, are only open from March to November. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Clarksville RV Resort. A parent noted, "Have a playground, pool and a Jamaican restaurant just off the freeway."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for kids, such as Piney Campground. One camper said, "We had a great time at Hillman Ferry. The bathrooms were clean and everyone was so nice!"
  • Quiet Areas: For a peaceful experience, consider Hurricane Creek. A visitor shared, "Quiet campground the last weekend of October."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, like Lake Barkley State Resort Park. One RVer mentioned, "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground."
  • Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check out Piney Campground. A camper noted, "Some sites are hard to back into and require much work to get level."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure your chosen campground has a dump station, like Energy Lake Campground. One visitor said, "There was a dump station, trash and recycling near the campground entrance."

Camping near Barkley Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lake Barkley RV parks?

Eagles Nest RV Park offers premium amenities including concrete pads with full-service utility connections, individual patios, and cable TV hookups at each site. The park also provides laundry facilities and shower houses. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park accommodates RVs with water and electric hookups in a convenient location just off I-24. The resort area features additional amenities including a restaurant, convention facilities, and recreational opportunities. Other RV parks in the area typically offer water and electric hookups, with some providing full hookups, shower houses, boat ramps, and dock access to the lake.

Where are the best campgrounds around Lake Barkley for tent camping?

Boswell Landing Campground offers excellent tent camping with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake in a quieter section of the area. This backcountry site doesn't have electric hookups but does provide restroom facilities and access to nearby trails, making it ideal for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience. Hurricane Creek is another great option, tucked away with plenty of shade trees and its own boat ramp. The sites are well-spaced and the wooded setting creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for tent camping. For those seeking additional options, Energy Lake Campground near Cadiz offers both drive-in and hike-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets.

How much does camping cost at Lake Barkley campgrounds?

Camping costs around Lake Barkley vary by location and amenities. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, camping fees are moderate with different rates for water/electric sites versus more primitive options. The park offers various accommodations including campsites with lake views. Kenlake State Resort Park has comparable pricing to other state parks in the region, with electric sites typically ranging from $25-35 per night. For more budget-conscious options, basic camping areas like Ginger Bay offer more affordable rates or even free camping in some cases. Most campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays, and state parks may have additional fees for premium waterfront locations or holiday periods.

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