The Parkers Lake area sits in the heart of eastern Kentucky's hilly terrain, nestled between the Daniel Boone National Forest and Lake Cumberland. Elevations range from 700-1,200 feet, creating varied landscapes for camping. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder weather with occasional rainfall that keeps the surrounding forests lush.
What to Do
Whitewater rafting in Big South Fork: Visit Blue Heron Campground where the Cumberland River offers varied water experiences. "Something for everyone at this national park. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking await in the big South Fork of the Cumberland River. There are miles of hiking and horse trails through the picturesque countryside," notes Bryan R.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes within short driving distance. At Waitsboro Campground, campers can explore nearby trails leading to scenic falls. Devon B. shares, "Nice place, close to amenities but still feels like you're somewhere very far... tranquil, beautiful, waterfalls at several locations on site, views of the lake from every location."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Sheltowee Trace Adventure Park features fishing opportunities directly at the campground. Doug and Terri C. mention the "family owned [resort] with a great general store, clean facilities and close to Cumberland Falls state park and Laurel lake."
Steam train excursions: From the Blue Heron area, visitors can take scenic railway tours. As Bryan R. describes, "Take a steam train ride around the ridge tops, or wet your line in the streams. There is plenty to do here."
What Campers Like
Lakefront camping options: Pulaski County Park offers sites with direct water access. Terry S. notes, "This is a large and clean campground. It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses. There are several cabins on site. Great lake views and beach. Lots to do at PCP."
Clean, modern facilities: General Burnside Island State Park maintains excellent bathhouses. "State Employees kept it meticulously clean and did so each morning around 8am. Some camp sites provided more shade then others," reports Paul B. who adds that many visitors come for "the public boat ramp for Lake Cumberland."
Well-maintained trails: Multiple hiking paths connect the camping areas with natural features. At Pulaski County Park, Shelly S. explains, "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops... They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging."
Privacy between sites: Glamping close to Parkers Lake, Kentucky often provides more secluded options. At Laurel Lake Camping Resort, Donna H. shares, "Our site was spacious and private. I asked the office for a great spacious site and she did not disappoint."
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Some smaller campgrounds close during colder months. When visiting Rockcastle, Tombo T. discovered, "Campground is closed, but the boat launch is open. Might be able to park in boat launch parking. Clean pit toilets."
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the region. At Sheltowee Trace Adventure Park, John C. warns, "Wireless is unreliable and if there are a lot of people it is unavailable. Limited cell service really only consistent if you walk up to the road."
Electrical issues at some sites: Inspect hookups before setting up. Tom B. at Blue Heron Campground reports, "My electrical post at Site 001 showed reverse polarity, so I had to move to site 004."
Navigation challenges: GPS systems may provide incorrect directions to some campgrounds. As one camper at Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA advises, "First! Do not trust your navigation. Once you get off the interstate look for the KOA signs. Your navigation will take you in a completely different direction."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with playground options: Several area campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Sheltowee Trace Adventure Park, Evanna T. shares, "We had the best time camping here in our pop up. The staff was friendly, the bathhouses were clean, the playground was unique, & plus it's dog friendly."
Choose sites near swimming areas: During hot summer months, water access becomes essential. Katie M. notes about Pulaski County Park, "There is several play ground areas close by for the kids to play. You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground."
Consider walkable tent sites: For families who prefer tent camping without hauling gear long distances, Crystal V. suggests backwoods camping at Sheltowee Trace: "They do have carts available at the front to help get your stuff to the site."
Check for kid-friendly activities: Many glamping options near Parkers Lake include scheduled activities for children. John P. mentions Laurel Lake Camping Resort has "bouncy houses for the kids at no extra cost" and frequently schedules "movies on the lawn, dance parties, bands on Holiday weekend."
Tips from RVers
Watch for low-hanging branches: Some campgrounds have limited clearance for larger rigs. A visitor to Laurel Lake Camping Resort notes it "Says Big Rig friendly, not so much. Low branches and very tight turns. Some spaces were long."
Request escorted parking assistance: Several campgrounds provide staff help with parking. At Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA, Joseph C. appreciates that "Staff is friendly they exscort you to your site by following golf cart. They also deliver your fire wood to your site."
Choose pull-through sites when available: Many campgrounds offer easier access options. John C. at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Park advises, "The place is great for any size RV/Camper. I was in a 40 footer. Only the pull thru sites have sewer taps. All sites have water and 50 amp service though and a dump station is available."
Check site levelness before booking: Hilly terrain can make leveling difficult. Veronica S. from Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA found that "Our site was level, but it was hard to tell the sites if the campground staff hadn't led us to our site."
