It’s always camping season in Kentucky but if the weather is warm, you may choose to find a campsite that is right on the water. The Bluegrass State is full of gorgeous lakes and thankfully, plenty of campgrounds in Kentucky are set up on their shores. Whether you want a week away in an RV or a few days in a tent, Kentucky’s shores are begging you to come visit and enjoy the views and here’s a list of the best lake camping in Kentucky so you can start planning now.
- Lakeside Campground & Marina - Benton, KY
Facebook/Lakeside Campground Located on Jonathan Creek, an inlet of Kentucky Lake, Lakeside Campground is a peaceful hideaway for any RV camper. Their sites are right on the water and they also have a full service Marina to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Address: 12363 US-68 East, Benton, KY, 42025
- Zilpo Campground - Salt Lick, KY
TripAdvisor/FreedomArcher77 Zilpo Campground sits on Cave Run Lake within Daniel Boone National Forest. They have select campsites that are right on the water, but their other sites are lovely as well. This large campground has several amenities including a sandy beach and nearby fire tower to climb for stunning views. Address: 79-99 Center Street, Salt Lick, KY, 40371
- Nolin Lake State Park - Mammoth Cave, KY
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park Picturesque Nolin Lake State Park, near Mammoth Cave, offers true camping experiences right by the lake. They have some primitive sites with these breathtaking views, but also offer RV sites. If you’re looking for a quiet campground with an abundance of natural surroundings, check out Nolin State Park and keep in mind that state park camping is always a wonderful option in Kentucky. Address: 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
- Wildcat Creek Campground - Murray, KY
Facebook/Wildcat Creek Campground and Lodge Camp right on Kentucky Lake at Wildcat Creek. Located on the Blood River inlet, you’ll be about as close to the water as you can be without hopping aboard a boat. But you may want to do that as well, as the area offers some of the best fishing in Kentucky. Address: 5365 Wildcat Beach Road, Murray, KY, 42071
- Holly Bay Campground - London, KY
Facebook/Sarah Lynn Shaver On Laurel River Lake, Holly Bay offers 28 wooded sites right near the water. The swimming beach pictured is located nearby, and the views from the campsites are just as lovely. Address: 395 Laurel Lake Road, London, KY, 40744
- Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA - Cadiz, KY
Facebook/Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA If you want unlimited amenities by the lake and some of the best family camping in Kentucky, Kentucky Lake/Prizer Point KOA is the campground for you. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, they have just about everything you’d want in a camping experience, including beautiful waterfront sites for both tents and RVs. They also offer cabin and houseboat rentals! Address: 1777 Prizer Point Road, Cadiz, KY, 42211
- Wolf River Resort & Marina - Albany, KY
Facebook/Wolf River Resort and Marina Park your RV right next to Dale Hollow Lake at Wolf River Resort. They also have cabins available to rent and a marina to explore Dale Hollow by boat. Address: 6703 Wolf River Dock Road, Albany, KY, 42602
Quick Hits: Best Lake Camping In Kentucky
Facebook/Lakeside Campground
Located on Jonathan Creek, an inlet of Kentucky Lake, Lakeside Campground is a peaceful hideaway for any RV camper. Their sites are right on the water and they also have a full service Marina to take advantage of all the area has to offer. Address: 12363 US-68 East, Benton, KY, 42025
TripAdvisor/FreedomArcher77
Zilpo Campground sits on Cave Run Lake within Daniel Boone National Forest. They have select campsites that are right on the water, but their other sites are lovely as well. This large campground has several amenities including a sandy beach and nearby fire tower to climb for stunning views. Address: 79-99 Center Street, Salt Lick, KY, 40371
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park
Picturesque Nolin Lake State Park, near Mammoth Cave, offers true camping experiences right by the lake. They have some primitive sites with these breathtaking views, but also offer RV sites. If you’re looking for a quiet campground with an abundance of natural surroundings, check out Nolin State Park and keep in mind that state park camping is always a wonderful option in Kentucky. Address: 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
Facebook/Wildcat Creek Campground and Lodge
Camp right on Kentucky Lake at Wildcat Creek. Located on the Blood River inlet, you’ll be about as close to the water as you can be without hopping aboard a boat. But you may want to do that as well, as the area offers some of the best fishing in Kentucky. Address: 5365 Wildcat Beach Road, Murray, KY, 42071
Facebook/Sarah Lynn Shaver
On Laurel River Lake, Holly Bay offers 28 wooded sites right near the water. The swimming beach pictured is located nearby, and the views from the campsites are just as lovely. Address: 395 Laurel Lake Road, London, KY, 40744
Facebook/Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA
If you want unlimited amenities by the lake and some of the best family camping in Kentucky, Kentucky Lake/Prizer Point KOA is the campground for you. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, they have just about everything you’d want in a camping experience, including beautiful waterfront sites for both tents and RVs. They also offer cabin and houseboat rentals! Address: 1777 Prizer Point Road, Cadiz, KY, 42211
Facebook/Wolf River Resort and Marina
Park your RV right next to Dale Hollow Lake at Wolf River Resort. They also have cabins available to rent and a marina to explore Dale Hollow by boat. Address: 6703 Wolf River Dock Road, Albany, KY, 42602
Is it legal to camp on the beach in Kentucky? If you’re looking to camp directly on the beach in Kentucky, you may be out of luck. Our state’s beaches are reserved for swimming and relaxing, but there are many campgrounds, including the ones listed above, that give you great access to the water and beautiful shorefront views.
What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Kentucky? When camping near the water, bug spray is essential. Also be sure to bring all of the typical camping essentials, as well as extra beach towels and sunscreen for that extra time on the beach and in the water.
What are the best family campgrounds in Kentucky? Kentucky is a great state for family camping and this list could literally be endless. Kentucky’s State Parks and Resort State Parks offer many amenities, some of which include pools, beaches, mini golf, restaurants, activities for the kids, and more.
With the hustle and bustle of today, more of us should try camping. It’s the perfect escape and Kentucky’s lakes are the ideal location. Have you camped at any of these spots? What did you think? Any other lakefront favorites that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments! For more info on these campgrounds, simply click on the bold name above to view their website!
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