Camping near Gilbertsville, Kentucky centers around two major bodies of water—Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley—connected by a 1.75-mile canal that creates a 170,000-acre inland peninsula. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with average temperatures between 60-75°F. Cell reception varies dramatically between the northern and southern sections of Land Between The Lakes, with stronger signals near developed campgrounds along the Interstate 24 corridor.
What to do
Mountain biking on Canal Loop Trail: Access this popular trail system directly from Hillman Ferry Campground, where riders can connect to extensive networks. "The Canal Loop Trail and North South Trails are well known and revered by area mountain bikers and hikers. No WiFi or internet service. Cell signal in prior years have been spotty," explains a camper who appreciated the direct trail access.
Astronomy at the planetarium: Located within a 15-minute drive from most northern LBL campgrounds, the Golden Pond Planetarium offers educational programs about night skies. "Land Between the Lakes is an amazing park for any kind of recreation, from boating, swimming, and hiking to a working farm, nature center, Civil War history, even a planetarium," notes one visitor to Pisgah Bay.
Disc golf: Pack your discs to enjoy the course tucked away off the main road. "There's also a disc golf course tucked back off the main road. Be sure to venture out to the nature center and other nearby attractions. Pick out a few trails ahead of time if you like to hike," recommends a camper at Hillman Ferry.
What campers like
Lake access for paddle sports: Protected inlets and coves provide calmer waters for paddleboards and kayaks. "I had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite. This is a large campground with lots of activities, but I didn't do any. We stayed right at the campsite," shares a camper at Hillman Ferry about site 64.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings offer the best times for spotting wildlife. A visitor at Canal Campground noted, "Lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you. One of my favorite in LBL."
Sunset views from waterfront sites: Western-facing lake sites provide spectacular sunset watching. "Very rustic, woody campground with water and electric hookups. Very quiet and beautiful sites on Barkley Lake. The sunsets were beautiful!" reports a camper at Eureka Campground.
What you should know
High lake levels affect beaches: Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the season, sometimes covering designated swimming areas. "The small designated swimming area is convenient but the water was so high that there wasn't any sand," notes a camper at Eureka, showing how conditions can change.
Off-season benefits: March through early May and September through November offer much less crowded camping experiences. "I went in March and had the whole place to myself. Only coyotes and owls at night. Very peaceful. It was clean and had an odor free vault toilet!" reports a visitor to Pisgah Bay.
Boat ramp locations often separate from prime camping spots: At many campgrounds, the boat launch areas require planning. According to a visitor at Nickell Branch Campground, "There is a boat ramp, also not real convenient, though there are a few sites pretty close to it. So hopefully you like one of those or you will be walking a little way to put in."
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront sites early: Waterfront sites at family-friendly campgrounds book months in advance, especially for holiday weekends. "We booked online but once we arrived, the attendant suggested we change sites. I recommend calling to book. Some sites are full hookup to include sewer, ours was not," advises a family staying at Hillman Ferry.
Pack water shoes: Rocky and sometimes muddy shorelines make protective footwear essential. "All gravel so water shoes is a must. Nice, cool breeze!" notes a camper at Twin Lakes Campground.
Consider off-site attractions: The area offers educational experiences beyond campground boundaries. "We got a tent last year and the same day we hit up Hillmans Ferry. It was the end of September the weather was nice and a chance to relax. The spaces were pretty good size and spread out," shares a family camper who enjoyed the shoulder season.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords and hoses required: Many hookup sites have utilities positioned far from the pad. "Set just a few miles off of I-24 in Kentucky, just two miles down the road from the Kentucky dam Village Resort Park... The water and electrical hookups are so far away from the camping site pads they will let you drop your RV camper or whatever any place in the grass so it's more convenient than going and having to buy hose and electrical extensions," explains a visitor to Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
Check length restrictions: Sites at many campgrounds have specific length limitations. "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," warns an RVer at Kentucky Dam Village.
Consider accessibility during wet weather: Unpaved access roads can become difficult to navigate after rain. "I was able to get a 36' pull behind camper back here without four wheel drive but wouldn't try that during the raining season or if the road was wet," cautions a camper at Pisgah Bay.
