Cabins near Cadiz, Kentucky provide access to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre peninsula formed when the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers were impounded to create Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Winter temperatures average 30-45°F while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. The region features varied terrain with heavily wooded shorelines and open water access points.
What to do
Kayaking on Energy Lake: Energy Lake Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals with rates around $10/hour. The no-wake lake provides ideal conditions for paddlers. "The lake was gorgeous and perfect for kayaking with lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see. I saw a doe with a spotted fawn nursing on my first trip onto the water," notes one Energy Lake Campground visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley provide excellent fishing conditions year-round. Most waterfront sites allow bank fishing access. "Hillman Ferry has access to Barkley or Energy Lake. Boat or bank fishing with a fishing pier and parking lots big enough for boat trailers," reports a camper at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground.
Exploring wildlife areas: The Land Between The Lakes region includes the Elk and Bison Prairie and Nature Station. "Checked out the Elk and Bison Prairie, which was really cool. Nature station was really cool and we rented some canoes to explore around that area," shares a camper from Energy Lake Campground.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many cabin and campsite options feature direct lake views or access. "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," explains a visitor to KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, most cabin areas maintain clean facilities. "The cabins were clean and comfortable with cold AC, the hosts were friendly and the no-wake lake and canoe rentals were fun," notes a camper from Energy Lake Campground.
Quiet camping options: While some areas get crowded during peak season, quieter options exist. "Quiet and tucked back from everything else. Access to Barkley or Energy Lake. Boat or bank fishing with a fishing pier and parking lots big enough for boat trailers," writes a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling equipment. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, a camper advises: "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."
Seasonal facility closures: Off-season visits mean reduced amenities and services. "It's the offseason and almost all of the amenities are shut down but the site was very clean and level. We had a very quiet and relaxing stay on the banks of Lake Barkley," reports a Prizer Point visitor.
Utility placement: Several campgrounds have inconveniently positioned hookups. "Electric hook up a bit far from camper. Needed to buy extension for 30-50 amp hookup," advises a Kenlake State Resort Park guest.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Not all waterfront sites have sandy swimming areas. An Energy Lake Campground visitor notes: "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach. I wasn't expecting Florida beaches in Kentucky, but in Indiana we have nice sandy beaches at lakes so I was disappointed."
Age-appropriate water activities: Different lake access points offer varied activities for different age groups. At Wranglers Campground, "Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. We didn't have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables."
Recreation beyond water: The region offers numerous land-based activities. "Went to the Homeplace, which is a working farm and 'living history museum,' which the kids really loved. Rented a pontoon boat for the day at Kenlake Marina which was fun," shares an Energy Lake Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords required: Pack additional electrical cables for many sites. "Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord," advises a Lake Barkley State Resort Park visitor.
Accessibility challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult site access. "Unless you are a master truck driver, and pull a trailer less than 24', you are in trouble backing into most sites. Pray your neighbor moves his/her vehicle for you," warns a Kenlake State Resort Park camper.
Honey wagon services: Some parks without full hookups offer waste removal. At Prizer Point Marina & Resort, "We were in the 'cove' area where Hurricane creek opens into Lake Barkley, on the original side of the park, where there is only water and electric hook ups. Prizer has a 'honey wagon' that comes and pumps your waste water tanks every other day or as needed."
