Top Tent Camping near Barkley Lake

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Best Tent Sites Near Barkley Lake, KY (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Barkley Lake

523 Reviews of 29 Barkley Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Paris Landing State Park Campground
    August 31, 2024

    Paris Landing State Park Campground

    Close to marina

    Close to the marina it's a hard walk uphill both ways to the bathroom but they are very nice and well kept. Big open areas for children to play overall very good state park campground

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area
    August 8, 2024

    Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    Nice spot on the water

    A few sites at a boat launch area.

    One large site before the main turnaround point and a couple by the water.

    Not a ton of space.

    4x4 or awd may come in handy leaving the sites (going back up the gravel hill)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bay Campground
    August 7, 2024

    Sugar Bay Campground

    Swimming in the lake and eat lunch on the campsite

    Only stay for several hours,haven't spent the night yet,that will be planned next

  • Camper-submitted photo from Taylor Bay Campground
    July 18, 2024

    Taylor Bay Campground

    Beautiful LBL site

    This is lakefront with a vault toilet and no running water. On a Wednesday night everything was quiet and peaceful. It is a self serve campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground
    June 28, 2024

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground

    Beautiful Modern Campground with lots of activities

    Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike. Lots to do for kids - bike paths, basketball court, multiple playgrounds, etc. Beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, nice campground store.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lock A
    June 20, 2024

    Lock A

    “Best Value”

    Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept. Great Starlink access.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Aurora Oaks Campground
    June 14, 2024

    Aurora Oaks Campground

    Nice, quiet and clean

    We stayed here in our tent. The lady who checked us in was exceptionally nice and the campsites were clean quiet and shady. The restrooms were spick and span. We would certainly stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bumpus Mills
    June 11, 2024

    Bumpus Mills

    An Okay Campground

    If you want a small affordable campground this is your place. The shower house could use for some regular cleaning. I’m not sure it was cleaned at all the time we were there. Not much to do in the area but fish unless you really want to explore outside of the campground.

    I learned after our time there our site is the worst with bugs. I thought the bugs were just extra because it had rained a lot but a friend told me to never book that site bc the bugs are always backs there. Our site also gets all the rain drained from the upper site. When we checked in the host did prepare us our site would flood for a few areas since rain was expected.

    The sunsets were fabulous!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Redd Hollow
    May 7, 2024

    Redd Hollow

    Clean, quiet, beautiful

    Stayed 2 nights. Nearly empty, but we’ll kept camp. Best sunsets!!! Lake is beautiful. Many many lakeside spots. Lots of room.

  • Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Barkley Canal Campground
    April 24, 2024

    COE Lake Barkley Canal Campground

    Nice campground, disgusting bathroom.

    Primitive campground with electric and water, who knew. Nice sites well kept. Showers were disgusting, drain had accumulated crud. Sinks also gross.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
    April 10, 2024

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Campground near the dam.

    We camped here with our pups to see the eclipse in Paducah. The area is not really pretty or scenic. You can walk to the dam from the campground but it's nothing super special to see. There is dead fish laying around everywhere and it also smells like it. The campsites are very confusing. There is no map anywhere, except online. Sometimes you can't even read the numbers on the piles. The bathhouse was pretty ok. It was cleaned daily and always stocked. The water pressure was very low. Our camp host was super awesome and nice. There are also no hiking trails close by. The town of Paducah was worth a visit, otherwise we would not camp there again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access
    April 9, 2024

    Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

    Quite, Private.

    Very nice campground, better than what I expected. We stayed at site 20 with a 36' travel trailer we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site.  Cravens Bay is secluded and about a 2 mile drive off the main road running through LBL.

    There is a attendant at the site that you have to check in with first who will let you know what sites are available and pay after you have chosen your site and settled in.  The attendant station did have some snacks for sale as well ice, also in the event that you may need assistance with any problems at you camp site or even with your camper the attendant more than likely has the tools to help you.

    The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow.  Cravens Bay basically breaks down into two areas, the low ground (first sites upon entering) and the high ground (sites further in at the top of the hill), there are some sites scattered in-between these two areas but for the most part the largest campsites areas are the high and low ground sites.  The sites in-between the two high and low ground areas are very private and two are definitely secluded.

    We stay three days and during that time other than the occasional fisherman or the attendant driving by it was definitely very private and quite.  There were some seasonal campers there who were very helpful and friendly (even cut up some timber for us to burn).  

    If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming.  Defiantly for the nature lovers out there, nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
    April 8, 2024

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Great overnight!

    We called from the road to get an overnight stop - the staff were super nice both on the phone and in person. When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road. Normally, when we camp we arrive so late it’s impossible to take advantage of area attractions so we decided to go and can I tell you, it was awesome!!! The theater accommodated our camper and the food (cheese fries especially) at the snack stand was great. As far as the campground, our site was a bit hilly but we had a nice view of the lake and close proximity to the playground. My kids also enjoyed the pool. Solid place to overnight!

  • Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS-326
    April 7, 2024

    LBL FS-326

    Lovely, quiet spot!

    This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time. Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!! The ground was flat and there was a lot of room. We were just passing through and needed somewhere quiet to sleep after two days of driving. There is a lot to do in this area! I hope I got the location right… it wouldn’t let me add the exact coordinates I saved when I was there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    March 28, 2024

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    Several Nice Spots

    I stayed at two difderent spots in March 2024. You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Both spots had fire pits

  • Camper-submitted photo from Energy Lake Campground
    March 7, 2024

    Energy Lake Campground

    Serene bliss at the lake

    We had so much fun at Energy Lake Campground. We were only able to stay one night but it was the reset we needed. Our pups loved it too! Bathrooms were clean, electricity worked great and the view was STELLAR! Super easy check in and check out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cypress Lakes RV Park
    February 25, 2024

    Cypress Lakes RV Park

    Looks are deceiving

    Mostly seasonal and permanent with a few spots for weekly and overnight. All sites are level, gravel with concrete patios and fire rings. The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately. Laundry is 1.50 per machine and the showers are large and clean. Interstate 24 is half a mile from this campground and some of the best restaurants in the area are within walking distance.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Loretta Lynn's Ranch
    February 23, 2024

    Loretta Lynn's Ranch

    Lots of options

    I love Loretta Lynn's! Lots of options for all types of camping. They have equestrian spots, RV spots, tent spots, and cabins for rent. Plus so much to do on the property! Can get busy on holiday weekends when the weather is nice or if they are doing any events there! Otherwise you can easily find a spot here!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground
    December 9, 2023

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Great dispersed campground

    Great dispersed campground. Approx 1-1/2 miles off the highway down a one lane gravel road. Approx 30 sites. Sites are gravel and pretty level. At least half of the sites have a view of the lake. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Definitely would like to go back and camp there again. Were there with a 26 foot towable.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Energy Lake Campground
    November 13, 2023

    Energy Lake Campground

    Very Noisy and Camp Sites Stacked Closely

    We usually start camping in November since the campgrounds are usually getting closer to empty. This place was packed with people hunting and fishing. The camp sites are so close together that you can hear the people talking at their campsite next to you even when they are talking at a very calm conversational level. People were letting their kids run wild until about 10pm then you could hear a pin drop it got so quiet. However, by 3 am the place starts hopping. People getting in and out of their cars, doors closing and cars driving off in the gravel, RV doors opening and closing, gravel crunching under foot as people walk to and from the bathroom. Two women stood outside our tent (but at their camp site) at 5am chatting it up and opening and closing and opening and closing the car doors for over half an hour. If you can function on 5 hours of sleep and don't mind hearing everything everyone around you says in clear detail it isn't a bad place. The bathrooms are clean and warm in the winter.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cravens Bay Campground
    November 3, 2023

    Cravens Bay Campground

    Super nice campground.

    We basically had the place to ourselves. Just a couple boat launchers was it. Dark skies, lots of stars. There are seasonal showers, ice and firewood sales. Boat ramps, day use areas... it was really nice. I would definitely come back here again. Good cell coverage too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Bay Campground
    November 3, 2023

    Sugar Bay Campground

    Very nice

    We stayed here November 2023, site 9 up on the hill. Nice and quiet, beautiful stars at night and good cell service if you needed it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Eureka
    October 8, 2023

    Eureka

    Just Great!

    Some of the most beautiful waterfront sites we’ve been to. Most of the water sites were very big, with several being huge. Lots of separation between most of them, fresh gravel, mostly level. Some of the sites are elevated and the pads have nice guardrails so that kids can’t access the rip rap and fall. Very quiet when we were there, and hosts were great as well. Had Consumere Cellular and mostly had 2 bars, easily enough to stream.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barkley Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barkley Lake is Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Barkley Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Barkley Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.