The best river, stream, or creek RV parks in Kentucky Lake

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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.

99% (248) 46 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kentucky Lake

Lost acres

1. Lost acres

100%
(29)
14 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Brand'n Iron Hills

2. Brand'n Iron Hills

96%
(25)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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**
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Stoneybrooke

3. Stoneybrooke

100%
(15)
1 site · Tent, RV · Cadiz, KY
The site is located on a land peninsula next to a small spring fed pond. Although private, surrounded by trees, it is a very convenient location on hwy 68, 3 miles East of Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. There is a 50 amp outlet available near the gravel pad. We have a 30’ cord available. Water is available. This is a single private site. No other campers at this location. We have an antique store 125’ away that is open to the public once per month and hosts occasional creative classes. The store cannot be seen from the camp site so you will enjoy complete privacy. Also note there is a paved bike trail across the highway so easy access for bicyclists. The pond is stocked with bass and blue gill for a photo op and release. If you would like a private shopping experience at Stoneybrooke, it can be arranged!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

94%
(19)
403 sites · Tennessee
Discover Land Between the Lakes: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

5. 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
The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

6. The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$100
 / night
The Forest Retreat

7. The Forest Retreat

100%
(16)
20 sites · Tents, RVs · Waverly, TN
Learn more about this land:Enjoy the wonders of the Tennessee countryside, the site is located on the edge of the Tennessee River within 20 minutes of Waverly TN. A public boat ramp is a little further down Bear Creek Road (1 mile) where you can put your boats into the water and enjoy the over 250sq mile lake. The Forest Retreat is a great location to enjoy camping in a pine forest area and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the 130+ acre area.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Burdoc Farms

8. Burdoc Farms

96%
(14)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
Fort Massac State Park

9. Fort Massac State Park

100%
(1)
52 sites · Metropolis, Illinois
Discover the origins of American life in Illinois' first state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Barkley

10. Lake Barkley

19 sites · Cumberland City, Tennessee
Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

11. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky
Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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.

99% (248) 46 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kentucky Lake

Lost acres

1. Lost acres

100%
(29)
14 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Brand'n Iron Hills

2. Brand'n Iron Hills

96%
(25)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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**
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Stoneybrooke

3. Stoneybrooke

100%
(15)
1 site · Tent, RV · Cadiz, KY
The site is located on a land peninsula next to a small spring fed pond. Although private, surrounded by trees, it is a very convenient location on hwy 68, 3 miles East of Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. There is a 50 amp outlet available near the gravel pad. We have a 30’ cord available. Water is available. This is a single private site. No other campers at this location. We have an antique store 125’ away that is open to the public once per month and hosts occasional creative classes. The store cannot be seen from the camp site so you will enjoy complete privacy. Also note there is a paved bike trail across the highway so easy access for bicyclists. The pond is stocked with bass and blue gill for a photo op and release. If you would like a private shopping experience at Stoneybrooke, it can be arranged!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

94%
(19)
403 sites · Tennessee
Discover Land Between the Lakes: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

5. 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
The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

6. The Hole-Up at Hurricane Creek

2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$100
 / night
The Forest Retreat

7. The Forest Retreat

100%
(16)
20 sites · Tents, RVs · Waverly, TN
Learn more about this land:Enjoy the wonders of the Tennessee countryside, the site is located on the edge of the Tennessee River within 20 minutes of Waverly TN. A public boat ramp is a little further down Bear Creek Road (1 mile) where you can put your boats into the water and enjoy the over 250sq mile lake. The Forest Retreat is a great location to enjoy camping in a pine forest area and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the 130+ acre area.
Pets
from 
$20
 / night
Burdoc Farms

8. Burdoc Farms

96%
(14)
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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
Fort Massac State Park

9. Fort Massac State Park

100%
(1)
52 sites · Metropolis, Illinois
Discover the origins of American life in Illinois' first state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Barkley

10. Lake Barkley

19 sites · Cumberland City, Tennessee
Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

11. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky
Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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The best river, stream, or creek RV parks in Kentucky Lake guide

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.

Popular Kentucky Lake trips