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 are set up on their shores for some fantastic Kentucky lake camping. Whether you want a week away in an RV or a few days in a tent, Kentucky’s shores are begging you to visit and enjoy the views, and here’s a list of the best Kentucky lake campgrounds so you can start planning now!

1. Lakeside Campground & Marina - Benton, KY

12363 US-68, Benton, KY 42025, USA
Facebook/Lakeside Campground
Located on Jonathan Creek, an inlet of Kentucky Lake, Lakeside Campground is a peaceful hideaway for any RV camper. The sites are right on the water and it also has a full-service Marina to take advantage of all the area has to offer.

2. Zilpo Campground - Salt Lick, KY

79 Center St, Salt Lick, KY 40371, USA
TripAdvisor/FreedomArcher77
Zilpo Campground sits on Cave Run Lake within Daniel Boone National Forest. It has select campsites that are right on the water, but the other sites are lovely as well. This large campground has several amenities including a sandy beach and a nearby fire tower to climb for stunning views.

3. Nolin Lake State Park - Mammoth Cave, KY

2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Nolin Lake State Park/Google
Picturesque Nolin Lake State Park, near Mammoth Cave, offers true camping experiences right by the lake. It has some primitive sites with these breathtaking views, but also offers 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.

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4. Wildcat Creek Campground - Murray, KY

Wildcat Beach Road, Wildcat Beach Rd, Kentucky 42071, USA
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.

5. Holly Bay Campground - London, KY

395 Laurel Lk Rd, London, KY 40744, USA
Bob Abt/Google
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.

6. Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA - Cadiz, KY

1777 Prizer Point Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
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, it has just about everything you'd want in a camping experience, including beautiful waterfront sites for both tents and RVs. It also offers cabin and houseboat rentals!

7. Wolf River Resort & Marina - Albany, KY

6703 Wolf River Dock Rd, Albany, KY 42602, USA
Bret Pearson/Google
Park your RV right next to Dale Hollow Lake at Wolf River Resort. It also has cabins available to rent and a marina to explore Dale Hollow by boat.

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 Kentucky lake campgrounds? What did you think? If you’ve been looking for “lake campgrounds near me,” you’ve found some of the best. Are there any more of the best lake campgrounds in Kentucky that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments! While you’re out camping, be sure to check out some wonderful hiking trails in Kentucky:

12 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Kentucky

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Kentucky Lake Campgrounds

Beth C. | April 11, 2023

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 Kentucky 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?

Things to bring to camp on the beach in Kentucky include:

  • Bug spray
  • Beach Towels
  • Sunscreen

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?

The best family campgrounds in Kentucky can be found at:

  • State parks
  • Resort state parks

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.

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