Hardin, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.
Hillman Ferry Campground offers 374 well-defined lake front and wooded sites capable of handling a variety of camping units from tents to large motor homes. Basic, electric, water, and sewer sites are available. Campers have access to modern facilities, including a large swimming area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, campfire amphitheater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, fishing dock, picnic tables, and fire rings. During the summer season we offer recreation programs for all ages.
Situated along a peninsula between the lush shorelines of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers modern camping and provides the ideal setting to enjoy nature at its best with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Barkley Dam and boats traveling through the canal from the comfort of their campsite. The campground faces Barkley Lake, and the shore of Kentucky Lake is a brisk one-mile walk across the canal.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Canal Campground is the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Eagle nests can be spotted throughout the grounds, and its not unlikely for visitors to encounter deer and other wildlife. A short hiking trail allows campers to enjoy the outdoor scenery at their leisure. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and during warm months bass and catfish are plentiful in both lakes.
Lake Barkley, as part of a dam project at the Cumberland River, spans 134 miles along the Kentucky landscape, offering countless recreational activities to visitors. The canal connects Lake Barley with Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational complexes in the country.
Grand Rivers, a short drive from the campground, has several restaurants and two public marinas.
$256 / night
Piney Campground is now open year round and offers 384 well-defined lake front and wooded sites with 283 electrical hookups, 44 sites with electric, water, and sewer, and 57 primitive sites. Most sites are capable of handling large motor homes and campers. Campers have access to modern facilities, including a swimming beach area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, a campfire theater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, and a fishing pier. Piney also has 9 primitive cabins available for nightly rental. In addition, the summer season offers daily recreation programs for all ages. Since 1973 in mid-September Piney holds its popular Camper’s Fair with a variety of activities including a campers’ flea market and dealer showcase of new RVs, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. It is open to the public during the weekend.
Hurricane Creek Campground sits along the beautiful Lake Barkley, providing plenty of fresh air and recreation opportunities. While away the hours boating or hiking on shore. Anglers a plenty come in search of catfish and trophy bass. Wildlife spotting includes white-tailed deer and raccoons.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Hurricane Creek is the perfect setting for outdoor activities.
The campground is nestled in the wooded, rolling hills of southwestern Kentucky. Lake Barkley covers 57,900 acres with 1,004 miles of shoreline and offers comfortable and refreshing water temperatures in summer months.
The three-mile Lake Barkley State Park Trail is highly recommended. Plus the Lyon County Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, makes for an enjoyable visit. Items in the museum highlight the area's immigration history dating back to 1865.
$30 / night
Kenlake State Resort Park is a beautiful lakefront resort located on Kentucky Lake. Nature abounds in our park. Visitors may see deer, turkey and many small game animals as you enjoy a stroll in the woods or along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake. You may also catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle or hear the glory of the many song birds. Breathe in the refreshing smell of fresh water and enjoy the cool breeze from the lake. Relaxation is nestled in nature!
$25 / night
Eureka Campground sits on Lake Barkley among wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Fishing is a well-loved sport here; Kentucky's largest yellow bass was caught in these waters, and anglers flock with hopes of breaking the record.
Hikers and bikers are fans of the 2.5 mile Chestnut Oaks Trail that starts here. Other activities include boating, fishing and swimming.
Lake Barkley, the western-most lake on the Cumberland River is connected by a canal to Kentucky Lake, forming one of the nation's greatest freshwater recreation complexes. Between the two lakes is Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, featuring miles of hiking trails and opportunities for off-road vehicle riding.
Visit Fort Donelson National Battlefield, where the Union Army won their first battle of the Civil War. Another great destination in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with more than 170,000 acres of public land to explore.
$32 / night
This recreation area is part of Barkley Lake
Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Barkley in the Kentucky Lakes region, Prizer Point Marina & Resort and Kentucky Lakes KOA is the area’s finest destination for family getaways featuring condos, cabins, RV camping, boating and family recreation.
Welcome to our stunning campground resort on the shores of Lake Barkley near the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area. All RV site rates include 6 guests, Deluxe and Primitive Tent includes 4 guests, extra guests are $10/person/day, 5yrs and under are free. We are pet friendly!
Located near the Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lakes KOA Campground at Prizer Point Marina & Resort offers breathtaking views, relaxation, and outdoor recreation. This western Kentucky Campground is Big Rig friendly and welcomes pets. RV and Campsites are spacious and shaded. Complete with a fire ring for marshmallow roasts and story telling under the stars and amazing views of Lake Barkley.
Our Pull Through Sites are pull through, full hook-up, waterfront sites; See Video. Your front door opens to the beauty of Lake Barkley where you can relax or fish from the shore. These sites take advantage of our location on the intercoastal waterway. Premium Lake Side Water & Electric sites are also available. Prizer Point offers a free honey wagon service every other day on all non-tent campsites for your convenience. See Video
All RV sites include water, cable TV, 50 or 30 Amp electric, and rates are based on 6 people. Only one camping unit is allowed per site, unless approved in advance by management. Only two vehicles are allowed per site and overflow parking area is provided.
$10 / night
Hillman Ferry Campground offers 374 well-defined lake front and wooded sites capable of handling a variety of camping units from tents to large motor homes. Basic, electric, water, and sewer sites are available. Campers have access to modern facilities, including a large swimming area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, campfire amphitheater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, fishing dock, picnic tables, and fire rings. During the summer season we offer recreation programs for all ages.
Situated along a peninsula between the lush shorelines of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers modern camping and provides the ideal setting to enjoy nature at its best with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Barkley Dam and boats traveling through the canal from the comfort of their campsite. The campground faces Barkley Lake, and the shore of Kentucky Lake is a brisk one-mile walk across the canal.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Canal Campground is the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Eagle nests can be spotted throughout the grounds, and its not unlikely for visitors to encounter deer and other wildlife. A short hiking trail allows campers to enjoy the outdoor scenery at their leisure. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and during warm months bass and catfish are plentiful in both lakes.
Lake Barkley, as part of a dam project at the Cumberland River, spans 134 miles along the Kentucky landscape, offering countless recreational activities to visitors. The canal connects Lake Barley with Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational complexes in the country.
Grand Rivers, a short drive from the campground, has several restaurants and two public marinas.
$256 / night
Piney Campground is now open year round and offers 384 well-defined lake front and wooded sites with 283 electrical hookups, 44 sites with electric, water, and sewer, and 57 primitive sites. Most sites are capable of handling large motor homes and campers. Campers have access to modern facilities, including a swimming beach area, archery range, ball field, bike trails, a campfire theater, hiking trails, two boat ramps, and a fishing pier. Piney also has 9 primitive cabins available for nightly rental. In addition, the summer season offers daily recreation programs for all ages. Since 1973 in mid-September Piney holds its popular Camper’s Fair with a variety of activities including a campers’ flea market and dealer showcase of new RVs, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. It is open to the public during the weekend.
Hurricane Creek Campground sits along the beautiful Lake Barkley, providing plenty of fresh air and recreation opportunities. While away the hours boating or hiking on shore. Anglers a plenty come in search of catfish and trophy bass. Wildlife spotting includes white-tailed deer and raccoons.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Hurricane Creek is the perfect setting for outdoor activities.
The campground is nestled in the wooded, rolling hills of southwestern Kentucky. Lake Barkley covers 57,900 acres with 1,004 miles of shoreline and offers comfortable and refreshing water temperatures in summer months.
The three-mile Lake Barkley State Park Trail is highly recommended. Plus the Lyon County Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, makes for an enjoyable visit. Items in the museum highlight the area's immigration history dating back to 1865.
$30 / night
Kenlake State Resort Park is a beautiful lakefront resort located on Kentucky Lake. Nature abounds in our park. Visitors may see deer, turkey and many small game animals as you enjoy a stroll in the woods or along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake. You may also catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle or hear the glory of the many song birds. Breathe in the refreshing smell of fresh water and enjoy the cool breeze from the lake. Relaxation is nestled in nature!
$25 / night
Ranger
Quiet setting by a pretty lake. Stayed only one night on a road trip. Paducah a nice town, visited the quilt museum. Nice toilets and showers.
Legend
We found this campground using Google Maps looking for different campground (CG) options. As this was the first week of November on a Tuesday, we did not have any trouble getting reservations to include getting site 25 that we’d seen recommended in reviews. When making our reservation, we were told by the owner, Angie, to follow our GPS to the end of the road where you will find the CG. Angie met us and we were escorted to pull through site 25 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). This pull through is a large half moon. It was difficult to get straight on the rig but we made it work for an overnighter. We would not recommended trying to anything longer than a 38’ rig into the site due to the turn to get out. We needed levelers on the door side. Once we were set up, we were delighted with this site’s lake view. The water pressure was good at about 50 psi and no issues with the 50 AMP service. We got three bars on Verizon. We could have put out satellite, but did not for this overnight stay. They have a restroom/bath house, but we didn’t use it. This CG is mostly full of seasonals. We noticed that golf carts are the thing here. As we were here during the week, there was very little CG activity. However, we can guess this place is quite festive during the summer months and associated weekends. From what gather from their website and saw, they keep about 10 sites available for short term stays(max 28). Of the 76 sites total, the only pull through was site 25. We had to maneuver to get out of the site with our running over the railroad tie border. We wouldn’t go in there with anything over 38’. The sites here vary a lot on how close they are to each other. The website states the sites are 50 feet long, which is probably correct. We enjoyed the lake view from our site plus we saw deer and eagles in the CG during our overnight stay. The owner Angie, was very nice and accommodating.
Traveler
Love this spot! It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway.
Guide
Beautiful view. Vault toilet.well kept
Guide
Close to the marina it's a hard walk uphill both ways to the bathroom but they are very nice and well kept. Big open areas for children to play overall very good state park campground
Guide
Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must’ve flown into my car when i opened the door for a split second. Other than that, good stop for dispersed campers. Bathrooms were vault.
Guide
A few sites at a boat launch area.
One large site before the main turnaround point and a couple by the water.
Not a ton of space.
4x4 or awd may come in handy leaving the sites (going back up the gravel hill)
Scout
Only stay for several hours,haven't spent the night yet,that will be planned next
Scout
This will be the next campground to go
Scout
This park was very quiet, easy to access and owners were very friendly. The grounds we very well kept. Showers and bathrooms immaculate. We will definitely stop again in the future.
Ranger
This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF - about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake. The drive is paved/gravel the whole way, so very easily drivable for anyone in anything. Plenty of camp sites, both with electric and non-electric, double and single. Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks. Beautiful lake, beautiful biking trails, etc. Firepits w/ grates are spacious and nice, fees are online. 1 bar verizon at camp, can get up to 3 bars within the area.
ScoutGreat spot.
Guide
This is lakefront with a vault toilet and no running water. On a Wednesday night everything was quiet and peaceful. It is a self serve campground.
Guide
Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike. Lots to do for kids - bike paths, basketball court, multiple playgrounds, etc. Beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, nice campground store.
Traveler
We stayed here in our tent. The lady who checked us in was exceptionally nice and the campsites were clean quiet and shady. The restrooms were spick and span. We would certainly stay here again.
Guide
If you want a small affordable campground this is your place. The shower house could use for some regular cleaning. I’m not sure it was cleaned at all the time we were there. Not much to do in the area but fish unless you really want to explore outside of the campground.
I learned after our time there our site is the worst with bugs. I thought the bugs were just extra because it had rained a lot but a friend told me to never book that site bc the bugs are always backs there. Our site also gets all the rain drained from the upper site. When we checked in the host did prepare us our site would flood for a few areas since rain was expected.
The sunsets were fabulous!
Guide
Stayed here for a week and it was great. Plenty to do to keep you busy. Nice pool with retractable roof. Playset for kids. Full service marina with boat rentals. Golf cart rentals as well.
Guide
Was the only one there $ 20 with Electricity, what a Deal Steve is a great Host Also had free Music….. Cicadas
GuideWe camped here during the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse and it was also the overflow site which at that time was the side of the camp entrance road. Fast forward to April 7,8 & 9 2024 We are again on overflow campground where this time was their group camping site which was much better than the side of the road. The overflow site has 4 unisex bathrooms but no showers (showers are at the main campground) there is dining (open) pavilion with a fireplace and a filtered well water system. We had a blast watching the Total Solar Eclipse.
Traveler
Stayed 2 nights. Nearly empty, but we’ll kept camp. Best sunsets!!! Lake is beautiful. Many many lakeside spots. Lots of room.
Scout
Location is everything and this is well in the middle of a great area in Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the gods, Bell Smith springs, Ferne State park, and on and on. You can spend a week here and not see everything.
There are primitive and electric (with water) sites. There are no sites with sewer hookup. There is a dump station at the entrance.
Sites are generally level and well kept. Very large rigs (35+) will be challenging, but I've seen them - more towards the front. There are some lake front spots that can be had. Sites are first come and there are no reservations taken. During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.
Large lake with swimming, fishing, kayaking. Also has a bike trail around it - maybe 2 miles.
Shower houses are kept clean, but as of this posting, they need some maintenance work.
All in all, this is a must stop if you want to enjoy what the area has to offer.
GuideThis is a no frills campground just off of I-69/I-24. Check in was completed online and our site was marked with our name. All sites are full hook up with concrete pads. The county has a trail system that begin just a few hundred feet down the road that is a nice stretch of the legs. The skeleton on the motorcycle welcoming you was interesting, maybe we were really early or really late for Halloween. The campground is in need of some TLC of the grounds. There also seems to be a lot of long term residents.
Scout
Primitive campground with electric and water, who knew. Nice sites well kept. Showers were disgusting, drain had accumulated crud. Sinks also gross.
Legend
We camped here with our pups to see the eclipse in Paducah. The area is not really pretty or scenic. You can walk to the dam from the campground but it's nothing super special to see. There is dead fish laying around everywhere and it also smells like it. The campsites are very confusing. There is no map anywhere, except online. Sometimes you can't even read the numbers on the piles. The bathhouse was pretty ok. It was cleaned daily and always stocked. The water pressure was very low. Our camp host was super awesome and nice. There are also no hiking trails close by. The town of Paducah was worth a visit, otherwise we would not camp there again.
Traveler
Very nice campground, better than what I expected. We stayed at site 20 with a 36' travel trailer we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site. Cravens Bay is secluded and about a 2 mile drive off the main road running through LBL.
There is a attendant at the site that you have to check in with first who will let you know what sites are available and pay after you have chosen your site and settled in. The attendant station did have some snacks for sale as well ice, also in the event that you may need assistance with any problems at you camp site or even with your camper the attendant more than likely has the tools to help you.
The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow. Cravens Bay basically breaks down into two areas, the low ground (first sites upon entering) and the high ground (sites further in at the top of the hill), there are some sites scattered in-between these two areas but for the most part the largest campsites areas are the high and low ground sites. The sites in-between the two high and low ground areas are very private and two are definitely secluded.
We stay three days and during that time other than the occasional fisherman or the attendant driving by it was definitely very private and quite. There were some seasonal campers there who were very helpful and friendly (even cut up some timber for us to burn).
If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming. Defiantly for the nature lovers out there, nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning.
Ranger
We called from the road to get an overnight stop - the staff were super nice both on the phone and in person. When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road. Normally, when we camp we arrive so late it’s impossible to take advantage of area attractions so we decided to go and can I tell you, it was awesome!!! The theater accommodated our camper and the food (cheese fries especially) at the snack stand was great. As far as the campground, our site was a bit hilly but we had a nice view of the lake and close proximity to the playground. My kids also enjoyed the pool. Solid place to overnight!
Traveler
This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time. Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!! The ground was flat and there was a lot of room. We were just passing through and needed somewhere quiet to sleep after two days of driving. There is a lot to do in this area! I hope I got the location right… it wouldn’t let me add the exact coordinates I saved when I was there.
Camping near Hardin, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities that can make for a memorable getaway. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.
Camping near Hardin, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hardin, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hardin, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Hardin, KY and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hardin, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hardin, KY is Hillman Ferry Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hardin, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Hardin, KY.
What parks are near Hardin, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Hardin, KY that allow camping, notably Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Barkley Lake.
