M
Michael 
Traveler
TravelerHurricane Creek
Good Site
This site was a challenge to pull into but once in, we enjoyed the site and booked an additional night.
Best Campgrounds near Madisonville, KY
Campgrounds near Madisonville, Kentucky provide access to a network of established sites catering to diverse camping preferences. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs serves as a central destination with accommodations ranging from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Other notable options include Moffitt Recreation Area near Morganfield and Diamond Lake Resort Campground in Owensboro, both offering mixed-use campgrounds within a reasonable drive. The camping landscape features a blend of state park facilities, private RV parks, and resort-style campgrounds primarily clustered along waterways and forested areas within 30-40 miles of Madisonville.
Seasonal considerations impact camping experiences throughout western Kentucky, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park typically welcomes campers from April 1 to October 31, while some facilities like Diamond Lake Resort Campground remain open year-round. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when beach and lake access areas become crowded. Tent and RV sites often present leveling challenges at some facilities, especially at Pennyrile Forest where the terrain features notable slopes. As one camper noted, "The sites are hard to back in with a camper, we had to buy longer extension cables and a longer water hose, sites are very close together."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the region. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park features a white sand beach area that receives consistently positive reviews despite occasionally heavy use. According to visitor feedback, "The beach has some confusing parking signs, but we figured it out. It was busy and had some loud visitors." Several campgrounds provide water-based recreation opportunities, including boat launches, swimming areas, and equipment rentals. RV-focused facilities like Western Kentucky RV Park offer hookups and basic amenities but may lack recreational features found at state parks. Campers seeking quieter experiences might prefer the more remote settings at Lake Mauzy East, which provides primitive tent and RV camping with limited amenities but greater privacy throughout the year.
Best Camping Sites Near Madisonville, Kentucky (84)
1. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
19 ReviewsDawson Springs, KY20 milesWebsite+1 (270) 797-3421$12 - $40 / night
"Pennyrile Forest State Park off Ky69 outside Dawson Springs, Ky. A newer trail Pennyrile Nature Trail is 13.5 mile long hiking trail, from Dawson Springs to the park."
"We were on the very corner and even though it was close to the road it was beautiful and not super traffic heavy. There was however a streetlight at the corner and it was extremely bright."
2. Best Western Executive Pennyrile Inn
Be the first to review!Madisonville, KY7 miles+1 (270) 258-52013. Livermore RV Park
2 ReviewsMount Vernon, KY22 milesWebsite+1 (270) 278-2854"These sites are right off the green river, there is a boat ramp adjacent. Good people all around , and the monthly is amazingly low. You can opt to pay for 50 or 30 amp service."
4. Western Kentucky RV Park
4 ReviewsCentral City, KY22 milesWebsite+1 (270) 757-0348$46 - $55 / night
"Standard parking lot style rv park near highway, but we’ll kept, clean rr/shower/laundry, decent playground, grass strips on which you should NOT drive or park."
5. Diamond Lake Resort Campground
8 ReviewsMount Vernon, KY27 milesWebsite+1 (270) 229-4900$34 - $38 / night
"This is a resort not a get away from it all camping. It is well maintained, friendly staff, lots to do for kids. Sites are close, as in any resort style campground."
"It was also nice to ride the golf cart around the park to get around. We brought ours but you can also rent. The swimming pool stays pretty full but is nice."
6. Huggins Haven RV Campground
Be the first to review!Dawson Springs, KY11 milesWebsite+1 (615) 974-8535$45 - $49 / night
7. Moffitt Rec Area
4 ReviewsMorganfield, KY25 milesWebsite+1 (270) 333-48458. Hillman Ferry Campground
38 ReviewsGrand Rivers, KY48 milesWebsite+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."
9. Hurricane Creek
20 ReviewsCadiz, KY39 milesWebsite+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."
10. Lake Mauzy East
3 ReviewsMorganfield, KY27 milesWebsite+1 (270) 389-3580"The tent pads are right by the water, offering stunning lake views. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and access to toilets—everything you need for a comfortable stay."
"Lake mauzy is very quiet. No hookups but if you want to boondocks this is a great place."
Recent Camping Photos near Madisonville, KY
116 Photos of 84 Madisonville Campgrounds
Kristene B.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Hopewell RV Park
Hopewell RV Park
Richy R.
Lake Mauzy East
J K.
Lake Malone State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Camp Wildfoot
MickandKarla W.
Outback RV Resort
Nicole C.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Jeremy K.
Hurricane Creek
Adelle C.
Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access
Jeremy K.
KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point
Erin H.
Prizer Point Marina & Resort
Benjamin C.
Cravens Bay Campground
Recent Reviews near Madisonville, KY
460 Reviews of 84 Madisonville Campgrounds
- SSarah L.Traveler
Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
Lakeside sunrise
Busy 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.
- ccreedone C.
ScoutJohn James Audubon State Park Campground
Nice campsite
We stayed in a tent for three nights and everything was great
Gina-Lisa H.ScoutWestern Kentucky RV Park
For a short stay.. Western KY RV Park is okay.
For a short stay I'd come back again. The RV Park is close to shopping , in case you forgot something or didn't get a chance to stick up. However, the park itself leaves much to be desired. Though there are showers( pressure low and get in early for hot water or sometimes late at night so the propane can heat more) they are relatively clean. It mentioned a dog park, which is more like a run. For noise, there really isn't much in the park, probably due to the long list of rules, but the Kentucky Park Way is rather noisy! The park has lights so you really can't enjoy the night sky especially with lights from the city .The park is maintained and has 24/7 surveillance. Each site has hook up for 30 and 50 along with water and waste hook ups. They do allow for RV's to pull in and empty for a small fee. They have electric as well for .22 a kw. The only other thing I can really say is the manager is super nice and will accommodate you the best she can. Has laundry room for 2.oo a load. Machines are mediocre. So if I had to, or was in a spot of having to stop for either a weekend or a day , it's fine. Most of the campers here are ppl. who are working out of town, so they stay here- which makes perfect sense, otherwise,if you're looking to kick back and enjoy amenities , or for completely no sound of the eternal rat race .. keep searching this ain't the place. Want to add there are no fires allowed on the ground. So no fire pits unless you have your own that is raised.
- DDe L.Traveler
Pisgah Bay - DFWR
Cool views
Bathroom is mid. Showers are 20 minutes away and $5.
Great for tent camping. Really quiet and nice views
Jacqueline G.
GuideDemumber's Bay
Beautiful spot
Really great spot! Big rig friendly and pet friendly. There are lots of ticks and mosquitoes so make sure your furry friends are protected. You can park on the few paved spots on the top of the hill or the huge grassy area by the lake. Easy kayak launch for a day on the water! You do need a permit for parking and the ranger does stop by on weekends to check so just get one. It’s super cheap for what you get. Bathroom and dumpster on site too. There’s a bunch of attractions in Land Between the Lakes within a 10-20 minute drive. It’s a really cool place. Totally worth it to stay a few days.
- AAndrew H.Guide
Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
Nice quiet campground
I stayed in the primitive area but it did have water and electric at the campsite and it’s close to the bathroom. There are showers there too
- DDustinScout
Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
Great spot
Camped here a few nights in late March/early April. Stayed at site 77, which was next to the lake with great views. Staff was friendly and the facilities were clean. Close to Grand Rivers, which has a grocery store and some restaurants. Would camp here again.
MickandKarla W.
LegendVenture River RV park
Quiet Off-Season Stop with Big Sites and Lake Views
We called for reservations on the way into Venture River RV Park and had no problem getting the site we wanted since it was off-season and mid-week. We were told the office would be closed and that we would receive an informational email with details like the Wi-Fi code, but we did not; not a big deal for an overnight, especially since we used our T-Mobile Home Internet. We selected back-in Site 39 with full hookups, which turned out to be an easy back-in along the small lake. The site was fairly level and we were impressed with the large yard area that even included a wooden bench swing. Utilities were centered, though the electric pedestal sat toward the rear and required about 35 feet of cord for our rig. Water pressure was very good and we used a reducer. We picked up two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. There are not many trees, so satellite should work well, and spacing is decent for this type of campground, especially between Sites 38 and 39. The park sits on a lake with the Venture River water park across the way, and we expect it would be very popular during the summer season. There is a restroom building with shower stalls toward the back that has seen better days. No laundry and no formal dog area, but there is plenty of room to walk pets. During this quieter time of year, this made a very good overnight stop on our way back to our home base near St. Louis.
Guide to Madisonville
Camping sites near Madisonville, Kentucky offer options within a 40-mile radius across varied terrains from lakefront to forested settings. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s. Western Kentucky camping areas typically receive 45-50 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings but occasional seasonal flooding at lower-elevation sites.
What to do
Water recreation activities: Hillman Ferry Campground provides direct lake access with multiple boat mooring areas. "We had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite. This is a large campground with lots of activities," notes one visitor who stayed at Hillman Ferry Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Hurricane Creek offers excellent fishing access with dedicated parking for watercraft. A camper mentions, "We hung out hammock between 2 trees over the water and relaxed by the waters edge. There was a playground for the kids to play at and we drove to nearby Land between the Lakes, Cadiz and Lake Barkley surroundings for geocaching." The Hurricane Creek area provides both waterfront sites and nearby attractions.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the Elk and Bison Prairie near Lake Mauzy East for $5 per vehicle. "We didn't see elk that day but we saw a group of bison which was really cool," reports one camper. Lake Mauzy East offers "tons of birds, and we saw snake mounds but not yet seen one...birds and butterflies and owls" according to another visitor.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Lake Mauzy East provides primitive camping with minimal facilities but maximum tranquility. A camper at Lake Mauzy East described it as "God's country! Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! FREE, FREE FEEE❗" noting its "Super quiet, tons of birds" environment.
Beach access: Diamond Lake Resort Campground features a swimming pool and beach area that families appreciate. "We camped here and enjoyed our time fishing and going on the go carts. It was also nice to ride the golf cart around the park to get around. We brought ours but you can also rent," shares one visitor at Diamond Lake Resort Campground.
Riverside camping: Livermore RV Park offers direct access to the Green River boat ramp. "These sites are right off the green river, there is a boat ramp adjacent. Good people all around, and the monthly is amazingly low," notes one reviewer. Another camper mentions, "Live quietly! This peaceful little town has a wonderfully cared for rv park right on the boat ramp to the green river."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have sloped sites requiring extra equipment. At Moffitt Rec Area, "The best sites are reserved for seasonal campers by the month. Not many level sites as most are on a hill," according to one camper at Moffitt Rec Area.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: While some parks have modern facilities, others offer minimal amenities. At Moffitt Rec Area, "Bathrooms are very small and consist of only 2 showers and useable but not that great. This was a private campground that the county took over."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate April through October, with Hurricane Creek open April 25 to October 20. Lake Mauzy East remains open year-round for boondocking but has limited amenities. Some waterfront areas can become crowded during summer holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Beach day preparation: Plan early arrival times for beach access during peak season. Hurricane Creek campers note: "Tent sites are right next to the beach so kids can go back and forth easily. Bathhouse is very clean and kept up."
Playground proximity: Choose sites near recreational facilities for easier supervision. "There is a playground for the kids to play at and we drove to nearby Land between the Lakes, Cadiz and Lake Barkley surroundings for geocaching," shares a Western Kentucky RV Park visitor.
Activity planning: Schedule time for organized campground activities. At Hillman Ferry, "There are 2 playgrounds, multiple bath houses and a cute little store that you can walk/bike to. There is also lake access from multiple sites and a beach area. Bring your bikes or golf cart."
Tips from RVers
Extension equipment needs: Pack longer power cords and water hoses than typically required. "We had to buy longer extension cables and a longer water hose, sites are very close together," reports one camper about their experience.
Dump station timing: Plan for possible wait times at single-port dump stations during checkout hours. "Only one dump site, and it's a one-sided, one port, pull-through lane, so if you go at checkout/1-2pm, expect a 2-3 RV wait to dump," shares a Hurricane Creek visitor.
Equestrian sites for non-horse owners: Consider equestrian camping areas even without horses. "When I talked to the campground host, he was very pleasant and explained that you do not have to have a horse to camp in the equestrian sites. Those sites are level pull-through sites," notes a camper who stayed at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks available near Madisonville, KY?
Are there RV parks available near Madisonville, KY?
Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Madisonville. Western Kentucky RV Park near Central City provides full hookups and is convenient for RVers. For those willing to travel a bit further, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers excellent RV accommodations just off I-24 with spacious sites away from the busier resort area. Other options include Huggins Haven RV Campground and Livermore RV Park, both offering water access and big-rig-friendly sites. Most of these parks recommend reservations, especially during peak season.
What campgrounds are available near Madisonville, KY?
What campgrounds are available near Madisonville, KY?
The region around Madisonville offers several quality camping options. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is one of the closest campgrounds to Madisonville, located just outside Dawson Springs with hiking trails and forest surroundings. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Land Between the Lakes area provides numerous options including Hurricane Creek, which features shaded sites and its own boat ramp. Other options within driving distance include Moffitt Rec Area near Morganfield and Tower Rock Campground for a more rustic experience.
Can I rent a camper in Madisonville, KY?
Can I rent a camper in Madisonville, KY?
While direct camper rental services aren't widely advertised in Madisonville itself, nearby options exist. Diamond Lake Resort Campground near Owensboro sometimes offers rental units on-site. Bee Spring Lodge-Campground at Kentucky Lake may have seasonal rental options as well. For reliable RV rentals, you might need to look toward larger nearby cities like Evansville, Indiana, or Bowling Green, Kentucky. Online RV rental marketplaces are another option, allowing you to arrange delivery to your chosen campground if you don't want to drive the unit yourself.
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