Dog friendly campgrounds near New Johnsonville provide camping opportunities along Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. The area sits at approximately 375 feet elevation with humid summers reaching into the 90s and mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Seasonal flooding can affect low-lying campsites from December through April, particularly at primitive sites near water access points.
What to do
Fishing access: Birdsong Resort and Marina offers shore fishing opportunities with boat launch facilities. "Quiet, near shopping, family oriented, Pet friendly, boat launch, shore fishing, store, pull through sites, friendly helpful staff, tent sites, great place to camp," notes one visitor about the pet-friendly lakeside options.
Explore historic sites: Piney Campground serves as a base for visiting nearby Fort Donelson National Historic Site, about 30 minutes away. "Located in LBL and near Paris Landing SP, Fort Donelson NHS, and everything that LBL has to offer in the South and North units," shares a camper who appreciated the strategic location for exploring regional attractions.
Nature trails: Walk with your dogs on available trails that vary by campground. At H&H Campground, visitors note "Some limited hiking past the creek" for dog exercise, though the options aren't extensive. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near New Johnsonville restrict pets to leashes no longer than 6 feet.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Some campgrounds offer a retreat from highway noise. "We thought the traffic noise would be bad being so close to I40 but we didn't even hear it," reports a tent camper at I 40 Hideaway, contradicting expectations about interstate proximity. This can be especially valuable for campers with noise-sensitive dogs.
Spacious primitive sites: At less developed campgrounds, you'll find more separation between campsites. "Santa's Woods is full of large trees and trails, he welcomes you to find the spot that calls to you for your camping adventure," notes a reviewer about the primitive camping options where pets are welcome.
Water recreation: Kentucky Lake access points provide swimming opportunities during summer months. One Piney Campground visitor shared, "Water was warm and calm being off the main lake. Piney cove is pretty shallow and we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep." This gradual entry can be ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Campgrounds in the area have varying operating seasons and weather impacts. "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," reports a Piney Campground visitor.
Site maintenance: Quality and upkeep vary significantly across pet-friendly campgrounds. "The sites were level, but are not picked up routinely; we had to clean our site of discarded bottle caps, hygiene items, etc. when we arrived," notes another Piney Campground camper about their experience.
Booking systems: Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons (April-October). "I spent 8 nights here. Almost everyday some huge rig would pull up in front of what little view I had and block me out completely," explains a camper at Buffalo I-40 Exit 143 KOA, highlighting the importance of requesting specific sites when traveling with pets.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children, though maintenance varies. At Piney Campground, a visitor noted, "The playground for kids is missing swings, the trash in some receptacles is full." Call ahead to confirm current conditions if playground access is important for your family trip.
Swimming areas: Loretta Lynn's Ranch has a pool, but operational hours can be inconsistent. "The pool was well kept. They did close the pool for storms and did NOT reopen it until the next day. NOT good management of resources," reports one family's experience.
Educational opportunities: Plan visits to the Land Between the Lakes interpretive centers, accessible from several pet-friendly campgrounds. "Great place to start and stay for your Land Between the Lakes adventure," recommends a Piney visitor, noting the educational opportunities available within a 40-minute drive.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A visitor to Loretta Lynn's Ranch observed, "Area is beautiful but sites were close together and the ground outside of my trailer was very unusable, all hill and large rocks. No way to spend time outside of the camper. After I leveled it the bottom of the front steps had a 2 foot drop."
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before selecting sites, especially with larger rigs. "The electric and water were all in one spot which was at the very end of the camper," noted a 42-foot RV owner at Buffalo I-40 Exit 143 KOA, adding they were told they "should have a 50' hose as most people do just for these circumstances."
Weather considerations: Be prepared for rapid weather changes affecting site conditions. "The tent sites have drainage" at Buffalo KOA, but "the ground is clay so, there are standing puddles in the rain around the camp," notes a tent camper, information equally relevant to RV campers navigating wet sites.
