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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
