Green River Lake features a mix of wooded and open camping terrain across roughly 33 miles of shoreline. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation and experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching the mid-90s from June through August. Cell reception varies dramatically between campgrounds, with some locations offering reliable service while others remain nearly disconnected from networks.
What to do
Fishing access: Wilson Creek Recreation Area provides multiple spots for anglers with different skill levels. "There is a little intermittent stream that runs beside the sites. Plenty of swimming, hiking, fishing, boating in this area!" notes one camper. The lake has abundant fish populations visible from shore.
Woodland trails: Several campgrounds maintain hiking paths for exploration. At COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge, visitors can access the Woodland Trail entrance from specific sites. "I had Site 31 right beside the Woodland Trail entrance but you're pretty close to the lake," reports one camper. Most trails are considered easy to moderate difficulty.
Swimming beaches: Multiple locations offer designated swimming areas away from boat traffic. "You can cool off at the gravel beach at the end of the road," mentions a camper at Wilson Creek. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards and operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. "The parking spots are huge, and it's a great area to walk around," writes one visitor about Smith Ridge. This provides room for equipment setup and outdoor activities without feeling crowded.
Lake visibility: Many sites offer direct views of the water. At Dog Creek Campground, "Seems all sites have a lake view. Very close to beach, but that means you hear everything at the beach." The proximity allows campers to monitor water conditions and boat traffic.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds generally maintain their amenities well. One review of Holmes Bend notes that "Bath houses are cleaned thoroughly every morning. Playgrounds are cleaned everyday." The regular maintenance schedule is particularly noticeable during peak season.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: The lake can change significantly throughout the season. At Wax Campground, one camper noted "The water was up high so it made it an amazing waterfront campsite." Water levels typically peak in spring and gradually lower through summer.
Maintenance inconsistencies: Some facilities experience repair delays. "One bathroom hasn't had electric in two years and another women's bathroom only has hot water in one shower and the hand dryers don't work," reports a Smith Ridge visitor. Checking recent reviews before booking helps identify current conditions.
Train noise: Locations near rail lines experience regular disruptions. "Do not camp close to the railroad tracks. Loud horns in the middle of the night," warns a camper. This primarily affects campgrounds near larger towns rather than those directly on the lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Holmes Bend Campground, "Playground has red clay dirt, so that was a bit messy," notes one visitor. Bringing extra clothes for children proves useful after playground time.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds specifically for young anglers. "There is a stock pond for kids to fish with bamboo poles that the park provides (catch & release only)," mentions a visitor to Singing Hills RV Park. These areas typically have simplified fishing regulations.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animal populations visible from campsites. "Walking around you will find wildlife. Lots of deer and turtles and birds," notes a Holmes Bend visitor. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities for most species.
Tips from RVers
Site obstacles: Watch for natural hazards when setting up. "Our campsite had two stumps there were hard to work around when backing up the camper in the dark," warns a Smith Ridge visitor. Arriving during daylight hours makes navigation significantly easier.
Power reliability: Some campgrounds experience electrical issues. "They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances," reports a Smith Ridge camper. Backup power options prove useful during peak summer months when systems experience heaviest use.
Dump station access: Limited sewer hookups means planning for dump stations. "The dump stations are a little tricky I felt like but overall a good campground," notes a visitor. Weekday mornings typically offer shorter wait times for these facilities compared to weekend checkout periods.
