Lake Cumberland covers 65,530 acres with a maximum depth of 200 feet, making it one of Kentucky's deepest and largest reservoirs. The camping season typically runs April through October, with peak water temperatures reaching 85°F in July and August. Many campgrounds in the region offer primitive to fully-equipped sites with varying degrees of lake access, though several require advance bookings during summer months.
What to do
Trout fishing excursions: Kendall Campground sits below Wolf Creek Dam and features a trout stream flowing from the National Fish Hatchery. As one camper noted, "The trout stream is beautiful and you can always see plenty of wildlife" and another mentioned you can "fish the river for trout, walleye and stripers or go upon the lake for a joy ride."
Hiking trails: Pulaski County Park offers extensive trail systems designed for various skill levels. A reviewer mentioned, "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops" while noting they're "all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging."
Disc golf courses: General Burnside Island State Park features an on-site disc golf course along with a renowned traditional golf course. A visitor shared, "If you are a sightseer, I would definitely recommend visiting Cumberland Falls State Park about 30 minutes away."
What campers like
Morning fog effects: Kendall Campground receives praise for its microclimate near the river, with one camper noting, "Cool fog off the river makes camping conditions comfortable in the hottest weather."
Waterfront access: Waitsboro Campground offers direct water views from nearly every site. A camper described, "Sites 1-4 are closest to the water, but do not have easy access to the river" while another mentioned, "Can't beat the view! This campground is built between a steep hillside and the Cumberland River."
Secluded sites: Fall Creek Campground offers more private camping experiences. As one reviewer described, "It has 10 sites that are spread out on kind of a peninsula sticking out in the lake. It is up on a hill, so the walk to lake is a hefty one from some of the sites. The sites are level and spacious, also they feel secluded."
What you should know
Challenging access roads: Cumberland Point Campground has difficult approach roads. A camper warned, "They are however, quite narrow to enter. Also the 9 miles in from KY 80 are hair raising."
Bathroom facilities vary: Fishing Creek Campground bathhouses have limitations. One visitor noted, "I would have given five stars if the bath houses and restrooms were better. There is a handicapped bath house that is good but the regular bath house is cramped."
Water level fluctuations: Lake Cumberland's water levels can change significantly, affecting access. At Fishing Creek, one camper explained, "Access to the water is not so great. You have to go down steep inclines between campgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Waitsboro Campground offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned there are "waterfalls at several locations on site, views of the lake from every location and I mean every location."
Snack options: Kendall Campground features on-site food options. One reviewer noted, "The snack shack has great burgers & ice cream for those times you don't want to cook."
Educational opportunities: The National Fish Hatchery near Kendall Campground provides learning experiences. A visitor shared, "The National Fish Hatchery is beside the campground, along with the Trout Stream, which is a really neat man-made stream and wetland from the hatchery down to the Cumberland River."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Pulaski County Park requires planning for utilities. According to a visitor, "Take an extra power cord. Electric and water are laid out poorly and we had to purchase an extra cord."
Leveling considerations: Lake Cumberland State Resort Park requires careful site selection. One RVer warned, "The campground needs investment as majority of the sites are narrow with difficult positions for hooking up and leveling, make sure you pay attention to each site description."
Dump station access: Fishing Creek's dump station has challenging access. As one RVer explained, "The biggest drawback would be the dump station. The switchback turn at the top of the hill to get to it was too daunting for me to try."
