151 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The western Kentucky city of Paducah has several good camping spots within a short drive. Fern Lake Campground and RV Park sits only three miles from town, making it simple to head into Paducah for supplies while still having a quiet place to camp. They have spots for both tents and RVs with full hookups, plus you can fish in their lake. Many campers head to Hillman Ferry Campground on Kentucky Lake where you'll find waterfront sites and a boat ramp if you bring your boat. Some of the camping areas around Paducah need higher clearance vehicles to reach, so check road conditions before you go. The woods around Paducah have plenty of wildlife, so store your food properly to avoid animal visitors. During dry periods, fire rules might be strict, so always follow the posted rules at your campsite. Check if you need permits for activities before your trip. Spring and fall are the nicest times to camp near Paducah when it's not too hot or cold. Summer gets humid and hot, while winter brings colder weather. Whether you want a quiet camping trip or something more active, the Paducah area has campgrounds that will work for you.
"Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum."
"This is a convenient and pleasant campground, just off exit 3 on I24 in Paducah. The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"It is easy access from the highway and a nice quiet spot for the night. There is a new bath house with nice, private bathrooms/shower combinations."
"Surprisingly quiet surroundings. Well maintained spacious campgrounds for tent and RV. Two short trails and a museum to visit along with some nice views of the Ohio River."
"Paducah is a cute little city in Kentucky that my family and I love to visit whenever we get the chance. The town is really cool, and has that "old" town vibe. The buildings are beautiful."
"When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."
"Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Sites next to the Hwy are a little loud but all in all, we definitely recommend!!"
"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."
from $20 - $256 / night
Check Availability"Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."
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
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.
GuideWe were on our hike in Shawnee National Forest, and we found this campground. And it was an amazing experience. It has a beautiful view of the sunset, and there are ponds. There are horses on the property, and it’s very cheap for tent camping. The staff was amazing. She showed us around with her 4x4 the whole property, the horses, and the pony or a donkey. The showers were pretty decent and cleaned
I would recommend this place for everyone
ScoutTook a road trip in are RV over the summer last year and stumbled across this place they had it all water hookup waste hook up and were very reasonable on price definitely recommend
ScoutAwesome campsite rented a cabin we brought are dogs so we had to find a location that excepted pets and they were the ones who were friendly and awsome definitely recommend if u want a place to go this is the place
Campsites near Paducah, Kentucky offer diverse terrain along the confluence of the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers at elevation 341 feet. The region receives an average of 49 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings for camping throughout the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Water recreation options abound with Kentucky Lake and the Ohio River providing fishing, boating and swimming opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: At Fern Lake Campground, campers enjoy fishing in the small stocked lake on the property. "There is a small stocked lake to fish in. The bathrooms are clean, as is the entire well maintained park," notes Debra G.
Visit the National Quilt Museum: Located just minutes from local campgrounds, this unique attraction draws quilting enthusiasts. "Located on the edge of Paducah, Kentucky this is the perfect place to stay if you are going to the quilt shows or visiting the National Quilt Museum," reports a camper at Fern Lake.
Explore historic sites: Fort Massac State Park Campground offers more than just camping with its museum and river views. "Two short trails and a museum to visit along with some nice views of the Ohio River. One snag, in 2011 the buildings of the fort were damaged and the area is still fenced off awaiting repair. They still have reenactments," explains Shelly S.
Mountain biking: The area offers excellent trails directly accessible from some campgrounds. "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," shares a visitor.
Riverfront camping sites: Birdsville Riverside RV Park offers waterfront views and peaceful settings. "Nice shaded lot on the Ohio river. Right after getting set up, we got to see a big barge go by," shares Duwana P. The river traffic adds interest to the camping experience.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The bathroom was super clean and the shower had great pressure and instant hot water," notes Kelly D. from Fern Lake Campground.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite being close to town. "Quiet setting by a pretty lake. Stayed only one night on a road trip. Paducah a nice town, visited the quilt museum," reports Kim L.
Proximity to attractions: Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA offers convenient access to unique local experiences. "We called from the road to get an overnight stop - the staff were super nice both on the phone and in person. When we arrived, the lady who checked us in gave me a coupon for the drive-in movie theater that was literally down the road," shares Angela C.
Water levels and conditions: Some riverside campgrounds experience flooding during heavy rains. "The last night of our stay there was a rainstorm and we woke up to ankle-deep water pooled around our trailer," warns a camper about one area campground.
Road noise levels: Several campgrounds sit near highways, affecting noise levels. "This place is right off the highway close to most things. The only down fall is the highway noise," notes John from Fern Lake Campground.
Hookup configurations: At Hillman Ferry Campground, hookup options vary by site. "Some sites are full hookup to include sewer, ours was not. Some sites are also electric only. Call ahead to be sure your have what you need at your site," advises Meagan L.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others allow drop-ins. "There is an on-line reservation system, but you have to make reservations 3 days in advance. We just showed up and the camp host helped us find a site," explains a Fort Massac State Park visitor.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "There are 2 playgrounds, multiple bath houses and a cute little store that you can walk/bike to. There is also lake access from multiple sites and a beach area," notes a visitor to Hillman Ferry Campground.
Bring bikes: The paved paths at campgrounds provide safe cycling for children. "Very family friendly and lots of kids riding bikes and playing everywhere!" shares Melissa T.
Educational opportunities: Shawnee Forest Campground offers unique features for families. "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!" explains Greg S.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between the Lakes area offers wildlife experiences. "Make sure to visit the Nature Center and Elk and Bison Prairie. Canoeing on Energy Lake, we spotted bald eagle and beaver dens among other wildlife," suggests Kerrie F.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps," notes a visitor to Shawnee Forest Campground.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easy-access sites. "We stayed here overnight twice because it was close to the highway and had pull-through sites to accommodate our 43' fifth wheel. We were pleasantly surprised by how nice it was," explains Bea at Fern Lake Campground.
Electric options: Different amperage availability exists across campgrounds. "The Art Farm offers tiny home rentals, yurt-style glamping tents, RV spots with 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 outlets," reports Laura P.
Shared hookup locations: At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, electric and water hookups are positioned between sites. "The electric poles and water are shared between each site (you have your own plug but it's in the middle of the two sites) which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in," explains Beth H.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Paducah, KY?
Camping options near Paducah range from RV parks to public recreation areas. Fern Lake Campground offers shady pull-through sites with full hookups right on the edge of Paducah, making it perfect for quilt show visitors or those wanting easy access to town amenities. For a more natural setting, Lake Glendale Recreation Area provides both electric and non-electric campsites with lake activities, boat rentals, and a sand beach, all within driving distance of Paducah. Other options include KOAs, state park campgrounds, and smaller private RV parks catering to different preferences from basic tent camping to full-service RV accommodations.
Where are the campgrounds in Paducah, KY?
Paducah offers several conveniently located campgrounds. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA provides a country feel with city accessibility, situated near I-24 for easy travel. Within Paducah itself, Duck Creek RV Park offers a convenient in-town option with water access and big-rig-friendly sites. The surrounding area also features additional camping opportunities at wildlife management areas and along Kentucky Lake, all within a short drive from downtown Paducah. Most campgrounds are strategically positioned near major highways, making them accessible for travelers visiting Paducah's historic downtown or exploring the region's outdoor recreation areas.
Are there any state parks with camping near Paducah, KY?
Yes, several state parks with camping facilities are located near Paducah. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park offers camping with electric hookups within driving distance of Paducah. The park features access to Kentucky Lake, though some campers note that sites can be confusing to navigate and the setting isn't particularly scenic. Kenlake State Resort Park provides another state park camping option in the region. Just across the state line, Fort Massac State Park Campground in Illinois offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, making it another viable state park option near Paducah.
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