The Gilbertsville, Kentucky area offers convenient access to both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from March through November, with limited winter options. Weather conditions include hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters where overnight freezing is common from December through February.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, campers enjoy direct access to the Ohio River. "Right after getting set up, we got to see a big barge go by," notes one visitor who found the waterfront location ideal for fishing and wildlife viewing.
Swimming and water activities: Near Venture River RV Park, families can take advantage of the adjacent water park. "We would stay here again and bring the cousins to play at the water park," writes one camper who appreciated the proximity to water recreation options.
Wildlife watching: Birmingham Point Campground offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. "We enjoyed the lake view from our site plus we saw deer and eagles in the CG during our overnight stay," reports a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: At Birdsville Resort and Campground, campers value the generous spacing between sites. "All open sites waterfront, 30 or 50 amp, sewer and water hookups. Right on the Ohio river! The spaces are big enough for anything you can drive," notes an enthusiastic reviewer.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses at Cypress Lakes RV Park. "Very clean facilities and lovely people! Showers and bathrooms immaculate," reports one visitor who appreciated the attention to cleanliness.
Community activities: Many campgrounds in the area organize seasonal events. "Love this campground, very friendly and accommodating. Lots of fun activities on Holiday weekends throughout the summer season," writes a camper about the social atmosphere at Cypress Lakes RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most rv sites near Gilbertsville, Kentucky operate on limited schedules. "This campground closes for a few months in Fall," notes a camper about Outback RV Resort, which like many in the area operates from April to November.
Reservation requirements: Popular Outback RV Resort fills quickly during peak season. "The empty sites in the CG filled with overnighters during our Monday-Tuesday stay," reports one visitor, suggesting that even weekday availability can be limited.
Site configurations: Birmingham Point Campground has specific limitations for larger vehicles. "We would not recommended trying to anything longer than a 38' rig into the site due to the turn to get out," cautions a camper about the pull-through site arrangements.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Paducah RV Park & Campground offers outdoor common areas. "Like the lake and outdoor commons area," writes one visitor who found the setup conducive to family activities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities during summer months. "Kids enjoyed the playground and the reservoir is really beautiful. We wish the pool had been open...it's still in the process of a renovation. Shaved ice was a nice consolation prize for the kids," notes a family staying at Cypress Lakes RV Park.
Recreational variety: Birdsville Resort provides multiple activity options. "This isn't a huge place with coordinated activities, but they did have horseshoes, basketball, and a hammock area along with a small playground," explains a camper who found enough to keep children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For Indian Point RV Park, understanding the layout is crucial. "The campground sits on three levels overlooking Lake Barkley. There are only 5 pull-thru sites with full hookups on wide open ground, no shade," advises an RVer who stayed at the campground.
Level site availability: Many campgrounds offer level spots but require some equipment. "We needed levelers on the door side," notes an RVer at Birmingham Point Campground, suggesting bringing leveling blocks even for sites advertised as level.
Utility placement: At Birdsville Resort, hookup locations require planning. "Make note that the electric poles and water are shared between each site which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in," explains a camper who noticed this unique arrangement.
