132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area encompasses much of the camping terrain near Cadiz, Kentucky, with prominent facilities including Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Energy Lake Campground. This region includes a mix of developed campgrounds with RV hookups, primitive tent sites, and cabin rental options. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley form natural boundaries for the recreation area, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities within 15 miles of Cadiz. Several campgrounds in the area feature full amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while more remote sites provide a more primitive experience.
Seasonal operations affect campground availability throughout the area, with many facilities operating from March or April through October or November. Energy Lake Campground maintains a season from March through November, while Lake Barkley State Resort Park typically operates from April through October. Camping permits are required for dispersed camping areas, with annual permits available for $30. Most developed campgrounds accept reservations, which are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. A visitor noted, "Hurricane Creek is a great location because it's quiet, waterfront and has great amenities (fire ring with grill, electricity, water, dump station, trash dumpster, dry firewood for purchase)."
Waterfront access represents the primary attraction for many campers visiting the Cadiz area, with Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley providing extensive shoreline camping options. Several campgrounds include boat ramps and docks, allowing campers to anchor watercraft near their sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the region, particularly at designated areas like the Elk and Bison Prairie. One camper mentioned that "Energy Lake is ideal for nature viewing, hiking, swimming and hanging out by the camp fire," noting that "motorized water craft are not permitted" on some lakes, "which makes for great swimming, and my favorite lake to kayak through." The mixed-use nature of the recreation area supports various activities beyond camping, including hiking trails, biking paths, fishing, and horseback riding at Wranglers Campground.
"Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."
"the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"
from $20 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This was a great location b/c it was quiet, waterfront and has great amenities (fire ring with grill, electricity, water, dump station, trash dumpster, dry firewood for purchase)."
"Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes."
from $16 - $32 / night
Check Availability"Energy Lake is in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) and is ideal for nature viewing, hiking, swimming and hanging out by the camp fire."
"We have two small kids and were with family (in adjacent D4) so we really hoped for a site with flat space for the kids to play in, but there was absolutely no grassy area."
"You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."
"Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals."
"Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."
"We were on the very corner and even though it was close to the road it was beautiful and not super traffic heavy. There was however a streetlight at the corner and it was extremely bright."
from $12 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Prizer Point KOA and Marina is your basic camp away from home with all those modern conveniences. Water all around (peninsula) so water sports of course."
"The pools were (and usually are not) open when the women and I come to camp on our "week-end" (every September), and the lake was already at winter pool this year, but that makes it quite easy to launch"
"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 often camped here when I wanted something mildly primitive but still somewhat accessible not completely away from all people."
from $10 / night
"Energy Lake campground is well planned, the staff are amazing, and with a little planning, the best option for affordable camping that puts you on a small natural preserve lake perfect for kayaking and"
"Peaceful setting on the lake home to many bald eagle. We paid $16 a night for a primitive site. I'll upload a map picture with the view pics."
"It’s a nice little finger of land that has water all around. There is space for several tents and you could find spots for hammocks in the nearby tree line. This place has no amenities."
"Right on the water and only one other spot near us. Very quit!!!"
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.
TravelerThe campsites were very nice. The park is undergoing a few changes currently to better the campgrounds. But the trails were great (although we were covered in bug bite due to our failure to put on bug spray).
GuideFor a state park this one is a gem, well maintained grounds and facilities. We took a e-bike ride around the trails and saw the twigs it was a nice distraction on a hot hot day, there is a lake with a boat launch, would come back again if in the area the only negative is the less than engaged park staff at the office seem we were a bother when we asked a few questions
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
TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
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.
Camping near Cadiz, Kentucky offers accessible shoreline camping options along both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area sits at an average elevation of 400-500 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that creates warm, wet summers and mild winters. Camping season typically runs March through November with most campgrounds closed during winter months.
Kayaking on Energy Lake: Energy Lake Campground offers non-motorized water activities on its small, protected lake. "Energy Lake is ideal for nature viewing, hiking, swimming and hanging out by the camp fire. Motorized water craft are not permitted which makes for great swimming, and my favorite lake to kayak through," notes a regular visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points for fishing exist throughout the area. A camper at Hurricane Creek mentioned, "We visit this campground every year. There are about 45 sites. Camper sites have electric and water. There are about 15 waterfront sites, a playground, beach, boat ramp, and small bath house." The fishing opportunities attract many repeat visitors to Hurricane Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The Elk and Bison Prairie offers vehicle access to view native wildlife. "I recommend visiting the nearby Elk & Bison Prairie for $5/vehicle. We didn't see elk that day but we saw a group of bison which was really cool," shares a visitor who used Hurricane Creek as a base camp for exploring.
Lakefront access: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access for swimming and boating. At Prizer Point, "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals," according to a visitor to KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point.
Quiet camping areas: Several campgrounds provide secluded options. At Taylor Bay Campground, a camper noted, "The sites are well spaced apart to still offer some privacy. Most of the sites are shaded, but a few in the center have zero shade. If you plan on using the boat ramp, be sure to check the lake levels...the ramp drops abruptly and during low pool, may not be usable."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathhouses rate highly with campers. "The bathrooms and showers were directly across the way and relatively clean. I like that they are set up as individual, lockable shower rooms, rather than one big shower room," comments a tent camper about Energy Lake Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground and a TT with the hitch on the ground. Many sites had drop offs on the door side of the pad so you could not use all the awning space," reports a visitor to Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park operates from "April 1 to October 31" while Taylor Bay remains open year-round with limited services during winter.
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires permits. "Camping at Taylor Bay is considered back country camping and requires each person over 18 to have a permit, this year they are available at both Welcome Centers, any of the hosted campgrounds or online," explains a regular visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Hurricane Creek, a camper noted, "Our family has been camping here for 20 years now. We love it! Very peaceful and clean. Tent sites are right next to the beach so kids can go back and forth easily."
Beach swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches provide safer water access. One visitor to Old Boy Scout Campground advised, "This is a primitive site, and is considered back country camping, meaning you will have to obtain a back country pass from the Golden Pond Visitor Center. This place used to be used for Boy Scout Summer camps."
Educational opportunities: The Nature Station offers wildlife education programs. A visitor to Taylor Bay mentioned, "Taylor Bay is located near Hematite Lake (picnicking & hiking), and the Nature Station on the north side of LBL."
Utility hookup locations: Several campgrounds have unusual utility setups. "Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites," advises a Lake Barkley State Resort Park visitor.
Water access points: Not all sites have direct water hookups. At Hillman Ferry Campground, a camper noted, "Some sites are full hookup to include sewer, ours was not. Some sites are also electric only. Call ahead to be sure your have what you need at your site."
Dump station logistics: Plan for possible wait times at dump stations. A Hurricane Creek visitor warned, "Only one dump site, and it's a one-sided, one port, pull-through lane, so if you go at checkout/1-2pm, expect a 2-3 RV wait to dump."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Cadiz, KY?
The Cadiz area offers excellent camping options, particularly around the Land Between the Lakes region. Hurricane Creek stands out with its waterfront sites, shade trees, and amenities including electric hookups, water access, fire rings with grills, and a dedicated boat ramp. It's praised for its quiet atmosphere and spacious sites. Another top choice is Lake Barkley State Resort Park, which offers a more resort-like experience with maintained hiking trails and access to indoor amenities. Both provide beautiful water views and are well-maintained, making them ideal bases for exploring the region's recreational opportunities.
What RV camping options are available in Cadiz, Kentucky?
Cadiz offers several RV-friendly campgrounds with varying amenities. Bee Spring Lodge-Campground provides tree-shaded sites with lake views, convenient boat ramp access, ice vending, and shower facilities – perfect for RVers who want comfort while enjoying Kentucky Lake. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is another excellent option located just off I-24, offering full hookup sites. For RVers seeking a quiet setting with resort amenities nearby, Kenlake State Resort Park provides a peaceful campground with spacious sites, though be aware that some spots are occupied by seasonal campers.
Are there tent-only campsites available in Cadiz?
Yes, the Cadiz area offers several options for tent camping. Sugar Bay Campground in Land Between the Lakes provides dispersed camping with cement picnic tables and fire rings nestled in wooded areas adjacent to a boat ramp, ideal for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience. Boswell Landing Campground offers quiet backcountry sites with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake and basic restroom facilities but no electric hookups, making it perfect for tent camping. Both locations provide peaceful settings with water access, though amenities are limited compared to developed campgrounds in the region.
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