134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Benton, Kentucky center around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The region includes established campgrounds like Hillman Ferry, Sugar Bay, and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds feature waterfront access, while others are nestled in wooded settings. Several locations accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to luxury glamping experiences, with most concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Benton.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in this area, with most campgrounds operating from March through October or November. Kentucky Lake Resort, Hillman Ferry, and Kentucky Dam Village maintain facilities that support both short-term visitors and extended stays. Water and electric hookups are standard at most established sites, while some primitive areas offer vault toilets only. Summer weekends typically see high occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront locations. "This is a nice campground for RV camping, especially if boating and fishing are your interest. There is a nice swimming beach and beautiful views," noted one visitor about Birmingham Point Campground.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with multiple campgrounds offering direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Land Between the Lakes area provides extensive outdoor recreation opportunities beyond camping, including hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and water sports. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at Hillman Ferry Campground. According to one camper, "This is our favorite family campground. They have everything except a pool. Biking, hiking, horseshoes, disc golf, nice bath facilities, swimming, boating, fishing, it's all there!" Camp stores and marinas at many locations offer supplies and rentals. Sites with lake views tend to book quickly, especially during holiday weekends and summer months when the region experiences peak visitation.
"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."
"Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."
"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."
from $20 - $256 / night
Check Availability"Paducah is a cute little city in Kentucky that my family and I love to visit whenever we get the chance. The town is really cool, and has that "old" town vibe. The buildings are beautiful."
"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."
"Set just a few miles off of I-24 in Kentucky, just two miles down the road from the Kentucky dam Village Resort Park, this is a great effort at trying to accommodate campers and RVs who don't want to stay"
"It's not in the quietest spot but well located to do and see things in the area. There is boating, fishing, swimming and more on Lake Kentucky nearby."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Only a 26 site park & only sites in the 20's are away from the water. Very hard to get reservations & when you can sites are limited. Locals book wasy in advance."
"Just 4 miles from highway 62 in Kuttawa, KY and it feels like another place in time. You can fish Lake Barkley from your campsite or just enjoy the waves washing up."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Nickell branch is a Backcountry area in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. This is a very primitive camping that is first come first serve."
"Nickel branch is the first campground on the north end of Land between the Lakes. the sites are maintained fairly well. There is a boat ramp, a basic outhouse, and good place to swim or fish."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"We were able to pull right up to the lake and secure our own private area, major score there. Road leading into the camp does have a few dips here and there one needs to be aware of."
"The lake is just down the road from our campsite and there is a trailhead bathroom right at the boat ramp! The campsite itself is pretty enclosed, but there is no fire pit or electrical access."
"Great campground with beautiful nearby walking trails. A short drive to the observatory and bison prairie. We would go for a lake view site next time."
"And, after driving through the entire campground the next day, we decided it was the best site in the whole park for our size rig!"
"There is a porta-john near the lake level sites and a pit toilet near the hill side sites."
"I had a site on the lower side near the lake, I knew there was some rain forecast, but there was a ditch next to my site that I assumed would handle any runoff from the hill above. I was wrong."
GuideYou’re tucked away by this pond connected to the lake system. The campsite is up in the woods a little bit and is on a slight slope, but nothing major. 0 Service for Verizon and T-mobile, but at&t had a little service. Apple maps said there would be a hike to the campsite, but that’s not true, it is a road that just hasn’t been recognized yet.
GuideSite 44 sits under a beautiful tree with shade most of the day. The bathrooms are clean as are the insides of the washers and dryers. There is only 1 other camper here yet cars and golf carts are often driving through the campground. A bit unsettling.
ScoutThere are only a few open sites here. The majority are year round campers. You can’t see the lake from most of the campground. Staff was very nice and helpful
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
ScoutAwesome campsite rented a cabin we brought are dogs so we had to find a location that excepted pets and they were the ones who were friendly and awsome definitely recommend if u want a place to go this is the place
LegendBefore arrival, we received a helpful confirmation email with clear directions for entering the campground, although the turn was easy with our 40-foot fifth wheel. Check-in was exceptionally friendly—we were even welcomed by a fellow Brinkley owner—and escorted to pull-through Site A6 with full hookups. The utilities were easy to reach, and water pressure was good. We were pleasantly surprised to learn we could park our truck anywhere, even on the grass. Starlink would be questionable because of the mature trees, but the campground's Wi-Fi was better than most we have experienced at around 50 Mbps download and 24 Mbps upload. We had two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, while our T-Mobile Home Internet work well. The upper A-loop pull-through sites are fairly level but somewhat close together. The terraced B, C, and D loops could be more challenging for larger rigs to maneuver, level, and exit. The campground also offers a fishing pond, cabins, tent sites, and a fenced dog park. Overall, this is a clean, well-maintained KOA Journey with friendly staff that worked very well for our overnight stay, and we would stay here again.
Campsites near Benton, Kentucky cluster around the region's two vast bodies of water: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, connected by a 1.75-mile-long canal. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills covered in hardwood forests that reach down to the shorelines. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 55-75°F. Most primitive camping areas require backwoods permits that cost $30 annually, available at visitor centers throughout Land Between the Lakes.
Paddleboarding with pets: At Hillman Ferry Campground, the protected coves provide calm waters for beginners. "I had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite. This is a large campground with lots of activities, but I didn't do any. We stayed right at the campsite," reports Maggie C.
Mountain biking on premier trails: Access established trail systems directly from your campsite. "A premier and amazing mountain bike trail system is accessible directly from campground! The Canal Loop Trail and North South Trails are well known and revered by area mountain bikers and hikers," notes Melissa T. from Hillman Ferry Campground.
Visit historic attractions: The Land Between the Lakes area contains several historic sites within a 30-minute drive of most campgrounds. "The area is feels like you stepped back in time. You'll never want to leave because everyone is so nice," writes Chris O. about his stay at Canal Campground.
Disc golf: Some campgrounds offer courses on-site. "There's also a disc golf course tucked back off the main road," mentions Meagan L. about Hillman Ferry Campground, making it an easy activity for all skill levels.
Lake views from elevated sites: Several campgrounds feature sites positioned on hills overlooking the water. "Site 64 was a bit difficult to back into but very level once you get in. I think it has some of the best views in the campground," shares Maggie C. about Hillman Ferry Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around campsites host diverse wildlife. "We stayed in the woods and saw lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," notes Jessica F. about Canal Campground.
Evening atmosphere: Fireflies create natural light shows during summer months. "We were there in late June and the fireflies lit up the woods like twinkling Christmas lights, it was magical!" shares a camper from Eureka Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, mid-week visits offer the most peaceful experience. "It looked like a lot of campers come in on weekend and leave camp site during week. So nice!" reports Tom E. about his stay at Hillman Ferry.
Seasonal flooding affects sites: Water levels can rise significantly after heavy rains. "I knew there was some rain forecast, but there was a ditch next to my site that I assumed would handle any runoff from the hill above. I was wrong. It rained rather heavily for about 4.5 hours and that little ditch couldn't handle it all," warns Eric K. from his experience at Sugar Bay Campground.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies widely across the region. "No WiFi or internet service. Cell signal in prior years have been spotty," notes a Hillman Ferry camper.
Insect preparation: Biting flies can be problematic in summer months. "There was so many biting flies. Literally drawing blood so my kids and family hated it," cautions Jesse S. about Sugar Bay Campground.
Campsite reservations: Popular waterfront sites book quickly, especially during warm months. "Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites," advises Shelly S. about Canal Campground.
Look for designated swimming areas: Some campgrounds maintain beaches specifically for swimming. "There is a swimming beach and beautiful views," reported a visitor about Birmingham Point Campground, though facilities vary in quality. "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach," notes Nichole M. about Energy Lake Campground.
Playground quality varies: Inspect playground facilities before booking if traveling with small children. "The playground is old with just a metal slide and swings," mentions Erin R. about Energy Lake Campground.
Choose campgrounds with recreational programs: Several sites offer organized activities. "We stayed during Outdoor Kids Fest was the best. A wonderful campground with extremely welcoming and helpful staff from the minute we pulled up," shares Kerrie F. about her experience at Hillman Ferry.
Bring bikes: Most campgrounds feature paved or packed gravel roads suitable for cycling. "Very family friendly and lots of kids riding bikes and playing everywhere!" notes Melissa T. about Hillman Ferry.
Extension cord requirements: Many sites position electrical hookups far from parking pads. "Electric hook up a bit far from camper. Needed to buy extension for 30-50 amp hookup," cautions a camper at Kenlake State Resort Park.
Site leveling challenges: Most campgrounds feature hilly terrain requiring substantial leveling. "Not level? Not so much. Unless you are a master truck driver, and pull a trailer less than 24', you are in trouble backing into most sites," warns a Kenlake camper.
Shared utility pedestals: Some campgrounds use shared utilities for multiple sites. "Sites on outer perimeter have water and electric, just bring enough hose and cords to hook up... they are on shared pedestals," advises Lawrence P. about Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads can be narrow and winding. "The access road to the site is very winding and somewhat narrow for a large rig," notes a camper about Eureka Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Benton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Benton, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Benton, KY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Benton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benton, KY is Hillman Ferry Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Benton, KY.
What parks are near Benton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Benton, KY that allow camping, notably Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Barkley Lake.
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