Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Barren River Lake, KY is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Barren River Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.
$22 - $50 / night
"Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN."
"It's one of the few in the state where you can camp near the water and keep your kayaks or boat within a quick stroll."
$25 - $50 / night
"Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area offer many activities to suit anyone's desires."
"The bathrooms were very clean and also air conditioned, which was a nice treat for a few minutes to step out of the humid June heat. They were flush toilets."
"When we arrived, the check in process was very easy and staff were helpful and friendly. Ice and firewood can be purchased on site."
"The park was beautiful and a packet was ready since we arrived after 7:00pm. Our fire pit was littered with trash. I notified the office the next morning however it was not cleaned during our stay."
$34 - $50 / night
"The Narrows Recreation Area is off Ky 31E outside Glasgow, Ky.
This is Redneck farm country at its best. Surprisingly I saw no signs for mud bogs though there were plenty of tractors and corn."
"Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming. Camphost is very nice."
"Bathrooms & showers are spacious, CLEAN, and they are air conditioned!
There are seasonal campers here for sure, but that wasn't a negative. The campground is quiet and well maintained."
"This is a small campground right near the entrance of Mammoth Cave NP. It was nice being so close with plenty of hiking options. Bathrooms were clean, laundry was fine."
"Made it less than enjoyable sitting by the beautiful fire pit provided. Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was."
"This was a nice KOA, but some sites were small with all sites having very small fire pits made from only old tire wheels."
"I like the back in sites with shade and a small patio to set up on. They have small asphalt pads so you will get your backing skills tested."
$25 - $40 / night
"The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents."
"It was on the water and at night we had our campfire in the nice fire pit while overlooking the water. Very serene. The campground doesn’t have a ton of sites and they are spaced out quite well."
"It had a gorgeous view of the Kentucky hills. Full hook up.
The sites all looked very nice. They had teepees, covered wagons & a couple of treehouses. A nice area for tents as well."
"They have recently built a new bath house and it’s awesome. It has rooms that each have a toilet, sink and shower. Total privacy! Nice and clean as well. Big points for this amenity."
$25 - $99 / night
"Pros;
This is a simple little campground near Mammoth Cave. The owner is super nice and friendly."
"Very close to mammoth cave and a few others, plus lots of hiking."
TravelerWhat can I say, but Bailey's is our happy little piece of paradise! I've camped here since I was in my early 20s in tents, to camping in a camper in my 40s. Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN. Bailey's is a large campground but it's not usually crowded with loud, obnoxious people. There's nearly a camaraderie here between the campers and while everyone is friendly, they tend to keep to themselves. We like loops B and C the best for a combo of waterfront views and shade trees. Something about watching the moonlight sparkle on the lake with a warm, crackling fire nearby. Bailey's is it!
ScoutLove this campground. It's one of the few in the state where you can camp near the water and keep your kayaks or boat within a quick stroll. It also has welcome shade in almost every sIte which helps during the hot humid days of summer. A beautiful park during the fall with all the changing colors on the numerous trees, too. Barren River Lake is peaceful and serene to camp alongside. Facilities are well kept including bathhouses, park areas, laundry, roads and sites. Pet friendly. Online reservations are convenient. A favorite place just an hour from Bowling Green, KY.
LegendMammoth Cave and the surrounding area offer many activities to suit anyone's desires. There are several competitive runs (5K and up) almost every weekend in the surrounding communities, and several are hosted in Mammoth Cave park itself. There is also the opportunity to go "caving", and you can walk through the caverns, and there are numerous hiking trails. Mammoth Cave offers tent, RV, and cabin camping - just be aware the cabins have running water, but no kitchens or air conditioning.
RangerWhen we arrived, the check in process was very easy and staff were helpful and friendly. Ice and firewood can be purchased on site. The efficiency cabin we stayed in was very clean and just perfect for 4 people. The cabin had a bunk bed and a futon bed. The kitchen had a small stove, sink and fridge. The bathroom was small but had a shower and toilet. There was a fire pit and picnic table. The jump pad was fun for the kids. The mini golf course needed a little cleaning/maintenance for the rocks and leaves on the course. The planned fall activities were so much fun for my kids. They did painting, bingo and games. All the staff we came in contact with were friendly. The cabin was situated in a convenient location to all activities. Our stay for this trip was awesome and I would recommend staying at this campground in the fall.
GuideQuiet and laid back. The bathrooms were very clean and also air conditioned, which was a nice treat for a few minutes to step out of the humid June heat. They were flush toilets. There was potable water right by the bathrooms. There were no showers but if you drove right outside the campground in the park there was coin operated showers and laundry room. There was also a camp store and post office. There were trails that ran through the campground and ones right outside in the park. During the day you could schedule tours to the caves which was a great view.
GuideWe booked a group site and had 3 tents. It’s very woodsy and tranquil. Bathrooms were close by and air conditioned too! The showers are in the general store building where the post office is so a short walk or drive there. It’s coin operated with a change machine for bills. $1.50 to turn the shower on and insert more coins before it turns off for additional time if needed. The park is amazing and there’s lots of trails that lead to caves and cave openings. All the cave tours within the park were fully booked when we went so we booked some private tours outside the park in the surrounding area. Lots of opportunities to see caves! We stayed for two nights and did some star gazing! Overall great campground and facilities. They also have a kennel for a small fee at the park lodge if you bring your pet and you’re going in a cave tour whether in the park or outside of it. Pets are generally not allowed in caves. Just confirm pet is vaccinated.
LegendThe Narrows Recreation Area is off Ky 31E outside Glasgow, Ky.
This is Redneck farm country at its best. Surprisingly I saw no signs for mud bogs though there were plenty of tractors and corn.
The Narrows are located on Barren River Lake. The area offers a Boatramp with day use area including a large pavilion, playground, single picnic sites, restroom and nature trail. Directly below the parking area is a large marina.
Co-located is The Narrows Campground. A mid-size , two loop area with beach, all electric sites and sand volleyball court.
A loop has mostly shaded sites, the outer loop has more space between sites. A loop sites do not have direct water access but you can walk down to the beach.
B loop has several sites that have direct water access and you can "park" your boat nearby. Many of the sites are not level so bring your blocks.
GuideWe were nervous about our tent fitting on the pad.....but we could have fit 4 tents on the pad. There was a picnic table, tree coverage, and close to the bathrooms. It was muggy outside, but the bathrooms were air conditioned! There were 2 stalls and 2 sinks, but it was clean. Showers, laundry, and post office are located by the store. You have to pay $1.00 for 4 minutes. There was a storm that blew in the night we stayed, but there were plenty of drains under the pad. It was quiet, clean, and spacious. I wanna go back....like today.
TravelerWe have camped here for many years and all the sites are great. Checkin is quick and staff is friendly, helpful. We love that our boat can be moored into a cove very near site. Always beautiful views of Barren River Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Barren River Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Barren River Lake is Baileys Point with a 4.8-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Barren River Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Barren River Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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