A
Austin K.
Traveler
TravelerPharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
2nd camp
I loved it a lot of rocks to climb and places to hike people are friendly and the sunsets and views are insane.
Best Campgrounds near Paducah, KY
The western Kentucky city of Paducah has several good camping spots within a short drive. Fern Lake Campground and RV Park sits only three miles from town, making it simple to head into Paducah for supplies while still having a quiet place to camp. They have spots for both tents and RVs with full hookups, plus you can fish in their lake. Many campers head to Hillman Ferry Campground on Kentucky Lake where you'll find waterfront sites and a boat ramp if you bring your boat. Some of the camping areas around Paducah need higher clearance vehicles to reach, so check road conditions before you go. The woods around Paducah have plenty of wildlife, so store your food properly to avoid animal visitors. During dry periods, fire rules might be strict, so always follow the posted rules at your campsite. Check if you need permits for activities before your trip. Spring and fall are the nicest times to camp near Paducah when it's not too hot or cold. Summer gets humid and hot, while winter brings colder weather. Whether you want a quiet camping trip or something more active, the Paducah area has campgrounds that will work for you.
Campground Showdown near Paducah, KY
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Best Camping Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (146)
1. Fern Lake Campground
15 ReviewsPaducah, KY3 milesWebsite+1 (270) 444-7939$45 - $65 / night
"Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."
"This is a convenient and pleasant campground, just off exit 3 on I24 in Paducah. The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups."
2. Fort Massac State Park Campground
7 ReviewsMetropolis, IL7 milesWebsite+1 (618) 524-4712"It is easy access from the highway and a nice quiet spot for the night. There is a new bath house with nice, private bathrooms/shower combinations."
"Surprisingly quiet surroundings. Well maintained spacious campgrounds for tent and RV. Two short trails and a museum to visit along with some nice views of the Ohio River."
4. Paducah RV Park & Campground
3 ReviewsPaducah, KY8 milesWebsite+1 (731) 215-0071"Like the lake and outdoor commons area"
5. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA
11 ReviewsCalvert City, KY17 milesWebsite+1 (270) 395-5841"Paducah is a cute little city in Kentucky that my family and I love to visit whenever we get the chance. The town is really cool, and has that "old" town vibe. The buildings are beautiful."
"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."
6. Hillman Ferry Campground
38 ReviewsGrand Rivers, KY27 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."
7. Shawnee Forest Campground
37 ReviewsVienna, IL27 milesWebsite+1 (618) 658-0619$40 / night
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
8. Duck Creek RV Park
3 ReviewsPaducah, KY5 milesWebsite+1 (270) 415-0404"Sites next to the Hwy are a little loud but all in all, we definitely recommend!!"
9. Fishing Pier
3 ReviewsMetropolis, IL11 milesWebsite+1 (800) 858-1549"Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."
10. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
23 ReviewsGrand Rivers, KY25 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Paducah, KY
198 Photos of 146 Paducah Campgrounds
Bea
Fern Lake Campground
Kim R.
Fort Massac State Park Campground
Wendy T.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
hannah O.
Riverview Campground
Daniel L.
Tween the Lakes Campground
Marta S.
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
Joel H.
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Rachel C.
Oak Point Campground
JK Bronco A.
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Taylor W.
Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
Timothy G.
Nickell Branch Campground
Taylor C.
Twin Lakes Campground
Recent Reviews near Paducah, KY
850 Reviews of 146 Paducah Campgrounds
- GGlen B.
GuideSaline County State Conservation Area
Disappointed
No showers, although listed among the amenities. Vault toilets are loaded with spiders and mud daubers with the exception of the one near the entrance. No sign of the camp hosts. Might be because of the time of year. There are some good spots along the water but not very RV friendly. Plenty of others away from the water and well spaced.
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.
- GGlen B.Guide
Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest
Boring
Nothing here but an open field and an old barn like structure. Just isolated.
Rayzor R.
ScoutForest Service Rd 343
LBL Lakeside Backwoods — Great Site, Rough Road
TL;DR: Great large backwoods site at LBL with lake access, north-facing shoreline for Starlink, and workable cell service. The access road is rough rutted gravel with a steep final descent on loose gravel— serious terrain for tow vehicles, with a washout at the bottom and no easy bailout once you're committed. Have your dispersed camping pass ready for Rangers. The site has a broken glass and nail problem from careless users, and human waste is bad on the hillside above camp. Go prepared, and pack out your garbage/waste.
This is one of my go-to backwoods spots at LBL. It's a large site with lake access and surprisingly decent cell service, and the shoreline faces north making it a solid placement for a Starlink antenna. Turkey Bay OHV Area sits across the bay, but noise from over there is rarely an issue.
Getting in is another story. The road is rough rutted gravel the whole way, and the final hundred feet drops at a decent grade, and on loose gravel at that. Stop at the top of the ridge before you commit. You can see down into the site from there and tell whether it's occupied, and turning around at the top is far better than driving into someone's camp. Know your rig before you start down— if you're towing, that final pitch is a one-way commitment. You'll be turning around at the bottom on the shore. There's also a washout on the right side of the approach at the bottom, a good 18 inches deep in spots, so make sure you have the clearance before you cross it. Once down, you can continue straight to the shore and make a wide turn, or do a three-point turn at the base of the hill if the water is up or conditions are muddy.
Rangers patrol the area, so have your dispersed camping pass ready, and there is frequent traffic because it is a popular place. We have had people roll up on us at 2AM before which is disconcerting. Wildlife-wise, raccoons and coyotes are regulars. Keep your food secured.
A few things to know before you set up camp. There's a significant amount of broken glass scattered around the tent area, so watch your footing and check the ground carefully before pitching. On the banks near old fire rings, people have burned pallets and construction scraps, which means nails in the driveable areas— something to think about if you're towing or running tires you'd like to keep.
Finally, human waste is a real problem here. The surrounding forest gets used as an open latrine, paper and all. It's especially bad on and around the flat-topped rise up the hill— what looks like the remains of an old roadbed or possibly a home site. Last time I was there, nearly every tree around the perimeter had waste at the base of it. We use a chemical toilet and dump it at the dump station on the way out. Pack it out or bury it properly and be part of the solution.
It's a great spot that gets treated poorly by some users. Go in prepared and leave it better than you found it.
- KKirby & Donna D.Traveler
Shawnee Forest Campground
Adequate for overnight
Two bathouses with two private bathrooms each. More geared for self-contained RVs. Toilet didn't flush.. Friendly host. All sites are pull through and very nice. 1/4 mile from interstate.
- JJoleen S.Scout
Oak Point - Lake Glendale
Definitely recommend !
Friendly hosts, great views, awesome for kayaking and hiking the 3 mile loop around lake!
- EElla P.Traveler
Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground
The Perfect Getaway
I stayed on a Sunday late April. With only 12 sites and it being first come first serve, I was nervous we wouldn’t be able to secure a spot. To our surprise, there were 4 open sites, so we had the perfect amount of privacy. The campground is a short walk from what I believe is the most popular trail in the park. Would 109% stay again.
Dañiel F.TravelerLakeside Campground and Marina
Beautiful clean park with great amenities and helpful staff!
My husband and I stopped here for a couple nights on our way across the country. Super easy after hours check-in process with such wonderful staff! Everyone we came across was so kind and helpful. There's tons to do at this site and it seems like it would be wonderful for families. We ate dinner at their tex mex restaurant on the dock and had some margaritas, which was very welcome after a long drive. During the day we did some fishing and enjoyed the beautiful views. The wifi worked great and we ended up with a great amount of channels with their cable. Would definitely recommend this site to anyone passing through!
Guide to Paducah
Campsites near Paducah, Kentucky offer diverse terrain along the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers at elevation 341 feet. The region receives an average of 49 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings for camping throughout the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Water recreation options abound with Kentucky Lake and the Ohio River providing fishing, boating and swimming opportunities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fern Lake Campground, campers enjoy fishing in the small stocked lake on the property. "There is a small stocked lake to fish in. The bathrooms are clean, as is the entire well maintained park," notes Debra G.
Visit the National Quilt Museum: Located just minutes from local campgrounds, this unique attraction draws quilting enthusiasts. "Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum," reports a camper at Fern Lake.
Explore historic sites: Fort Massac State Park Campground offers more than just camping with its museum and river views. "Two short trails and a museum to visit along with some nice views of the Ohio River. One snag, in 2011 the buildings of the fort were damaged and the area is still fenced off awaiting repair. They still have reenactments," explains Shelly S.
Mountain biking: The area offers excellent trails directly accessible from some campgrounds. "A premier and amazing mountain bike trail system is accessible directly from campground!! The Canal Loop Trail and North South Trails are well known and revered by area mountain bikers and hikers," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Riverfront camping sites: Birdsville Riverside RV Park offers waterfront views and peaceful settings. "Nice shaded lot on the Ohio river. Right after getting set up, we got to see a big barge go by," shares Duwana P. The river traffic adds interest to the camping experience.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathroom was super clean and the shower had great pressure and instant hot water," notes Kelly D. from Fern Lake Campground.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite being close to town. "Quiet setting by a pretty lake. Stayed only one night on a road trip. Paducah a nice town, visited the quilt museum," reports Kim L.
Proximity to attractions: Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA offers convenient access to unique local experiences. "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," shares Angela C.
What you should know
Water levels and conditions: Some riverside campgrounds experience flooding during heavy rains. "The last night of our stay there was a rainstorm and we woke up to ankle-deep water pooled around our trailer," warns a camper about one area campground.
Road noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near highways, affecting noise levels. "This place is right off the highway close to most things. The only down fall is the highway noise," notes John from Fern Lake Campground.
Hookup configurations: At Hillman Ferry Campground, hookup options vary by site. "Some sites are full hookup to include sewer, ours was not. Some sites are also electric only. Call ahead to be sure your have what you need at your site," advises Meagan L.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others allow drop-ins. "There is an on-line reservation system, but you have to make reservations 3 days in advance. We just showed up and the camp host helped us find a site," explains a Fort Massac State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "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," notes a visitor to Hillman Ferry Campground.
Bring bikes: The paved paths at campgrounds provide safe cycling for children. "Very family friendly and lots of kids riding bikes and playing everywhere!" shares Melissa T.
Educational opportunities: Shawnee Forest Campground offers unique features for families. "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!" explains Greg S.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between the Lakes area offers wildlife experiences. "Make sure to visit the Nature Center and Elk and Bison Prairie. Canoeing on Energy Lake, we spotted bald eagle and beaver dens among other wildlife," suggests Kerrie F.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," notes a visitor to Shawnee Forest Campground.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easy-access sites. "We stayed here overnight twice because it was close to the highway and had pull-through sites to accommodate our 43' fifth wheel. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was," explains Bea at Fern Lake Campground.
Electric options: Different amperage availability exists across campgrounds. "The Art Farm offers tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets," reports Laura P.
Shared hookup locations: At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, electric and water hookups are positioned between sites. "The electric poles and water are shared between each site (you have your own plug but it's in the middle of the two sites) which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in," explains Beth H.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Paducah, KY?
What camping options are available near Paducah, KY?
Camping options near Paducah range from RV parks to public recreation areas. Fern Lake Campground offers shady pull-through sites with full hookups right on the edge of Paducah, making it perfect for quilt show visitors or those wanting easy access to town amenities. For a more natural setting, Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides both electric and non-electric campsites with lake activities, boat rentals, and a sand beach, all within driving distance of Paducah. Other options include KOAs, state park campgrounds, and smaller private RV parks catering to different preferences from basic tent camping to full-service RV accommodations.
Where are the campgrounds in Paducah, KY?
Where are the campgrounds in Paducah, KY?
Paducah offers several conveniently located campgrounds. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA provides a country feel with city accessibility, situated near I-24 for easy travel. Within Paducah itself, Duck Creek RV Park offers a convenient in-town option with water access and big-rig-friendly sites. The surrounding area also features additional camping opportunities at wildlife management areas and along Kentucky Lake, all within a short drive from downtown Paducah. Most campgrounds are strategically positioned near major highways, making them accessible for travelers visiting Paducah's historic downtown or exploring the region's outdoor recreation areas.
Are there any state parks with camping near Paducah, KY?
Are there any state parks with camping near Paducah, KY?
Yes, several state parks with camping facilities are located near Paducah. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers camping with electric hookups within driving distance of Paducah. The park features access to Kentucky Lake, though some campers note that sites can be confusing to navigate and the setting isn't particularly scenic. Kenlake State Resort Park provides another state park camping option in the region. Just across the state line, Fort Massac State Park Campground in Illinois offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, making it another viable state park option near Paducah.
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