Camping in Kentucky Lake

Bring bathing suits, water shoes, and fishing poles for a campout beside Tennessee’s largest manmade lake.

90% (340 reviews)
90% (340 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kentucky Lake

Under $50

Available this weekend

12 top campgrounds in Kentucky Lake

100%
(14)

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**
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25.50
 / night
Booked 4 times

Twilight Farm

1 site · Lodging150 acres · Mc Kenzie, TN
The studio apartment is located in a quiet and private setting, providing guests with the opportunity to relax and unwind in the peaceful countryside. It is situated next to an approximately 200-acre private lake, offering guests the chance to engage in world-class bass fishing. Whether you're an avid angler or just looking to try something new, the lake provides a unique and exciting experience for all levels of fishing enthusiasts. In addition to fishing, the farm is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, turkey, bobcats, waterfowl, and flora. Guests can hike around the farm and enjoy the beautiful scenery, as well as the opportunity to observe and appreciate the local flora and fauna. The farm is located in rural West Tennessee, providing a unique opportunity for guests to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. It is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the countryside.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$112.50
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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.

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