Barkley Lake in Kentucky covers over 57,900 acres with 1,004 miles of shoreline, offering water-based recreation near the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Water levels typically fluctuate between winter and summer pool heights, with elevation differences of approximately 5 feet between seasons. RV camping options remain open throughout these seasonal changes, with most campgrounds operating from early spring through mid-November.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Birmingham Point Campground offers excellent fishing access directly from the campground. "We enjoyed the lake view from our site plus we saw deer and eagles in the CG during our overnight stay," notes one visitor about the wildlife viewing opportunities that complement fishing activities.
Water recreation: Tanglewood Campground and RV Resort provides 60 concrete pad sites close to prime boating areas. This newer facility features amenities specifically designed for boaters accessing Barkley Lake, with full hookup capabilities supporting extended stays during peak fishing seasons.
Nature observation: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. At Birmingham Point, visitors report regular sightings of "deer and eagles in the CG" making it ideal for nature photographers. The shoreline access points allow for bird watching throughout the day.
What campers like
Level sites: Eagles Nest RV Park receives consistent praise for their concrete pads. "Each pad is concrete and has its own patio and plenty of shade trees," notes one camper, highlighting the practical benefits for RV setup and stability.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the maintenance standards at Cypress Lakes RV Park. "Very clean facilities and lovely people! We'd stay again," reports one visitor, while another mentions "the showers are large and clean" — important considerations for extended stays.
Friendly atmosphere: The welcoming environment appears consistently across reviews. At Cypress Lakes, visitors note, "The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately," while at Eagles Nest, "Our campground hosts Shirley and Bobby were just phenomenal. Helpful, kind, and friendly."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Barkley Lake RV campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with specific schedules varying. Birmingham Point Campground runs from "Mar 15 - Nov 15," requiring advance planning for early or late season visits.
Site variations: At Indian Point RV Park, "Transient camping is in the hollow, seasonal camping is up the hill," with a reviewer noting limited spaces for temporary visitors despite water and electric hookups being available.
Dump station considerations: Some campgrounds have dump stations in challenging locations. At Indian Point, one reviewer cautions the dump station "could be on the wrong side of the road if you don't know which way to pull out for it to be on the correct side for your RV - and located in an area that could present a steep hill and curve to navigate to it."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Venture River RV Park offers family-friendly facilities adjacent to water recreation. "We would stay here again and bring the cousins to play at the water park," notes one visitor, highlighting the convenience for families with children.
Swimming options: Several Barkley Lake RV campgrounds feature swimming areas. Birmingham Point has "a nice swimming beach" according to visitors, while Cypress Lakes campers mention that "the kids enjoyed the playground and the reservoir is really beautiful."
Activity planning: When staying at Cypress Lakes RV Park, families find plenty of structured recreation. "Lots of fun activities on Holiday weekends throughout the summer season," mentions one reviewer, while another notes it's "very busy with activities. Great if you have kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Outback RV Resort, visitors recommend selecting sites carefully. "The gravel site with a picnic table and fire pit was long enough for our 39' 5th wheel and our F-450," notes one RVer, showing adequate space for larger rigs.
Utility considerations: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. At Outback RV Resort, campers report "good water pressure and no issues with the utilities," while noting "3 bars on Verizon" for cell service — important information for remote workers.
Access challenges: Some RV sites around Barkley Lake require careful navigation. At Birmingham Point, one visitor cautions about site 25: "We would not recommended trying to anything longer than a 38' rig into the site due to the turn to get out," highlighting the importance of researching access before arrival.
