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Barren River Lake

The best camping in Barren River Lake, KY

72% (9)

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Stories from the community

Drew

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.

Megan

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Chatty Heifer Farm

My partner and I made a last minute decision to go camping when our schedules changed. Patti was extremely friendly and communicative immediately when we made our reservation. I really enjoyed hearing from her. The campsite is not very far from Nashville and was a perfect getaway. The campsite has three guard dogs that are SUPER sweet. They were very playful with our 1 and 1/2 year old German Shepherd (who still thinks he’s, like, a 6 month old). We also felt very happy that these dogs were guarding us during the night. The road is somewhat close to the campsite but it didn’t have heavy traffic. This site was perfect for the three of us looking at a short, impromptu night away from home! The creek and birds were lovely to wake up to and we came home the next day cheerful and relaxed. We were at Site 2, but Site 3 also seemed great for a larger group.

Wes

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Chatty Heifer Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our night camping at site #3! Our 3 crazy kids had a blast exploring the creek & running around the large field, while our dog enjoyed making friends with several of the sweet farm dogs. Patti was an excellent host & did a wonderful job communicating all of the information related to our stay. We look forward to returning in the future!

Troy

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Waterloo Falls

Alice was excellent. Very kind and accommodating. She responds very quickly and insures you have no questions regarding your stay. Once we arrived she was quick to meet us and give us the info we needed on our site. The stay was amazing, absolutely beautiful. I’m sure we will return

Sydney

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

So enjoyed the night away on Kevin’s peaceful property. Site was well kept and safe!

Erica

3 weeks ago

18 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Noble Pine Campground

What an amazing peaceful place. The goats cracked me up. Would definitely recommend. Was a perfect recharge for the soul and body. Thank you.

Josh

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Cascades at Waterloo

Great spot near the river near the waterfall. Being the off season we had the entire site to ourselves. Alice was quick to answer questions and provide details for parking and such.

Victoria

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Misty Bottoms

We felt very welcomed, it's a beautiful and secluded property with a beautiful creek for canoeing or kayaking. We had clouds but i expect the stargazing would be spectacular. Lots of songbirds and deer, beautiful fall color. Perfect temporary home for hunters, we met a few, fascinating for us city people. Bathroom and shower clean and warm. There is a large sheltered area with chairs and grills in case of inclement weather. We didn't meet the donkeys but could see them across the field. Recommended!

Ben

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Tent camping here was a breeze. It felt very secluded despite only being 15 minutes or so from Nashville. We did hear some faint traffic nearby but not a peep during the night hours. There were some people hunting way far off in the distant and we heard some rifles go off a few times during the day, but we didn't feel unsafe by any means during our stay. The site was beautiful, fully surrounded by trees at the top of the hill--exactly what I was hoping for. Speaking of hills, there is a pretty steep hill to get up, yes--but with 4WD it wasn't really an issue for me at all. The sites are first come first serve and there was only my fiance and myself plus one other family that showed up several hours later. They were far enough away that we could barely see them. There's potable water and a toilet a decent walk from the site, but we didn't use either so I can't speak to those. Our interaction with the host was very minimal since it's self check-in and check out, but we didn't need anything other than the directions that were provided (which were very easy to follow). Overall I'd highly recommend this site if you're looking for some seclusion but don't want to drive hours away from the convenience Nashville area.

Spencer

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to On the back of the farm

My wife, dog, and I loved this campsite. There was a lot of space and 2 campsites to choose from. Our dog did not have to be on leash and got to explore the area as well. Aaron answered any question we had in a timely manner and gave us some insight on the land before we arrived. We will be keeping this spot in mind for future camping trips.

Zach

3 weeks ago

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Noble Pine Campground

This was a great spot for our camper for a couple nights! Easy to get in and out of, restroom/showers were clean, and free firewood is a nice amenity. The host was available but not overbearing, and communication was quick and clear. We would definitely return.

Carlos

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Cascades at Waterloo

Stayed one night in the dry camping area. Easy place to get to. Wonderful sounds of owls hooting and coyotes howling through the night. Bring about 3-4 inch of leveling blocks since the ground is has a slope to it. Ground is more level towards the street but gets steeper as you get closer to the trees.

Ashley

November 2025

40 ft travel trailer

1 night at Western Valley View

Beautiful stopover on our cross-country road trip! Easy to access with our 29’ travel trailer, and it was completely level :) hookups were easy access and hosts were friendly.

Millicent

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterloo Falls

I loved getting to go flaming for my first time ever here! It was absolutely gorgeous! Had a wonderful time getting out into nature and unwinding with my family.

Christina

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at The Bee Happy Campground

As beekeepers we were excited to find Bee Springs Kentucky and Bee Happy Campground. Roomy camping sites though our camper is only 16 feet there were bigger ones there with plenty of room. It was clean and quiet and Christie is very responsive. The clear night sky made for some great stargazing and pictures on top of the hill.

Elijah

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cascades at Waterloo

Very nice site easy to access. There’s a gas station near by and it’s less than 20 minutes from Cookeville or Livingston. There’s also a Dollar General up the road. Great campsite for spur of the moment

David

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at On the back of the farm

The views of the lake are gorgeous. The directions are easy. I enjoyed learning about his land and Lake River Barren.

Fiona

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Beardsnest

This is a great spot for a stop! Location is perfect for Mammoth Caves. The grass in the lawn was great for kids running around, Aswell as all the trails cut out around the property to explore. Kevin was responsive and friendly. Would stay here again!

Artie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Great place for a quick camping getaway in the Nashville area. Once you’re out there it feels as though you are much farther out than you are. Hassle free, good communication from the host. Highly recommend!

Matt

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

We enjoyed the campsite. Close to Nashville where we live, so it’s a nice place for a quick weekend camp. Don’t really see how 8 different bookings could fit up there though without sharing a fire or being right next to each other. Will be back though!

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Barren River Lake

93%

(7)

Bailey's Point Campground

5.4mi from Barren River Lake · 203 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barren River Lake

The Narrows Campground

5.7mi from Barren River Lake · 89 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barren River Lake

Tailwater Campground

7mi from Barren River Lake · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barren River Lake

Beaver Creek Campground

7.2mi from Barren River Lake · 12 sites · in Barren River Lake

Top-rated campgrounds

On the back of the farm

98%

(164)

8mi from Barren River Lake · 2 sites · Tents · Glasgow, KY

This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents. Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road. Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home. We look forward to seeing you. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people. You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends. Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want. Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life. If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!! We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy. Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section). Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking. Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us! We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit

Clearview Campsite

100%

(18)

8.3mi from Barren River Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · Glasgow, KY

In a corner of our 40 acre homestead, we have prepared a shady retreat for you and your family. Whether you are passing through, looking for a place to unplug and getaway, or are interested in some of the local sites. We are approximately 12 miles to Barren River Lake State park, 3.4 miles from Kenny’s Farmhouse cheese, 40 miles from Mammoth Cave and within 20 mins to the city limits of Glasgow Ky. There are Dollar General stores within a 10 min drive and a local BBQ within 3 miles on Thur-Sat (Kimmys BBQ). 1 - 50 amp and 2 - 30 amp, water and sewer hookup are available and a security light with switch for your convenience. We would love to share our peaceful corner of God’s Country!

Backyard RV Camp

100%

(12)

9.9mi from Barren River Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · Glasgow, KY

Beautiful, private, level RV space located in our backyard on a quiet country road in Glasgow KY. Views across the hills are gorgeous. Blacktop driveway and turn-around area for easy drive In access to this packed in gravel pad. Minutes away from hiking, golf, downtown entertainment, skating and Barren River Lake! 15-20 minutes off I65. Less than 30 minutes from Mammoth Cave! 50/30/20 amp electric and water hookups along with a fire pit and picnic table!

Wilson Creek Farm

100%

(20)

14mi from Barren River Lake · 3 sites · RVs · Glasgow, KY

We are a working cattle farm on 33 acres with rolling pastures and peaceful wooded areas to enjoy. Hike down to Wilson Creek to search for geodes and explore the woods. Sit a spell by the creek side fire pit. Try fishing, swimming and boating at Barren River Lake, just a short drive from the property. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Down Under and the Corvette Museum are all within 30 min. With two RV sites we can accommodate rigs up to 45' and provide 20/30/50 amp service, water and have full sewer hookups. Needing tent space as well? Reach out and we can see how we can accommodate. follow us on Instagram at wilson.creek.farm

Beardsnest

100%

(150)

21mi from Barren River Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Cave City, KY

This ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2025, camping here provides a glimpse into the fourth year of succession. This current phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie contrasted with the rocky and steep slopes of the mature forest. Most likely a good fit for self-sufficient types that like campsites with generous spacing, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. All sites except Spicebush have a filtered water output. Spicebush campers will have water access next to parking. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~525 seedlings as of March 2025), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. If you have only 2 days, a nice way to experience Mammoth Cave NP is to break the trip into 3 layers, covering the underworld (cave tours), upper world (hiking), and the water that connects the two (Green River kayaking). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space of imagining what is beneath the surface, how these worlds are connected, while navigating park land and water. Note that we offer kayak trips that can be tailored to your schedule and travel constraints. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite. Kayaks are hosted on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park. Pending availability, we offer tent setups as well to folks who want to camp but aren't traveling with gear (REI 4 person Half Dome). Tent setup comes with two sleeping pads (you will need pillows, blankets, etc.).

Riney Farm

100%

(10)

26mi from Barren River Lake · 1 site · RV · Franklin, KY

Our full hook up campsite is on a working, 17 acre farm. We have horses, chickens, peacocks, guineas and goats, so we ask that all dogs are kept on a leash. We are near Drakes Creek, which is great for fishing and kayaking. Kenny Perry Golf Course is minutes away. We are north of Nashville, TN and South of Bowling Green, KY. We have farm fresh eggs and firewood for sale, if needed.

Chatty Heifer Farm

98%

(199)

30mi from Barren River Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Dixon Springs, TN

The family we bought the farm from owned and farmed it since 1900. They built a cabin then and built a house around the cabin in 1920. We bought it in 2018 and have been renovating it to build a retreat center for first responders and others who serve unselfishly. To that end, we've cut hiking trails and campsites as well as filling the farm with livestock to help people slow down and de-stress. We're located in the beautiful green hills about an hour east of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about this land:Drift off to sleep with the sounds of a year-round creek just outside your campsite. Wake up to a beautiful meadow surrounded by green hills in rural Tennessee. Campsites are located on a 120 year old farm under restoration, which is family owned and operated. Get some time away. You'll have privacy as you explore the farm: wade the creek, sway on the tire swing, visit the farm animals (goats, cows, pigs, and chickens), pick wild berries, and sample farm fresh produce and eggs when available. Hiking trails are also available on the farm through tranquil woods.Property is easily accessible from Nashville. In addition, day trips are possible to several lakes, rivers, waterfalls, historic sites, civil war battlefields, state parks, and national wildlife areas.

Noble Pine Campground

100%

(51)

31mi from Barren River Lake · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mammoth Cave, KY

We provide a farm experience in a small campground with 2 full bathrooms with hot showers, 10 rv/tent sites, 2 glamping bell tents, 1 glamping aframe, and 3 bedroom 1 bath cabin. Horses, goats, chickens, and sometimes a friendly camp cat are happy to engage with guests. Guests will have access to yard games such as corn hole, giant jenga, croquet, bocce ball, steer lassoing and more. Camp is located on the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park. There is Wi-Fi available on premises.

Futurology Farms

100%

(10)

35mi from Barren River Lake · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Whitleyville, TN

Futurology Farms is nestled along the Cumberland River in Central Tennessee and features seclusion, beautiful countryside vistas, bountiful river views, and wildlife. You'll find water activities on the river and hiking at the farm and state parks close by. It has been a lifelong dream and vision for our family to have a magical place with lots of land to create an experience. The farm is brand new as of September 2020, so there's lots to do and is a work in progress with still much beautification to be done. Despite the development in progress, the farm is gorgeous and there's lots to do and explore on and around the property.The mountain farm is a passion of ours and we seek to create a space that will be self-sustaining, leave a minimal carbon footprint, and foster a culture of farm-to-table lifestyle. In addition to the environmentally conscious aspects of the long-term plans for the farm, we have dreams to craft a space that encourages and promotes the arts, both visual and performing. Jackson County has been coined a sportsman paradise by those who know of the hidden gems this beautiful piece of Tennessee has to offer. We are just an hour outside Nashville, 25 minutes from Cookeville and Livingston, 20 minutes from Dale Hollow Lake, and 9 parks with hikes and waterfalls within 45 minutes. We have 3 boat launches right on the Cumberland River within 3 miles. You can hike, swim, kayak, canoe, jetski, boat, or float on the river. There are several marinas within 30 minutes. It's important to know that this is a raw and challenging terrain. It's a mountain or some may say a hill. We call it a mountain because of the rock bluffs, cliffs, and dramatic nature of this spot. As such, there are cliffs you could fall off, trails that are difficult and dangerous at times depending on your hiking skill level. These are for the adventurous type and use is at your own risk.This property has a magical feel and really allows you to connect with nature in a peaceful, beautiful, and serene place. We are proud to be the guardians and caretakers of this beautiful land and we hope you enjoy it too. :)

The Bee Happy Campground

100%

(41)

36mi from Barren River Lake · 11 sites · RVs · Brownsville, KY

Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam. 4 sites offer full hook up. These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night. Contact me directly (text is best) to book. (270) 799-4648 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property. All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate. Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations. TEXT IS BEST. Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste) Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) No bathhouse at the moment. Port A Pot on site. Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville. Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.

Cottontown Country

100%

(16)

38mi from Barren River Lake · 1 site · RV · Cottontown, TN

Drive on in to a pull through site with full hookups. It's a gravel site with a concrete patio. This site is behind our barn. It has a picnic table and fire bowl with wood provided. It's peaceful and quiet with views of trees and the neighbors cows. You may see some deer and turkeys. There is a Dollar General and a Gas station 1 mile away. Convenient to I-65. It’s 30 miles to Nashville and 30 minutes to Bowling Green. Other places close by- 112 Antique Store, Sumner Crest Winery, and The Mint at KY Downs.

Western Valley View

99%

(77)

42mi from Barren River Lake · 3 sites · RVs · Lebanon, TN

Learn more about this land:Our property sits along a ridge with a westerly view creating amazing sunsets. Short drive to historic Gallatin square, Old hickory lake / marina. Downtown Nashville 40 min drive.Please contact me before booking. Night time arrivals are discouraged, road / drive are curvy and hilly.Site 1 - top of hill near garage 30amp and waterSite 2 - rear of property no hookupsSite 3 - Rear of property 50amp and waterAll site are level and concrete

The best camping in Barren River Lake, KY guide

Overview

About

Once you've gotten your spelunking at Mammoth Cave National Park out of the way, find your lodgings at Barren Lake State Park, where tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course make for an especially plush place to stay. Lay out your towel and chill at the beach or take advantage of the abundant fishing opportunities. A marina complete with jet ski rentals means you can cruise the water in style. Whether you're interested in hiking the wooded trails, playing a game of shuffleboard, or putting your feet up at your rental cottage, you'll find the only thing this place doesn't offer is a permanent place to reside.

72%

9 ratings · 3 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Beautiful lake views.

Tent ·

Bailey's Point Campground

A beautiful view and above average clean campsite. Shower houses might have been a little cleaner and could use some updating, but still above average of other camps I have visited. I will not return to site B-50 as I was tent camping and there was not a good spot to set up. Would be okay for a pull through camper spot, except no electricity.

Bj J.

2 months on Hipcamp

October 2021

Bailey's Point Campground

This park is beautiful. The views are breathtaking. I stayed there for a couple of months. Not a good place to be if there is government shutdown, which I did. You have to leave!

Teresa C.

4 years on Hipcamp

March 2020

Tailwater Campground

Quite a treat to harvest a walleye or two right out the door of your campsite. Quiet, serene & scenic.