Canal Campground on Lake Barkley sits 400 feet above sea level, offering campers access to Kentucky's 58,000-acre reservoir with 1,004 miles of shoreline. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall popular for luxury outdoor accommodations. Glamping near Paducah, Kentucky provides convenient access to both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley through the canal system.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Canal Campground offers direct water access with its own boat ramp. "Many campsites with water views and access. The campground is big enough for golf carts and small enough to walk to the beach from any side," shares Chris O.
Hiking trails: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area features multiple walking paths and scenic trails. A camper noted, "Great campground with beautiful nearby walking trails. A short drive to the observatory and bison prairie."
Wildlife viewing: The Bison Prairie located near Hillman Ferry Campground provides opportunities to see bison in a natural setting. "The area feels like you stepped back in time. You'll never want to leave because everyone is so nice," explains Chris O.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer boat rentals. At Energy Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The lake was gorgeous and perfect for kayaking though, with lots of nice coves to explore and wildlife to see. I saw a doe with a spotted fawn nursing on my first trip onto the water."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: The Art Farm Women's Retreat receives praise for its peaceful setting. "Quiet and peaceful. Hot tub was great! We didn't use the showers but they looked nice," shares Aaron C.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathhouses. A visitor at Canal Campground commented, "The facilities were extremely clean and people were friendly. There are flushing toilets, hot showers, and new picnic tables at sites."
Spacious campsites: Oak Point Campground offers roomy sites. "The sites are well-shaded, and the bathrooms/showerhouses were clean. Our kids enjoyed the playground and walking down to the lake," reports Chelsea D.
Natural settings: Shawnee Forest Campground features a unique layout. "Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings," notes Greg S.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across campgrounds in the region. At Hillman Ferry Campground, a camper mentioned, "No cell service. Nice playgrounds."
Seasonal operations: Many luxury camping facilities close during winter months. Lake Barkley State Resort Park operates from April 1 to October 31, while Paducah-Kentucky Lake KOA runs from March 14 to November 10.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, a camper advised, "Bring quite a bit of leveling materials as the sites are very unlevel. 1 dump station and an older but usable bath house."
Booking ahead: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly during peak season. "Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites," recommends a camper at Canal Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Energy Lake Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "A friend and I and our 4 kids stayed in a camper cabin here in September... the no-wake lake and canoe rentals were fun," shares Erin R.
Beach considerations: Some beaches are more suitable for families than others. At Energy Lake, a visitor noted, "Downfall is the beach is muddy and rocky and the playground is old with just a metal slide and swings. We didn't want to swim here so maybe plan on doing that elsewhere at the lakes."
Educational opportunities: Land Between The Lakes offers learning experiences. A visitor mentioned, "Checked out the Elk and Bison Prairie, which was really cool. Nature station was really cool and we rented some canoes to explore around that area. Went to the Homeplace, which is a working farm and 'living history museum,' which the kids really loved."
Safety measures: Be aware of wildlife and terrain. One camper at Energy Lake Campground warned, "There are a lot of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Cave-in-Rock State Park, utilities are strategically placed. A visitor advised, "Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."
Site selection: Pay attention to campsite descriptions when booking. "We chose site 44 after looking at the site map and deciding it would be pretty simple to back into and wow were we wrong. The pad itself was rather level...once you got into it, but to get into it, you had to angle down the side of a hill," shared a visitor at Hillman Ferry.
Seasonal availability: For luxury camping options in RVs, timing matters. "The campground is large enough that you can get some exercise right on site, jog, walk or bike. OR jump in your water craft from the boat ramp/dock within the campground and maneuver into either lake," notes a camper at Lake Barkley.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer dump stations, but location can be challenging. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, a camper mentioned, "Even the dump is on an incline."
