Land Between the Lakes is situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley in western Kentucky. This national recreation area is a 40-mile peninsula, averaging 6-8 miles wide and covering 170,000 acres. Managed by the TVA, this Biosphere Reserve has become a popular year-round destination for nature lovers.
With four state parks in the vicinity, the LBL offers a wide variety of camping choices and endless possibilities for outdoor recreation. Any trip to the Land Between the Lakes should begin with an online visit to the LBL Web site, where you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip. Once you arrive at the park, one place you'll want to visit is the Golden Pond Visitor Center, where you can get current park information. This centrally located facility provides maps, posts park rules and regulations, collects fees, handles permits, and provides details about camping, lodging, and recreational activities. There's also a planetarium here with astronomy shows and a gift shop.
Where To Stay
Choose from a variety of campgrounds. Whether you like to rough it when tent camping, or you like the comforts of RVing, there is something for every camper at Land Between the Lakes:
- Hillman Ferry Campground
Northern location. Campsites with basic water and electric for tents or RVs. All sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and grills.
- Energy Lake Campground
Central location. This is a popular spot for Boy Scout troops, school outings, and other groups. Electric hookups available for RVs too.
- Piney Campground
Southern location. The RVer's favorite with over 300 electric sites for large motor homes. There are basic campsites available for tenters too, as well as several camping shelters.
- Wranglers Campground
Considered the southeast's premier horse camp. Campers have a choice of primitive or electric sites, as well as camping shelters.
- Backcountry Camping
For those who like to sleep out under the stars.
- Boat Camping
There are 5 fee lake access areas and 16 camping areas, which offer year-round lakeside camping.
- Turkey Bay OHV Camping
2,500 acres for off-highway vehicles and camping.
- Brandon Spring Resident Center
8 dormitory-style cabins that accommodate up to 128 people for group functions.
Nearby State Parks
Due to the popularity of Land Between the Lakes, campsites may be scarce during the summer months, especially on weekends. However, there are several state parks in the vicinity, which offer additional camping facilities and other accommodations:
What To Do
Besides camping, Land Between the Lakes offers plenty of activities and attractions for the entire family. Possible outdoor activities include mountain biking, canoe trips, horseback riding, OHV riding, wildlife viewing (bison, deer, and elk), hunting, hiking, house-boating, and some of the best bass fishing in the world. Other popular attractions include the Elk and Bison Prairie, Woodlands Nature Station, The Homeplace, and Golden Pond Planetarium.
For details about popular activities and attractions at Land Between the Lakes, check out my list of:
Top 10 Things To See and Do at LBL
If you're in or near Kentucky, consider Land Between the Lakes as a possible destination for your next camping trip.
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