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.
