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Camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

638 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KentuckyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (132)

    1. Hillman Ferry Campground

    38 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Energy Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2270

    "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."

    3. Kenlake State Resort Park

    13 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 474-2211

    $18 - $35 / 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."

    4. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-1131

    $17 - $25 / 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."

    5. Redd Hollow

    10 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    3 miles
    Website

    $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!"

    6. Hurricane Creek

    19 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Sugar Bay Campground

    9 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point

    14 Reviews
    Cadiz, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 522-3762

    "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."

    9. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    1 mile

    "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."

    10. Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Barkley Lake, KY
    9 miles
    Website

    "Ranger Review: Matador Droplet at Ginger Bay Land Between the Lakes, Ky. Campground Review:We visited Ginger Bay boat ramp and dispersed camping area while at Land Between the Lakes(LBL) , Ky."

    "I don’t recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up it. The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig."

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Recent Camping Photos near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

135 Photos of 132 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

638 Reviews of 132 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Hillman Ferry Campground

    Peaceful Lakeside Camping

    We enjoyed our weekend stay during the HTC-E campout. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The camps grounds were clean and free of debris. Free showers with plenty of hot water, good water pressure. There was a strange phenomena of dead gnats/flying things on the ladies bathroom counter each morning. Not sure if someone sprayed each night… The lake was low, which we were told was common for this time of year as the dam level gets adjusted after Labor Day weekend. Still enough water for kayaking. This campground is very large so the golf cart rental was worth the $80 p/day fee. All in all, a great visit to Land O’ Lake. Check out our video on YouTube at Skyways to Highways.

  • Sergio S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Fletcher's Fork Campground and Cabins

    Great price, clean sites, strict rules.

    Sites are in great condition from asphalt site, concrete pad, picnic table, to hookups. They are however very strict on their rules. MUST BE A DODID OR VA ID CARD HOLDER.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Fenton Self-Service Campground

    Basic

    Right off a main road the spots are shallow so not ideal for long rigs. It does have power and one pit toilet at one end.

  • Anna M.
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    Cleanest Bathrooms

    There is nothing special about the location. There is a boat ramp nearby. There were only people set up in the park today. They do have a playground.

  • j
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE

    Nice COE campground

    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. The canal connects them and you can see boats and occasionally barges passing through. There are over 100 campsites are available, many with water views. We had a spacious site with a river view. Other loops are closer together and no view. Sites offer electric and/or water hookups, tables and fire ring. Other amenities include clean old style bathhouses, a dump station, laundry facilities, a playground, and picnic pavilions. We saw several deer roaming the grounds. There's a great pizza place in town Papa Z.

  • Cheyanne S.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Barkley State Resort Park

    Shaded but unlevel

    Enjoyed our stay. Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house. The road to come in was narrow but we'll marked. Very shaded and decently spaced out. Water and electric only.

  • L
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Beautiful, empty, cheap state park

    We are the only campers here in a very well kept campground. The bathrooms are clean and the only sound is from the birds. $20 for a state park site with electricity is incredible. It is out of the way (we took the ferry from Kentucky).

Guide to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: The area is filled with trails for all skill levels. Campers have enjoyed the “nice hiking trails” at Hillman Ferry Campground, making it a great spot for families.
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and canoeing are popular here. One visitor at Energy Lake Campground mentioned, “The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted, making it great for swimming and kayaking.”
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, perfect for fishing. A reviewer at Hurricane Creek noted, “Nice campground right on the lake,” highlighting the fishing opportunities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One family at Piney Campground said, “The bathrooms were clean and everyone was so nice!”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Hillman Ferry Campground shared, “The site was spacious and clean. Plenty of room for our 30' travel trailer.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A reviewer at Energy Lake Campground said, “The staff at this campground is AMAZING, and very knowledgeable about LBL.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for little to no cell phone service in some areas. A family at Hillman Ferry Campground warned, “Please be aware there is very little cell phone service.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Hurricane Creek is open from April 25 to October 20.
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Popular campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Barkley State Resort Park mentioned, “Sites are close together, most with a pitch.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or open spaces. A reviewer at Piney Campground noted, “There was even a rope swing at the creek that we spent a TON of time playing at.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games. One family at Energy Lake Campground enjoyed biking around, saying, “We rode our bikes all over the place.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Hurricane Creek mentioned, “The campground is very clean. Easy hookup for electric and water.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A reviewer at Lake Barkley State Resort Park pointed out, “Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground.”
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: If your site is sloped, having leveling blocks can help. A visitor at Piney Campground noted, “We needed leveling blocks but it had an awesome tent pad in the woods.”
  • Plan for Dump Station Access: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Canal - Lake Barkley mentioned, “There was a dump station, trash and recycling near the campground entrance.”

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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