Madisonville, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Madisonville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
The park is situated in the middle of 14,000 plus acres of forest. We have a 56 acre lake with pedal boats and row boats. There are miles of hiking trails that meander through the forest. It is a great place to get back to nature. We also have an 18 hole golf course, tennis and basketball court, and a lodge with a full service dinning room.
Equine Camping: Pennyrile Forest offers 8 pull-through campsites specifically designed for horse owners. These sites feature electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Each site has its own corresponding hitching posts for up to four horses, picnic table, lantern hanger & fire ring/grill combo. Horse campers have access to all campground amenities, which include bathhouses, laundry area and playgrounds. A new 1.25 mile horse trail near the campground connects horseback riders to the 40+ miles of horse trails on the adjacent Pennyrile State Forest.
Welcome to Cave-in-Rock State Park, a fantastic spot nestled near the town of Cave-In-Rock, Illinois. This campground is open year-round and offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options.
One of the standout features here is the electric hookups available at many sites, making it a convenient choice for RV campers. The campground is also big-rig friendly, so you won't have to worry about maneuvering larger vehicles. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Visitors often rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the friendly campground host, Steve. The shower house is noted for being clean with hot water and good pressure, although the drainage could use a bit of work. If you're close to the bathhouse, be prepared for some noise from the generator, but it usually quiets down at night.
The campground is a short walk from the famous Cave-in-Rock, a fascinating natural cave that’s perfect for a quick exploration. There's also a playground and picnic shelter for families to enjoy. If you're up for a bit of a drive, the nearby Garden of the Gods offers stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
For those who enjoy a bit of local flavor, the on-site restaurant comes highly recommended. It's a great spot to grab a meal if you want a break from campfire cooking. And don't miss the chance to take the ferry across the river to Kentucky for a little extra adventure.
In summary, Cave-in-Rock State Park offers a laid-back, relaxing camping experience with plenty of amenities and activities to keep you entertained. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you're sure to have a memorable stay.
This recreation area is part of Barkley Lake
$10 / night
Welcome to Energy Lake Campground, nestled in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area near Cadiz, KY. This spot is a camper's dream, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. The campground operates from March 1 to November 30, making it a perfect seasonal getaway.
Energy Lake is a fantastic place for nature lovers. The campground is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning lake views. The lake itself is man-made and motorized watercraft are not allowed, which keeps the water calm and perfect for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. There are multiple access points to the lake, making it easy to launch your boat or paddle across.
The campground features four loops. Loop A is the newest and designed for both RVs and tents, while Loop B has been converted to single-room cabins. Loops C and D remain unchanged but are well-maintained. Loop D is particularly favored by RV campers due to its paved sites.
Visitors have praised the clean and convenient bathrooms and showers. The bathhouse is well-kept, and the individual, lockable shower rooms are a nice touch. Electricity is available, and the campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
The staff here are known for their friendliness and extensive knowledge about the area. Whether you're looking for hiking trails, fishing spots, or just a quiet place to relax by the campfire, they've got you covered. The campground also offers amenities like firewood, a market, and picnic tables.
For those interested in exploring beyond the campground, the nearby towns of Aurora and Cadiz offer additional attractions and conveniences. The Elk and Bison Prairie and the Nature Station are also close by, providing great opportunities for wildlife viewing and educational experiences.
So pack your bags, grab your gear, and head over to Energy Lake Campground for a peaceful and enjoyable camping experience.
Situated along a peninsula between the lush shorelines of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers modern camping and provides the ideal setting to enjoy nature at its best with family and friends. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Barkley Dam and boats traveling through the canal from the comfort of their campsite. The campground faces Barkley Lake, and the shore of Kentucky Lake is a brisk one-mile walk across the canal.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Canal Campground is the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Eagle nests can be spotted throughout the grounds, and its not unlikely for visitors to encounter deer and other wildlife. A short hiking trail allows campers to enjoy the outdoor scenery at their leisure. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and during warm months bass and catfish are plentiful in both lakes.
From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Canal Campground is the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Eagle nests can be spotted throughout the grounds, and its not unlikely for visitors to encounter deer and other wildlife. A short hiking trail allows campers to enjoy the outdoor scenery at their leisure. Fishing is also a popular pastime, and during warm months bass and catfish are plentiful in both lakes.
Lake Barkley, as part of a dam project at the Cumberland River, spans 134 miles along the Kentucky landscape, offering countless recreational activities to visitors. The canal connects Lake Barley with Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational complexes in the country.
Grand Rivers, a short drive from the campground, has several restaurants and two public marinas.
$240 / night
Welcome to Pine Ridge Campground, nestled in the heart of Shawnee National Forest near Junction, IL. This spot is a gem for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some basic comforts. Open from April 1 to December 15, Pine Ridge offers a mix of tent, RV, and glamping accommodations.
The campground is known for its spacious and private rustic sites, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of solitude. If you need electric hookups, there's a loop with 50/30/20 amp options, though you'll need to bring your own water and sewer solutions as these aren't available on-site. Vault toilets are clean and well-maintained, but don't expect showers.
One of the standout features here is the stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is a breathtaking sight. The campground also boasts a two-mile loop road that leads to a beach access point on a gorgeous lake, ideal for a leisurely walk with your dog or a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Visitors have praised the campground for its proximity to hiking trails and natural attractions. The nearby Pounds Hollow Recreation Area offers a scenic lake perfect for kayaking and picnicking. For a bit of adventure, check out the Rim Rock Trail, which features historical sites and stunning rock formations.
At just $10 a night, Pine Ridge is a budget-friendly option that doesn't skimp on natural beauty. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, you'll find plenty to love about this serene spot in Shawnee National Forest.
$10 / night
This recreation area is part of Barkley Lake
Holiday Hills Resort is your premier resort location in western Kentucky. We have lake side lodging units with everything included for your stay. Full kitchen, gas grill, stove, microwave and much more. All you need to bring is your food and clothes. We have a brand new 50,000-gallon swimming pool, 2 playgrounds, a beach, game room and activities throughout the year. We offer water and electric camps sites that can handle anything from a tent to a 36’ camper. Our lake side lodging can fit groups from 4 to 60 people. Call now to book your family get-away
$40 - $999 / night
The campground is located at the edge of the Environment Education Waterfowl Refuge on Taylor Bay of Lake Barkley. Called a "back country" campground, it is primarily used by hunters and anglers and features great waterfowl watching. Boats can be tied up at some of the lakefront sites.
The campground has two sections. One section is to the right of campground's entrance and features very shady sites tucked into a heavy stand of mixed hardwood trees stretching up the hillside. The second section is to the left and has more open sites scattered around a loop. These sites are along the shore and have a view of Taylor Bay.
Seasonal camp site leases are available for some sites through an annual, open-to-the-public, lottery. Contact LBL for more information.
Possible day trips are the North and South Welcome Stations, Golden Pond Visitor Center, the Planetarium, Elk and Bison Prairie, Woodlands Nature Station, and The Homeplace.
$10 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Madisonville, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Madisonville, KY is Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park with a 4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Madisonville, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Madisonville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
