Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Calvert City, KY

Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA campground's designated pet exercise area welcomes dogs of all sizes throughout its seasonal operation from March to November. This pet-friendly campground provides tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin accommodations where pets are permitted. Cypress Lakes RV Park also accommodates pets at its 105 year-round sites, featuring electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections for extended stays with animals. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with accessible walking paths for daily pet exercise. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park permits pets at its electric and water sites, though specific pet amenities are limited compared to dedicated RV parks. Campers note the importance of bringing adequate water hoses when setting up at shared pedestals. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements and request proper waste disposal to maintain clean grounds. Staff at these locations generally make camping with pets hassle-free and welcoming. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Calvert City, Kentucky.

The large grassy areas at Kentucky Dam Village provide adequate pet walking zones despite the lack of dedicated dog parks. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, just minutes from most Calvert City campgrounds, offers extensive pet-friendly hiking trails where leashed dogs can explore alongside their owners. Several campgrounds provide direct water access where pets can cool off during summer months, though swimming policies vary by location. Kentucky Lake's shoreline provides additional recreational opportunities for active dogs. Seasonal considerations include summer heat that may require morning or evening walks to protect paw pads from hot surfaces. Overnight travelers appreciate the convenient interstate access of both KOA and Cypress Lakes for quick pet relief stops while maintaining journey momentum. Road noise can be noticeable at locations near Interstate 24, something to consider for pets sensitive to sound. The campground at Eureka also permits pets with its electric hookups and picnic tables, creating another option for travelers with animals.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Calvert City, Kentucky (119)

    1. Hillman Ferry Campground

    38 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    12 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"

    "Lakeside sites. Great place if you have a boat or kayaks. Clean bathrooms. We stayed five days and would come back."

    2. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    21 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4840

    $20 - $256 / night

    "Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."

    "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."

    3. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    13 Reviews
    Gilbertsville, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4271

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Set just a few miles off of I-24 in Kentucky, just two miles down the road from the Kentucky dam Village Resort Park, this is a great effort at trying to accommodate campers and RVs who don't want to stay"

    "It's not in the quietest spot but well located to do and see things in the area. There is boating, fishing, swimming and more on Lake Kentucky nearby."

    4. Eureka

    16 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 388-9459

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Only a 26 site park & only sites in the 20's are away from the water. Very hard to get reservations & when you can sites are limited. Locals book wasy in advance."

    "Just 4 miles from highway 62 in Kuttawa, KY and it feels like another place in time. You can fish Lake Barkley from your campsite or just enjoy the waves washing up."

    5. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    11 Reviews
    Calvert City, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 395-5841

    "There is actually grass, not gravel, around the sites. There are trees and flowers and it is quite pleasant. With KOA you expect water, electric and sewer hookups."

    "There is a nice dog park with disposable bags. Our site overlooks a nice little pond. There is a clean laundry facility and heated restroom and showers."

    6. Nickell Branch Campground

    12 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    $10 / night

    "Nickell branch is a Backcountry area in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. This is a very primitive camping that is first come first serve."

    "Nickel branch is the first campground on the north end of Land between the Lakes. the sites are maintained fairly well. There is a boat ramp, a basic outhouse, and good place to swim or fish."

    7. Cypress Lakes RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Gilbertsville, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 395-4267

    $49 / night

    "Interstate 24 is half a mile from this campground and some of the best restaurants in the area are within walking distance."

    "There is a small lake to fish in. Nice play ground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids.
    Will be going back, I really enjoyed it. The staff is very welcoming and friendly."

    8. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Great campground with beautiful nearby walking trails. A short drive to the observatory and bison prairie. We would go for a lake view site next time."

    "And, after driving through the entire campground the next day, we decided it was the best site in the whole park for our size rig!"

    9. Fern Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 444-7939

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."

    "Told us we could walk our dogs around the pond. Nice level spot for our tent. We were able to try our first Buckee's on the way to this campground in Crossville TN! Check it out if you haven't been!"

    10. Pisgah Bay - DFWR

    7 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "We were able to pull right up to the lake and secure our own private area, major score there. Road leading into the camp does have a few dips here and there one needs to be aware of."

    "The lake is just down the road from our campsite and there is a trailhead bathroom right at the boat ramp! The campsite itself is pretty enclosed, but there is no fire pit or electrical access."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Calvert City, KY

887 Reviews of 119 Calvert City Campgrounds


  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2017

    Prizer Point Marina & Resort

    No Yogi

    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. A swimming pool, playground, bouncy/jumpy thing, pedal car area, dog park, the list goes on.

    The Rv style sites were very well situated on the water side loop, realize there is not much privacy. The primitive camp area looked a little frolorn and long in the grass, plus it is a walk to entertainment and the water. There is new construction going on, so reservation maybe easier to get. And there you are , Reserve ahead for prime locations, they are booked through August on the weekends.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2019

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Not a typical KOA

    As KOAs go, this is one of The nicer ones! There is actually grass, not gravel, around the sites. There are trees and flowers and it is quite pleasant. With KOA you expect water, electric and sewer hookups. Clean shower/bathroom facilities and usually a pool. This place has that. Along with a small store, fishing lake, propane filling station. A dog park would be nice for the pups, but the do have a large grass area for walking them on lead. Internet connection is spotty! The spaces are a little close, but not as bad as some, and we were on an end site, so we had more room.

  • Donna B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2023

    Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    Very nice little KOA

    We only stayed one night but staff was very pleasant and sites are reasonable size. There is a nice dog park with disposable bags. Our site overlooks a nice little pond. There is a clean laundry facility and heated restroom and showers. We did not need to use the facilities so I cannot comment on those. Campground is easily accessible from I24. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Evelyn R.
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Ramp - West Kentucky WMA

    Great place to visit

    My family and I have visited this campground once. Although I think there are better places to camp in Kentucky, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. I think it's about WHO you are with and not WHERE you are. My family has a great time anywhere we are. The one downside to this place was that it was pretty close to the road, so I felt like we could hear all the traffic. The campsites are a little small as well, but we didn't mind. Each campsite has a fire ring and a small picnic table. We found it a little hard to nail down our tent as well. It was a little rocky, so we had to remove the rocks under the tent and use a hammer to get the tent to stay. We enjoyed hiking and some "nature walks." There are so many different birds around that it was fun to bird watch- although I have never done this before! The paths are clear and well marked for hiking. The views were great as well, and the weather was perfect when we went. There is a grocery store right down the road that we stopped at before we got there and loaded up on snacks, water, and stuff to make smores. There isn't much shade, just FYI. We brought some umbrellas which helped. We also brought our hammocks, but there wasn't any trees in our campsite to hook them up. We did bring them on our hikes and were able to put them up and eat some lunch. Another downside is that because the spaces are small, the people next to us were a little loud and stayed up pretty late so we didn't get much sleep. We understand that the summer months can be busy, which means campgrounds are packed. Highly recommend reserving your spot ahead of time.

  • Shy-Anne W.
    Oct. 14, 2020

    Piney Campground

    Nice!

    Nice campground. Clean, pet friendly. A lot of sites! Access to lakes. Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic.

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 15, 2017

    Fenton Lake Access - DFWR

    Lake Access Only, not the Campground

    Fenton Campground and Lake access are in the same general location, but are actually separate. The ramp, floating dock and dike that allows access to Kentucky Lake is a favorite among locals, as it puts you about mid lake (N-S), and Kentucky Lake has some of the cleanest waters and the largest fish of any place. This area is always busy, 24/7, pretty much year round. There is a vault toilet, the campground is just east a bit, there is plenty of parking for trucks and trailers. The new Fenton bridge is a four lane bridge, with a walking/bike path that is a start/end point for the Hardwoods Trail, which goes east-west across Land Between the Lakes.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Camp Cadiz Campground

    Dusty, rustic camping at the edge of Shawnee

    This small, rustic camp is at the edge of Shawnee and only had a few campers staying multiple nights with us. Then the turkey hunting season came upon us and the sites filled.

    We had site choices that ended up being along the gravel forest road that goes by camp. This put us away from other dogs but caused other issues. Every vehicle that went by generated dust which then coated everything in our camp. If you come here, we suggest taking the site that is furthest from the road (it's right next to the small forest road that heads off to the hiking trails. They had shade as well as sun and no dust. 

    The sites are large but there isn't any foliage between them. Luckily the dogs were in camps further away from our dog so she was able to relax. The water pump got frequent use and the twin vault toilets were plenty for the campground. 

    The hiking trails that headed out from the camp were wonderful. We even hiked down the forest road and found a hidden cemetery tucked away. The river to river trail heads out from camp too - we saw a group of backpackers leave their cars and head off for the night. Garden of the Gods area is a short drive away for more hiking options.

    Choose your time wisely. Camp filled up with hunters who started generators at 3 in the morning to get ready to head out for turkey. Once we realized what was going on, we put our dog's bright shirt on. Everyone was wonderful and we had some interesting conversations. It was also morel mushroom time so some people were hunting for them.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2017

    Hurricane Creek

    Me likely..

    Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes.

    The campground is tucked away in its own little area with lots of shade trees and it's very own boat ramp. The sites are close but not stacked on top of each other.

    the RV sites are both next to and near the water. You can park your water craft nearby. There are also several sites up in the trees, some back in, some pull through. It is an older area so the pavement is not all flat and pretty.

    The tent sites are walk in, from the boat ramp parking area. Shaded and accessorized with tables, and fire rings. There were a few that tree tents would work well on.

    The shower house is a little bit of a walk, but centrally located for the entire campground.

    Overall a nice , quiet area, I will definitely be back.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2018

    Sugar Bay Campground

    Call of the wild

    Ranger Review: Renogy Backpack at Sugar Bay dispersed campground(dc), Land Between The Lakes(LBL), Ky

    Campground Review: Sugar Bay dc is cement picnic tables and fire rings strategically placed throughout the woods adjacent a boat ramp at the end of forest road(FR)140.

    There is a porta-john near the lake level sites and a pit toilet near the hill side sites. You can also set up camp in several mowed areas in the same area as long as you have your annual dispersed permit ($30 a year).

    No frills camping at its best to include a few locals who look like they live in them there woods ;)

    1st night we were there, after we had been asleep for about an hour the local coyotes announced their presence with a rather loud and nearby chorus of howls. Which was then answered on the far side of our campsite by more coyotes. Needless to say the dogs were quite vocal in their reply. We could hear (between dog barks) the pack moving on the hillside above us. I kept a careful eye on the smaller dogs when we went out to pee during the night. The following nights as the campsite filled with other campers we did not hear the coyotes again.

    The LBL North/South trail meanders through the area and can easily be found off the side of FR140 about 1/4 mile up from the dc. The trail crosses the gravel road and currently is detoured from it’s original route. The N/S Trail runs the length of LBL from Kuttawa, Ky area to the South end near Dover, Tn. It would be a good practice trail for through hikers.

    Also in the area is the Turkey Bay OHV Area and the Wranglers Campground. An off-road vehicle and horseback riders idea of a fun place to spend the weekend. Both with campgrounds and inclusive trails.

    And of course there are the water sports on the lake. Another nice feature in the Sugar Bay dc is the ability to anchor your watercraft right next to your campsite after you put in at the boat ramp.

    Golden Pond visitors center offers planetarium programs and there is an Elk and Bison observation area along the Trace which runs the length of LBL.

    Cadiz, Ky is about a 15 mile drive down 68/80 if you want a taste of the local cuisine and Kentucky small town flavor. Ferrell’s Famous Burgers and Antiques are a few of the attractions.

    Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I am given the opportunity to review products while camping. The Renogy Backpack https://www.renogy.com/I received is an innovative take on solar power collection.

    The main attraction being the solar panel which is attached via zipper to the front of the pack. HOLD ON though , this solar panel can be zipped completely off, flipped over, and zipped back on. Effectively protecting it and giving you access to another small front pocket.

    So that being said….

    PROS: 1. It’s a solar panel w/USB port for electronic charging

    2. It has plenty of pockets for your electronics

    3. The solar panel is detachable and when detached it still has a zipper compartment that can hold your electronics

    CONS: 1. The backpack is more Urban jungle then Outdoor enthusiasts designed

    2. As with any solar unit direct sunlight is the optimal charging environment....not always conducive for electronics, a power charger makes more sense.

    3. That’s all I got right now

    This would not be a Backpack I pack up and run into the woods with , that being said I would pack it up and run all over town and college with it and will.


Guide to Calvert City

Located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Calvert City offers diverse camping options with most sites open March through November. The area sits at around 400 feet elevation and experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter camping is limited with only a few year-round facilities, though temperatures rarely drop below 20°F.

What to do

Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide dedicated fishing spots. At Eureka Campground, you can fish directly from your lakeside campsite. "We were able to pull right up to the lake and secure our own private area, major score there," notes one visitor. Several campgrounds include stocked ponds with easy access.

Mountain biking: Connect to extensive trail systems directly from camp. The Hillman Ferry Campground offers exceptional biking opportunities. "A premier and amazing mountain bike trail system is accessible directly from campground!! The Canal Loop Trail and North South Trails are well known and revered by area mountain bikers and hikers," explains a camper. These trails vary from beginner to advanced difficulty.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime animal spotting opportunities. Quiet observation at Nickell Branch can yield impressive sightings. "We stayed right at the campsite. Land between the lakes is a beautiful historic area to explore as well," mentions one camper. Evening firefly displays in June are particularly remarkable with thousands of synchronized flashes lighting up wooded areas.

What campers like

Lakefront sites: Premium waterfront camping with unobstructed views. At Canal Campground, the lake access is particularly appreciated. "The campground is in the shape of a peninsula so there are many campsites with water views and access. The bathrooms and showers are very clean and the road in is very nice," reports one visitor. Most lakefront sites require advance reservation, especially for summer weekends.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses with hot water. Fern Lake Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The bathroom was super clean and the shower had great pressure and instant hot water," notes a camper. Many campgrounds offer updated shower facilities with regular maintenance.

Spacious sites: Room to spread out without feeling crowded. Kentucky Dam Village offers particularly generous camping spots. "Campground is beautiful with lots of room in between sites. Mostly shaded with big trees. Clean Bath House at the main entrance," shares a recent visitor. Sites typically include flat gravel pads with surrounding grass areas for setup.

What you should know

Water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting shore access. The small designated swimming area at Eureka can be impacted by water levels. "The small designated swimming area is convenient but the water was so high that there wasn't any sand," explains one camper. Spring typically brings higher water levels while late summer often means lower shorelines.

Reservation requirements vary by location. Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a very primitive camping that is first come first serve. It requires a Backcountry or dispersed camping permit which is available at any of the visitor centers," notes a camper about Nickell Branch.

Highway noise affects some campgrounds more than others. Sites closest to Interstate 24 experience traffic sounds. "Noise from the nearby traffic may bother some, but we didn't mind it and it was not loud enough to hear inside our RV," mentions a Fern Lake visitor. Campgrounds deeper into Land Between the Lakes offer quieter experiences.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature updated play equipment. The Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA offers convenient recreation options. "My kids also enjoyed the pool. Solid place to overnight!" shares a family camper. Most playgrounds are centrally located within walking distance of campsites.

Family activities: Scheduled events keep kids engaged. Hillman Ferry Campground offers organized programming. "Our stay during Outdoor Kids Fest was the best. A wonderful campground with extremely welcoming and helpful staff from the minute we pulled up," notes a visitor. Activity schedules are typically posted at campground offices.

Swimming options: Designated beach areas provide safer water play. "There is a very convenient boat launch. Patti's 2800 settlement is just down the road and some good restaurants in the area too," explains an Eureka visitor, highlighting amenities beyond just swimming. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, so parental supervision is essential.

Tips from RVers

Hookup locations can be challenging at some campgrounds. At Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, prepare for some setup challenges. "Sites on outer perimeter have water and electric, just bring enough hose and cords to hook up... they are on shared pedestals," advises one RVer. Extensions for both electric and water connections are often necessary.

Level sites not guaranteed at all locations. RVers should bring leveling blocks. "The sites are very small but spread out. Our 35 ft class a barely fit. They do show length limits for sites and they definitely max limit," notes another Kentucky Dam Village camper. Many sites require careful positioning to achieve level setup.

Dog friendly campgrounds near Calvert City have specific pet areas. Cypress Lakes RV Park welcomes pets at all 105 sites. "The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately. Laundry is 1.50 per machine and the showers are large and clean," reports a visitor, highlighting the overall experience at this pet-accommodating campground. Most locations require pets to remain leashed when outside RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Calvert City, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Calvert City, KY is Hillman Ferry Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Calvert City, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 119 dog-friendly camping locations near Calvert City, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.