2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Barkley State Resort Park houses upscale glamping accommodations in the heart of Kentucky's lake country, with multiple options for luxury outdoor stays. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA offers deluxe glamping tents, yurts, and premium canvas accommodations within easy reach of both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. These sites feature raised wooden platforms, comfortable queen beds with linens, electricity, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. One visitor noted, "The setting is gorgeous. The water is beautiful and the only sound is nature and the cracklings from the fire at night." The Energy Lake Campground in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area provides safari-style glamping tents with private decks overlooking the water, complete with furnished interiors and proximity to hiking trails.
Holiday Hills Resort and Cypress Lakes RV Park complement the area's glamping options with boutique camping experiences that blend outdoor adventure with upscale amenities. According to a camper, "The campground was clean. The bath house was clean, as well." Guests enjoy direct water access for fishing, boating, and swimming, with most glamping sites positioned for optimal lake views. The region between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offers extensive water recreation opportunities, wildlife viewing in the 170,000-acre Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, and proximity to Grand Rivers with its renowned Patti's 1880s Settlement restaurant. Most glamping accommodations are available from March through November, with peak season running May through September. Visitors should reserve safari tents and yurts well in advance, particularly for weekend stays during summer months.
"Grand Rivers KY Canal Campground at Barkley Lake COE Site 111 This is a great COE campground located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, with views of the Barkley Dam."
"Right on Lake Barkley where it joins Kentucky Lake. Over 200,000 acres of lake. We had sites 76 and 77. The roads to the sites have a lot of curves be careful not to clip your trailer on a tree."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $256 / night
"Before 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."
"We only stayed one night but staff was very pleasant and sites are reasonable size. There is a nice dog park with disposable bags. Our site overlooks a nice little pond."
"Over 300 campsites from primitive, electric w/ water and full hook ups in each area along with campstore, modern restrooms and shower houses and so many things to do: swimming, fishing, boating, boat ramps"
"And, after driving through the entire campground the next day, we decided it was the best site in the whole park for our size rig!"
"The staff makes you feel like a friend immediately. Laundry is 1.50 per machine and the showers are large and clean."
"There is a small lake to fish in. Nice play ground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids.
Will be going back, I really enjoyed it. The staff is very welcoming and friendly."
from $49 / night
"Water, electric, nice bath facilities, waterfront, boat ramp, trash, firewood availability, well kept. You name it. I live that it's inside LBL with all of these."
"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."
"Extremely friendly staff. Clean campsites with a great view of the lake. Nice pool as well!"
"The site is on the lake with cabins as well. They have full hookups and they were in good condition. We were in and out. Will will be back through for sure to check the place out during the day. "
from $999 / night
"Huge lake offers great fishing. The campground is not huge but does offer water and sewer hookups. They have 2 shower houses located for a 5 min walk from any site."
"Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $28 / night
"The success of the event weekends is largely due to the amazing staff at Prizer, as they accommodate a lot of last minute pleas for changes and help! "
"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."
"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"
"Access to the lake is great. Electric and fire ring at each site. The first night we were here a family set up nearby and let their dog run loose and their kids were screaming the entire time."
TravelerStarted at Gatlin Point. Moved because wanted something closer to the water.
Spacious spots give plenty of privacy. Was very quiet (12th). Facilities clean.
T-Mobile sometimes spotty but had coverage most of the time.
LegendDo yourself a favor and pay for the golf cart! This campground is huuuge! We stayed here for an event and were amazed at how many sites there were. We had a nice campsite on the lake side, however the lake was pretty dry. Facilities were clean and we had a nice level site. All in all a fun time was had by all.
GuideThis is the third time we’ve stayed here just using it as an overnight on the way to and from home on our way out west. Great campground with full hook up service in some sites and a view of the lake.
GuideWe were on our hike in Shawnee National Forest, and we found this campground. And it was an amazing experience. It has a beautiful view of the sunset, and there are ponds. There are horses on the property, and it’s very cheap for tent camping. The staff was amazing. She showed us around with her 4x4 the whole property, the horses, and the pony or a donkey. The showers were pretty decent and cleaned
I would recommend this place for everyone
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.
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.
ScoutWe tent camp, but like electricity, however the pads are concrete and can not get stakes in ground. Did not know it was okay to put tent up off pad in grass until we called a park ranger. By this time we was frustrated because we had already put tent up.
GuideBusy but quiet campground. This spot is sitting on the lake. Perfect place to watch sunrise over the lake. This is a back-in, large site with a fairly level pad. It is relatively private site for this campground. Lots of families using golf carts to get around the campground. You can fish from this site and lots of good hammock trees. Nice firepit with grill grate. Site has electric and water.
Water-based recreation dominates the camping scene near Gilbertsville, Kentucky, with numerous campgrounds situated along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The region sits within the northern portion of Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre peninsula formed when the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers were impounded. The area's moderate climate supports camping from March through November, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-95°F.
Fishing from shore or pier: Energy Lake Campground offers excellent bank fishing opportunities with a dedicated fishing pier. "There is direct access to one of the many trails in LBL and several within easy biking or driving distance. The staff was very helpful," notes a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing at Elk and Bison Prairie: Located near several campgrounds, this drive-through wildlife preserve costs $5 per vehicle. "Elk and Bison Prairie is a close by must for only $5 admission card," reports a camper at Energy Lake Campground who appreciated this unique wildlife viewing opportunity.
Non-motorized water sports: Many campgrounds restrict motorized watercraft in certain areas to protect wildlife. "I had a fun time paddle boarding in the little inlet right off this campsite. Lots of other campers had their boats moored along the shoreline," writes a visitor to Hillman Ferry Campground who enjoyed the calm waters.
Drive-in movie experience: For a unique evening activity, check out the drive-in theater near Paducah. "The lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road... it was awesome!!! The theater accommodated our camper," shares an enthusiastic visitor to Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA.
Quiet waterfront settings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at select campgrounds. "The setting is quiet and tucked back from everything else. Access to Barkley or Energy Lake. Boat or bank fishing with a fishing pier and parking lots big enough for boat trailers," notes a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on visitors' priority lists. "The bathrooms and showers were directly across the way and relatively clean... I like that they are set up as individual, lockable shower rooms, rather than one big shower room," reports a camper at Energy Lake Campground.
Convenient store access: Several campgrounds maintain well-stocked stores. "There is camp fire wood, propane and a very small selection of necessities available at the entry gate/check-in. Closest retail store, gas station and alcohol is approximately 10-12 miles from the campground," explains a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. "The only sound is nature and the cracklings from the fire at night," notes a camper from Cypress Lakes RV Park about the peaceful atmosphere.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. "You better bring lots of blocks if you expect to get anything close to level," warns a reviewer at Prizer Point Marina & Resort about their premier waterfront sites.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. "No cell service," notes a camper at Hillman Ferry Campground, which is typical for many campgrounds in the more remote areas of Land Between The Lakes.
Noise levels vary by season: During peak periods, particularly hunting and fishing seasons, campgrounds can become quite busy. "By 3 am the place starts hopping. People getting in and out of their cars, doors closing and cars driving off in the gravel," reports a November visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Utility placement issues: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned hookups. "Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites," advises a Lake Barkley State Resort Park visitor.
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Nice playgrounds," notes a visitor to Hillman Ferry Campground, though facilities vary greatly between locations.
Beach considerations: Not all beach areas are created equal. "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach. I wasn't expecting Florida beaches in Kentucky, but in Indiana we have nice sandy beaches at lakes so I was disappointed," shares an Energy Lake Campground visitor.
Reserve well ahead: Family-friendly sites with convenient bathroom access book quickly. "We stayed in site 64 which had great views. Pad was level but a little difficult to back into because of one small tree," reports a visitor to Hillman Ferry Campground, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting your site.
Activity access: Consider proximity to amenities when booking. "Did not use the bathrooms as they weren't very close. So I can't comment on that. I had a fun time paddle boarding in the little inlet right off this campsite," notes a camper at Hillman Ferry Campground.
Extension cord requirements: Many sites have electrical hookups positioned far from parking pads. "Electric far from pads - bring extension cord," advises a Lake Barkley State Resort Park visitor who encountered this common issue.
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit the size of RVs they can accommodate. "Not for the big campers I think 35 is the biggest they allow," notes a visitor to Holiday Hills Resort, information crucial for those with larger rigs.
Site accessibility: Roads within campgrounds can present challenges. "The roads are a bit steep and narrow but we were able to get a 30' travel trailer in there without trouble," shares a visitor to Energy Lake Campground who successfully navigated the terrain.
Water source planning: Not all sites offer direct water hookups. "Electricity is on almost every site. Each area has 'city' water available at hose bibs located in central locations in each area," explains an Energy Lake Campground visitor, reminding RVers to fill tanks before setting up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gilbertsville, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gilbertsville, KY is Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Gilbertsville, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 glamping camping locations near Gilbertsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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