Campers visiting Burkesville, Kentucky can access several public campgrounds around Green River Lake and Dale Hollow Lake. These areas typically receive 45-50 inches of rainfall annually, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F. Winter camping near Burkesville remains available at select year-round facilities, though most campgrounds in Cumberland County operate seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Fishing at Green River Lake: Green River Lake Smith Ridge offers excellent fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "Loved it! I've been to a couple of CoE campgrounds before but this is now my favorite one. I had Site 31 right beside the Woodland Trail entrance but you're pretty close to the lake (the boat ramp is about a 1/2 mile as the crow flies)," shares one camper.
Hiking on woodland trails: The area features several hiking paths through forested terrain. At Holmes Bend, campers can access multiple trail systems. "The best are the hiking trails. It's a short drive or walk thru the woods to trail head. Fishers bend has over 5 miles of trails," notes a visitor who rated the experience highly.
Swimming at designated beaches: Many campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. "Paved roadways great for biking and walking. Some spaces and turns would be tight for larger rigs. Playground has red clay dirt, so that was a bit messy," mentions one Holmes Bend camper, highlighting the diverse recreational options beyond water activities.
What campers like
Spacious sites: COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge receives positive feedback for its generous campsite sizes. "I am currently here and I gotta say I am impressed. The bathrooms are clean, I am not close to my neighboring campers, the parking spots are huge, and it's a great area to walk around," reports one satisfied camper.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting around Burkesville provides opportunities to observe various animals. "Walking around you will find wildlife. Lots of deer and turtles and birds. The beach is great and right next to the marina," shares a Holmes Bend visitor, highlighting the natural encounters possible at area campgrounds.
Quiet atmosphere: Wilson Creek Recreation Area offers a more secluded camping experience. "Wilson Creek is a hidden gem. We've camped here multiple times. There are only about 6 or 7 campsites for primitive camping, so it's very quiet. You're also only a short walk from the beach which is nice," explains a frequent visitor to this less developed option.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer storms can affect camping conditions significantly. "We pulled in later than we hoped to, because of stormy weather. When we arrived at 815pm, the storm was raging. I had to wait for a lull to go to the office to get paperwork, then wait again to get back to the truck," recounts a camper at Singing Hills RV Park And Campground.
Site drainage varies: Some campgrounds have drainage issues during rainy periods. "The tent sites for some reason, are on low ground while the RV sites have the high ground, potentially causing extremely wet tents," warns a Singing Hills visitor.
Seasonal facility closures: Many campgrounds in the region close partially or completely during winter months. "Wilson Creek Campground was closed permanently by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Green River Lake. It is now under the control of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Any future opening, for instance, during hunting season, will be determined by KDFWR," notes a recent visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current operational status.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The campground sets on a point with woods all the way around. There is plenty of shade with hiking path and a playground for kids. Only down fall is if you want to swim you'll have to drive about a mile to the swimming area," explains a visitor to COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge.
Kid-friendly fishing: Pikes Ridge - Green River Lake provides opportunities for children to try fishing. "Staff as always been very friendly, sites are very spacious, there are trails for hiking, a playground and a beach," shares a visitor who enjoyed the family-friendly amenities.
Safety patrols: Some campgrounds feature regular security checks. "The area is also patrolled at random hours throughout the night to make you feel a little safer, which is nice," mentions a Wilson Creek camper, noting a feature parents may appreciate.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service quality: RV campers should be prepared for potential power issues at some campgrounds. "Location was excellent, close to the water. They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances. There are other campgrounds on the lake that I would choose instead of this one for that reason," advises one RV owner about Smith Ridge.
Site layout considerations: Cave Country RV Campground offers well-designed sites for larger rigs. "Most of the sites are pull through and large enough although I think it could seem crowded when more full than they were in the winter," notes a winter visitor who appreciated the campground's accommodations for RV camping near Burkesville, Kentucky.
Leveling requirements: Site terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. "For the price it's great to have all the hookups but it's not level at all. I parked at an angle, propped up the front and our full slide gives it a wonky tilt so got it pretty good. It could probably use another level of blocks at the front. Just wonky sites. But nice and wide," shares a camper visiting Jellystone Park, highlighting a common challenge for RV camping in the area.
