134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The area surrounding Cerulean, Kentucky features multiple campground options along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area serving as the primary camping destination. Established campgrounds like Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, and Hurricane Creek provide a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in this region offer water access for boating and fishing, with several sites positioned directly on the shoreline. The terrain varies from wooded hillsides to lakefront properties, creating diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.
Many developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though specific dates vary by location. The climate allows for comfortable camping throughout spring and fall, with summer bringing higher temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. "This area is always busy, 24/7, pretty much year round," noted one visitor describing the popular lake access points. Some campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the area, with better reception near larger towns like Cadiz and limited service in more remote sections of Land Between the Lakes. Visitors should check specific campground regulations regarding pets, alcohol, and campfires before arrival.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley serving as focal points for recreation. A camper highlighted that "The sites are close but not stacked on top of each other" at Hurricane Creek campground, which reflects the general spacing at established sites in the region. Several campgrounds provide amenities such as shower facilities, sanitary dumps, and camp stores, while more primitive sites offer basic facilities like pit toilets and fire rings. Land Between the Lakes offers specialized camping areas including an OHV campground at Turkey Bay and equestrian facilities at Wranglers Campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with visitors reporting deer sightings along the shorelines and occasional coyote encounters in more remote camping areas.
"Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."
"We were on the very corner and even though it was close to the road it was beautiful and not super traffic heavy. There was however a streetlight at the corner and it was extremely bright."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"
"Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes."
"**The nearby Land Between the Lakes park is amazing. This is a much more basic park and campground on the shore of the eastern lake."
from $16 - $32 / night
Check Availability"You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."
"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."
"We have two small kids and were with family (in adjacent D4) so we really hoped for a site with flat space for the kids to play in, but there was absolutely no grassy area."
"Each loop has its own restroom/shower house and all are near the lake( some closer then others) canoe rental or bring your own, basketball court and playground as well as swimming area."
"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"
"This campsite is located in beautiful Land Between the Lakes. Many sites are by reservation, but many more are first come first serve. Sites are big and open and some provide views of Kentucky Lake."
"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."
"The pools were (and usually are not) open when the women and I come to camp on our "week-end" (every September), and the lake was already at winter pool this year, but that makes it quite easy to launch"
"Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area."
"I often camped here when I wanted something mildly primitive but still somewhat accessible not completely away from all people."
from $10 / night
"Tucked away on an old dead end road (Forrest Service Rd 118), Craven's Bay campground is remote back country camping, right on the lake, but far away from any visitor attraction in Land Between the Lakes"
"This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."
"Energy Lake campground is well planned, the staff are amazing, and with a little planning, the best option for affordable camping that puts you on a small natural preserve lake perfect for kayaking and"
"Peaceful setting on the lake home to many bald eagle. We paid $16 a night for a primitive site. I'll upload a map picture with the view pics."
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
ScoutAwesome campsite rented a cabin we brought are dogs so we had to find a location that excepted pets and they were the ones who were friendly and awsome definitely recommend if u want a place to go this is the place
LegendBefore arrival, we received a helpful confirmation email with clear directions for entering the campground, although the turn was easy with our 40-foot fifth wheel. Check-in was exceptionally friendly—we were even welcomed by a fellow Brinkley owner—and escorted to pull-through Site A6 with full hookups. The utilities were easy to reach, and water pressure was good. We were pleasantly surprised to learn we could park our truck anywhere, even on the grass. Starlink would be questionable because of the mature trees, but the campground's Wi-Fi was better than most we have experienced at around 50 Mbps download and 24 Mbps upload. We had two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, while our T-Mobile Home Internet work well. The upper A-loop pull-through sites are fairly level but somewhat close together. The terraced B, C, and D loops could be more challenging for larger rigs to maneuver, level, and exit. The campground also offers a fishing pond, cabins, tent sites, and a fenced dog park. Overall, this is a clean, well-maintained KOA Journey with friendly staff that worked very well for our overnight stay, and we would stay here again.
Scoutthe campground was great, staff was very nice and helpful, great activities for kids and adults, free paddle boats and canoes, cable tv, indoor and outdoor pools, really great place!
TravelerThe campground host are super nice and super responsive anytime something comes up. The pool is always clean and refreshing. Bathhouses are very clean and climate controlled. Nice laundry room onsite that won’t break the bank. Fish cleaning station and a trail to take you to the lake.
LegendWe are on a cross country road trip from Atlanta to Spokane to visit grandkids. Lots of one night stops for easy access and quick getaway in the morning. This place isn’t fancy, it’s a KOA. But it meets out needs. The site is level and shaded. Full hookups . There used to be a pool and playground that we didn’t use. Also a mossy “fishing” pond! And a store.
The bathroom/ showers were reasonably clean The internet is terrible!
It was quiet until three pick up trucks pulled in next to us and proceeded to do auto repairs! Lots of loud banging! Luckily it’s just one night.
Camping near Cerulean, Kentucky offers easy access to both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with most established sites located within a 30-mile radius of town. The region sits at approximately 480 feet above sea level, creating a mix of gently rolling terrain with some steeper lakeside areas. Winter camping options remain limited, with temperatures typically ranging from 25-45°F between December and February, when many facilities reduce services or close completely.
Fishing access points: 24/7 availability at several locations around Lake Barkley State Resort Park. "The campground has its own a boat ramp and no day use allowed," notes a camper at Lake Barkley, making it ideal for dedicated anglers looking to avoid crowds.
Nature observation: Bald eagle spotting is common at Energy Lake Campground. One visitor described the area as a "peaceful setting on the lake home to many bald eagle," making this location particularly attractive for wildlife photographers.
Kayaking no-wake areas: The smaller Energy Lake offers protection from larger watercraft. "The lake was gorgeous and perfect for kayaking though, with lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see. I saw a doe with a spotted fawn nursing on my first trip onto the water," reported one paddler staying at Energy Lake.
Waterfront proximity: Many sites at Hurricane Creek provide direct lake access. "Our family has been camping here for 20 years now. We love it! Tent sites are right next to the beach so kids can go back and forth easily," notes a long-time visitor, highlighting the convenience for families.
Campsite privacy: Despite being close to water, many campsites maintain separation. At Hurricane Creek, "The sites are well spaced so you have privacy. All are first come first serve, so the early camper gets the best spots," explains a regular camper.
Non-motorized water activities: Several smaller lakes offer peaceful conditions. "There is a swimming area, and there are several areas to launch NONMOTORIZED watercraft. There are restrictions on this lake due to the wildlife refuge and preserve in the back of the lake - no motorized watercraft of any sort," explains a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require extra equipment. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, "Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house," advises a recent camper.
Utility positioning: Electric hookups may require planning. "Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord," notes a Lake Barkley visitor, highlighting the need for longer cords.
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Taylor Bay Campground, "There are no amenities except a vault toilet and a boat ramp. The roads leading back to Taylor Bay are all paved, and each site has a fire ring, and is usually compacted gravel."
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on specific location. "I have AT&T cell service and could pick up three bars on an android," reports one camper at Taylor Bay, though service quality varies throughout the region.
Beach access considerations: Not all swimming areas are equal. At Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, "The beach is free to public so very crowded and some elements are not family friendly," warns one camper, suggesting weekday visits for quieter swimming.
Playground options: Some facilities are minimal. "The playground is old with just a metal slide and swings," notes a visitor to Energy Lake Campground, recommending bringing additional entertainment for children.
Multi-day activity planning: The region offers diverse activities beyond camping. "Checked out the Elk and Bison Prairie, which was really cool. Nature station was really cool and we rented some canoes to explore around that area. Went to the Homeplace, which is a working farm and 'living history museum,' which the kids really loved."
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully for larger rigs. At Hillman Ferry Campground, "Some sites are hard to back in with a camper, we had to buy longer extension cables and a longer water hose, sites are very close together," advises an experienced RVer.
Dump station timing: Plan around peak checkout times. "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," warns a Hurricane Creek visitor.
Waterfront RV alternatives: Consider non-lakefront sites for better shade. "Many sites had drop offs on the door side of the pad so you could not use all the awning space," notes one RVer, suggesting interior sites might offer more usable outdoor space despite lacking water views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cerulean, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cerulean, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Cerulean, KY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cerulean, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cerulean, KY is Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cerulean, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Cerulean, KY.
What parks are near Cerulean, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Cerulean, KY that allow camping, notably Barkley Lake and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
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