Camping options near Oak Grove, Kentucky include a mix of state park campgrounds and privately owned facilities within an hour's drive. The region features typical Cumberland Plateau terrain with rolling hills and moderate elevation changes between 400-700 feet. Summer camping often contends with high humidity levels and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, particularly during July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems for various skill levels. "The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails. If you want some good catfish. Go visit the catfish kitchen just down the road from the park," notes Tammy P.
Fishing opportunities: Lock A campground provides direct access to the Cumberland River for fishing and boating. "Fun to watch the river barges go by and fish. One boat ramp directly in the campground," explains Abby C., who adds that "deer, blue herons, and squirrels are abundant" for wildlife watchers.
Waterfront recreation: Bumpus Mills features lakeside camping with water-based activities. "Hard to choose a site just because they were all so nice on a small hill overlooking the water. Nice campground but plan to spend most of your time on the water or at another park or whatever nearby," recommends Kim B.
What campers like
Spacious sites: RJourney Clarksville RV Resort receives praise for its layout. "Sites were large and level," reports Drew S., while Roy T. notes, "Pull through sites were long enough for our truck & camper so we didn't have to unhitch for one night. Sites were not all jammed together."
Quiet settings: Spring Creek Campground offers a peaceful atmosphere. "Nice peaceful camp ground. Clean and well maintained. Can hear some road noise but generally quiet. The creek is nice and calm," according to Nicholas H., who found the natural setting relaxing despite minor traffic sounds.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at most area campgrounds. "Bathrooms were clean. Grounds were well maintained. Staff was friendly," observed Roy T. about RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, reflecting similar comments about other nearby facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited availability during winter months. "This campground closes the first week of September," warns Joy W. about Bumpus Mills, while Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park operates from April 1 to October 31.
Site levelness concerns: Lake Barkley State Resort Park campsites often require significant leveling. "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., while Cheyanne S. advises to "bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel."
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be spotty throughout the region. One reviewer notes about Bumpus Mills: "There is little or NO cell service and no broadcast TV channels in range. Bring DVD's in case it rains."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing areas: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park offers numerous wildlife encounters. "We even saw a bald eagle within 15 minutes drive from the park," reports Nicole P., who recommends the area for its biodiversity.
Budget-friendly options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Oak Grove maintain reasonable rates. "Senior Pass $12/night. Wide, level campsite on the water. Very nice and well kept," shares Arthur P. about Lock A, making it an economical choice for families.
Recreational facilities: Family-centered amenities vary across locations. "Lake Barkley State Park offers so many activities and is right on the edge of Land Between The Lakes that I have been going to both for years and still not gotten to all of the sites available," recommends Shelly S.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Several campgrounds have unusual utility hookup placements. At Lake Barkley, one reviewer advises to "bring extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites," a setup echoed at other nearby facilities.
Size restrictions: Be aware of access limitations at smaller campgrounds. "The roads are NARROW and tree-lined, so I don't recommend any rig over 30'" cautions Jody A. about Bumpus Mills, making advance research crucial for larger rigs.
Electric service variations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Oak Grove provide multiple electric options. Kerry M. found RJourney Clarksville completely level with "enough lighting for comfort, but not so much it doesn't feel like night," though notes the early morning noise from nearby construction.
