Best Camping in and near Lake Barkley

100% (1 reviews)

Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Barkley

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

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Bumpus Mills Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Barkley

Elkmont Group Camp

4 sites 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.

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The Happy Hippie Camp

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Indian Mound, TN

Welcome to the Happy Hippie Camp! A veteran owned flower farm where you can glamp in a teepee, on a deck, in the woods. Lots of things to see and do on the farm like flowers, an apiary, and you can pick weeds! If this interests you, please head on over to the booking area and book an experience with us and I'll see you soon.

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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**

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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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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.

Booked 1 time

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!

Pine Ridge Farm

1 site · RV420 acres · Indian Mound, TN

Pine Ridge Farm is a 420 acre working farm, hunting preserve, and clay shooting facility with event space. Enjoy free fishing and discounts on clay shooting for staying with us. Far enough from the hustle and bustle but conveniently located between Clarksville, TN and Dover, TN. Easy access to Land Between the Lakes.

Saved 1 time

Lawhillfarm hilly land

10 sites · Tents99 acres · Cumberland City, TN

Learn more about this land:Tennessee rolling hills,deer, sheep,howling coyotes Tons of firewood, nature is here 12 miles from clarksville tn Located woodlawn Tn Text 9313204491 Email Lawhillfarm@gmail.com Eagles on occasion Safe parking Possible Fourwheeler rental Nice little hiking trail by creek 3 miles away Fresh eggs p

from

$32

/ night

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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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Lee Family Farms

1 site · RV10 acres · Cumberland City, TN

My husband and I were living in a camper behind a minute mart when we found this small farm with a one room cabin nestled in the woods. We realized that we could live our dream of farming but little did we know that we would end up rescuing discarded animals from different places. We started out with 2 horses and a donkey and then moved up to goats, pigs and a variety of birds, 2 more donkeys, a mini horse and mini cows. It has been an adventure. My favorite rescue is a large goat named Billie (I know it is not original). Billie was tied to a log chain for the 1st 6 years of his life, now he has 8 acres to roam around on, a girlfriend and some other buddies. He is definitely living the good life. We love this place and hope to continue rescuing animals to give them a safe place to live out the rest of their days. Learn more about this land: This spot is near a garden and woods. Electric and water near the site. There is a barn where the animals gather. Play area for children. You will hear roosters crowing in the morning, dogs barking, goats bleating, horses neighing. It is a slightly sloping site tucked into the trees with a great view of the field with cows and donkeys. You will also see our cabin and be near a permanent camper. You are welcome to pet the animals. Lucy the piano playing pig and Banjo the dancing goat love petting. We are a working farm so you will see us out and about doing chores. If you are trailering horses, we have a pasture that they can stay in with water troughs. There is a lake nearby, climbing area about 32 miles away, fishing and paddling all within 20 miles. Farms are not quiet places. We will leave you alone so you have privacy but we have extremely friendly dogs that might want to visit. If you are looking for a farm experience then come on down for a night or two.

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Lionsgate Campground

4 sites · Lodging, Tents48 acres · Bon Aqua Junction, TN

Enjoy glamping in our optional 2017 19' retro style camper with a bathroom and kitchen or go primitive and set up your tent or hammock by the waterfalls and rough it. 2 sites have electricity. No bathrooms or showers if you're roughing it. Just 35 minutes west of Loveless Cafe' in Nashville and 20 minutes south of the Dickson exit at I40. The 48 acre campground has just 3 big tent sites for more seclusion and is almost all old forest with wide trails and huge old growth trees. There is about a 1/2 acre of field to park in between the road and the creek if you don't have an off road vehicle. The rest is woods. Mother Nature has a lot to offer when you cross the creek into the first two campsites that are on the 30' creek. One big spring runs through the middle of the 2 sites with small cascading waterfalls. Both sites have string lights and 120V extension cords. These two sites are separated by the driveway and about 150' apart but a bridge connects the two if you have another couple that wants to join you these two spots are perfect for privacy and companionship. Expand the pictures to a full screen as you scroll so the description will show up at the bottom of the picture. Not all pictures are on the property but describe close places to visit as well. SITE ONE: The nicer of the two sites along the creek, has granite counters, a round fire pit with a fold down heavy cooking grate, charcoal grill and a large wrought iron table and chairs. RENT A CAMPER WITH SITE 1 or BRING YOUR PERSONAL CAMPER: Our retro style 2017 option on the other side of the creek with stairs and stones to cross the creek. 30 amp. 240 and 120 volt plugs. Click on additional fees for camper electrical hook up. Split wood is available for all 3 sites from a neighbor but is now left by the rick on the camp site. Just donate what you think is fair for the wood or grab any fallen dead wood from the forest for free. I suggest $5.00 for a 20" bundle. It's not wrapped in plastic wrapping that's bad for the environment anyway, so just guess. SITE TWO: Also along side the 30' creek. There is a round steel fire pit surrounded with wrought iron chairs, a separate picnic table, granite countertop work space and a small grill. 2 flat areas for tents. Set your chairs in the creek in front of your site. The clear cold water is a great place to relax and cool off or watch crawfish, minnows and salamanders and the occasional blue herron. 120V and string lights. SITE THREE: "Still Hollow" is more private and located right in the middle valley of the property where a different spring fed creek runs down the wooded valley. There is no electricity but you can still enjoy the sound of small cascading waterfalls and a creek that runs along the side of the site for a relaxing sleep. There is a granite countertop, charcoal grill and a fire ring. A small round wrought iron table and 4 chairs are there for a place to eat lunch. The old moonshine barrels are still barely standing by the spring. This site is also accessed from the opposite side of the campground on Ben Fly Rd or Greer Rd for the serious off roaders. 4 wheel drive may be necessary but a Hyundai car entered through the creek in 2 wheel drive. It was dry though. STAR GAZING for all 3 sites: There is a cleared area on top of a hill side for stargazing far from the city lights. CHECK IN: Check in can be as early as you like if the present campers have checked out. You can always hang out elsewhere on the property and start your day to explore and hike till they leave. Just let us know in advance. And you can stay all day the day of check out but you may have to pack up and park elsewhere if other campers need the spot. If not. Stay till dark. PHOTOS: EXPAND THE PHOTOS TO A SINGLE VIEW! Some photos are of nearby attractions. You can see the description of each photo and which site is in the picture when you expand them. VEHICLE TYPE AND PARKING: In order to drive up into the campsite, you may need a 4x4 vehicle but definitely need ground clearance. If you do not have a 4x4 vehicle or ground clearance, that is okay, park in the field and bring your water shoes for campsite 2. There are stairs and rocks to cross over to Site 1. Stepping stones for site 2 are coming soon. LOCAL ACTIVITIES: OFF ROAD ADVENTURE! TOUR THE AREA IN A CAN-AM: Check out 'Fisher's Off Road' to rent a really nice 4 seater CAN-AM machine. Drive around the local dirt roads for miles and learn the history of Moon Shine Alley, drive through many creeks and see some beautiful views. We took to tour with Fisher and it was a blast. https://www.fishersoffroadrentals.com/ This company supports the locals and cleans up the trash on the sides of the roads; a great service to the area. FISHING: https://www.fishingworks.com/tennessee/maury-tn/lake/hooker-chemical-pond-d/ 30 minutes away are 3 small lakes, or very large ponds. I think it costs $5.00. They have small boats for rent as well. FISHING, KAYAKING AND CANOEING: PINEY RIVER Canoe rental: https://www.pinewoodcanoecamp.com/ Great fishing, floating and they have camping as well. OTHER CAMPING OPTIONS: Fisheroffroadrentals also has a Hipcamp site. PINEY RIVER GLAMPING: https://www.campspot.com/book/pineyriverresort Beautiful place on the piney river. Beautiful tiny home cabins, Glamping tents that are amazing. Park your own camper on the river. If you like to meet other campers, this is the place to go.

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.