Lake Cumberland spans 65,530 acres with 1,255 miles of shoreline in south-central Kentucky. The reservoir reaches depths of over 200 feet and maintains water temperatures between 65-85°F during camping season. Most campgrounds around Lake Cumberland sit at elevations between 700-950 feet, creating varied terrain with limestone bluffs and wooded peninsulas extending into the water.
What to do
Fishing for trout and stripers: Just below Wolf Creek Dam, Kendall Campground offers access to a trout fishery with a specialized stream. "You can fish the river or you can fish the stream they put in where they release the trout to get into the river better have your fishing license though," advises camper Kirk B.
Hiking trails in varied terrain: Trails around Lake Cumberland range from easy walking paths to challenging switchbacks. "The hiking trails throughout the hillsides twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops. They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging," notes a reviewer of Pulaski County Park.
Boat access directly from camp: Fishing Creek Recreation Area provides boat ramp access and lakeside camping. "We parked our boat trailer at the ramp and left our boat in the water below our site," explains Karen P., who stayed at site #6. "We swam there also. It has a nice little playground."
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Fishing Creek - Lake Cumberland offers natural privacy between campsites. "Our site was $25 per night with water and electricity hookup. No full hookups here and several tent only sites... Nothing fancy about this place but the lake view, privacy, and sounds of nature make up for anything posh," shares Tina F.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common at several dog-friendly campgrounds around Lake Cumberland. "We had daily deer visitors at our site and went trout fishing too," mentions T.S. about their stay at Kendall Campground.
Clean bathrooms and facilities: Waitsboro Campground - Lake Cumberland maintains high cleanliness standards. "The bath house was very clean and the showers were hot. Our site was all gravel and level. I think every site has electric and water," reports Laura E.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures at Lake Cumberland regularly reach into the 90s with high humidity. "Cool fog off the river makes camping conditions comfortable in the hottest weather," explains Kenny P. about camping at Kendall Campground.
Site layout challenges: General Burnside Island State Park Campground has unusual site configurations. "Sites are big but not level. We put one side of the RV on the pad and the other in the gravel just to be level. Sites are also awkwardly diagonal in places so the back ends get pretty close," explains Whistle P.
Road access varies: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. "The 9 miles in from KY 80 are hair raising," warns Lynette L. about Cumberland Point Campground's access route.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Most dog friendly campgrounds at Lake Cumberland include play areas for children. "There is a playground and plenty of walking to do," notes Karen P. of Fall Creek Campground, adding that "the sites are level and spacious, also they feel secluded."
Swimming areas: Waitsboro Campground offers shoreline access for swimming. "Tranquil, beautiful, waterfalls at several locations on site, views of the lake from every location and I mean every location," writes Devon B.
Educational opportunities: The National Fish Hatchery next to Kendall Campground provides learning experiences. "The National Fish Hatchery is beside the campground, along with the Trout Stream, which is a really neat man-made stream and wetland from the hatchery down to the Cumberland River," explains Tom B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Lake Cumberland State Resort Park campsites have unusual utility arrangements. "Take an extra power cord. Electric and water are laid out poorly and we had to purchase an extra cord," advises Travis S.
Site selection for larger rigs: Campground loops have varying size restrictions. "If you have a larger rig you aren't getting in any of the 'branches' of the campground," notes Shelly S. about Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require additional equipment for leveling. "The campground needs investment as majority of the sites are narrow with difficult positions for hooking up and leveling, make sure you pay attention to each site description," recommends Ronnie C.
