Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres across western Kentucky and Tennessee, with campgrounds situated around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Located near Dover, Tennessee, these campgrounds range from fully developed facilities to primitive sites with minimal amenities. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures, affecting seasonal camping availability.
What to do
Fishing access points: Canal Campground offers multiple lake entry points for anglers. "Right outside Grand Rivers, Ky and along the canal that connects the two lakes. Reserve WAY ahead if you want one of the premium sites," notes Shelly S. who highlights the variety of fishing opportunities at Canal Campground- Lake Barkley COE.
Swimming at state beaches: Lake Barkley State Resort Park maintains a designated swimming area popular during summer months. According to Ann D., "the park had a great beach area. Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites." The beach area provides a refreshing break from summer heat at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
Wildlife observation: Cravens Bay campground offers opportunities to spot native wildlife including bald eagles. One camper reports, "Nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning." The secluded location creates ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, particularly during early morning hours.
Historical site visits: Beyond horse trails, the area offers historical attractions. Faith S. notes that Montgomery Bell State Park has "lots of hiking and historical sites. There is a beautiful waterfall and an adorable old church." These historical elements provide additional activities beyond the equestrian focus.
What campers like
Lake access for water sports: Campers appreciate the direct water access at many sites. Rachel T. shares her experience at Canal Campground: "i love everything about this campground. They have a small playground, beach, several bath houses, a group camping 'pad', boat ramp, boat dock and easy roads for cycling."
Quiet, secluded camping areas: For those seeking peace away from busier horse campgrounds near Dover, Tennessee, Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access offers seclusion. Benjamin C. reports: "We stayed here in the middle of July in 2019! Wow was it hot! It also had a bit of flooding, however it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim. Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect!"
Family-friendly facilities: Montgomery Bell State Park Campground receives praise for its amenities. Tammy P. explains: "Montgomery Bell State Park is very clean and quiet. We really enjoyed our spot by the creek. Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees. The park has tons of activities and good hiking trails."
Seasonal activities calendar: The parks maintain scheduled events throughout camping season. According to one visitor, "Lake Barkley State Park offers so many activities and is right on the edge of Land Between The Lakes that I have been going to both for years and still not gotten to all of the sites available."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds require additional equipment for RV leveling. At Pennyrile Forest State Park, John R. notes: "Only reason I don't give campground a 5 is due to the very sloped sites. Most are very difficult to level up." Bring leveling blocks and extended stabilizers.
Reservation timing: For equestrian facilities near Dover, David R. states Wranglers Campground is the "Best horse campground in ky," but its popularity means planning ahead, especially during peak season from April through October when demand is highest.
Utility hookup positioning: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement. Holly S. reports Lake Barkley has "electric far from pads - bring extension cord," while another camper noted similar issues at multiple sites throughout the region.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences sudden weather changes, particularly during spring and fall. Storms can cause flooding in lower campground areas, with some campers noting temporary closures of facilities during severe weather events.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for children: Families appreciate water play areas away from main lakes. "Children can wade in the creek all day, why parents enjoy sitting outside under all the shade trees," shares Tammy P. about Montgomery Bell State Park, making it a good alternative to busier equestrian campgrounds.
Playground locations: Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes provides group facilities with playground access. Matt S. explains: "We had this received for a large group and it was great! Tons of room to spread out especially with the water as low as it was. Vault toilets on site and a few fire rings. Multiple picnic tables available."
Family cabin options: For families wanting more comfort near equestrian facilities, Laura H. recommends: "Was greeted by friendly staff, 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)."
Activity scheduling: Plan morning activities during summer months as afternoon temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity, leading to uncomfortable conditions for children. Early morning trail rides or lake activities followed by afternoon rest periods work best for families.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Multiple campgrounds require additional electrical cords and water hoses due to hookup placement. One camper at Lake Barkley State Resort Park advises: "make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."
Site selection strategy: When camping at KOA Campground Kentucky Lakes Prizer Point, Brad S. recommends: "Most sites have great views of Lake Barkley! Large camp store with a restaurant that serves sandwiches, pizza, beer and sodas... Golf cart rentals and the marina has boat rentals. Full hookups on most sites including cable, and lakeside sites have the 'honey wagon' that comes around to empty tanks."
Arrival timing tips: For easier setup at equestrian campgrounds, plan arrival during weekdays rather than weekends when facility traffic increases significantly. This allows more maneuvering room for larger rigs with horse trailers and avoids congestion at water and electrical hookups.
Site verification: Tessa C. warns about Wranglers Campground: "Sites 49-51 are mislabeled online. Booked a pullthru spot on 49 but it wasn't. Campground was pretty full and we weren't offered a lot to correct that the website was wrong." Always call ahead to confirm site details when bringing larger rigs.
