Smithland camping areas offer direct access to the Ohio River, Kentucky Lake, and Lake Barkley with water activities dominating the recreation options. Sites in this region range from primitive camping spots with vault toilets to full-hookup RV parks with lake views. Most campgrounds maintain paved roads to campsites, though interior paths may be gravel. Overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months, particularly at waterfront locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Nickell Branch Campground offers direct lake access with a boat ramp for fishing Lake Barkley. "I love the convenience to Grand Rivers, the ability to launch my boat onsite and all the shade trees over sites along the shore," notes one visitor who camps there multiple times yearly.
Hiking and biking trails: The Canal Loop Trail crosses near Nickell Branch's entrance for hiking and biking access. "The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail)," explains a camper who appreciated these recreation options.
Mountain biking: Hillman Ferry Campground offers premium mountain biking trails accessible directly from the campground. A camper highlights: "A premier and amazing mountain bike trail system is accessible directly from campground!! The Canal Loop Trail and North South Trails are well known and revered by area mountain bikers and hikers."
Water activities: Multiple water access points are available at Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. "I had fun paddle boarding with the little dog in the inlet right off this campsite," shares one Hillman Ferry visitor who enjoyed the easy water access for non-motorized craft.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Eureka Campground receives high marks for site layout and waterfront positioning. "Very rustic, woody campground with water and electric hookups. Very quiet and beautiful sites on Barkley Lake. The sunsets were beautiful!" writes one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Canal Campground noted, "Lots of deer, and skunks, but they don't bother you," highlighting the natural experience available even at more developed campgrounds.
Evening atmosphere: Fireflies create memorable camping experiences during summer months. A visitor to Eureka campground shared: "We were there in late June and the fireflies lit up the woods like twinkling Christmas lights, it was magical!"
Watching river traffic: Riverside camping provides unique entertainment. "Watching the barges go up and down the river along with an occasional recreational boat or 2" was highlighted by a camper at Birdsville Riverside RV Park, showcasing the appeal of Ohio River sites.
What you should know
Site hookup positioning: At several campgrounds, utility hookups are positioned to serve multiple sites. At Birdsville Riverside RV Park, "the electric poles and water are shared between each site (you have your own plug but it's in the middle of the two sites) which means the odd number sites are back in, even numbers are pull in," requiring planning for hose and cord length.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds offer minimal amenities. At Nickell Branch, a camper notes it has "just a single vault toilet and no potable water available on site," though water is available in nearby Grand Rivers.
Campground noise factors: Railway proximity can affect some camping experiences. At Nickell Branch, one camper mentioned: "Only drawback was that a train station was about 1 mile away and could hear them pulling out at night. Not bad though."
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites book well in advance. At Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, campers recommend checking site dimensions carefully: "The sites are very small but spread out. Our 35 ft class a barely fit. They do show length limits for sites and they definitely max limit."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly recreation areas. A visitor at Cypress Lakes RV Park noted, "There is a small lake to fish in. Nice playground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids."
Safety considerations: Canal Campground has an environment conducive to family activities but with some factors to monitor. "There are golf carts everywhere! This isn't a bad thing if you're into that but don't go here thinking you'll be spending your trip among nature," one visitor observed about the campground atmosphere.
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas for family water recreation. A Canal Campground visitor shared that "the campground is big enough for golf carts and small enough to walk to the beach from any side," making it ideal for families with varied mobility needs.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured family programs. "We stayed at Hillman Ferry Campground during Outdoor Kids Fest and it was the best," one family reported. "A wonderful campground with extremely welcoming and helpful staff from the minute we pulled up."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord needs: Many campgrounds have utility hookups positioned far from parking pads. At Kentucky Dam Village, a camper noted, "There is electric (30 amp) and water at the site but it was 75 ft from my sites. Extensions are needed."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs and seasonal conditions. "Sites along the water are great. Full hook ups don't offer the view but plenty to do and very well priced," noted one Hillman Ferry visitor who prioritized lake access over full hookups.
Campsite positioning: Some campgrounds offer alternative site orientations for optimal views. At Birdsville Riverside, "Sites alternated pull in and back in sharing water and electric pedestals. Lots of space on door side of TT," allowing RVers to maximize their outdoor living space.
Navigational considerations: Interior roads at some campgrounds can present challenges. A visitor to Eureka noted, "The road in is one way and to dump you have to go all the way around and back towards the campsites," requiring planning for larger rigs.
