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Best Campgrounds near Paducah, KY

804 Reviews

Paducah, Kentucky camping includes several good options within driving distance. Fern Lake Campground and RV Park sits just off exit 3 on I-24, giving easy access for folks passing through. The campground has full hookups for RVs and stays pretty quiet most nights. Hillman Ferry Campground on Kentucky Lake puts you right on the water and has its own boat ramp if you're bringing watercraft. Shawnee Forest Campground is a bit farther but worth the drive for its hiking trails and nice views of the surrounding landscape. You'll want to make reservations ahead of time since these places can get full, especially during summer and holidays. Book early to get the spot you want instead of settling for what's left. Watch for any fire bans during dry periods and check how long you're allowed to stay at each place. Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes are close by, making Paducah a good base camp for fishing, boating and hiking trips. Before heading out, double-check if you need any special permits for activities in the area. Planning ahead will help your camping trip go smoothly from start to finish.

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Best Camping Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (141)

    1. Fern Lake Campground and RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 444-7939

    $10 - $48 / night

    "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."

    2. Fort Massac State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Metropolis, IL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 524-4712

    "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."

    3. The Art Farm Women’s Retreat

    3 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    8 miles
    +1 (270) 217-2170

    $30 - $90 / night

    4. Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA

    11 Reviews
    Calvert City, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 395-5841

    "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."

    5. Hillman Ferry Campground

    36 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "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."

    6. Shawnee Forest Campground

    33 Reviews
    Vienna, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-0619

    $40 / night

    "We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go."

    "This use to be a golf course and the cart paths are now walking trails. Be careful as the paths are in poor condition with cave ins in some areas and they arent blocked off."

    7. Duck Creek RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Paducah, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 415-0404

    "Sites next to the Hwy are a little loud but all in all, we definitely recommend!!"

    8. Fishing Pier

    3 Reviews
    Metropolis, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

    9. Birdsville Riverside RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Smithland, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 928-2772

    $45 - $65 / night

    "We found a jewel of an RV park on the Ohio River in Kentucky. Our campsite was right on the river bank. We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay at this wonderful park."

    "All the spots are full hook up and are right next to the river for a great view. It’s very quiet and peaceful. Nice place off the beaten path. All the spots are spaced out too."

    10. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

    12 Reviews
    Gilbertsville, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4271

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Set just a few miles off of I-24 in Kentucky, just two miles down the road from the Kentucky dam Village Resort Park, this is a great effort at trying to accommodate campers and RVs who don't want to stay"

    "It's not in the quietest spot but well located to do and see things in the area. There is boating, fishing, swimming and more on Lake Kentucky nearby."

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186 Photos of 141 Paducah Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paducah, KY

804 Reviews of 141 Paducah Campgrounds

Guide to Paducah

Camping near Paducah, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Nature: The area is surrounded by stunning parks and lakes. You can hike, fish, or just enjoy the views.
  • Visit Local Attractions: Check out the National Quilting Museum or take a short drive to the Land Between the Lakes for more outdoor fun.
  • Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Canal - Lake Barkley, offer access to the lake for boating and fishing. One camper mentioned, “The peninsula offers many sites with water views and access.”

What campers like

  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the welcoming atmosphere. One review noted, “The staff was friendly and walked us to our site and showed us the hookups” at Fern Lake Campground and RV Park.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Oak Point - Lake Glendale said, “The bathrooms are clean and well-stocked.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park mentioned, “Campground is beautiful with lots of room in between sites.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. For example, a camper at Dixon Springs State Park pointed out, “Pit toilets with no hand washing station or showers.”
  • Seasonal Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Lake Glendale Recreation Area noted, “During the week, no problem. Weekends would be iffy.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A visitor at Canal - Lake Barkley mentioned, “Tons of deer, and skunks, but they don’t bother you.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family enjoyed the beach and playground at Fern Lake Campground and RV Park, saying, “The beach and the playground were nice for the kids.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby restaurants. A camper at Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA mentioned, “Quick food options just down the road.”
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water and wildlife. One camper advised, “Bring bug spray - horseflies and ticks” when visiting Oak Point - Lake Glendale.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park mentioned, “The sites are very small but spread out.”
  • Leveling Your RV: Some sites can be hilly or uneven. A camper at Cypress Lakes RV Park noted, “Our site was a bit hilly but we had a nice view of the lake.”
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. A visitor at Oak Point Campground said, “Very difficult to get an electric site in the summer, especially on weekends.”

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Paducah, KY!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Paducah, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Paducah, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Paducah, KY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Paducah, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paducah, KY is Fern Lake Campground and RV Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paducah, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Paducah, KY.

What parks are near Paducah, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Paducah, KY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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