For those who want to experience Burkesville, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Burkesville, KY. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping near Burkesville.
Mammoth Cave Campground puts campers in a prime spot to explore the depths and overland treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is an underground passageway containing more than 400 miles of naturally sculpted limestone and sandstone. It is the longest recorded cave system in the world. The grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways were the inspiration behind the park's name. The campground doubles as an entry point to 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. It's also a five minute walk to the visitor center, where cave tours begin.
A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.
The campground is tucked inside Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts scenic valleys along the Green River. The river is within walking distance of the camp, and the hilly Kentucky countryside expands beyond the valley. Deer and turkeys commonly stroll around the campground, so visitors are likely to see them grazing in the early morning and at dusk.
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment.Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions.
For local information, please call (270) 758-2424 or call (270) 758-2180 for general information.
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$25 - $50 / night
Kendall Campground is located at 80 Kendall Road, south of Jamestown, Kentucky, just below Wolf Creek Dam, which forms beautiful Lake Cumberland. Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. Kendall Campground offers visitors convenient access to a cold water trout stream, making it a popular fishing destination. The stream is well-stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Whispering Pines Trail, located within the campground, is a non-strenuous trail approximately half a mile long.
The campground overlooks the river, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
Wolf Creek Dam National Fish Hatchery is within walking distance of the campground. It is open year-round and offers free tours to the public and an excellent Environmental Education Center. Click here for more information. Lake Cumberland State Park is just 6.5 miles from the campground. This beautiful park offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mini golf, disc golf and boat rentals. Birders enjoy the park for its exceptional viewing prospects of raptors, songbirds and waterfowl. Grider Hill Marina and Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. Jamestown Marina & Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. State Dock Marina is 8 miles away, with boat rentals, snack bar and general store.
$16 - $60 / night
Bailey's Point campground is the largest of the Army Corps of Engineers' campgrounds on Barren River Lake. This campground offers several waterfront campsites with scenic views of the lake. Though the campground is one of the largest, you won't know it. There is room to roam, five camping loops with diverse scenery, and private coves for swimming or mooring your boat. You are sure to find a site that's your escape to nature and relaxation. View a virtual tour of Barren River Lake.
Baileys Point has a boat ramp for access to prime fishing, water skiing and boating. Several islands in proximity to the campground are great for a quick picnic getaway by boat. Birding is also a popular activity with a variety of species including kestrels, indigo buntings, bald eagles and at night you can hear the calls of barred owls. Hikers can explore the C.E. Rager Nature Trail and the Robert Foster Hiking Trail. Robert Foster Hiking Trail gives you the opportunity to see the diversity of trees Kentucky has to offer and the C.E. Rager Nature trail is a nice short stroll along the shoreline of the lake. Great for poking around and possibly seeing the resident white squirrel of Baileys Point!
The 10,000-acre lake is hugged by wooded hillsides in south-central Kentucky. With scenic views from almost every campsite, it's sure to make for a memorable camping experience.
Across the lake from Baileys Point is the Barren River Lake State Resort Park, host of the Glasgow Highland Games. Other ramps and marinas close by are Port Oliver, Peninsula, and The Narrows. Not far away are other attractions such as the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, Diamond Caverns, and many other day trips within reach. Visitors can explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.
Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your sites or dates. Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
$22 - $50 / night
Lillydale Campground and Recreation Area is located along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee.
Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Secluded tie-ups are located around the shore, offering campers a peaceful nature experience. The campground is surrounded by a dense canopy of forest, and a hiking trail snakes through the landscape and along the lake shore. Lillydale hosts the best lake view of any campground on Dale Hollow Lake, with the most waterfront campsites. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail that ascends to a ridge-top and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. The trail is ideal for birders and wildflower enthusiasts. This trail connects both Lillydale and Willow Grove Campgrounds and can be accessed via the trailhead located at the campground.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. Centrally located on Dale Hollow near the Tennessee-Kentucky State boarder, Lillydale was named one of the National Recreation Reservation Service's Top Ten Most Scenic Campgrounds to visit. In the late fall through early spring, the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. For a short time surrounding the Labor Day holiday, Purple Martins put on quite a show as thousands of these birds darken the evening sky. Needing to roost, they are using the small island adjacent to Lillydale campground as a layover during their migration south.
The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is located about 32 miles from the campground. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). Day of arrival cancellations or adjustments must be made by calling the park. A customer who cancels a standard campsite reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Customers who cancel a group overnight campsite reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation (picnic shelter) less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the campground. Early departures must depart and drop their tag before the checkout time in order to receive a refund for the unused day.
$18 - $50 / night
Dale Hollow Damsite is a quiet, peaceful campground in the green hills of Tennessee. The campground is a popular area for families, with an abundance of amenities and recreational activities available. In the late fall through early spring the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake. Secluded tie-ups are located around the shore, offering campers a peaceful nature experience. A one-mile paved walking and biking trail winds through forest, along streamside and past a rolling meadow. The Red Oak Ridge Trail is about nine miles away and hosts 18 miles of trails, mainly developed for horseback riding, but the area is available to hikers as well. The Accordian Bluff Hiking Trail is a 7.5 mile one-way trail which ascends to a ridge-top and back down to the shoreline of Dale Hollow Lake. It is an ideal trail for birders and wildflower enthusiasts and connects both Lillydale and Willow Grove Campgrounds. Trail access is located approximately 30 miles from Dale Hollow Dam Campground.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities.
The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery sits adjacent to the campground. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). Day of arrival cancellations or adjustments must be made by calling the park. A customer who cancels a standard campsite reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Customers who cancel a group overnight campsite reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation (picnic shelter) less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the campground. Early departures must depart and drop their tag before the checkout time in order to receive a refund for the unused day.
$32 - $75 / night
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park.
Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
$30 - $35 / night
Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, Smith Ridge Campground is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Click here for the Green River Lake Virtual Tour.
With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake. Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region.
Green River Lake encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors.
Between 05/12/2023 and 09/10/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (270) 789-2743 to speak with local staff. From 12/15/2022 to 05/11/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (270) 465-4463 for general information.
The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Historical Civil War Atkinson-Griffin Log Cabin are located only a short 13.5 miles from Smith Ridge near the Green River Lake Dam . Several historical attractions and National Parks are located within an hour of Green River Lake, including the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Mammoth Cave National Park.
Customers who change their dates outside the original reservation date (i.e., different week or month) will incur a $10 change fee. No-Shows are charged a $20.00 plus the first nights use fee.
$20 - $36 / night
This recreation area is part of Dale Hollow Lake
$8 - $20 / night
Traveler
The campground has all of the glamping necessities. Water hook-up, electrical, dumping station, clean hot water showers, etc. It's pet friendly and the campground is very clean. The location is excellent for those who love rock climbing (sport and trad), easy and moderate level hiking, white water kayaking, or maybe want to spend a day or two also doing some backcountry camping. There are bears and other curious wildlife so make sure to keep your stuff in the provided bear boxes!
LegendWe camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground is actually not in Tennessee. It's located on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork. The campsites have a picnic table and a firepit. Our campsite was very nice and private with a big grassy area. The bathhouse was nice and clean. There are hiking trails nearby and access to a small mining village. We would definitely camp here again.
Legend
The Narrows
The Narrows at Barren River Resort Park , Kentucky is a nice, well maintained campground. If you are a fisher person this is a campground for you. Within walking distance of the Marina, nice shaded sites and room to spread out. A cool feature in the sites is a fish cleaning table as well as fire ring and picnic table. Another nice feature is the campground is off the main road to the marina. Unfortunately there aren’t any hiking trails , however bike riding in the campground is an option and there’s an interesting sunken basketball court.
Legend
This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves. You will find a clean campground as well clean facilities. The sites are relatively close but plenty of space for familiy party's.
Theres many activities to be had here but obviously mammoth cave is what it's all about. After driving past mammoth caves for years we finally decided to stop camp and explore. It was worth every penny. The cave, although geared to tourist is still rediculous. Apparently one of the biggest cave systems in the word. You will enjoy your time here. It's crazy to think your in Kentucky when you in there...we'll except for the accents.
Cheers!
Guide
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.
We had a new site, 6, totally paved and great view of the conestoga wagons and pastures. Came with a movable fire pit and nice picnic table. I think it’s the best site.
Our main issue was the dump station, horrible layout. What takes us maybe 10 minutes took over 25. Plan ahead or decide to dump elsewhere.
The area around the KOA is a bit suspect. You can see an adult store, pass a confederate store on the way into the KOA and have business that are abandoned . While the KOA cannot prevent these things it’s worth noting for travelers. The KoA is a 4 star, if I factored in the area it would be a 3.
Easy trip down to Mammoth Cave. Very close to Hidden River and Kentucky Down Under.
LegendWe stayed at this KOA many years ago on our way home. I again needed an overnight stop on our way home & booked here again. WOW! things have changed.
We got a fabulous patio site that was twice the size of our camper. 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.
The pond is catch & release.
The pool wasn't open yet.
The bathrooms were outstanding! Recently remodeled? Clean as well.
They had a nice camp store I really didn't get to explore.
So many activities for kids.
The worst thing I can say about it is there is highway noise from I-65, but really I feel we've had worse.
Looks like a nice base camp for the surrounding area.
Thanks office ladies for the Derby pie!
LegendAlum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.
I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.
If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.
The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.
The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.
The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.
Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.
This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)
LegendI went to Mammoth Cave National Park the first time as a child with my family in the 70’s. I took my children to Mammoth in the 90’s. And I have lived within 45 minutes of Mammoth for the last 10 years. The only time during the last 10 years I was not at the Park at least monthly was during my deployment and when the government shutdown in 2013.
In all that time I have visited the cave maybe 10 times. Spelunking was the most exhilarating visit. Make sure you check out the tour offerings online https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/gocavetours.htm well before your visit and reserve a place. If you wait until your visit you will probably have a hard time getting past the cathedral.
All the other visits were spent enjoying all the other things there are to do at Mammoth.
First and foremost is the camping. Mammoth has a campground adjacent to the Visitors Center which is basic except for two sites. There are reservable as well as walk up sites. A store, showerhouse, laundry and post office are co-located at the front of the campground and there are toilet facilities in the campground. I used the access points in the campground to hike some of the trails and walk to the visitors center.
An aspect that I have just recently started exploring are the several dispersed camp sites throughout the park. These are free but you must check in at the Lodge before hiking to them. A good , waterproof map is key.
In addition at Maple Springs on the far side of the Green River Ferry ( yes, there is a cool little two car ferry) is the Maple Springs horse and group site camping area. Nice basic, shaded area with trailheads in the area.
Now that you have found your home for your stay what to do?
Kayaking/watercraft, fishing: several companies work the Green River. If you brought your own craft they will usually meet you at the Green River Ferry parking area and transport you up river for a nominal fee. Check ahead at least a day so they are tracking you and can coordinate.
Hiking, Trail Running, dirtbiking, , horse, Geocaching: My favorite trail run is from the main picnic area to the ferry, with several connectors. Just technical enough to keep you on your toes, definitely not a mountain but the hills and valleys give you good work out.
The Maple Springs Trailhead is the major access point for all things backpacking and horse back riding. It even has a handicap accessible horse “loading” area which is wheelchairs friendly.
If your going to geocache pre-save your coordinates and instructions cause there is no signal in the park. If you visit the restaurant at the lodge they have WiFi but it’s slloooowwwww. When we stay over I always try to do my site surfing first thing in the morning.
If you are dirt biking check your trails, some are limited access.
On our most recent visit we explored the new construction on the ferry trailhead. Pictures included.
Not Mammoth related or affiliated but a few things you may want to try while in the area:
http://www.kentuckywine.com/cave-valley-winery-at-park-mammoth-resort/
Guns and wine, can’t get much more Kentucky then that!
https://dinosaurworld.com/kentucky/
Dogs allowed ;)
Educational and fun, who knew!
http://mammothcave-adventures.com/
You will drop some green here but it is a lot of fun!
And there’s more ;) Happy Camping
LegendBig South Fork NRRA is definitely one of my favorite places in Tennessee. It stretches into Kentucky’s too. So much to do and see, and the hiking and camping is equal to the Smokies in my opinion, except there’s no crowds, no traffic, not many people! It’s great! There’s a few campgrounds in BSF, like Bandy Creek and Station Camp,and they are excellent spots, but the backcountry is where it’s at n the BSF! I have found so many excellent camp sites along the river and in the forest, and I’ve always been able to find one with plenty of privacy on any given weekend. There’s lots of hiking, 4-wheeling, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing, etc here. The possibilities are endless! The sounds at night are so peaceful and relaxing, and the lightning bugs put on quite a show in the summer! I tried to make a video, I don’t think you can see them, but you can hear the woods at night!
RangerNever a Dull Moment at Mammoth!
Campground/Park Review:
We first entered the park via the "secret" entrance, byway of a narrow road at the very north of the park, in which we had to take a single car automated ferry across the green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!
The Campground itself's best feature is its proximity to the main park attractions. It's a few minute walk to the visitor's center, from which you can catch daily tours of all types ranging from themed cave tours to botony forest walks and guided history walks. Our normally restless kids were so taken by the 2 hr cave tour that they remained in near total silence and awe as we tunneled through this slow moving guided cave walk. You've got to make a reservation for tours - be warned, they fill up quickly. I recommend making a reservation at least a week before in the busy season (March-Sept), although up to a couple days before, you can usually get in, albeit not at your ideal time, most likely. Adjoining the campground is a more than adequate camp store, with all the common items and a few groceries you may need while there. Across a short walkway from the visitors center is also 2 restaurants, if roasting dogs on the fire isn't you thing, one cafe style with an ice cream shop, and another more formal table service in the historical Lodge.
We went in April, one of the area's wetter months, and found the campsites to be well maintained, drained and free from debris. While no one enjoys wet camping, the great thing about this park is that the main attraction is always the same comforatable temp and weather year round - and you can spend a dry several hours while you avoid the rain spurts outside. The camping was quiet although crowded for spring break, sites were averagely spread apart (those near the front and the store had a bit more room) and included hook ups for campers. There's even a place to park your horse if horsecamping is something that interests you, very Kentucky, indeed. Bath houses are average but well maintained as all the park is.
Product Review:
Being a Dyrt Ranger, I sometimes have the chance to try out new products on our adventures. This time I was able to test out the Birler Axe by #CRTK.
As anyone who's ever had to camp in moist conditions will tell you, it's no fun having to cut through a damp piece of kindling or wood. While we could purchase dry firewood at the campground, we had to chop our own kindling, which we found dry on the inside and wet on the bark...the Birler cut threw it like butter.
It's compact size was easy to pack, and while I'd guess it weighs in at about just over a pound, and wouldn't be ideal for most backpackers, it was perfect for some average campsite wear. The quality was high, and it split a log like no body's business. There's enough heft behind it to make chopping easy, yet a short enough handle to maneuver. Balance was great. A leather sheath is sold separately, and while the axe comes with a rubber blade guard, is highly recommend a sheath for it as it's extremely sharp, unlike our old axe which had a hard time cutting through a carrot. We were the envy of the campground.
Guide
Lillydale sits on Dale Hollow Lake, which -- for some delightful reason -- has serious limits on development. This makes for green hillsides, clean water, minimal power boats, and very, very few houses or businesses along the shores.
The campground itself is clean and quiet. Hosts were very kind and helpful. Many of the sites back up to the lake; we were fortunate enough to find one of the lakeside sites, and just dropped our kayaks and paddleboards right into the water.
The lake has dozens of little "fingers" and "tendrils," making for great little coves to paddle, explore, or just find some peace and quiet.
We'll definitely be back!
TravelerOur family just returned from a 4-day stay at Lillydale and we couldn't have been more pleased. We stayed at site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone (the lake comes to a dead-end back by this row of campsites, so there isn't a lot of boat traffic). I felt completely comfortable with my kids swimming just off-shore next to our site. The campground was pristine - we saw staff members come around periodically cleaning out fire rings and blowing stray gravels back into the sites. There weren't many extra amenities - we noticed a playground and a few bathhouses with laundry available. There was no wifi or cable/TV connection and we had zero cell phone coverage (our carrier is T-Mobile). However, lack of television or ability to surf the web/social media really didn't bother us much. Our family of 4 (two adults, a teen and a tween) spent most of our time kayaking, biking, fishing, and swimming and were just fine with that.
I will note that the lack of connectivity, although refreshing, was a little terrifying for me simply for lack of text and calling ability - we left several animals back home and were nervous about problems with them or family not being able to get in touch with us, which is why I'm rating 4/5 stars. Other than that, this campground was perfection for us.
Our lot was gravel and almost perfectly level - we didn't have to do anything other than back in and connect our water and power. We loved the picnic table, and also the added grill and grate/grill over the fire ring! We used that a lot for cooking.
We have a rather unconventional RV (a converted school bus - @thesouthernskoolie on Instagram ), and had no problems with anyone in the campground - lots of positive curiosity from staff and other campers! With a school bus, sometimes you get weird reactions, but everyone here at Lillydale was wonderful. :)
If I could do anything different, I would have stayed at one of the paved sites (I believe they were 66-70, 72, and 73, as the gravels from our site certainly got tracked all through the bus.
We will definitely be back!
GuideThe tent camp sites on the island were aptly distanced from one another. The other campers seemed to have an unspoken sense of support. Multiple people offered ice, and even campground host offered to air up air mattresses.
There was plenty of driftwood on site to burn, but if you're going to cook all your meals, I'd bring charcoal or your own wood. Note: they have wood restrictions - heed those.
There was some noise at night from the boats, but nothing unmanageable or what I would consider a nuisance.
The island tent area is a park and walk and the campground has 2 carts for people to use.
The views from the island are unfathomably beautiful.
LegendI have camped twice at Lillydale campground both times on the island , which is primitive camping but has porta potty toilet hut. Nice sites all are lakeside, only drawback is that you have to park in the parking lot and use one of their carts to haul all your camping gear onto the island which can be quite a chore. Nice views and the site was very quiet in April. You can use the shower facilities in the main campground if needed.
TravelerWe stayed on the island (walk in spot) and it was quiet and had beautiful views right on the water. There are also toilets and water available on the island if needed.
Scoutfamily friendly
Traveler
Had a wonderful weekend at Kendall. Have heard it can be hard to get a reservation, and now I know why.
Most the spots are spacious and tree covered. Paved and gravel sights are the norm. Some sites looked to be 100 feet deep which offered great privacy. There are many buddy sites that would great for a group trip.
Lots of kids in the parks with nice playgrounds, open spaces to run and the Wolf Creek Hatchery to check out.
If you fish, the Cumberland River is right there plus Hatchery Creek. The lake also offers lakes fishing for those inclined.
A great time was had and we shall return!
ScoutThis is our second stay, have enjoyed both. Large sites, no antenna tv but we shouldn’t be doing that anyway. Plenty of places to walk, fish or boat.
GuideStayed on site #1. We had a tent and 2 vehicles and that’s about all you could fit on there. Maybe a small camper and tow vehicle would fit. National fish hatchery,Trout fishing, hiking and biking are available. Clean shower house and restrooms
TravelerWe loved this place! We were close to the trout stream and hatchery which was so much fun! Our site was shaded and cool also had a concrete pad and was very long. We were in the annex.
GuideStayed in site 8. Nice site. Fishing was good. Nice hiking trails.
GuideI had the only tent site. It was adequate but many stares up and down. No water no electricity. Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and quite. There is a snack shack outside the gate and they have bait. Good fishing lake and river.
LegendWe stayed for 6 nights on 2 sites, right next to the bath house. Laundry was free and on the back of the bath house (2 washers, 2 dryers). Bath house was clean. Showers were on a timer (60 seconds at a time, two levels/ pressures, one temperature, you get what you get and don’t pitch a fit). Lots of ticks but that was expected. Sites are good sized.
TravelerAfter spending a week or so at a commercial campground, it is such a Blessing to be back at a COE campground again! Nestled in the trees near the Cumberland Lake, and dam, this is a beautiful place to relax. We are in spot #71, adjacent to a small field where I saw 7 deer grazing, multiple squirrels near our spot, and beautiful cardinals feeding nearby. This campground provides electric and water at most sites, has two dump stations, level sites with gravel. and the Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery is adjacent to the campground. A great place to visit!
ScoutSpent the last 2 weeks of the season here and enjoyed our stay. We had daily deer visitors at our site and went trout fishing too. The walking trails around the brooke and campground were easy enough even for someone with limited mobility. I would ask COE to correct the women's handicap shower. The hand held shower head is missing even though there is a connection port for it. Shower house is not heated and it is extremely uncomfortable....Be prepared to keep pressing a button every 55 seconds to get water. In addition, there is no way to control water temperature for your shower. In my opinion, this is something that needs to be addressed. The washing machine was out of order.... And the ole sayin"treat things as you would your own" comes to mind and it would be our hope that people would see the benefit in keeping things nice for all to use. The camp host made rounds on the golf cart every few hrs....which is appreciated:) UPDATE: Now both washers have been removed from the annex campground....and we have a week left. Kinda of a crappy thing to do to people....with no warning.
LegendKendall Rec Area is an all in one recreational haven with the fisher folk in mind.
Outside Jamestown,Ky on Rt 127 it is easy to find and well worth the drive.
The Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery is in the same area below the dam of Lake Cumberland. There were several people fishing along the small stream that feeds into the tailwater of the dam.
The dam power plant is adjacent the entrance to the recreation area. There is a rental store that had kayaks and bikes , not far from the boat ramp that offered easy access to the river with a float plan map and fees clearly displayed.
The campground has two areas. A two loop area with water access and the annex was smaller and set back from the water but in the same area as the fishing stream. Both were crowded.
There is a nice pavilion, a nature trail and a small playground.
LegendKendall Campground below the dam at Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery this is a busy place. A very well maintained and newer area/facilities.
The campground is split into the area closest the boat ramp with an A and B loop and an annex that is near the fishing stream that runs from the Hatchery.
The main Campground offered shaded camp sites with some privacy. There were metal stairs down to the river and large enough sites for people to park their boat there.
The annex was smaller and not shaded, almost like a truck stop with the sites stacked one after the next.
The area offers all manner of outdoor entertainment leaning more toward the water. There is plenty of pavement to bike on, a short gravel trail that connects the two campground and a nice picnic/ pavilion area.
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