Basic And Dispersed Camping At Land Between The Lakes
Image from The Dyrt camper Daniel B.
If youre willing to forgo certain amenities, one of the best things about Land Between the Lakes camping is that you can camp almost anywhere. Keep in mind that a basic camping permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in basic camping areas. A dispersed camping permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits cost $30 or $7 Permits can be purchased online or at any of the Land Between the Lakes facilities.
Basic campground amenities usually include fire rings and/or grills, picnic tables, vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp. Some of the basic campground have defined camping areas while others do not.
Zilpo Campgrounds Salt Lick
Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Zilpo is a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, and is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area, peaceful vistas and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. There are 172 campsites within walking distance of the lake shore that provide privacy and convenience. Reservations may be made by calling 877-444-6777.
History Of Land Between The Lakes
The history of the area is so unusual that during a border dispute between Tennessee and Kentucky, residents didnt know which state they lived in, so they called themselves residents of Between the Rivers. The region also played a role in the Trail of Tears, the forced migration of Native Americans after the passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, and in the Civil War when the Confederate fort along the Tennessee River, Fort Henry, fell in 1862.
The Tennessee Valley Authority came into existence as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal as a means to put people to work during the Great Depression. To help combat flooding, facilitate trade and create recreational opportunities, the TVA dammed the Tennessee River in the early 1940s, creating Kentucky Lake. Nearly 3,500 residents of Between the Lakes were displaced when the 134,000-acre reservoir was created, and the governments use of eminent domain to acquire the land was controversial.
In the 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Cumberland River, creating Lake Barkley, named for President Harry S. Trumans vice president, Alben Barkley, from nearby Paducah, Kentucky. The Corps then built a canal between the two bodies of water, decreasing the shipping distances for goods being transported to market without the use of locks.
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Can You Camp Anywhere In Lbl
Yes, you may camp almost anywhere in LBL. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas. Both permits currently cost $50 for an annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased online or at any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Golden Pond
At the USDA Forest Service’s Land Between The Lakes, you can rediscover the outdoors and enjoy 170,000 acres of wildlife, history and recreation opportunities surrounded by 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Pick a spot, pitch your tent or park your RV. Boat ramps can be found throughout with access to both Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. A portion of campsites at Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, Piney and Wranglers campgrounds are available for reservations. You can make a camping reservation online 24 hours a day. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, but not within 48 hours of your intended arrival. The remainder of campsites are first come, first served. Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake, Wranglers and Piney provide amenities such as RV hook-ups, restroom and shower buildings, bike and canoe rentals , beach and activity areas.
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Hunt For Deer And Turkey In
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes offers over 230 days of in-season hunting, which includes annual spring quota and non-quota hunts for turkey as well as fall archery and quota gun hunts for deer. All harvested deer and turkeys must be reported before leaving Land Between the Lakes at the North or South Welcome Stations or Golden Pond Visitor Center. In addition, all hunters over the age of 16 must acquire hunter use permits for LBL as well as valid hunting licenses for Kentucky and Tennessee all hunters must comply with harvest reporting regulations for those states.
Twin Lakes Basic Campground
The Twin Lakes Basic Campground is the easiest basic campground to access at Land Between the Lakes. Its just minutes from the North Welcome Station and located just off Woodlands Trace.
There is an unofficial beach area beside the boat ramp. The define campsites werelocated around a small open field in the middle. The campsites were lakefrontbut it was the end of a cove so the water was very shallow.
Why stay here? If youve been driving all day just toreach Land Between the Lakes this would be an excellent place to send thenight.
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Everything You Need To Know About Camping At Land Between The Lakes
Developed and basic campgrounds, camping areas, dispersed camping, there are lots of ways to enjoy some great Land Between the Lakes camping.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here.
The options for Land Between the Lakes camping are some of the most diverse of any recreational park I have visited. Reserve a site at a developed campground, take your chance with a basic campground, or make your own campsite with the dispersed camping option! Its really all up to what you want to do.
When I traveled to the Land Between the Lakes I was in my trusty camper van . I picked up the three-night pass for basic/dispersed camping, staked out a basic campsite each night, and even forked over the additional cash for a developed campground my final night. Here is what I discovered about each campground during my visit, tips about which one to choose, and information about each.
Sugar Bay Basic Campground
The Sugar Bay Basic Campground was probably the smallest basic campground at Land Between the Lakes. The road loops around the campground to a boat ramp and unofficial beach on Kentucky Lake.
The campsites are wooded, each offering a view of the lakefrom inside a narrow cove. The campground included a pit toilet.
Why stay here? Because you dont have anywhere elseto go at Land Between the Lakes.
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Kentucky River Campgrounds Frankfort
Located on the Kentucky River, this campground has 104 full-service sites, free cable television, ice, camp store, showers, dump stations, LP gas, coin operated laundry, boat ramp, boat gas and oil, live bait, fishing and swimming, playground, two pavilions, boat and camper storage and primitive campsites. Childrens activities are scheduled from Memorial Day through Halloween, but the campground is open all year.
Birmingham Ferry Basic Campground
The Birmingham Ferry Basic Campground was one of the neatest basic campgrounds at Land Between the Lakes. The campground is located on the shore of Kentucky Lake in a cove inside a cove, completely secluded and hidden away.
There werent many defined campsites that I saw, but theones I could find all had some pretty amazing views. The boat ramp was somewhatprimitive but despite that there were five boat trailers parked nearby.
Why stay here? I think its location inside a hidden coveon Kentucky Lake makes this campground pretty secluded and probably peacefulall the time.
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Drive Through The Elk And Bison Prairie
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
700 acres of Land Between the Lakes is enclosed in order to restore it to its native prairie grass habitat, and as part of the recovery process, elk and bison have been introduced here along with wild turkeys and a variety of small game including prairie dogs. Visitors can experience the wildlife up close with a leisurely drive along an interpretive road, which winds through the prairie for a little over three miles before looping back to the rest of the recreation area.
Open year-round from dawn until dusk, driving along the road requires a small fee per vehicle. One-time entry cards can be purchased at the Prairie entrance or at the Golden Pond Visitor Center, Welcome Stations, or any day-use facility in LBL.
Pitch A Tent And Go Camping
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes offers camping accommodations for backpackers, car campers, RVers, OHV drivers, horse lovers, boaters, canoeists, and fishermen alike. You’ll find a campsite here for every type of camper, and reservations are available from 48 hours up to six months in advance for campsites at Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Wranglers. The rest of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wranglers Campground, Backcountry Camping, and Self-Service Campgrounds areas are open all year. Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake, and Piney Campgrounds are open March through November. Developed campgrounds offer different amenities at each location, including RV hook-ups, restroom and shower facilities, bike and canoe rentals , and beach and activity areas.
Primitive camping shelters, where you have to bring your own bedding, are available at Energy, Piney, and Wranglers Campgrounds. You can also go backcountry camping just about anywhere in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
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The Land Between The Lakes
At Land Between The Lakes, a national recreation area at the Kentucky-Tennessee border, visitors are surrounded by natures wonders as well as local history.
Land Between The Lakes is a phrase that does not trip lightly off the tongue, so those who know the national recreation area call it LBL. The land is flanked by Kentucky Lake to the west and Lake Barkley to the east, and lies in southwestern Kentucky and northwestern Tennessee.
In Kentucky, the easiest access to the area is via Interstate 24 or Interstate 69. Turn south onto State Route 453 and start a scenic trip between the waters. From Tennessee, you can reach the south edge of the preserve using Interstate 40 and other routes.
The recreation areas welcome stations at the north and south ends provide information and maps you need to find the highlights and hidden treasures. This area is so large 170,000 acres its best to plan to stay awhile.
Long before the Land Between The Lakes designation as a national recreation area, the waters of the Cumberland River and Tennessee River attracted humans to the area. For 10,000 years, American Indians hunted in the forests, foraged in the fields, and fished in the rivers. By the late 1700s, European settlers moved onto what was then known as Between the Rivers, and by the early 1800s the native peoples had either chosen to move west or had been forcibly removed.
What Is There To Do At Lbl
The question should be, what CANT you do at LBL? Every designated campground is on the water, all with access to the paddling trail surrounding the peninsula. Over two dozen boat ramps and two large lakes make this a paradise for recreational boating and fishing.
There are elk and bison herds, including the Bison Prairie, the Woodlands Nature Station, historical iron furnaces, Civil War battle sites and fort, a working farm, a planetarium and observatory, picnic areas, over 200 family cemeteries, 100 miles of equestrian trails, 261 miles of hiking trails, 70 miles of bike trails including single-track mountain bike trails, plus endless bird and wildlife spotting. Rounding it out is the Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area.
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See The Stars At The Golden Pond Planetarium
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
The Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory is an educational center geared toward learning about the night sky. Watch simulated astral phenomena on the planetarium’s 40-foot dome, observe stars through four telescopes, or witness solar flares using the Hydrogen-Alpha refractor.
The planetarium offers several different shows daily, from March to December, including “Tonight’s Sky Live,” a guided presentation that teaches guests about the stars, constellations, and planets that will be visible in the night sky of the coming evening. The observatory is also home to the West Kentucky Amateur Astronomers, which offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year.
What Are The Different Types Of Camping In Lbl
Camping in LBL ranges from full-service seasonal to primitive backcountry. All camping options require a permit, pass, or nightly fee. All camping is first-come, first-served except the 4 developed campgrounds. Due to the range of camping options, with each having its own fee structure, be sure to check online or with park staff before choosing your campsite.
Developed Camping
The majority of designated campsites at LBL are located in the 4 full-service campgrounds. From south to north, they are Piney, Wranglers, Energy Lake & Hillman Ferry. Reservations can be made on the LBL website.
Self-Service Campgrounds
At Self-Service Campgrounds, you choose a site, fill out a provided fee envelope, insert your camping fee into the envelope, and deposit it in the Iron Ranger fee tube. Registration is required within 30 minutes of setting up your camp. Self-Service Campgrounds offer basic amenities, including designated campsite pads, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, vault toilets, trash pickup, lake access, and boat ramps.
Self-Service Campgrounds include:
Basic Campgrounds
Twin Lakes is the only basic campground. Located near the North Welcome Station, it has easy access and appeals to those who prefer designated campsites and a few amenities. Basic campgrounds require a basic camping permit – $10 per person for 3 days over 18, or $50 annually.
Basic Camping Areas
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Explore The Woodlands Nature Station
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
Explore the indoor discovery center and outdoor wildlife exhibits at the Woodlands Nature Station, where visitors can experience the plants and animals of the region up close. Guided hiking, biking, and canoe excursions are available in spring, summer, and fall, and you can also rent mountain bikes and canoes here, too.
Join Us For A Great Time At Our Campsites
Cane Creek offers 60 RV campsites for both annual and seasonal rentals at our RV campground near Land Between the Lakes. Sites have either a gravel or concrete pad and are equipped with 30 or 50 amp electric, water, sewer, hook-ups. Guests can choose from several different pad dimensions and locations, shaded or waterfront.
Campground Amenities:
- Full-Time Facilities Manager resident on-site
- Bath house with shower facilities
- Boat launch ramp for fishing and pleasure boating
- Complimentary basic wi-fi available at the store and throughout campground
- General store complete with food, soft drinks, beer, ice cream, fishing supplies, live bait, boating supplies, apparel, and more
- Laundry Room, with coin-operated washer and dryer
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Back In Time At The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum is an active farm that takes visitors back to a time when farmers made their livelihood off the land. Guests can talk with interpreters or lend a hand with farm chores to see how folks lived in a mid-19th-century rural community. Spend the day wandering through the restored historic structures or taking part in traditional seasonal activities, and be sure to stick around for old-time music performances later in the day. Additionally, the farm hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the Homeplace 1850s Trades Fair over Labor Day weekend and the annual Pickin’ Party Old-Time Music Festival in the summer.
Who Is Going To Love It
Land between the Lakes is truly a hikers dream. Anyone who finds peace in the woods, who feels refreshed by separation from society, will love the chance to hike deep into the areas forested sanctuary. Camping facilities make the area easily accessible for families, and backcountry camping offers a challenge for seasoned backpackers. Boaters and other water-lovers will appreciate the easy access to the large lakes, and bikers and horseback riders will be happy to find their fair share of the playground here, too.
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Camping In The Land Between The Lakes
Camping has always been one of the most popular activities at Land Between the lakes. That comes as no surprise as the area offers some of the best outdoor living you are likely to find.
Whether you are looking to pitch a tent along a secluded area along Lake Barkley, or looking for a full service RV hookup with all the amenities you could hope for, the Land Between the Lakes of the several LBL campgrounds.
In the end, you will find the LBL, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley campgrounds to be among the most hospitable, and full featured you will discover in the southeast.
Coupled with the beauty of the surrounding area and all the activities LBL has to offer you simply cant go wrong. camping opportunities will serve your needs.
Reservations are accepted in some of the areas so make sure to check in to secure your spot. You will not be disappointed as you set up you LBL campsite and enjoy the best nature has to offer.
Land Between the Lakes offers camping sites from the most rural tent pitch sites to full service RV hookups. You can enjoy a family reunion or a weekend with your horses, all within the confines of one Americas best outdoor offerings, The Land Between the Lakes.
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