Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake create a peninsula region near Cadiz, Kentucky where glamping sites offer elevated outdoor stays from March through November. Many sites sit at water's edge with elevation changes providing varied views of the lakes. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at certain campgrounds, with summer temperatures regularly reaching into the 90s.
What to do
Kayaking on Energy Lake: Energy Lake Campground offers non-motorized boating opportunities on a smaller, more protected body of water. "Energy Lake campground has canoe rentals so I left my shoes in my car and dragged out a boat into the water and went for a paddle around the lake," notes Daniel B., who appreciates the lake's restrictions that create a peaceful environment.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Energy Lake Campground provides access to wildlife observation areas. "I saw a doe with a spotted fawn nursing on my first trip onto the water," shares Nichole M., while another camper mentions the area is "home to many bald eagle."
Horseback riding: Wranglers Campground offers equestrian-focused camping with extensive trail access. A visitor noted, "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn't really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails!" Some trails connect directly to camping areas for convenient access.
What campers like
Varied site elevations: Redd Hollow campground features dramatic site positioning. "If you drive all the way to the back of this campground, there's a little bluff overlooking the lake where you can camp," explains Kaitlyn C., while another camper shares, "We stayed at the campsite farthest in the back that stands up on a hill. You overlook it from about 20-25 feet above."
Clean facilities: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park maintains well-kept amenities despite being an older facility. John R. notes, "Beautiful area! Really nice swimming beach, hiking trails, and campground. Paved sites, most with plenty of shade." The park combines natural settings with proper maintenance.
Multiuse recreation areas: Many campgrounds feature shared recreational spaces. At Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE, "The campground is big enough for golf carts and small enough to walk to the beach from any side," according to Chris O., who appreciates the compact but activity-rich layout.
What you should know
Site levelness challenges: Several campgrounds have significant grading issues. At Pennyrile Forest, a camper warns, "Sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," with another noting, "The only reason I don't give campground a 5 is due to the very sloped sites."
Utility placement: At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, hookup locations require preparation. One camper advises, "Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord," while another mentions, "Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."
Off-season considerations: Water levels and amenities change seasonally. At Redd Hollow, "When they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites," notes Daniel N., who explains that water access varies greatly by season.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access planning: Arrive early to secure beach space at popular lakes. A Pennyrile Forest camper shares, "The beach was amazing but it's first come first serve regardless if u camped there. It opens up at 10am." Many lake beaches fill quickly during summer weekends.
Activity options: Energy Lake Campground offers family-friendly recreation beyond water activities. "The D loop was nice and quiet with very little traffic. We were very close to the lake to drop our kayaks in the water or fish without going far, always a plus!" reports one visitor who appreciated the varied options.
Playground quality: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Energy Lake, a visitor reported, "The playground was pretty disappointing with only a couple swings, a hot metal slide and a climbing bar," suggesting families bring alternative entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords required: Multiple campgrounds have unusual hookup placements. According to Barry B., "Many sites had drop offs on the door side of the pad so you could not use all the awning space. We fell off the pad several times walking to the fire pit."
Site selection strategy: At Holiday Hills Resort, size restrictions impact larger rigs. A camper advises, "Not for the big campers I think 35 is the biggest they allow," while at Canal Campground, another visitor suggests, "Sites 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn't," highlighting the importance of calling ahead.
Dump station access: Many campgrounds offer only partial hookups, requiring planning for waste disposal. Energy Lake provides a sanitary dump station at the campground exit, while Lake Barkley has "1 dump station and an older but usable bath house," according to one RVer who recommends arriving with empty tanks.
