Cabin accommodations at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area range from basic single-room structures to fully-equipped rental units. The area spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley with elevations from 350 to 570 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures average 30-40°F while summer months typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails: Energy Lake Campground provides access to several hiking paths. "There is direct access to one of the many trails in LBL and several within easy biking or driving distance. The staff was very helpful," notes one reviewer of Energy Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the Elk and Bison Prairie near Energy Lake Campground. "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," shares a camper who used the campground as a base for exploration.
Boating and fishing: Piney Campground offers lake access for various water activities. "Lakeside, gravel spots with good views and nice clean facilities. Located in LBL and near Paris Landing SP, Fort Donelson NHS, and everything that LBL has to offer," according to one visitor.
Horseback riding: Wranglers Campground caters to equestrian visitors. "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn't really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails!" explains a camper who discovered the unique offering.
What campers like
Cabin comfort: Basic cabins at Wranglers Campground provide simple accommodations with electricity. "Was greeted by friendly staff, splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. We didn't have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables," reports one guest.
Lake access: Many cabins near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area feature water proximity. At Energy Lake Campground, "The lake was gorgeous and perfect for kayaking though, with lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see. I saw a doe with a spotted fawn nursing on my first trip onto the water."
Rental options: KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point offers diverse cabin styles. "We stayed in a camper cabin here in September. We normally tent camp but it was a weekend with record heat. I love this campground as an alternative to Hillman Ferry, where we have often stayed," explains a visitor who appreciated the air conditioning during hot weather.
Family amenities: Resort-style cabin rentals include recreational facilities. "We loved our visit to this KOA! Waterpark in the summer, boating activities, lake front sites. Countless activities for the kids and the pools are nice too!" shares an enthusiastic family camper.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin facilities operate from March/April through October/November. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, "We camped in off-season and the place was quite empty. Camp host told us it was always pretty quiet. Sites are close together, most with a pitch."
Bathroom facilities: Energy Lake Campground maintains clean shower facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were directly across the way and relatively clean... and I like that they are set up as individual, lockable shower rooms, rather than one big shower room."
Site conditions: Expect variations in site quality and levelness. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground and a TT with the hitch on the ground. Many sites had drop offs on the door side of the pad."
Advance planning: Popular cabin locations fill quickly during peak season. "This campground is a very nice place to stay. There are lots of things to do and places to see. The campsites are varied with electric, water and sewer hookups. Or basic sites for tent camping," notes a Piney Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tanglewood Campground & RV Resort offers child-friendly spaces. "The grounds are well taken care of as I had previously said and honestly very inviting, the people are very nice and have an entire area for kids!"
Swimming options: Both lake beaches and pools are available at various locations. At Energy Lake Campground, "Great water pressure and it wasn't a push button shower like some campgrounds have! The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach."
Educational opportunities: Visit The Homeplace historical farm. "Went to the Homeplace, which is a working farm and 'living history museum,' which the kids really loved," mentions an Energy Lake camper who explored the area with children.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts activities. At KOA Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point, "I would advise checking with the hosts about canoe and kayak rentals upon check in, there is limited availability when camp is full and hot weather can also affect."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Electrical outlets may require extensions. "Electric hook up a bit far from camper. Needed to buy extension for 30-50 amp hookup," reports a visitor to Kenlake State Resort Park.
Backing challenges: Some cabin sites with RV hookups have difficult access. "Level? Not so much. Unless you are a master truck driver, and pull a trailer less than 24', you are in trouble backing into most sites," notes a Kenlake camper.
Site selection: Waterfront RV sites with cabin access may have limitations. "Big RVers probably should stay away when this campground is full. We watched a fifth wheel almost get stuck on their way out. Sites are shallow but wider," advises another Kenlake visitor.
Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer complete services. "Large campground with plenty of Sites. Several sites by the water and an entire section with full hookups," explains a camper describing Hillman Ferry Campground.
