Camping cabins near Smithland, Kentucky are located in the scenic area between two major lakes, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. This region offers a mix of forest and waterfront sites with elevations ranging from 350 to 500 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 30s while summer highs reach the upper 80s, making March through November the primary camping season for most cabins in the area.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: Energy Lake Campground provides canoe rentals with access to the no-wake lake. "We enjoyed the low key weekend with lots of fun things to do with a little bit of a drive. There is direct access to one of the many trails in LBL and several within easy biking or driving distance," notes a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Visit historic attractions: Cave-in-Rock State Park is accessible via ferry from Kentucky and features a unique riverside cave formation. "To the right down the road a bit and you're in the park. If you want to bring a canoe or kayak there is a trail just southeast of the camping area that leads down to the water for easy access," shares a camper at Cave-in-Rock State Park.
Outdoor recreation: Beyond water sports, the region offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, and seasonal hunting. "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," reports a visitor to Energy Lake.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many cabins offer views of either Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, or smaller lakes. "Our site was right on the river bank. We enjoyed a quiet and relaxing stay at this wonderful park. Watching the barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2," says a camper at Birdsville Riverside RV Park.
Clean facilities: Most cabins are well-maintained according to reviews. "The cabins were clean and the site is level and fairly easy to back a car into. The bathrooms and showers were directly across the way and relatively clean. I like that they are set up as individual, lockable shower rooms, rather than one big shower room," reports a visitor to Energy Lake Campground.
Peaceful settings: Many cabin sites provide quiet environments away from crowds. "It's a nice place off the beaten path. All the spots are spaced out too," notes a camper at Birdsville Riverside RV Park. Another visitor commented, "This little gem is off the beaten path but well worth it! Super nice owner, very clean small park without a lot of extra frills."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during peak season. "We booked this spot a few weeks in advance for Memorial Day weekend, and honestly we only booked it because it was the only campground left that seemed somewhat acceptable out of campgrounds that accept reservations," reports a camper at Dixon Springs State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Ticks and poison ivy are common in this region. "Lots of poison ivy and ticks. Luckily, we expected this and came prepared with tweezers, tick remover, insect repellant, and poison ivy wipes. The poison ivy is EVERYWHERE. Anywhere you see trees and bushes, there will be poison ivy."
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Some cabins have minimal furnishings while others provide full kitchens and bathrooms. "There are also choices of cabins, 'chalets', bungalows, floating cabins, etc. If I wanted to stay in a cabin, there are some cabins next to the lake that also have great views," notes a reviewer at Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several cabin locations have designated swimming areas for children. "We didn't want to swim here so maybe plan on doing that elsewhere at the lakes. Next time we will camp, likely on loop D, which had some nice lakeview sites," advises a family who stayed at Energy Lake Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for cabins with nearby playgrounds or recreation areas. "They have a pool and do activities almost daily," shares a visitor about Holiday Hills Resort. Another camper noted about Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point KOA: "They have go carts, oversized chess, swimming pools, a soccer field, a marina, a restaurant, and a section called Prizer Lagoon."
Educational opportunities: Several cabin locations offer nature programs suitable for children. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabins and RVs: Choose sites based on size requirements. "Very good for pull behinds or semi-permanent but less than desirable for tent campers. Tents were relegated to a narrow strip in the campground really too small for campers," warns an RVer at Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point KOA.
Hookup information: Water and electric access varies by cabin location. "Electric hookup available, few sites only seen 2 or 3 sites that had water available. Quiet site with general facilities," reports a camper at Dixon Springs State Park. Another mentions, "Been here a few times it's a great place to visit they have a pool and do activities almost daily. Not for the big campers I think 35 is the biggest they allow."
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin facilities operate from March through November. "The showers are campground showers and as such are nothing to write home about, but they were clean enough and I like that they are set up as individual, lockable shower rooms, rather than one big shower room," notes a visitor to Land Between The Lakes Hillman Ferry Campground.
