A Look at the Camping in Kentucky

If you are considering visiting Kentucky, The Bluegrass State, and love to camp you have found an ideal place! Kentucky Lake is one the world’s largest man-made lakes. It has a shore line of 2,380 miles and 170,000 acres of land. The dam that created this huge man-made lake took six years to build from 1938 to 1944. At the time it employed about five thousand people during which jobs were needed because the country was beginning to bounce back from The Great Depression. Kentucky Dam is part of the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) which provides hydro-electric energy through out the southern central region. The area of the Kentucky Lake is a camper’s dream land. You will find so much to do, from boating to the local attractions; Kentucky Lake will not disappoint you when you visit. So, what is there to do? Let’s take a brief look at the amazing area of Kentucky Lake.

Camping at Kentucky Lake

Whatever your style of camping, either pitching a tent, or hooking up with your RV, you will find plenty of camp grounds to snooze for a night or two. The great thing about camping around the lake of Kentucky is that most of the camp grounds will accept reservations, but remember to book early because you will get first dibs on some of the choicer spots with a lake front view. Take a glance at some of the spots to camp and the amenities they offer.

Ã?Â? Aurora Oaks Campground – 1 mile from lake, 50 spots, electric, full hooks up, allows tents, bathhouse, laundry, lake, pets, and pull throughs.
Ã?Â? Bee Spring Lodge – On lake, 12 spots, electric, tents, bathhouse, lake, pets and pull throughs.
Ã?Â? Big Bear Resort – On lake, 75 spots, electric, full hook up, tents, bathhouse, laundry, lake and pool, pull throughs, accepts reservations.
Ã?Â? Birmingham Point RV Park – On lake, 25 spots, electric, tents, bathhouse, lake.
Ã?Â? Cypress Lakes Campground – 2 miles from lake, 107 spots, electric, full hook ups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool, pets, pull throughs, reservations.
Ã?Â? Kenlake State Resort Park – On lake, 90 spots, full hookups, electric, tents, bathhouse, laundry, lake, pets.
Ã?Â? Kentucky Dam Village State Park – On lake, 221 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, lake, pets.
Ã?Â? KOA Campground – 3 miles from lake, 90 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool, pets, pull throughs, reservations.
Ã?Â? Lakeside Campground and Marina – On lake, 110 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool and lake, pets, pull throughs, reservations.
Ã?Â? Malcolm Creek Resort – On lake, 42 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool and lake, pets, pull throughs, reservations.
Ã?Â? Moors Resort and Marina – On lake, 117 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool and lake, pets, reservations.
Ã?Â? Sportsman’s Anchor Resort – On lake, 55 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, pool, pets, reservations.
Ã?Â? Southern Komfort Resort – On lake, 200 spots, electric, full hookups, tents, bathhouse, laundry, lake, pets, pull throughs, reservations.
Ã?Â? Town and Country Resort – On lake, 31 spots, electric, full hookups, electric, laundry, pool and lake, pets, reservations.

Boating Issues

Ok, if you have boat issues and want to boat, you can still come to Kentucky Lake anyway. Around there they don’t ask if your boat is broke, or heaven forbid you forgot your boat, the people of Kentucky just want you to come on down, and boat on their beautiful lake and waterways anyway! No matter what kind of boat you want you will likely find it around the lake in Kentucky. From fishing boats to sail boats you will find what you need. At least when you camp around Kentucky Lake you do not have to worry about needing a bigger boat, for those that remember the movie Jaws or a boat at all. Here is a list of places where you can find lots of boats.

Ã?Â? Bee Spring Lodge – Fishing, Pontoons, Paddle and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Big Bear Resort – Fishing, Pontoons, Paddle and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Cozy Cove Resort – Fishing, Pontoons, Paddle and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Hester’s Spot in the Sun – Fishing and Pontoons.
Ã?Â? Hickory Hill Resort – Fishing, Pontoons, and PWCs boats.
Ã?Â? Kenlake Marina – Fishing, Pontoons, and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? King Creek Resort- Fishing and Pontoons.
Ã?Â? Kentucky Dam Marina- Fishing, Pontoons, Houseboats and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Kentucky Dam Village- Paddleboats.
Ã?Â? Lighthouse Landing- Sailboats.
Ã?Â? Lakeside Campground- Fishing and Pontoons.
Ã?Â? Malcolm Creek Resort- Fishing, Pontoons and Paddleboats.
Ã?Â? Moors Resort and Marina- Fishing, Pontoons, PWCs and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Shawnee Bay Resort- Fishing, Pontoons and PWCs.
Ã?Â? Southern Komfort Resort- Fishing and Pontoon boats.
Ã?Â? Sportsmans Anchor- Fishing and Pontoon boats.
Ã?Â? Town and Country – Fishing, Pontoons, PWCs and Ski boats.
Ã?Â? Whispering Oaks- Fishing and Pontoon boats.

Hiking and Biking: Out of the Boat

Time to stretch your legs and get out of the boat for some new fun! Also, it is time to learn a new abbreviation, that way you will feel a real part of the Kentucky Lake crew. Most Kentuckians know the area as LBL, or Land Between the Lakes. LBL is an inland peninsula formed between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. There are 170, 000 acres to explore between Western Kentucky and Tennessee. Scenic views of the lake are all around too. On this little peninsula you will find old abandoned trails that were once used for logging, and all kinds of wild life. Catch a glimpse of the Kentucky state bird the cardinal, which is known for its beautiful red color and midnight black bill. Better yet, you might see a powerful American Bald Eagle, Red Wolf or even an American Bison that is now being re-introduced to the area through animal conservation efforts. There is a lot to do, so check out the trails around Kentucky and Lake Barkley.

Ã?Â? Turkey Bay – A couple of thousand acres where you can camp, and ride ATVs.
Ã?Â? Jenny Ridge Mountain Bike Trail – Mountain bike riding trail. Advanced and beginner trails can be found.
Ã?Â? The Trace – Hike along a trail that is 65 miles long and has an elevation change of 200 feet.
Ã?Â? The Canal Loop Trail – Expect to see scenic lake views and choose what trail walk you would like to hike upon. Degrees of difficulty exist.
Ã?Â? Honker Trail – Catch some Giant Canada Geese in flight.
Ã?Â? Wranglers Campground – Spend the night at the campground and then ride a horse on 76 miles of trails that lead to some great sights of the lake.

Hunting and Fishing around Kentucky Lake

Hunting around the Kentucky Lake area there are a lot of different species. Here you will find Mallards, Scaup and Canadian Geese in the bird department. If you like hoof hunting there are a multitude of White-Tailed Deer. Down at the LBL there are loads of turkeys at the spring gobbler season. Other types of hunting such as squirrel and raccoons are abundant. Be sure and check out the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge. This new reserve in LBL is all bottomland, and lots of room to hunt for trophy worthy Whitetail Deer and other waterfowl. Kentucky Lake area fishing is a dream for the professional and the amateur. Stories abound in the region about crappie that are a standard weight of 2 pounds, Large mouth bass and small mouth weigh in at respective 7 and 6 lbs. Stripes bass are not as numerous but the weigh in nicely when caught – up to 2 pounds. Bluegill is another popular fish in the area. The famous catfish of the lake will leave you stunned at their size. Flatheads, Blues and the very enduring Channel Fish are popular to fish. True tales about the size of the Channel Fish will frighten you! These little Kentucky gems will lie at the channels and just open their mouth and eat. Divers that help repair the dam base have commented that they thought they were small cars in the water. One local rumor has it that one diver refused to go back into the water! You would need a real big boat to take that one home and fry it.

Attractions: More Fun

Since you a certainly not tired of all the wonderful things to do in the Kentucky Lake region grab your camera again and head out to some local attractions. Here is a little list of some fun things to do.

Ã?Â? Venture River Water Park – Get back in the water for lots of great memories in Eddyville, Kentucky where you can ride the waves in a wave pool, slide down one of the five slides or tube your way down. There are two kiddie pools and lots to eat at the concession stands.
Ã?Â? Forgotten Past – Lots of fun in Benton, Kentucky with an 18 hole miniature golf course, bumper cars, arcade, and a museum and gift shops.
Ã?Â? Maggie’s Jungle Golf – Kids and adults alike will enjoy their selves in Gilbertsville, Kentucky when they play putt-putt golf, shuffuffleboard, or play with the animals in the petting zoo. You can ride in a safari car and walk around the beautiful nature trail and eat at a picnic table later.
Ã?Â? Kentucky Opry Country Music Show – Benton, Kentucky offers some great music too. This show is fit for the family and you will hear some gospel, country and 50’s genre. Also, expect to hear some great impersonations of country music stars such as the late Minnie Pearl.
Ã?Â? Adsmore Museum – In Princeton, Kentucky you will need to see the lovely 144 year old home of the prominent Western Kentucky Smith-Garrett family. There are four seasons represented in the house at the appropriate time of the year – winter, spring, and fall are lovely, but in the summer months it celebrates the wedding of the family’s daughter in the 1800s. Take a stroll in the gift shop and take home a lovely souvenir.

Restaurants: It’s Time to Eat!

If you have never had southern cooking, well you are in for a treat. At least most locals think so. Also, if you want to eat some of that catfish deep fried because you have not gotten home yet to get yours cooked; then now is your chance for some yummy good eats! Besides after all of the activities you need a break for some relaxation and breathing room too. Here are some great places to get you stomach full.

Ã?Â? Pattis 1880’s Settlement/Mr. Bills Restaurant – In Grand Rivers, Kentucky there are two restaurants in one. Here you can dine on 2″ pork chops and flowerpot bread with pecan pie; of course there are numerous desserts to choose from.
Ã?Â? Iron Kettle Restaurant – Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Ã?Â? Brass Lantern Restaurant – Established in 1972, this fine eatery will fill you up with prime rib, steaks, seafood and a salad bar. There is a little gift shop too.
Ã?Â? Moors Restaurant – Down home southern style cooking for the family. Make sure you stop by on Sunday to eat their delicious Sunday Brunch.

Kentucky Heartland

The ideal of beauty in landscapes and animals are represented everywhere, not just at the lake region, but from Appalachia to all points in Kentucky. A wealth of talented people originate from Kentucky too, such as Bill Monroe the father of bluegrass music and Loretta Lynn – The coal miner’s daughter. Opportunity for an excellent secondary education can be found in its universities like the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky, home to the Kentucky Wildcats. World famous thoroughbred horses like Sea Biscuit have movies made about them, and the Queen of England buys some of her stock from the state of Kentucky. Noted political leaders and statesmen enrich Kentucky history – Lincolin and Barkley, for whom Lake Barkley was named.
Kentucky is a place of excitement, beauty and wonder. The land and waterways will leave you wanting to come back and experience it all again! The people are gracious and charming. The food will leave your mouth watering for more. The state can be summed up in its state pledge.

I pledge allegiance to the Kentucky flag, and to the sovereign state for which it stands. One commonwealth, blessed with diversity, natural wealth, beauty and grace from on high.

Adopted in 2000 (KRS 2.035)

Visit Kentucky and camp because there is no telling what else you will find to do!