S
Samuel B.
Scout
ScoutTwin Lakes Campground
Excellent primitive sites with fire ring and picnic table right on the water.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Forest Service Rd 343 provides free dispersed camping where pets are welcome on the shores of Land Between the Lakes, offering some of the most accessible pet-friendly campsites in the area. Most sites feature established fire rings and direct lake access, with multiple camping spots located along the gravel road. Redd Hollow Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with gravel pads, concrete picnic tables, and fire rings with adjustable cooking grates. The sites at both locations accommodate tents, while Redd Hollow can also handle small campers and RVs. Some sites sit directly on the water, while others are positioned higher up with lake views. The road to Forest Service Rd 343 requires careful navigation, with visitors recommending AWD/4WD vehicles with at least 8 inches of clearance, especially after rain as the road can be steep and rutted in sections.
Dog owners frequently enjoy swimming with their pets in the lake, with numerous shoreline access points ideal for pets who love water. Trails throughout the area welcome leashed dogs, including those near the Turkey Bay OHV Area where pets can join their owners for outdoor adventures. When camping with dogs at Forest Service Rd 343, visitors should bring their own waste bags and water, as no facilities are provided at this primitive site. A camping permit costs $10 for dispersed camping, though National Park Pass holders can access self-check-in campgrounds for $5. The nearby Golden Pond Visitor Center provides potable water and a dump station for those needing to refill supplies during longer stays with pets.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (105)
1. Hillman Ferry Campground
"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
"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
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $38 / night
4. Redd Hollow
"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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
5. Hurricane Creek
"Hurricane Creek is off of Rt 274 in Kentucky on the east side of Land Between The Lakes."
"Quiet and well shaded, we had a spot close to the water and absolutely loved it. Everyone was friendly and it was very relaxing. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $32 / night
6. Lake Barkley State Resort Park
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $30 / night
7. KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point
"Love that it’s dog friendly. Very clean and updated with more improvements in the works. Looking forward to visiting again this summer!"
"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."
8. Forest Service Rd 343
"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."
9. Sugar Bay Campground
"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."
10. Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $256 / night
Drive Time
- 46 min from Paducah, KY
- 58 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 26 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 55 min from Jackson, TN
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
82 Photos of 105 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
680 Reviews of 105 Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Campgrounds
Denny K.
GuideHurricane Creek
Campground hosts were fabulous, but the core part of it. The people at the core were very belligerent didn't want to help out. The roads were really narrow. Big ditches couldn't get into the sights that they said you could the real some of the sites are deep, but the roads are so narrow, you can't cut your vehicle into it. A lot of problems with that out here at this place
- MMark V.
TravelerFern Lake Campground
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
- DDebra S.Traveler
Redd Hollow
Will come again
Started at Gatlin Point. Moved because wanted something closer to the water.
Spacious spots give plenty of privacy. Was very quiet (12th). Facilities clean.
T-Mobile sometimes spotty but had coverage most of the time.
RJ B.TravelerPisgah Point - DFWR
Pretty, but Surprisingly Busy
We chose this spot to camp because it seemed out of the way and was hopefully quiet. We're not sure whether it was the beauty of the spot or the time of the year (Thursday before Columbus Day/fall break), but this spot was so busy!! We arrived early afternoon and there was someone driving in (most left again) every 10 minutes for the entire day!! Not the peaceful spot we were hoping for. We intended to stay a second night, but it was just too busy for us. Not a repeat site for us unfortunately.
We set up camp on the east side near the woods. It was a little challenging to find a flat area. The vault toilet was central to the area. We saw several large birds catching fish in the lake, so there must be decent fishing. There was a picnic table or two on the west side of the area and several fire pits (only one on the east side where we were). The 2 mile gravel road leading to Pisgah Point was pretty rough and washed out at points.
slater B.Scoutland between the lakes
Secluded but rough to get to
To the other guy who reviewed who got here on the Harley you sir have some big balls because my Kia Niro handled it but the road was pretty rough for low clearance and definitely don't bring a camper here IMO. Stayed in September right after a massive heat wave and enjoyed some of the first great fall weather in this cozy spot. Got here pretty late had to ditch my other spot because of gnats but this one was relatively bug free but also right on the water. Also very secluded by trees was very nice
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.
LegendLand Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Hillman Ferry Campground
Massive Park with Lake Views
Do yourself a favor and pay for the golf cart! This campground is huuuge! We stayed here for an event and were amazed at how many sites there were. We had a nice campsite on the lake side, however the lake was pretty dry. Facilities were clean and we had a nice level site. All in all a fun time was had by all.
Nicole D.ScoutRJourney Clarksville RV Resort
Passing Through
Needed a place right off the interstate. Very nice, clean and family friend. Will keep this place in mind when traveling again!
- JJay M.Guide
Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE
Nice CG!
This 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.
Guide to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Dispersed camping options line Forest Service Road 343 within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offer varying levels of remoteness. The area spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, providing extensive shoreline access at elevations between 350-400 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions and fewer crowds.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: At Hillman Ferry Campground, cyclists access premier trail systems directly from camp. "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," notes Melissa T.
Wildlife viewing at designated areas: Drive 15 minutes from most campgrounds to the Elk and Bison Prairie. "We visited the Elk and Bison Prairie near Golden Pond Visitors Center. A drive through observation area," shares Shelly S. from Sugar Bay Campground. The prairie has a $5 vehicle entrance fee.
Water activities beyond swimming: Paddling options abound throughout the recreation area. "I had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite," explains Maggie C. about her stay at Hillman Ferry. Most launch points are less than 50 feet from camping areas.
What campers like
Secluded campsites away from crowds: Many visitors appreciate the quieter sections of Redd Hollow. "We prefer areas that feel more secluded and provide enough space between sites so our dogs don't lose their minds at every sound/person. This place surprisingly has some beautiful sites and most of them are pretty far apart!" reports Kirstin A.
Scenic lake views from elevated sites: Several campgrounds offer hillside camping with panoramic perspectives. "We stayed at site D3 over Memorial Day weekend. I was pretty nervous when we first saw the site, it was literally on a hillside," writes Nichole M. about her stay at Energy Lake Campground, adding "The lake was gorgeous and perfect for kayaking though, with lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see."
Evening wildlife encounters: The natural setting creates opportunities for wildlife observation. "The 1st night we were there, after we had been asleep for about an hour the local coyotes announced their presence with a rather loud and nearby chorus of howls," explains a camper at Sugar Bay.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campground access roads require careful navigation. "I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance, especially if it has rained because it's pretty steep in sections," advises Tobias R. about Forest Service Rd 343.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain throughout the area. "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," reports Barry B. about Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Bring adequate leveling equipment.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the recreation area. "No WiFi or internet service. Cell signal in prior years have been spotty," mentions Melissa T. about Hillman Ferry Campground. Download maps or guides before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activity areas: Families benefit from structured play spaces at Hurricane Creek. "There are about 45 sites. Camper sites have electric and water. There are tent sites also. There are about 15 waterfront sites, a playground, beach, boat ramp, and small bath house," describes Crystal H.
Nature program participation: Take advantage of educational opportunities at visitor centers. "Make sure to visit the Nature Center and Elk and Bison Prairie," recommends Kerrie F. from Hillman Ferry. Programs typically last 30-60 minutes and are suitable for children 5+.
Beach access considerations: Not all swimming areas are equally child-friendly. "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach. I wasn't expecting Florida beaches in Kentucky, but in Indiana we have nice sandy beaches at lakes so I was disappointed," notes Nichole M. about Energy Lake.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Plan for potentially distant utilities. "Electric hook up a bit far from camper. Needed to buy extension for 30-50 amp hookup," advises J K. after staying at Kenlake State Resort Park.
Turning radius limitations: Larger rigs face navigation difficulties in several campgrounds. "Big RVers probably should stay away when this campground is full. We watched a fifth wheel almost get stuck on their way out," warns Scott M. about Kenlake State Park. Sites suitable for 35+ foot rigs are primarily available at Hillman Ferry and Energy Lake.
Dump station timing: Some facilities have limited capacity. "Only one dump site, and it's a one-sided, one port, pull-through lane, so if you go at checkout/1-2pm, expect a 2-3 RV wait to dump," explains Stæven F. about Hurricane Creek. Plan to use facilities during off-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is Hillman Ferry Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 105 dog-friendly camping locations near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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