Best Camping in and near Lake Barkley

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Discover Lake Barkley's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

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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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Peaceful Hills Retreat Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents97 acres · Centerville, 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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The Bluffs At Tumbling Creek

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Hurricane Mills, TN

Welcome to Tumbling Creek Bluffs Private Campground! Nestled in the serene landscape of Tennessee, our campground offers a complete RV hookup with water, electricity, and sewage facilities. Set against the backdrop of the majestic bluffs of Tumbling Creek, guests can indulge in fishing, swimming, and leisurely moments by the water's edge at our secluded campground. Our covered deck provides an ideal spot for family meals, and with campfires under the stars, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Tumbling Creek Bluffs Campground invites you to savor the best of nature and relaxation in one unforgettable setting, all while enjoying complete privacy. While in the area, guests can explore the nearby historic ranch of Loretta Lynn, offering tours of Loretta Lynn's Plantation Home, visits to the museum, and much more. Discover the charm of Tumbling Creek Bluffs and create lasting memories in the heart of nature.

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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. FIREWOOD: Split wood is available upon request and sold in the area (if it's available at the time) or any fallen dead wood from the forest is free. $7.00 for a 20" bundle. Please let us know ahead of time or order it on the site. 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. 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.

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Sacred Dog Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Fairview, TN

Our sanctuary is a special piece of history and a regenerative farm where living soil and pollinator banks combat climate change and revive the eco-system ! The cabin we live in was built in 1797 - which we have preserved and upgraded with fantastic antique decor, Rock N Roll flare and cutting edge street art. We encourage art, music and nature crafting! We take great pride in providing a magical creative space that is welcome to earthlings of all stripes! The June blooms are exceptional and the butterflies’ will delight... you will leave a little piece of your heart here on the farm❤️🐝🐶🧚‍♀️ Horse Back Riding available!

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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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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.

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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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I 40 Hideaway

34 sites · Lodging, Tents26 acres · Waverly, TN

We are located on 26 Acres in the Tennessee woods next to Cuba Landing Marina on the Tennessee River. When you book a Cabin, RV, Tent site or The House please be able to arrive before 8pm. We do not accept people after hours. We have both Tent camping in the woods and sites within the RV Park. Camp fires have to be kept small. NO BON FIRES. Hope to see you soon. Management

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Benjamin's RV Sanctuary

1 site · RV3 acres · Franklin, TN

Accessible from either I40, I65 or the Natchez Trace Parkway in scenic Franklin, TN come unwind and relax after a long day on the road. Pull your RV onto a cement pad surrounded by 3 acres of lush green splendor, uncork a bottle and let your dog roam. Owners Ruth and Chef Robert live onsite and are happy to prepare culinary meals to your liking under the stars (call for menu and separate pricing). The play area 3 Dwarf Goats and chickens are in the back of the property and make for a unique, fun time for children and adults as well! If you're rested and ready to explore, the Sanctuary is a quick drive to nearby trailheads, historic sites, distilleries and cafes. Have a road bike? The Sanctuary is directly on one of the best scenic bike routes! This 3 acre property is nestled in the quiet area of Franklin Tennessee, near Historic Leipers Fork and only 20 miles from Downtown Nashville.

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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. Twelve 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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The Creekside JeWeL

10 sites · Tents73 acres · Eddyville, KY

Learn more about this land: 73 acres of secluded rolling hills located on Lake Barkley/Eddy Creek. Lots of woods, meadows, and creekside camping available. Fishing, wildlife, shooting (please note firearm rules) hunting, ATV riding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, or nothing at all ! All groups are welcome at this sportsmans recreational au natural Hipcamp!

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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**

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.