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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
