The best campgrounds near Marion, Kentucky with swimming

Marion draws swimmers with its lakes, creeks, and swimming holes—over 700 campsites here make cooling off easy. You’ll find spots where you can hike straight from your tent to the water. Top-reviewed sites like The Art Farm Women's Retreat (159 reviews), Sonny Hills (49 reviews), and Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa (44 reviews) stay busy for a reason—expect easy water access, clear rules on campfires, and pet-friendly sites. Showers aren’t rare, and you’ll likely share the water with local wildlife. Nights average $35, but you’ll spot options dipping as low as $22. If swimming is non-negotiable, Marion gives you plenty to dive into.

99% (298)

Top-rated campgrounds

Marion draws swimmers with its lakes, creeks, and swimming holes—over 700 campsites here make cooling off easy. You’ll find spots where you can hike straight from your tent to the water. Top-reviewed sites like The Art Farm Women's Retreat (159 reviews), Sonny Hills (49 reviews), and Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa (44 reviews) stay busy for a reason—expect easy water access, clear rules on campfires, and pet-friendly sites. Showers aren’t rare, and you’ll likely share the water with local wildlife. Nights average $35, but you’ll spot options dipping as low as $22. If swimming is non-negotiable, Marion gives you plenty to dive into.

99% (298)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Art Farm

98%

(201)

44mi from Marion · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paducah, KY

The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)

2. Sonny Hills

100%

(77)

28mi from Marion · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Eddyville, IL

We live on 70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities that we would love to share with you. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, huge foot stool/table makes small bed. Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Fully equipped Kitchen with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates, silverware, as well as coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Back deck has beautiful views of the lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the back deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. Plenty of DVD's, and games. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites: Shade and sunny areas available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is HIGHLY suggested that campers arrive at dusk or before sunset. Quiet hour starts at 10:00 pm. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights (better to see the stars). Contact us if arrival before nightfall is not possible and we can help guide you to the areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. All dogs and people Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat for your use. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.

3. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

47mi from Marion · 3 sites · Tents · Mt. Vernon, IN

300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.

4. Shawnee National Forest

94%

(27)

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Barkley Lake

100%

(4)

191 sites · Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Make a splash at Lake Barkley, where everything from commercial marinas to bald eagle spottings will suit your every outdoor whim. A whopping 170,000 acres of recreation means you may have to extend your stay if you want to fit everything in on your to-do list. Kayak around the sparkling waters, fish the 57,000-acre lake for your next meal, or even hunt for some game. Nearby antique shops are the perfect spot to nab your next vintage typewriter, and a Civil War monument just adds to the historic significance. Whether you're interested in living off the land or grabbing a bite to eat at a renowned restaurant, Lake Barkley is your one-stop park for everything awesome.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Whiskey Meadows

100%

(2)

22mi from Marion · 1 site · RV · Grand Rivers, KY

Whiskey Meadows has a serene meadow view with a few shade trees that entice the use of a hammock. It has cell service, local restaurant ( .2 mi). The Parking area is about 200 Ft from the main road down a driveway. The location is within 10 minutes (5mi.) drive to KY Lake, Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes, downtown Grand Rivers, and Patties 1880 Settlement.

7. Burdoc Farms

96%

(14)

38mi from Marion · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Crofton, KY

LOCATED IN THE NATURAL SCENERY OF WESTERN KENTUCKY JUST NORTH OF NASHVILLE, TN. Burdoc Farms is nestled in the idyllic natural green hills. Burdoc Farms offers a true and relaxed experience for your once in a lifetime event.With over 650 acres of open fields and forest, Burdoc Farms has been in the Shepherd family for over 80 years. The farm was once a tobacco and cattle farm, producing national champion Shorthorn Beef Cattle in the 60’s. When Keith and Sara Shepherd took over operations in the 90’s the farm was converted to a conservation farm, with timber management, wildlife habitat, recreation and agritourism becoming the main focus of farm operations. Learn more about this land: With over 650 acres to chose from you can camp in open fields or wooded areas on our 100 year old family farm! We love sharing our farm with other conservation minded guest, but if you need access to modern amenities we can accommodate you too. We have over 10 miles of trails to explore nature on your own. If you just want to sit by a fire and relax we have a communal fireplace or fire pit. We have a pond for fishing or swimming whatever you heart desires. Pets are allowed and welcome. Be sure to bring your sense of wonder and take your walkabout on Burdoc Farms!

8. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

214 sites · Gilbertsville, Kentucky

Discover Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park's natural splendor.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

9. Dixon Springs State Park

100%

(1)

23 sites · Simpson, Illinois

Rock your wilderness exploration at this geology-rich state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

11. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

100%

(3)

79 sites · Cadiz, Kentucky

Discover Lake Barkley State Resort Park's natural splendor and activities.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Marion

Camp Cadiz Campground

19mi from Marion · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

Eureka Campground

22mi from Marion · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barkley Lake

83%

(3)

Pounds Hollow Campground

22mi from Marion · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(2)

Canal Campground

24mi from Marion · 114 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barkley Lake

Kentucky Dam Village Campground

25mi from Marion · 214 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

96%

(14)

Garden of the Gods Campground

25mi from Marion · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Dixon Springs Campground

25mi from Marion · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dixon Springs State Park

100%

(2)

Hurricane Creek Campground

29mi from Marion · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barkley Lake

Pennyrile Forest Campground

30mi from Marion · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

100%

(4)

Lake Glendale Campground

32mi from Marion · 59 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(1)

Bell Smith Springs Campground

34mi from Marion · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Shawnee National Forest

100%

(3)

Lake Barkley Campground

34mi from Marion · 79 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

October 2025

8 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Burdoc Farms

I would have stayed forever if I could. So romantic, beautiful, and safe feeling for a solo female traveler.

T

Taylor

September 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Burdoc Farms

Awesome stay at the farm! Plenty of space and very private. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Thanks Sara!

Allison

June 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sonny Hills

This stop was a treat. Nothing will beat the site of 5 Irish Wolfhounds and Bill welcoming your car. The hosts were super accommodating and friendly. Had a great time getting to know them. Brautiful spot!

Yaya

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 15 Acre Wood on Lake

The hosts were very nice and answered all of our questions including greeting us when we got there. The property was very pretty with a lot of woods. We swam in the water it was nice, it wasn’t dirty but a little swampy so maybe not for everyone- but we had fun. The place where we put our tent (and the water) is relatively close to their house. This was no problem for us as we weren’t bothered by them(not that we would have been, again hosts were very pleasant) but might not be ideal for someone looking to camp completely away from others. Really cool town not far from camp site.

M

Michael

May 2025

Tent

1 night at 15 Acre Wood on Lake

Great site next to a frog pond. Very lush and remote feeling. Camped in a tent and got rained on all night, but still had a great stay. Friendly host and a really cool spot!