Lake Cumberland defines camping around Nancy, Kentucky with several Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds dotting its shoreline. The region sits at approximately 723 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak camping season. Water levels on Lake Cumberland fluctuate seasonally by up to 40 feet between winter and summer pools, significantly changing shoreline access and camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pulaski County Park offers extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins," notes Katie M. The trails feature creek crossings and hilltops with varying difficulty levels.
Disc golf course: Pulaski County Park features a challenging disc golf course that takes players through diverse terrain. "The disc golf will take you on quite a hike and to another parking lot and trailhead totally outside the park," says Shelly S., highlighting the course's expansive layout.
Water recreation: Waitsboro Campground provides excellent water access with waterfall features. "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," reports Devon B.
Golfing: General Burnside Island State Park offers a well-maintained golf course as its primary attraction. "I stayed here because I wanted to play the on-site golf course, which was also well taken care of," shares Paul B.
What campers like
Lake views: Campers consistently praise the expansive water views at COE Lake Cumberland Fall Creek Campground. "This campground has 10 sites on a hill. It is quiet and away from towns. Some sites are close but not bad," notes Karen P., who appreciates the secluded setting.
Clean facilities: Ridgeline Campground at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. "Bathhouses dated but clean. Some sites did require long power cords and water hoses," reports Jeremy K.
Affordability: Many campsites in the Nancy area offer reasonable rates compared to other popular lake destinations. "The cost of camping there is very affordable. They also have little cabins you can rent," mentions Anna C. about Pulaski County Park.
Privacy options: While many sites are close together, some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "Stayed in Site 19 - by far the most private site. Site is surrounded by forest on three sides," shares Michael R. about Ridgeline Campground.
What you should know
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds in the area feature steep, hilly terrain that can be challenging. "The site I was in was on such a steep hill I left early because I was afraid I would break my leg getting in and out of my camper," warns Candy H. about General Burnside Island State Park.
Varying site quality: General Burnside Island State Park Campground has inconsistent site layouts. "Sites are big but not level. We put one side of the RV on the pad and the other in the gravel just to be level. Sites are also awkwardly diagonal in places so the back ends get pretty close," notes Whistle P.
Shower availability: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Cumberland Point, campers must rely on their own setups, while others like Fishing Creek have limited facilities. "The shower/bath house is fairly new and clean. Being on the hill, to get to the lake is a steep walk," reports Karen P. about Fall Creek Campground.
Weekend crowds: Several campgrounds become significantly busier on weekends. "It was very quiet during the week, but the weekend got pretty crowded and a little loud during the day," notes Karen P. about her experience at Fishing Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Off The Hook RV Campground features exceptional play areas. "There is an AWESOME playground and pavilion set back in the trees! My grand loved the ropes course," shares Shelly S., highlighting this newer facility's family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Pulaski County Park offers a small beach area perfect for children. "There's many places for kids to play, a basketball court, volleyball court, disk golf, and a small beach area," notes Anna C., making it ideal for families seeking water recreation.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize regular family-friendly events. "Camp host led scavenger hunts, lazer tag, capture the flag, etc. in the campground in the evenings," reports Michael R. about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, providing structured entertainment for kids.
Bath facilities: Look for campgrounds with family restrooms for easier management of young children. "Bathrooms were above average - large family rest rooms with private showers made this a plus for families with small kids," says Michael R. about Ridgeline Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has unusual utility placement at some sites. "The water and electric hookup for this site is very far away from the actual site - we had to use a regular 110 extension cord to get the hookup to our van and we couldn't use the water at all because we only had a standard length hose," cautions Denise.
Size restrictions: Most campgrounds in the area have limitations on RV length. "Would not recommend a trailer much over 25'. Leaves were turning and very pretty," advises Jeremy K. about Ridgeline Campground's tight spaces.
Dump station challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult-to-access dump stations. "The only drawback would be that the dump site was too tight and unlevel for me to feel comfortable trying to dump," warns Karen P. about Fall Creek Campground.
New development: Off The Hook RV Campground offers spacious new sites but lacks mature vegetation. "There's also no shade, they are creating their campground in a very nicely tiered field and working on getting a pond going to fish in. Nice size sites with easy access power, water and sewer," explains Shelly S.
