The best camping near Barkley Lake

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

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Community favorites near Barkley Lake

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

Top-rated campgrounds near Barkley Lake

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Sonny Hills

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents70 acres · Eddyville, IL

70 secluded acres adjoining the Shawnee National Forest area with some hiking opportunities, woods and water activities. Close to Garden of the Gods (10 min), RimRock, Pounds Hollow, Belle Smith Springs, Lusk Creek and other trails. We are in the middle of the Shawnee surrounded by trees, our own lake, you can hike around and walk the land in solitude, yet, we are only 25 minutes to Harrisburg. The closest grocery/merchandise store is only 5 minutes away. Cabin-2BR -1 Q, 1 K/1BA sleeps 4- possible 5, Completely modernized, with Heating/ac, full kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator, coffee pot, grill, laundry, NO INTERNET. Kitchen is fully equipped with all cooking utensils, crock pot, toasters, dual flex brew coffeemaker, plates and all utensils, as well as with coffee, creamer, sugar, cooking oil, aluminum foil, and condiments. Large great room, with native sandstone fireplace, that has been converted to gas for easy lighting. Hot Tub on the large back deck with nice views of private lake and hills. Enjoy the large front porch that adjoins the deck and wraps around 3/4 of the cabin. Secluded, private, Fire pit. Free firewood. $115.00 per night for two people, Discount for weekday stay. 2 night minimum. Tent and RV camping sites available. RV pads for self-contained campers. One Electric space available. Water available from spigot and hose. No sewer. Porta-Potty on premises. No showers. No Internet. It is suggested that campers arrive at or before sunset. The drive is not lit, and the camp area also has no lights. Shade or sunny areas. Pets and service dogs welcome with notice. Must be dog friendly (owner has 5 Irish Wolfhounds, and one small mix breed that runs the place). Dogs must have proof of vaccinations. Creeks, hills, hiking trails, and private pond full of bluegill and bass. Kayaks, paddleboards, canoe and boat. NO lifeguard on duty. Life preservers/jackets must be worn when around the pond. All above activities are done at your own risk, children must be supervised.

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The Art Farm Women's Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Paducah, KY

The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)

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Fullerosa Horseback And Hunting

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents65 acres · Eddyville, IL

Experience unparalleled privacy, seclusion, and the soothing sounds of nature during your stay in this expansive and distinctive retreat. Unlike any other private property in the vicinity, our land boasts an array of natural features including ponds, waterfalls, cliffs, bluffs, fields, forests, trails, and creeks scattered throughout. With several trails branching out in all directions into the Shawnee National Forest, exploration opportunities abound. Each of our spacious campsites is thoughtfully designed to afford maximum privacy, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed retreat into nature. Just a short 5-10 minute drive down the road, Burden Falls awaits, offering a scenic natural wonder to explore. The Garden of the Gods, another iconic attraction, is a mere 15-20 minute drive away, inviting you to marvel at its breathtaking rock formations and panoramic vistas. For added convenience and indulgence, homemade breakfast and lunch sandwiches are available upon request, allowing you to savor delicious meals without the hassle of preparation. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and indulge in the ultimate retreat experience at our unique property.

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Ande's Place 148 Green Rd, Kuttawa

2 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Kuttawa, KY

Learn more about this land: Rolling Hills and wide-open spaces. Primitive to (6) full-service (water, sewer, and 120, 30, or 50 amp electric) camping, located on 60 acres of rolling hills and timber just a few minutes walk to Lake Barkley in beautiful Kentucky. Wooded areas with plenty of room to enjoy yourselves without being on top of your neighbors. Our address is 148 Green Rd. Kuttawa, KY 42055. NOTE: Our primitive tent sites are $20 per night and our Full hook-up sites are $29. Please message or call us to verify availability before booking!

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Maxwell’s by the lake

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Grand Rivers, KY

Learn more about this land:I am currently renovating the home on the property for a bed and breakfast to be open next season and also will be setting up rv pads and possible tiny homes later but for now I would like to offer the land for campers . Working on public restrooms and showers as well as laundry facilities..

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(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**

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Stoneybrooke

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cadiz, KY

The site is located on a land peninsula next to a small spring fed pond. Although private, surrounded by trees, it is a very convenient location on hwy 68, 3 miles East of Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. There is a 50 amp outlet available near the gravel pad. We have a 30’ cord available. Water is available. This is a single private site. No other campers at this location. We have an antique store 125’ away that is open to the public once per month and hosts occasional creative classes. The store cannot be seen from the camp site so you will enjoy complete privacy. Also note there is a paved bike trail across the highway so easy access for bicyclists. The pond is stocked with bass and blue gill for a photo op and release. If you would like a private shopping experience at Stoneybrooke, it can be arranged!

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Riverview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Chain, IL

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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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Flying D Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Murray, KY

Rand McNally and USA Today have awarded Murray the title of “Friendliest Small Town in America." The award comes from the organizations' Best of the Road contest. RARE ONE OF A KIND space situated on over 26 beautifully manicured acres. Many unique features. a 50 amp, 30 amp and 110 RV hookup available. 2 stocked fishing ponds. Fabulous 50,000 gallon custom saltwater swimming pool accompanied by a spacious ranch style pavilion with outdoor kitchen and full bath. Fiber Optics internet , Smart television, Acres to choose a tent site, all mowed grass with trees for shade. Bass, catfish and blue gill abound. Bald Eagle and Osprey sightings. Red Tail and Red Shoulder hawks everywhere. Lessor Canadian Geese with families make the ponds home. Deer and turkey join us every day. Hiking path around both ponds and down past the pastures. Pool sits atop a hill to catch the breeze. Located a quarter mile away from the road for private and serene camping. Check in time is noon and check out is noon also. Located just 7 miles away from Murray State University. Corn fields, Soy beans and Tobacco fields are the main topographical features. 20 miles to Land Between the Lakes, 27 miles to Paris Landing, 18 miles to Mayfield.

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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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Camp Ondessonk

9 sites · Tents983 acres · Ozark, IL

Operating since 1959, Camp Ondessonk is a non-profit youth camp on 983 acres of beautiful wooded property adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest. Guests have access to several miles of paved road for walking and cycling, 15 miles of on-site hiking and biking trails, and access to a huge network of public Shawnee National Forest trails including the River-to-River Trail. Our property is home to the tallest free-falling waterfall in Illinois, Cedar Falls, as well as rock bottom creeks, canyons, prairies, forests, and hills. Detailed trail maps of our property and the surrounding area are available. Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, observe our horses grazing in the pastures, enjoy views of our lakes and forests, or relax by the campfire. Stop by the Camp Store at the Trading Post to purchase Ondessonk apparel, souvenirs, or essential items. To schedule a guided hike, boating, archery, or horseback riding program, or test yourself on our high challenge course or climbing wall, contact Ondessonk staff for program availability and more information. The Camp Kitchen can prepare certain meals for you; contact us for meal availability and more information.

The best camping near Barkley Lake guide

Overview

About

Make a splash at Lake Barkley, where everything from commercial marinas to bald eagle spottings will suit your every outdoor whim. A whopping 170,000 acres of recreation means you may have to extend your stay if you want to fit everything in on your to-do list. Kayak around the sparkling waters, fish the 57,000-acre lake for your next meal, or even hunt for some game. Nearby antique shops are the perfect spot to nab your next vintage typewriter, and a Civil War monument just adds to the historic significance. Whether you're interested in living off the land or grabbing a bite to eat at a renowned restaurant, Lake Barkley is your one-stop park for everything awesome.