The best camping near Lake Barkley

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Barkley adventure.

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Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Barkley

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Barkley

Elkmont Group Camp

4 sites In Lake Barkley

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Bumpus Mills Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Barkley

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Barkley

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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.

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!

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Peaceful Hills Retreat Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents97 acres · Lobelville, TN

Peaceful Hills Retreat 390 American Way Centerville, TN 37033 (Pleasantville) Looking for the perfect getaway, you will find some peace and quiet here! Only 14.6 miles from I-40 and located on 97 acres, this campground is surrounded by nature, very secluded and private. There is a crystal-clear creek that runs parallel with the driveway and fresh spring water flowing from pipe in the rock close to the entrance on American Way. The creek is bio-diverse, filled with fascinating species, and spring fed, which means it stays cool in the summertime. There are three beautiful homes which are able to be rented out as well. The A-frame log cabin at the top of the hill is called the lodge. The second home, which is a two-story brown log cabin, is where the host lives. The third home is the cottage. Long before these three homes were built, native Indians lived in these beautiful rolling hills and we have found many arrowheads right around the homes on this property. This is a special place and we are happy and honored to share it with you! Peaceful Hills Retreat, a family owned business, started in May of 2017. It all began when Jennifer’s brilliant brother booked a two-story home through Airbnb for Jennifer and the family for a week in the Carolinas. Their Airbnb vacation was a great experience, and she loved having a kitchen to cook in, while traveling with her large family. She gladly said goodbye to tiny hotel rooms. Linda and her daughter, Jennifer realized they desired to run a BnB, and watched the scattered pieces beautifully fall into place. Peaceful Hills Retreat is also a wedding venue. There are three beautiful spots for a lovely outdoor wedding. The waterfall site is a favorite. The lodge is a beautiful place for the reception to take place outdoors and the Honeymoon Cottage makes for the perfect getaway afterwards. At each home you may read a special book called A Soldier’s Child Foundation (ASC). This life-changing, wonderful foundation near Nashville, serves children all over our great nation who have sadly lost a parent who served in our military. ASC tremendously helped Jennifer’s family after the loss of their military soldier and Peaceful Hills Retreat donates a portion of their profits to this amazing non-profit. A Soldier’s Child Foundation removed the shame and sadness from our loss and replaced it with hope, honor. and love. A portion of our increase at Peaceful Hills Retreat goes to serve this cause to help other families. To learn more, to donate or to get involved, please visit: asoldierschild.org. If you have any other questions or if you need anything at all during your stay, please text us and we'll be happy to help. Hope to see you soon!

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Wooded Farmland

20 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Nashville , TN

Young aspiring orchard vineyard biodynamic 110 acre farm woods mountain and fields. There is tons of secluded wildlife to explore , ponds and mountain trails, and groves. We have porta potty on site. Picknick tables and a fire pit and wood grill you can use . Cedar, maple, oak, poplar Gardens lavender fruit trees trails pigs, goats, cows, deer, groundhogs, ducks.

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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**

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.

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Flora and Fauna Camp

10 sites · RVs, Tents102 acres · Tennessee, TN

Once a place where Whisky was made under prohibition, the regulators came and bashed down the stills that are still standing along the stream banks. This area was a bulwark for natives that hunted and fished along the stream banks, and there's artifacts that can still can be observed along the canyon where hikers can enjoy. Learn more about this land:Get away from the city and hike where others would love to hike yet have no access to! There's a lot to be discovered at Flora and Fauna Camp! Discover the canyon, stream, and much more! It's blackberry season from June through the beginning of July, so if you'd like to pick blackberries that's a perfect time!

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Run-A-Muck on the Red River

15 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Adams, TN

As a child I grew up on the river, canoeing down Red River and even playing on this very piece of property. Ten years ago my best friend and I started a canoe and kayak company to allow people to experience the same things that we experienced as children. We have met thousands of people and had opportunities to become friends with many of them. We look forward to seeing them every year. Three years ago we were able to purchase this piece of property for the kayak company and watch it grow into more than we ever thought it would be. It's almost surreal owning a piece of property that you played on as a kid. We are very thankful to have it and share it with others, and hope that they'll have some of the same experiences that we have had on it. Learn more about this land:Pitch a tent or hammock (where available) next to the Red River, across the river from Port Royal State Park and adjacent to the historic Trail of Tears. You can camp along the river or out in the open. Seven minutes from the interstate (exit 8 or 11 on I-24). You can fish or swim in the river, try local restaurants in Clarksville, or just hang out and enjoy being outside.

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Gypsy Camp. 1043 Gallion rd.

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Cumberland Furnace, TN

Quite country side setting where campers have a beautiful view of valley in a rural farming community. Campers have use of gas grill for cooking, picnic table, fire pit and hot tub for your use at the main house. Bathroom and shower available in main house. Pets are welcome on a leash or can run with owner supervision.

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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

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Blue Heron Landing

6 sites · RVs, Tents358 acres · Lobelville, TN

Blue Heron Campground was once home to the Cherokee Indians. Property is surrounded on all sides by water and has a mile and a half shoreline on the Tennessee river. Just to the North begins a designated 20 mile Wildlife Refuge following the river. It is 340 acres to roam and has rich farmland that has also grazed cattle. People's landing is now the swim beach and sand boat ramp. It was a port of commerce when the main types of transportation, prior to good roads, were the steamboats, ferry boats, and trains. Just north of People's landing used to be a post office and small store at Daniel's Landing.The Tennessee River is one of only three rivers that flow North in the United States.People can now use it for camping, fishing or just watching the boats and barges go by. Enjoy! Learn more about this land:Blue Heron Campground is primitive camping with no services located 10 miles west of Lobelville, Tennessee. There is a marina for supplies within 3 miles. You can camp right on the shoreline of the Tennessee river and enjoy the river for fishing or swimming. Take a 20 mile day trip to Loretta Lynn's ranch or go 70 miles to Nashville. Enjoy 358 acres to hike and explore open meadows and forest. Enjoy the birds and the boats going by. Hopefully a beautiful sunset over the river to end the day.

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Piccolo Farms Paradise Valley

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Whites Creek, TN

8 rolling acres of peace and tranquility 15 short minutes from downtown Nashville. Come stay at Piccolo Farms Animal Sanctuary’s Paradise Valley location, a working sanctuary with active pastures filled with goats, sheep, a donkey and even a few special pigs. Enjoy the stars, a camp fire, outdoor bar and entertainment space, or request an Uber/Lyft and enjoy access to all the restaurants, music, bars and entertainment Nashville has to offer…just a quick 15 min drive away … or stay put, and enjoy an evening filled with stars and sweet sounds of bleating goat or sheep as they hunker down for bed. There is a gas grill, washer/dryer, and a full sized refrigerator available for use if needed. We are located in Whites Creek Tennessee with food and live music just a mile or so up the road in Joelton if you are looking for alternatives to the hustle and bustle of downtown.

The best camping near Lake Barkley guide

Overview

About

1,004 miles of pristine shoreline...in Tennessee?? At Lake Barkley, you can enjoy everything this massive stretch of water has to offer! As swimming is the most popular water activity, Lake Barkley provides several designated spots to jump on in. Boaters and floaters are welcome too, as this 57,900-acre lake has enough room for everyone! Bring your pole if you dare, Lake Barley is the perfect place to catch your dinner. But if lounging around at the beach is more your style, it's got ya covered. You can meet up with the water-lovers in your group later on ‘round the campfire! Have fun this summer at Lake Barkley!

Notable campgrounds

Bumpus Mills Campground: Open from May 5 to September 5, offering water and electric hookups amid lush greenery.
Canal Campground: Features 110 campsites with full hookups, a playground, and a swim beach, open from March 31 to October 30.
Hurricane Creek Campground: Available from April 28 to October 30, providing 51 sites with water and electric, plus a beach and laundry facilities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through the National Recreation Reservation Service to secure your spot at Lake Barkley's popular campgrounds.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The prime time to visit Lake Barkley is between late spring and early fall, when the weather is warm and all facilities are open. Summer offers the full array of activities, but be prepared for larger crowds. Winters can be cold, with limited services and some campgrounds closed.

Know before you go

Always wear a life jacket when boating and be aware of unmarked hazards on the lake.
Check the Lake Barkley Facebook page for up-to-date fishing information and water conditions.
Remember to purchase the appropriate fishing and hunting licenses for Kentucky or Tennessee.
Be mindful of the new firewood policy to prevent the spread of forest insects and diseases.
Take note of the operating hours for campgrounds and registration centers to plan your arrival accordingly.