Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, creating a unique peninsula with over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions between 50-75°F. Dispersed camping in this region doesn't require advanced reservations at several basic camping areas, though established campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons.
What to do
Paddleboarding on Energy Lake: Energy Lake Campground provides direct lake access ideal for paddlers. The small no-wake lake creates perfect conditions for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. "A nice spot to launch your small canoe" as one camper noted about the Energy Lake Campground shoreline areas, with "lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see."
Archery practice: Hillman Ferry Campground offers an archery range among its recreational amenities. "There's hiking, fishing, archery, a nice playground, etc...so there's plenty to do at the campground," according to a visitor at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The Elk and Bison Prairie near Golden Pond Visitors Center provides drive-through wildlife observation. "Checked out the Elk and Bison Prairie, which was really cool. Nature station was really cool and we rented some canoes to explore around that area," reported one camper who visited while staying at Energy Lake.
What campers like
Lakefront sites with direct water access: Redd Hollow offers multiple waterfront sites where campers can park close to the shoreline. "Several of the sites have direct access to the water and there are some secluded and unique sites," notes one review of Redd Hollow. Some sites stand on higher ground, providing different perspectives: "We stayed at the campsite farthest in the back that stands up on a hill. You're near rocky beaches but you overlook it from about 20-25 feet above."
Clean facilities: The bathroom and shower facilities at Canal Campground receive consistent praise. "The facilities were extremely clean and people were friendly," mentioned one visitor to Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE, who added "There are flushing toilets, hot showers, and new picnic tables at sites."
Seasonal yurt camping options: While permanent yurt structures aren't common, seasonal yurt camping near Hardin, Kentucky occurs at some recreation areas. Ginger Bay offers primitive sites where portable yurt camping setups work well. "Incredible back country campsite... right on the water, no other people for 2 days!" reports a camper who stayed at Ginger Bay.
What you should know
Varying site levelness: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Sites are close together, most with a pitch. We had a water view- a finger of Barkley Lake," notes one camper about Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Another visitor advised: "Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel."
Remote locations mean limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the Land Between the Lakes area have spotty or no cell coverage. "No cell access" is frequently mentioned in reviews of more remote locations like Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, while Energy Lake has "spotty cell service throughout the campground."
Seasonal water levels affect access: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, impacting shoreline camping spots. "When they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites," explains one Redd Hollow visitor. "In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Energy Lake offers basic playground equipment for children. "Downfall is the beach is muddy and rocky and the playground is old with just a metal slide and swings," notes one visitor, suggesting families might "plan on doing swimming elsewhere at the lakes."
Educational opportunities: The Nature Station and Homeplace living history museum provide family-friendly learning experiences. "Went to the Homeplace, which is a working farm and 'living history museum,' which the kids really loved," shared one camper who stayed at Sportsman's Anchor Resort and Marina, where "there's onsite bathrooms and showers, along with a store and wood for sale for 50 cents a piece!"
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas, though quality varies. At Canal Campground, "the campground is big enough for golf carts and small enough to walk to the beach from any side," according to one visitor who noted it as "one of my favorites."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookups at Lake Barkley State Park are positioned to serve multiple sites and may require longer cords. "Electric far from pads - bring extension cord," advises one RVer, while another notes "make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."
Rental options for glamping-style experiences: For those interested in yurt camping near Hardin, Kentucky without bringing equipment, Tanglewood Campground offers rental RVs. "I rented their RV which was very nice, clean and everything was working in it," reported one visitor to Tanglewood Campground & RV Resort.
Road conditions for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. "The road to come in was narrow but well marked," notes one Lake Barkley visitor, while at more primitive locations like Ginger Bay, "I don't recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you won't get a camper up it."
