Best Campgrounds near Cadiz, KY

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Cadiz, Kentucky (124)

    1. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-1131

    $17 - $25 / night

    "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"

    2. Hurricane Creek

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-8821

    $16 - $32 / night

    "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."

    3. Energy Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2270

    "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."

    4. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point

    14 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-3762

    "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."

    5. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Dawson Springs, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 797-3421

    $12 - $40 / night

    "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."

    6. Hillman Ferry Campground

    37 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "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."

    7. Prizer Point Marina & Resort

    9 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    12 miles
    Website

    "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"

    8. Taylor Bay Campground

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    $10 / night

    "I often camped here when I wanted something mildly primitive but still somewhat accessible not completely away from all people."

    "There were campsites close to the water’s edge, away from the water and with a view, and then places tucked away with complete shade in the woods."

    9. Energy Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2270

    "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."

    10. Old Boy Scout Campground

    5 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    12 miles

    "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!!!"

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Recent Reviews near Cadiz, KY

603 Reviews of 124 Cadiz Campgrounds


  • Anna M.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Fenton Self-Service Campground

    Basic

    Right off a main road the spots are shallow so not ideal for long rigs. It does have power and one pit toilet at one end.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    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. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Cheyanne S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Shaded but unlevel

    Enjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

  • R S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Paducah RV Park & Campground

    Quick full hook up pull through, with Great sky views , country feel and a common outdoor area near lake.

    Like the lake and outdoor commons area

  • Maryann
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes

    Good place to boon camp

    We stayed here two nights with our friends in two travel trailers. We had 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 2, 3, and 10) and we had the best time. This was our first time boon camping and it was actually way more enjoyable than being at a campground! It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!


Guide to Cadiz

Camping near Cadiz, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Energy Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The trails, the clean campsites, the peace, the views, the trees, the seclusion. It is one of, if not our favorite places to camp now."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Canal - Lake Barkley. A camper shared, "The views were spectacular—especially the sunset. I would gladly stay here again!"
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Hurricane Creek. One reviewer noted, "Nice campground right on the lake. Family friendly, lots of children on their scooters."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Hillman Ferry Campground, a visitor said, "The bathrooms were very clean. The showers were OK."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The campsites are very roomy, especially for a small camper."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One guest at RJourney Clarksville RV Resort said, "The employees are so nice and so helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A camper at Energy Lake Campground noted, "You can get some cell service but only in choice areas."
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Not all campgrounds have shower facilities. A visitor at Hurricane Creek mentioned, "Bathrooms are decent, and handicap accessible. Shower water was lukewarm at best."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park operates from April 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Hillman Ferry Campground, one family enjoyed, "The site was spacious and clean. Plenty of room for our 30' travel trailer and F550."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Canal - Lake Barkley suggested, "Drive into town and eat at Paddy’s."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Pine Ridge mentioned, "The rustic sites are well spread out so they feel very private."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier parking. A reviewer at RJourney Clarksville RV Resort noted, "The campground is right off I-24 and easy to find."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Energy Lake Campground mentioned, "There are NO WATER or SEWER hookups at any of the sites."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at RJourney Clarksville RV Resort shared, "The noise was the only downside we experienced."

Camping near Cadiz, Kentucky, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.

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.