Discover the best forest campgrounds in Kentucky Lake

United States
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Tennessee
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Kentucky Lake

94% (136 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kentucky Lake

Star Hosts in Kentucky Lake

12 top forest campgrounds in Kentucky Lake

100%

(6)

Brand'n Iron Hills

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Dover, TN

40 acres Located in beautiful Dover TN 5 miles from Lake Barkley & the Cumberland River. Conveniently located a few miles from town, far enough that it is quiet, but close enough that it is not a long trip to town. The property features a variety of thriving wildlife due to our fresh water stream that gently flows through the property year round. The stream is roughly ankle to hip deep depending on the area. The water is crystal clear and safe to play in if you have little ones. Walk along the stream and discover all kinds of fish, turtles, beautiful river stones and possibly see a beaver or 2. If you have Archery equipment, you can use our Archery Range. The property is split by a 2 lane road. 7 acres to the North and 33 acres to the South. The smaller side is flat with many trails, fresh water stream and a gravel road. It features relatively junior trees and is home to a family of Whitetail Deer. The Southern side of the property features a mature hardwood forest full of giant white oak trees. Be sure to put on your hiking boots though, because there's a few Hills to climb. Three hills that form a beautiful valley in the center, with another fresh waterstream. The valley was once home to a 1700s settlement, so you may find some artifacts. (We just ask that you leave them where you find them.) Main trails are marked clearly with large reflectors for safety. With the near-by wildlife refuge you are sure to see and hear a variety of wildlife. We have large steel firepits in every campsite. So feel free to bring your own firewood! Enjoy a good book or nap while relaxing in a hammock. Swing with a loved one while over looking the fresh water stream. Walk down along the stream and collect rocks, feed the fish, or go for a dip! Currently our property is very Primative, whichever there is no electricity or plumbing. We do offer clean composting toilets & a locking gate at night for your security. **Cellular service is limited in some areas. Signal can be found by the road, or cross the road and take the trail up the 1st hill**

Camp Cypress

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · TN

Nestled in a charming lakeside community just 2 miles away, our property offers a serene camping experience surrounded by lush woods. The Dew Drop, a local gem, provides delicious and affordable fare, creating a homey atmosphere for both dining and grocery shopping. The camping area boasts ample flat spaces and some gently sloped sections amidst a plethora of trees, ensuring easy accessibility for setting up camp. Bordered by a natural curtain of trees on both sides, the site maintains a peaceful ambiance, with friendly residents across the street. Engage with the welcoming lakeside community, where numerous opportunities for exploration await. Paris, TN, a stone's throw away, promises a vibrant atmosphere with attractions like the April Catfish Festival and a lively Country Music festival in June. Experience a memorable date night at Moustos in Paris, followed by a visit to the illuminated Eiffel Tower. Don't miss the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show at Paris Landing State Park, conveniently located just 2 miles away. Paris itself offers unique experiences, from Eiffel Tower Park days to indulging in delectable treats at Sweet Jordan's, a popular local coffee, ice cream, and bakery shop. For music enthusiasts, Breaker's Marina, a mere mile away, hosts live performances spanning various genres and features the exciting Poker Run every June. Explore the natural wonders of Land Between the Lakes, whose southern end graces Tennessee, or venture to Dover, TN, where the Donelson Battleground Civil War Museum and grounds along the Cumberland River await discovery. Wildlife enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird watching and encounters with diverse wildlife. Head south to Big Sandy or embark on an exhilarating ATV razor side-by-side journey across the Tennessee River using the Danville Ferry. With so much to offer, our camping site provides the perfect gateway to a multitude of experiences, ensuring your stay is filled with adventure and relaxation alike.

89%

(42)

Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Kuttawa, KY

Learn more about this land:Rolling Hills and wide-open spaces. Primitive to (6) full-service (water, sewer, and 120, 30, or 50 amp electric) camping, located on 60 acres of rolling hills and timber just a few minutes walk to Lake Barkley in beautiful Kentucky. Wooded areas with plenty of room to enjoy yourselves without being on top of your neighbors. Our address is 148 Green Rd. Kuttawa, KY 42055. NOTE: Our primitive tent sites are $20 per night and our Full hook-up sites are $29. Please call us to verify availability before booking!

100%

(4)

Hardwoods and rolling hills.

4 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Bumpus Mills, TN

Learn more about this land:Off grid camping with access to surrounding National and local parks. 10 minutes from Lake Barkley. Quiet and relaxing location for off grid camping.

Camping Off The Grid -Barbour Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Woodlawn, TN

Barbour Farms Camp sets on the hallowed grounds of the historic Ol' Ledford Farm. Our Great-Great grandparents, Jim and Mary Ledford, purchased this farm in the early 1870s. At an additional cost you may request a guided tour of: "A Day in the Life of Jim & Mary Ledford." See were the historic Montgomery Co. Griffey School once set on property. View Jim and Mary's Ol' house seat and drink from the artesian spring where they got their water in the 1870's. Jim and Mary were quite industrious, along with their seven children. Picture their mule drawn wagon, sawmill, sorghum mill, and grist mill. Once upon a time, their family provided these services and many others to the community. Go to The Ol' Ledford Farm aka Barbour Farms on Facebook to learn more, and don't forget to follow us. So, totally unplug and enjoy a rustic back-country experience. All campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Booked 6 times

Lost in The Woods

1 site · Tent21 acres · Clarksville, TN

Tent in the woods along West Fork River! We're excited to welcome you to our property.Over 20 acres to explore and use, with the Red River at your usage. Wildlife to look at, rolling hills to hike, and fishing and kayaking to name a few. Enjoy the scenery and enjoy the outdoors. We have worked hard to make our tent as comfortable as possible for your stay.

Booked 1 time

Big Beech

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Tennessee Ridge, TN

This is a beautiful property with breathtaking views. The back side of the creek has bluffs that are several stories high. It is secluded yet just 15 minutes to town, grocery stores, restaurants, and the liquor store, ect. Kentucky Lake is just 10 minutes away. There is 800 feet of creek frontage, 3 fire pits, a grill and several primitive camp sites.

The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tennessee Ridge, TN

Ten clean, peaceful acres on which to pitch a tent or hook up your RV. Take a walk through open and uncluttered, gently rolling woodlands perfect for hiking or wildlife watching. Sit by the small pond and take it all in as our chorus of frogs serenade you into the sunset. Explore the crystal clear rock and gravel-bottom little creek nearby. 50amp electrical RV pole on a large pull through driveway 15-minutes to Kentucky Lake.

100%

(5)

Join the Adventure at SkallyWag's

53 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Mc Ewen, TN

Learn more about this land: A beautiful 5 acre homestead in the quiet country side, with ample space for camping/exploration. The property is surrounded by huge trees and vegetation, and also includes a pond, walking trails, lush garden, fruit tree orchard and beautiful babbling creek. Expect to meet our crew of free range chickens, ducks and Spud Muffin McGhee, the mini pot belly pig. Structures/Amenities: Large space behind barn provides shelter with table and 4 chairs, huge couch swing -two compost toilets -electric outlets - basic camp solar showers -access to well water (suggested to bring large container to collect water) -one large group size fire ring and two small fire rings on back property (for more private campsites and gathering spaces) -large open fields with ample group camping space -walking paths -opportunities to private camping spaces Local Attractions: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch -Tours, Museum, Events, Concerts-20 miles Kentucky River-swim, kayak, boat- 20 miles Humphrey's County Museum & Civil War Fort- 10 miles Walls of Waverly- Cool local art installation- 10 miles Antique Shopping- McEwen and Waverly New Johnsonville State Historic Park- 20 miles Turkey Creek- Lakefront White Sand Beach 20 milesNashville- 65 miles (just over an hour drive) Local Swimming holes

Poplar Springs LLC

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Waverly, TN

Come and experience the beauty of Poplar Springs in Waverly, TN! Our tree farm covers almost 70 acres of land with lots of trees and trails to explore. You'll see plenty of animals, find wild blackberries and mushrooms, and enjoy a clear creek. In the fall, pick your own pumpkin at our small patch, and in the spring, walk through our flower field. Hang out with friends at our community area with a big fire pit and a deck for parties. Poplar Springs is the perfect place to relax and have fun in nature!

Hummingbird Hill Acres

9 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Stewart, TN

This was once a working farm, but was sold to logging interests for the many hardwoods that covered it. Once the Loggers were finished it was broken up in parcels to be sold as farmettes, residential lots, etc. I found my beautiful Hummingbird Hill on a Zillow site, when I came to look at the property I discovered the only way to get to my hill was a right of way through three other parcels. Those are the properties I was shown! The realtor didn't even realize the gem of the hill was there. I went back a week later and hiked up a barely visible path through the trees and out onto an open hill that looks out over the ridges in three directions,and down on the field all around it .A small pond in one corner. You have a view clear to the Church next to Hurricane Creek. But no one can see the hill. I bought the three parcels on the lower 7 acres, rejoining them and I bought the 27 acres that is the hill and fields. This property got its name from the locals who tell me it was named that due to the multiple Hummingbirds that return every year to the property. I have had them fly right up and hover inches from my face! This property was a favorite hunting spot for the locals due to the amount of wildlife that come from the 5,000 acre logging forest it backs up to. I no longer allow hunting on the property except for my own family when there are no campers . With a clear sky at night there is no ambient light to interfere with stargazing. Billions of diamonds in the sky. Bring you telescope. Campfires are only allowed within the fire rings and not after midnight. Please bring your own portable camp potty or pack out your waste. No firearms allowed. I lived in a small shed cabin on the property completely off grid for 7 years and am in the process of developing the lower acres into garden, orchard and small homestead. We are planning to add Alpacas, sheep, Highland Cattle, and Chickens. I am an old fashioned quilter, and do all forms of needlework. I can spin with a spindle and am learning to use a spinning wheel. I sew as well. If any campers are interested I will offer a basic class in sewing, quilting, Knitting or Crochet. Very private, raw land camping. Completely off Grid. Lots of wildlife, Small pond is their watering hole. No ambient light so you can really see the stars at night. Bring your telescopes. Beautiful view across the tree tops to the next ridge Quiet except for the sounds of nature. Campfires allowed in fire pits only and not after midnight.

Lost acres

14 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Mc Ewen, TN

Learn more about this land:Acers of camping far from civilization. Primitive camping. Green fields awesome woods and a spring feed creek. find fossils. Please camp responsibly and hike out what you hike in.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

94%

(19)

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Tennessee

100%

(3)

Kenlake State Resort Park

Dexter, Kentucky

100%

(3)

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Grand Rivers, Kentucky

100%

(1)

Paris Landing State Park

Big Sandy, Tennessee

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Gilbertsville, Kentucky

100%

(1)

Fort Massac State Park

Metropolis, Illinois

100%

(1)

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Goreville, Illinois

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Forest camping in Kentucky Lake guide

Overview

A favorite of sport fishermen in search of crappie and bass, the 160,300-acre Kentucky Lake is also a fun choice for campers wanting to hit the water on water skis, jet skis, and pleasure boats. The completion of the Kentucky Dam along the north-flowing Tennessee River created the massive lake, which stretches from western Kentucky south into Tennessee and features 2,300 miles of shoreline. The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which has four developed campgrounds, sprawls across the forested peninsula that separates Kentucky Lake from Lake Barkley to the east. Kentucky Lake is 90 miles northwest of Nashville.

Where to go

Paris

Bonjour, ya’ll. Home to a 70-foot high replica of the Eiffel Tower and site of the world’s biggest fish fry, Paris is a welcoming small town base for exploring the western side of Kentucky Lake. Indie shops and restaurants dot the historic downtown. Campgrounds line US 49, which ribbons between Paris and Kentucky Lake.

Paris Lake State Park

Tents and RVs are welcome for overnight stays at the campground at Paris Landing State Park, which overlooks the widest section of the lake. Six cabins are also available. Fishing, boating, and waterskiing are popular park activities.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Areas

Comprising more than 170,0000 acres of forest, wetlands, and open space between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, this accurately named peninsula is an outdoor-adventure powerhouse. Hikers can hit the 500-mile network of hiking trails while paddlers can explore 300 miles of shoreline on the nearby water trails. There are 1,400 campsites on the 40-mile long peninsula, and they are scattered across developed, self-service, and basic camping areas. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit.

Lake Barkley & Around

A half-dozen or so private campgrounds border the eastern shore of Lake Barkley, a man-made lake east of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. There are 79 tent and RV sites at Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, Kentucky. Birding, boating, and bass and crappie fishing are top park activities.

Nashville

Nashville is a twangy springboard for campers heading to Kentucky Lake. Spend a day or two exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame, soaking up the acoustically perfect sounds at Ryman Auditorium, and two-stepping at the Broadway honky tonks. Campsites and camping cabins are scattered across forests, farms, and creeksides outside the city. It takes about two hours to drive to the lake, depending on traffic and your destination.