Located between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, the Hopkinsville region offers cabin camping opportunities within a 40-mile radius. The area sits at an elevation of around 500-600 feet with a humid subtropical climate that features hot summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures typically range from 25°F to 45°F, while summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Energy Lake Campground connects directly to the extensive trail system in Land Between the Lakes. "Next time we will camp, likely on loop D, which had some nice lakeview sites. You can't see the water from the cabin loop. There is spotty cell service throughout the campground," notes one visitor who stayed in a cabin.
Water activities: Energy Lake Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the no-wake lake. "The no-wake lake and canoe rentals were fun. I would advise checking with the hosts about canoe and kayak rentals upon check in, there is limited availability when camp is full and hot weather can also affect," advises a camper.
Historical sites: Visit the original structures at Montgomery Bell State Park Campground. "There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church," mentions a camper. Another visitor reports, "There's some historic hiking trail, historic old church/cabins, as well as the welcome center."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park offers varied site layouts for different preferences. "The campground has some interesting sites all along the roadway. The campground and horse campground are connected. Several of the sites can be challenging due to not being level or being shallow, but they are workable," explains one visitor.
Lake access: Prizer Point Marina & Resort provides direct water access for campers. "During this stay we were in the 'cove' area where Hurricane creek opens into Lake Barkley, on the original side of the park, where there is only water and electric hook ups," describes one camper who hosted a themed weekend event.
Cabin comfort: Wranglers Campground maintains clean, comfortable cabin accommodations. "Splurged on a cabin and it was clean and comfortable. We didn't have any neighbors and were located close to the showers and some horse stables (but far enough away from them so as to not smell horses the whole time)," reports a satisfied guest.
What you should know
Site challenges: Many camping cabins near Hopkinsville have leveling issues. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, "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. Many sites had drop offs on the door side of the pad so you could not use all the awning space."
Seasonal considerations: Winter visits require preparation. "We came here in mid November 2021 and stayed for a week. The views are nice, but the lake/river effect wind coming in during winter is punishing and forces you inside most of the time anyway," notes a visitor at Piney Campground.
Reservation timing: Popular cabin sites fill quickly, especially in summer. "Check in/out times are good 430pm in 330pm out. Bathrooms and showers were reasonably clean. Centrally located in several spots and cleaned daily. Staff was friendly, helpful, and did a good job," reports a camper at Piney Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Kenlake State Resort Park offers diverse recreation. "I'm 45, and I loved this campground when I was a girl. They have a small, but good playground for the kids, and excellent activities either at the campground or the resort, about a mile away," shares a return visitor.
Swimming alternatives: Beach quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach. I wasn't expecting Florida beaches in Kentucky, but in Indiana we have nice sandy beaches at lakes so I was disappointed," notes a family at Energy Lake Campground.
Playground facilities: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground provides recreation areas for children. "With a great pavilion, volleyball court, ball diamond, and playground, the far side of the camp is perfect for families, groups, and events. Our fave sites are 1-8, with #1+2 right next to the creek and the most updated bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Extension cords needed: At Kenlake State Resort Park, "Electric hook up a bit far from camper. Needed to buy extension for 30-50 amp hookup. Level? Not so much. Unless you are a master truck driver, and pull a trailer less than 24', you are in trouble backing into most sites."
Site selection: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground offers specific areas for larger rigs. "Make your reservations early!! Beautiful area lakes, groomed trails, nice hosts - highly recommend. Showers are OK..is the only reason for the missed star in rating," advises an RVer.
Equestrian camping: Wranglers Campground accommodates both horses and RVs. "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn't really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails! Loved it. Spots are pretty close together but fine for big rigs," explains a visitor.
