Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky features multiple camping options along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Developed campgrounds like Hillman Ferry and Energy Lake Campground provide amenities for tent and RV campers, while dispersed sites on Forest Service Road 343 offer more primitive experiences. Several campgrounds including Kenlake State Resort Park and Lake Barkley State Resort Park provide cabin accommodations. The recreation area spans portions of western Kentucky and Tennessee, creating a diverse landscape for outdoor recreation between the two major lakes.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via well-maintained paved roads while dispersed sites often require more rugged vehicles. "The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted. I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance, especially if it has rained because it's pretty steep in sections," notes one camper about Forest Service Road 343. Dispersed camping requires a permit and costs approximately $10 per night, though America the Beautiful pass holders may qualify for discounts at some self-service campgrounds. The camping season generally runs from March through November, with many campgrounds like Energy Lake operating seasonally from March 1 to November 30. Summer temperatures can be quite warm, making waterfront sites particularly desirable.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Sites directly on Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley provide swimming and fishing opportunities, with several reviews highlighting these natural features. A visitor to Redd Hollow noted, "Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake." While developed campgrounds offer amenities like electric hookups, showers, and dump stations, the dispersed sites attract those seeking solitude and a more natural experience. Several campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of shade depending on the specific location. Visitors frequently mention the opportunity for wildlife viewing, with the recreation area being home to bison, which can sometimes be spotted while traveling to camping areas.
"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."
"Campsite Review I wound up staying at five different campsites within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and this was my favorite."
"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."
$38 / 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."
$20 - $30 / night
"the staff was helpful and friendly. the park had a great beach area. make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites. i only gave it 4 stars because of"
"Although this is a remote campground, it is situated in a State RESORT park, so it is more like glamping."
$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 / 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!"
"You can't beat having a lake next to you while you are camping. This is something my family and I always look for when we are camping. Water is always a great place to entertain the kids and family."
"Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals."
"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."
"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."
$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."
GuideThis is the third time we’ve stayed here just using it as an overnight on the way to and from home on our way out west. Great campground with full hook up service in some sites and a view of the lake.
GuideYou’re tucked away by this pond connected to the lake system. The campsite is up in the woods a little bit and is on a slight slope, but nothing major. 0 Service for Verizon and T-mobile, but at&t had a little service. Apple maps said there would be a hike to the campsite, but that’s not true, it is a road that just hasn’t been recognized yet.
GuideSite 44 sits under a beautiful tree with shade most of the day. The bathrooms are clean as are the insides of the washers and dryers. There is only 1 other camper here yet cars and golf carts are often driving through the campground. A bit unsettling.
ScoutThere are only a few open sites here. The majority are year round campers. You can’t see the lake from most of the campground. Staff was very nice and helpful
TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
Camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore hiking trails, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
Land Between the Lakes offers several outstanding campgrounds to suit different preferences. Hillman Ferry Campground is the northernmost full-service option and makes an excellent base camp for exploring the area, offering direct access to Kentucky Lake. Energy Lake Campground stands out for its amenities including showers and canoe/kayak rentals, making it ideal for summer visitors. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Nickell Branch provides backcountry camping on a first-come, first-served basis with a required permit available at visitor centers. Each campground offers unique advantages, from waterfront access to family-friendly amenities, allowing you to choose based on your desired camping experience.
Where can I find a camping map for Land Between the Lakes?
Camping maps for Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area are available at multiple locations. The most reliable source is any of the visitor centers within the recreation area, where you can pick up physical maps and get permits for backcountry camping at locations like Nickell Branch Campground. Individual campgrounds such as Hurricane Creek also provide maps of their specific facilities upon check-in. For online planning, the official Land Between the Lakes website offers downloadable PDF maps showing all campground locations, facilities, and trails. The recreation area's mobile app also includes interactive maps that work even with limited cell service.
What recreational activities are available at Land Between the Lakes besides camping?
Land Between the Lakes offers diverse recreational opportunities beyond camping. Water activities dominate, with excellent fishing, boating, and swimming at numerous access points like Fenton Lake Access, known for clean waters and large fish populations. The recreation area features extensive trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is exceptional at the Elk & Bison Prairie and the Woodlands Nature Station. Educational experiences include the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and the Golden Pond Planetarium. For boating enthusiasts, Gilbertsville Ramp provides ample parking and ADA-accessible facilities. With over 170,000 acres to explore, visitors can enjoy hunting (in season), photography, picnicking, and stargazing in this outdoor paradise.
Is RV camping available at Land Between the Lakes?
Yes, Land Between the Lakes offers excellent RV camping options. Piney Campground provides beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River and features amenities like bike paths, basketball courts, and playgrounds, making it wildly popular among RV campers. Just outside the recreation area, Eagles Nest RV Park offers a well-maintained facility only 1500 feet from Kentucky Lake and 10 minutes from Land Between the Lakes, with free boat parking and facilities like a picnic pavilion, laundry room, and bath house. Many RV sites throughout the area offer electrical hookups, dump stations, and can accommodate larger rigs. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
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