Best Campgrounds near Hardin, KY

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.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Hardin, Kentucky (124)

    1. Hillman Ferry Campground

    37 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Hillman Ferry is the northernmost full service campground in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and is an excellent base camp for exploring the LBL and other recreation opportunities in"

    "This campsite is located in beautiful Land Between the Lakes. Many sites are by reservation, but many more are first come first serve. Sites are big and open and some provide views of Kentucky Lake."

    2. Kenlake State Resort Park

    13 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 474-2211

    $18 - $35 / night

    "First be aware there are several seasonal campers who pretty much feel like they own the place, so their children's running around on golf carts, bicycles and walking through your camp to get to the "trail"

    "The sites with the decks have amazing views of Kentucky Lake, and there is a trail just south east of the camping area that leads down to the water for easy access for canoes or kayaks."

    3. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    21 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4840

    $20 - $256 / night

    "Canal campground is right on the canal that connects Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake at the north end of Land Between the Lakes."

    "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."

    4. Energy Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2270

    "We have two small kids and were with family (in adjacent D4) so we really hoped for a site with flat space for the kids to play in, but there was absolutely no grassy area."

    "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."

    5. Sugar Bay Campground

    9 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    12 miles
    Website

    "There is a porta-john near the lake level sites and a pit toilet near the hill side sites."

    "I had a site on the lower side near the lake, I knew there was some rain forecast, but there was a ditch next to my site that I assumed would handle any runoff from the hill above. I was wrong."

    6. Redd Hollow

    10 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "There are several sites water level where you can put in to the lake and there are some very picturesque sites that overlook the lake. First come first get."

    "All you need to camp here is a camping permit from Land Between the Lakes which is 30 dollars online. If you have a Kentucky resident sportsmans licence this permit is included in that!"

    7. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    12 miles

    "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted."

    "Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake an doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."

    8. Eureka

    16 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 388-9459

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Only a 26 site park & only sites in the 20's are away from the water. Very hard to get reservations & when you can sites are limited. Locals book wasy in advance."

    "Just 4 miles from highway 62 in Kuttawa, KY and it feels like another place in time. You can fish Lake Barkley from your campsite or just enjoy the waves washing up."

    9. Nickell Branch Campground

    11 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    $10 / night

    "Nickell branch is a Backcountry area in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. This is a very primitive camping that is first come first serve."

    "Nickel branch is the first campground on the north end of Land between the Lakes. the sites are maintained fairly well. There is a boat ramp, a basic outhouse, and good place to swim or fish."

    10. Hurricane Creek

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-8821

    $16 - $32 / night

    "Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes."

    "**The nearby Land Between the Lakes park is amazing. This is a much more basic park and campground on the shore of the eastern lake."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Hardin, KY

652 Reviews of 124 Hardin Campgrounds


  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    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. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Cheyanne S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Shaded but unlevel

    Enjoyed our stay. 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. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Columbus-Belmont State Park

    Nice, clean campground, back sites have sewer, be prepared to level out.

    Stayed here for 2 nights at site 25 on the back side of the campground. The back sites have sewer. These sites were paved, but not level, so be prepared to level. TIP: If using those yellow camco "lego" block to level, be sure to put a canvas tarp or rubber mat between the blocks and the pavement, otherwise they will slide when you try to roll on top of them. My daughter used the bathhouse, and she said it was not good. Leaky, standing water. The park was awesome, which made the bathhouse an oddity. The little snack shack over by the chain was a nice evening diversion of ice cream and funnel fries. The camp host couple was wonderful. The park is clean and well maintained.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Camping in July 2025

    Campground was not crowded during the weekdays. Nice shaded sites w electric and water hookups. Campground hosts were very engaged. $19 a night electric w Sr Pass.

    There are several historical sites to visit. Ill Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods and Trail of Tears segments on

    ATT cell service was spotty but I drove to Dixon Springs SP where there was a cell tower. An easy 3 mile hike around the lake

    There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods , and segments of the Trail of Tears

  • R S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Paducah RV Park & Campground

    Quick full hook up pull through, with Great sky views , country feel and a common outdoor area near lake.

    Like the lake and outdoor commons area

  • Maryann
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes

    Good place to boon camp

    We stayed here two nights with our friends in two travel trailers. We had 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 2, 3, and 10) and we had the best time. This was our first time boon camping and it was actually way more enjoyable than being at a campground! It was quiet, secluded from other campers, and we had close access to the lake where we were parked. We will definitely be camping here again!

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Campground

    Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord


Guide to Hardin

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.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hillman Ferry Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Plenty of hiking, trails. Places with amazing views." The trails here are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding nature.
  • Water Activities: At Energy Lake Campground, you can enjoy swimming and kayaking. A camper shared, "The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted, making it great for swimming."
  • Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers at Hurricane Creek noted, "Nice campground right on the lake. Family-friendly, lots of children on their scooters."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Shawnee Forest Campground said, "The camp was clean and well maintained." Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Piney Campground enjoyed the spacious sites, with one reviewer stating, "The site was spacious and clean. Plenty of room for our 30' travel trailer."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere is often highlighted. A camper at Clarksville RV Resort mentioned, "The employees are so nice and so helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, do not have potable water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There is no potable water on site. That would be my only complaint."
  • Busy on Weekends: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground said, "Very busy on Fridays and weekends. Too many people, mostly day hikers."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A camper at Jackson Falls mentioned, "The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hillman Ferry Campground, which has a playground and plenty of space for kids to run around. One family shared, "We rode our bikes all over the place and enjoyed the playground and lake."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys. A camper at Energy Lake Campground noted, "We had so much fun... the view was STELLAR!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled up with snacks. A visitor at Hurricane Creek mentioned, "Nice campground right on the lake. Family-friendly, lots of children on their scooters."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park said, "This place was laid out and built by someone who hates RVs."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Piney Campground noted, "Some sites are hard to back into and require much work to get level."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for little to no cell service. A visitor at Jackson Falls mentioned, "I had no cell service. I was too busy enjoying being there."

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 campgrounds are available in or near Hardin, Kentucky?

Several campgrounds surround Hardin, Kentucky, particularly near Kentucky Lake. Hurricane Creek offers shaded sites with a boat ramp on the east side of Land Between The Lakes. Kenlake State Resort Park provides camping facilities with some seasonal campers. Other nearby options include Fenton Lake Access, Bee Spring Lodge, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, and Boswell Landing Campground. Most sites in this region offer water access and basic amenities, making them popular with both boaters and traditional campers.

What amenities does The Hill campground in Hardin, KY offer?

The reviews don't provide specific information about The Hill campground in Hardin. However, similar campgrounds in the area like Bee Spring Lodge-Campground offer tree-shaded sites, lake views, ice vending, convenient boat ramps and docks, plus shower houses. Eagles Nest RV Park nearby features concrete pads with full-service utility hookups, individual patios, cable TV connections, and shared facilities including laundry rooms and showers. For specific information about The Hill, it's recommended to call directly as amenities may vary.

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 37 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.