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Camping near Dale Hollow Lake

618 Reviews

Camping around Dale Hollow Lake includes several good options, with TennesseeAmy R and Kendall Campground among the most used sites. TennesseeAmy R has enough room for both tents and RVs with sites spread out for some privacy. Over in Jamestown, KY, Kendall Campground keeps their bathrooms and grounds in good shape, and you can walk to hiking trails from your site. Spring and fall work best for a trip here - the weather stays mild and the trees look great. The lake gets pretty hot and sticky in summer, so come prepared if you visit then. You should book ahead, particularly on weekends and holidays when these places fill up fast. Some campsites sit further apart than others if you want more quiet. Most areas have decent tree cover to block the sun when it's hot. Always check if the campgrounds close during certain months before you drive out. The lake draws lots of people who like to fish and boat, and you'll see plenty of both activities. Dale Hollow Lake works well whether you bring a tent or drive up in an RV.

Map showing campgrounds near Dale Hollow Lake, KentuckyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Dale Hollow Lake (139)

    1. Standing Stone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Allons, TN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 823-6347

    "Standing stone is a small campground that sits in a wooded area surrounded by green rolling hills and farmland."

    "Although our campsite was listed as 42 foot in length our TT is 32 feet), my very experienced in driving a trailer husband had to take several attempts to back in due to trees closely lining the road and"

    2. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    9 Reviews
    Hilham, TN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 243-3136

    $5 / night

    "Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available."

    "We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful"

    3. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    12 Reviews
    Albany, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 433-7431

    $30 - $55 / night

    "Kids can ride their bikes around the circle. Playgrounds are everywhere. Very clean. Full hookups. Nice pool and mini golf too!"

    "Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is right on the Kentucky/ Tennessee boarder and not a short drive from anywhere. It is out in the farmlands, but worth the drive."

    4. Dale Hollow Damsite

    8 Reviews
    Hilham, TN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (931) 243-3554

    $32 - $75 / night

    "Nice water view from our site and a short walk to shower facility. Location of campground: a car ride away from activities. Not a bicycle friendly area.(hills and roadways)."

    "Did a drive around of the campground. Spacing looks great between sites. Sites look clean and level. Some sites are next to the Obey River. Will be camping here in the near future."

    5. Lillydale Campground And Day Use

    7 Reviews
    Byrdstown, TN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 823-4155

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Lillydale sits on Dale Hollow Lake, which -- for some delightful reason -- has serious limits on development."

    "We stayed at site #61 - the lake was literally steps away from our door, and it was a no wake zone (the lake comes to a dead-end back by this row of campsites, so there isn't a lot of boat traffic)."

    6. Willow Grove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Allons, TN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 823-4285

    $22 - $46 / night

    "The sites can be a tight squeeze, we have a 30ft trailer and had a hard time backing in because the trees were so close to the road."

    "It has a boat ramp small beach area and is surrounded by water on 3 sides. Water is accessible from multiple points, getting down to the water is easy its a decent climb coming back."

    7. Old Mill Camp and General Store

    22 Reviews
    Bloomington Springs, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 268-0045

    "I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy."

    "If you arrive early and are wanting to fully hike down to the waters it is a must to arrive early and by the time you finish enjoying activities driving is not something that sounds appealing."

    8. Deep Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Allons, TN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 823-2222

    9. Obey River Park

    6 Reviews
    Byrdstown, TN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 864-6388

    $22 - $50 / night

    " Obey River Park is a lake front campground on one of the best lakes in Tennessee, Dale Hollow Lake. The waters of Dale Hollow are so clean, clear, and almost turquoise in color."

    "Stayed close to the playground. Kids loved playing and being close to the site."

    10. Tuscarora Glade

    2 Reviews
    Byrdstown, TN
    12 miles

    $15 / night

    "You are surrounded by trees with a fabulous open spot to view the heavens. Come enjoy this little bit of paradise."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dale Hollow Lake

269 Photos of 139 Dale Hollow Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dale Hollow Lake

618 Reviews of 139 Dale Hollow Lake Campgrounds

  • Michele R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Morning View Farms

    Weekend getaway

    I could not say enough enough wonderful things about our stay. Our host was amazing, the nature was peaceful, serene, and everything we needed for a relaxing time away from home.

  • greg S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Floating Mill - Center Hill Lake

    Beware of host

    My family has camped here for years with no issues and we usually stay for at least 3 days if not longer at a time. On holidays we usually stay for a week or more at a time. The last 3 times we've camped there the host were horrible. They police you from the time you check in til you leave. They are very discriminating depending on who you know at the campgrounds. They charge some people to visit and not others. If you have kids they better walk the line during thier time there or they will threaten to have you leave. They have treated my family like we were second class as best. Talked to us like we were ignorant.  Not there to help at all. On a power trip for being the host. When you spend your hard earned money and time to relax and spend time with family and friends you shouldnt have to be harassed and watched over to the point you cant enjoy yourslves for your vacation. Not an enjoyable experience at all. We will not be back until they are no longer the host. Never been treated like that by host.

  • dereck R.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tree Tops RV Park

    Nice quiet place

    Nice quiet place. Very level. He takes very good care of the lot with gravel. The owner also runs an RV repair so you can get on-site repairs. Very useful. The shower house and bathroom are for emergency use only. Laundry room has a four-digit security code to get in. Most of the people staying here are long-term or semi-long-term. Lots of pipeline inspectors currently. Everyone has really nice rigs. Rate discount rates for 6 months or longer. Everything included except electric. Meters red monthly. Accepts mail delivery and package delivery.

  • J
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Willow Grove Campground

    Very pleased

    This campground is typical Corp of Engineers campground. This place is very well kept. It has a boat ramp small beach area and is surrounded by water on 3 sides. Water is accessible from multiple points, getting down to the water is easy its a decent climb coming back. This site is not shaded especially in the evening. Picnic table could stand to be repaired or replaced but still very usable.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Kendall Campground

    Army Corps of Eng Sites Are Excellent

    Stopped by Aug 11 for one day after being down in TN. Clean, well maintained, spacious sites. Excellent staff. On the other side of Wolf Creek Dam from Lake Cumberland. There is a snack bar/bait shop on site. 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.

  • Alisha L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground

    Salt Lick Creek

    Overall, we enjoyed our experience. It's a nice campground. The site was small and we prefer more space and seclusion since we travel with dogs. We stayed in site 94, which was on the water and nicely shaded. There was no cell service. Our camper has a wifi booster so we were able to boost the signal to our phones from the nearby bathhouse that had wifi. The campground is very remote, but it doesn't feel remote because of how busy and open it feels.

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    The Narrows

    Very clean campground.

    This is a very nice, clean campground. Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming. Camphost is very nice.

  • G
    Jul. 26, 2025

    COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground

    Very disappointing

    What a disappointment and I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this campground. I checked in at the appropriate time. There was no one at the gate, no packet no information. I found my campsite and pulled in quite unlevel due to deep divots in the gravel… used baby wipes embedded in the gravel, foul trash in the fire ring, and the campsite had been vacant according to the website for at least a week Obviously no preparation had taken place. Never saw a Ranger never saw host. I left one day early only to find that they have listed me as a cancellation thereby excluding me from being able to leave a recommendation on their website I’ll not be returning.

Guide to Dale Hollow Lake

Camping near Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the outdoors, there’s something for every type of camper.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Dale Hollow Lake is known for its great fishing spots. At Kendall Campground, one visitor shared, "Fishing was good. Nice hiking trails." This makes it a perfect spot for anglers looking to catch some trout or bass.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails around the lake. A camper at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, "The trails are great, but the campground is disappointing." This highlights that while the campground may need some work, the hiking opportunities are worth it.
  • Swimming and Kayaking: Many campgrounds have access to the lake for swimming and kayaking. A review from COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground states, "This is a beautiful campground. I really liked that sites were not too close together." This makes it a great place to enjoy water activities without feeling crowded.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Old Mill Camp and General Store said, "The bathrooms were immaculate," which is a big plus for families.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A review for Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park noted, "Large sites and the facilities were well maintained," making it a comfortable choice for larger groups.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park remarked, "Very friendly staff," which can make a camping trip more enjoyable.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at COE Cordell Hull Lake Salt Lick Creek Campground warned, "Fair warning there is no cell service," so be prepared to unplug.
  • Site Conditions Vary: Some sites may not be level or easy to access. A visitor at Center Hill Lake Primitive Camping Areas mentioned, "The view was blocked by overgrowth," indicating that site selection can impact your experience.
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Kendall Campground is open year-round, while others may close during winter months.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. A review for Old Mill Camp and General Store highlighted, "The little playground was a blast for the kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids engaged. A camper at Standing Stone State Park Campground noted, "There is plenty for children to do," which can help keep the little ones entertained.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along items like bug spray and sunscreen. A visitor at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park reminded campers to "bring the bug spray, sunscreen and plenty of extension cords."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A camper at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park mentioned, "The sites were in cul-de-sacs," which can be tricky for larger RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads and tight turns. A review for Lake Cumberland State Resort Park noted, "The sites are pretty close together," so be cautious when maneuvering.
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Kendall Campground found, "Two dump stations," which can be helpful for RVers needing to empty tanks.

Camping near Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds on Dale Hollow Lake?

Dale Hollow Lake offers exceptional lakeside camping experiences. Lillydale Campground And Day Use is highly recommended for its clean, quiet environment and minimal shoreline development, creating a peaceful atmosphere with clean water and green hillsides. Obey River Park is another excellent option with lakefront sites on the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Dale Hollow. For those seeking primitive camping experiences, there are island sites like Kemper Flats where you can camp right at the water's edge with basic amenities like porta toilets, offering serene fishing and relaxation opportunities.

What camping options are available near Dale Hollow Lake?

The Dale Hollow Lake area offers diverse camping options to suit various preferences. McDermit RV Park provides well-appointed RV sites with nice amenities, large spaces, and on-site owners. For a different experience, Down Yonder Campground is located just outside the state resort park and offers rental cabins. Beyond the immediate lakefront, nearby options include Willow Grove Campground with both boat-in and drive-in access, and Old Mill Camp and General Store near Cookeville. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive camping is available at several lake locations, including island sites accessible by boat.

Are there any state park campgrounds at Dale Hollow Lake?

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park offers excellent camping facilities with a thoughtfully designed layout featuring sites arranged in small loops—ideal for families. The park provides full hookups, multiple playgrounds, a pool, and mini golf. The campground is organized into sections, creating intimate camping neighborhoods where kids can safely ride bikes. In addition to the main campground, Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping offers more rustic options within the state park system, including sites at Cove Creek with lakeside positions, drinking water access, and pit toilets for a more back-to-nature experience.

What amenities are available at Dale Hollow Dam campground?

Star Point Marina campground, located at Dale Hollow Dam, offers a prime location on the turquoise waters of Dale Hollow Lake. The campground provides basic facilities adjacent to the marina with direct lake access. For those seeking more amenities, nearby Standing Stone State Park Campground offers sites with varying privacy levels—outer loop sites back up to woods for seclusion while inner loop sites are more open. The Dam area campgrounds typically provide drinking water access, toilets, and boat launching facilities. Many sites offer electric hookups, though amenities vary by specific location. The primary attraction is the pristine lake access with remarkably clean, clear water.

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