Ride Horses Through The Park
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
Horseback riders can saddle up at Wranglers Campground and explore over 70 miles of trails and old roads that lead to some of the most scenic spots at Land Between the Lakes. Stop by Rocking U Riding Stables to book a guided trail ride, which will take you from Lake Barkley and Fords Bay on the eastern edge of the park to Laura Furnace Creek and Lick Creek on the western side. After a day of riding, return to the Wranglers Campground, which has stalls, hitching posts, and hot showers as well as a variety of different campsites for overnight accommodations.
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.
Hike And Bike The Trails
Courtesy of Land Between the Lakes
More than 200 miles of trails are available to hikers and backpackers alike at Land Between the Lakes. With dozens of different paths to choose from, guests can pick their own adventure at LBL. For a full view of the recreation area, take the grand tour on the North-South Trail, which spans the length of LBL. For a shorter journey in the south part of the park, follow General Grant’s footsteps along the Fort Henry National Recreation Trail, and in the north, view beautiful lake views along the Canal Loop Trail. These and all the other trails offer scenic views and opportunities to see wildlife.
All trails are accessible 24 hours a day year-round, but some occasionally close due to inclement weather or to repair the paths after a particularly bad storm. Be sure to check the official website before you plan your trip to see which paths are open for the season, and pick up a map at the Welcome Center before you set out to make sure you don’t get lost in the wilderness of the LBL.
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Land Between The Lakes Camping Reservations For 2014 Season
Golden Pond, KY Ready to make camping reservations for 2014 at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area? Reservations may be now made for the 2014 camping season beginning November 12th, 2013.
Beginning Friday, November 15th, reservations may be made any time up to 6 months in advance.
Because our reservation system has been off-line for the 2014 season, there is a staggered schedule to make reservations for next years camping season. This should keep wait times tolerable for our campers, explains Gary Hawkins, LBL Recreation Specialist. There is still a lot of good camping weather ahead in 2013, and we are looking forward to the 2014 camping season.
Directions Parking & Regulations
Google Maps will navigate drivers to Land Between the Lakes main Visitor Center at Golden Pond. This is a central location within the area, but its a half-hour drive to the North Welcome Station and to the South Welcome Station from here. If youre a hiker or backpacker who knows you want to hike a loop on the Fort Henry Trails System, you should navigate to South Welcome Station. If youre a mountain biker who knows you want to explore Canal Loop Trail, you should navigate to North Welcome Station to save yourself unnecessary driving time. Note, however, that the North and South Welcome Stations are closed Dec. 1 – Feb. 28, and open only Wednesday-Sunday throughout March and November. Golden Pond itself is open while Welcome Stations are closed, and beginning in April, all are open seven days a week.
Parking at LBL is plentiful. Backpackers should fill out backcountry permit forms found at the visitor center or the welcome stations. For more information, visit landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/
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Energy Lake Campground In Lbl
An inlet separated from the rest of Lake Barkley by Energy Dam, Energy Lake in Land Between The Lakes is a quiet spot with loads of potential for campers. It can accommodate groups, families, and other campers, and is a popular spot for scout troops, school groups, reunions, and other groups.
Canoe rentals are available in season, and lakeview and wooded campsites are equipped with electrical hookups, meaning they can accommodate RVs and campers. Campers also have the option of choosing primitive sites, long-term campsites, and group campsites. Energy’s beach and activity area provide even more opportunities for visitors to enjoy the area.
Energy Lake Campground is open March 1-November 30. A portion of campsites are available for reservation, which can be made up to six months in advance. Other campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 924-2270 or visit www.lbl.org.
Firewood & Other Camping Rules
It’s important to not import your own firewood into Land Between The Lakes due to the potential introduction of invasive critters. LBL would like you to use local sources for firewood . Also, whatever wood you pile up for a campfire, please burn it all. And don’t forget to put your fire out completely before leaving.
All camping in Land Between The Lakes are subject to rules and regulations. Check these out here.
LandBetweenTheLakes.com is a commercial website and is in no way affiliated with the US Forest Service or any government agency.
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Cast A Line And Catch Some Fish
The waters of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley surround Land Between the Lakes on three sides, making LBL one of the premier sport fishing spots in the country. Anglers come here to fish for crappie, bass, sauger, catfish, and bluegill, and in late fall, they come for some great smallmouth bass fishing.
While guests are welcome to cast their line into either lake by themselves, there are also a number of fishing guide services available in the recreation area. Kentucky Lake Guide Service in Paducah and Angling Adventures Guide Service in Murray both offer guided tours of the lake where an experienced fisherman shows guests the best spots to catch particular fish.
Fishermen are required to adhere to Kentucky and Tennessee fishing regulations, so you’ll need to acquire a valid fishing license for each state before you hit the waters and cast a line. Consult the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for more information about license requirements.
Land Between The Lakes Now Taking Camping Reservations For Solar Eclipse
Reservations are now open for camping site at Land Between the Lakes for next years solar eclipse.
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area says it is accepting reservations for August 14 August 23, 2017.
The total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, August 21, 2017.
There are approximately 1,400 campsites across the recreation area and a portion of those are available for reservations,” said Jeff Laird, Customer Service Manager at Land Between the Lakes.
Reservations will be accepted at Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Wranglers campgrounds. Reservations can be made by phone at 924-2000 or online by
Weather Alert
Currently in Paducah
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Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Seasonal Operations Dining room currently closed to the public to assist the current situation regarding tornado victims. Kentucky State Parks are currently providing housing and food services for displaced Kentuckians.Lodging & Camping
MeetingsLake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, Kentucky provides for an array of outdoor activity, and the perfect location for your next event. Questions? For more information about hosting a group or wedding .
Airport
Things to DoBikingBirdingeBirdBoatingFishingFitnessGame RoomGift ShopGolfHikingRacquetballSwimmingTennisTrap ShootingVolleyballWater Aerobics
Accessible Campsites & Amenities
Accessible campsites are designed for campers with disabilities. Please only book an accessible campsite if you need it or all other campsites are booked. Camp Bullfrog Lake features:
- Accessible tent campsites with accessible parking, path of travel to and around the campsite, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
- Accessible RV/tent campsites with accessible parking, path of travel to and around the campsite, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
- Accessible large cabins with accessible parking, path of travel to cabin, roll-in shower with bench, accessible sink, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
- Accessible small cabins with accessible parking, path of travel to cabin, raised fire pit and accessible picnic table.
- Kayak rentalswith an accessible launch/landing. Private boats are not allowed on Bullfrog Lake.
- Accessible fishing pier with accessible parking, a paved surface pathway to the shoreline, and railings along the fishing pier.
- Accessible bathroom/shower building with a roll-in shower with a bench as well as an accessible changing area with a bench.
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Land Between The Lakes Opens 3 Campgrounds To Archery Deer Hunting
CLARKSVILLE, TN Three campgrounds typically marked as No Hunting will open to archery deer hunting in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Hillman Ferry and Energy Lake campgrounds will be open to archery hunting Dec. 1 through Jan. 17. Piney Campground will be open to archery hunting Dec. 6 through Jan. 2. This will open up more acreage providing hunters additional opportunities to hunt deer while helping to reduce extra deer numbers around public use areas. Archery hunters are encouraged to take antlerless deer in these areas.
Hunting is an important component of our wildlife management program here at LBL. Opening these campgrounds to archery deer hunting is of mutual benefit- it helps us manage our deer populations and provides more access to hunters, said John Westbrook, environmental stewardship staff officer with the USDA Forest Service.
Archery deer hunters may hunt within campground boundaries and away from campsites in the three identified campgrounds only. Maintenance staff will continue working throughout the winter at facilities. Hunters are advised to use extra caution when hunting in these areas.
Year-round camping opportunities are available at Wranglers and self-service campgrounds. Camping is also permitted in basic and dispersed camping areas with the purchase of a basic/dispersed camping permit.
Important Update From Land Beween The Lakes
Mar 23, 2020 | News
NOTE: Land Between The Lakes announced additional Additional Updates and Temporary Closures Find the Latest Updates Here:
The following update is from the Land Between The Lakes website. Visit the Land Between The Lakes Alert Page, or follow them on to stay up-to-date on notices.
Effective immediately, Land Between The Lakes offices have moved to virtual services only. If you need assistance or have questions, please call:
- 883-1559
- 883-1379
- Administration Office
Please be aware, some facilities at this location are closed. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following guidelines from state health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19, and are closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. For visitors with questions regarding COVID-19, please visit the CDCs website.
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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.
Boswell Landing Basic Campground
I spent my very first night at Land Between the Lakes sleeping in my campervan at Boswell Landing Basic Campground. It was my introduction to camping in the recreation area and could not have been more amazing.
Boswell Landing is built around a simple boat ramp. Its avery simple campground with a single pit toilet near the center and severaldefined campsites. Some of the campsites were down on the lakefront overlookingKentucky Lake.
Why stay here? Its just minutes away from PineyCampground and makes a great alternative just in case that campground is atcapacity or just too crowded for your desire. Then, you can still use theshower facilities and campground store in Piney.
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Nickell Branch Basic Campground
Nickell Branch Basic Campground is the northern-most and one of the largest basic campgrounds at Land Between the Lakes. There were several campsites, all lakefront with gorgeous views, around a large open field. There was a boat ramp as well.
Why stay here? With Hillman Ferry Campground nearbyfor showers and the campground store, Nickell Branch would be the perfect placeto stay on the cheap with gorgeous views.
Favorite Campgrounds in the LBL
Although many campgrounds share amenities and features, there are a few that stood out.
Hillman Ferry Campground is my favorite developed campground. Several loops offer dozens of campsites hidden beneath a thick canopy of leaves. A lot of the campsites offer views of the lake and several are waterfront.
Im also very fond of the Redd Hollow Basic Campground. Its the easiest basic campground to access in the Land Between the Lakes. The campground is high above the lake, so the campsites have spectacular views.
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.
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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, plus bikers and horseback riders will be happy to find their fair share of the playground here, too.
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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Lbl Campgrounds Opening As Flood Waters Recede
- May 16, 2011
GOLDEN POND, Ky. – Camping and Lake Access opportunities arereturning as flood waters recede at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Lake levels for Lake Barkley and KentuckyLake are currently at 366.4 feet and dropping.
The majority of campsites are open at Energy Lake Campground, andall sites will open by May 20. Hillman Ferry Campground expects toopen reservations sites on May 20, and have all seasonal sites openby May 28. Walk-in sites may not be available until after May 28.Piney Campground expects to open to seasonal campers May 19, andhave reservation sites open by May 20. On May 20, visitors maybegin making camping reservations for Hillman Ferry and PineyCampgrounds by visiting www.lbl.org or calling 525-7077.
Wranglers Campground has had limited camping available. Due tostorm damage and downed trees, camping space is limited. Campingwill be first-come, first-served call 924-2001 foravailability. Wranglers will begin taking camping reservations byphone and on-line beginning May 17. A significant portion of trailsare open at Wranglers, and day-use riding is currentlyavailable.
These additional LBL boat ramps, campgrounds and lakesidecampsites, trails and day-use areas are currently open:
Open LBL day-use facilities include North Welcome Station, NatureStation via Silver Trail Road, Elk & Bison Prairie, Golden PondVisitor Center and Planetarium, Golden Pond Target Range,
Redd Hollow Basic Campground
The Redd Hollow Basic Campground is in a fantastic location for exploring all of Land Between the Lakes. Its just a few miles from the Golden Pond Visitor Center, Elk & Bison Prairie, and a little bit further away from Homeplace 1850s Living Farm.
The dirt road from Woodlands Trace to the campground can be a little bit rutty at times so be careful with RVs and trailers. The campground is completely wooded with plenty of shade on the shore of Kentucky Lake. Some of the campsites are lakefront while others offer a view of the lake.
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I claimed a lakefront campsite but it was high above thelake, probably about 20 above the rocky beach. But it was the perfect placefor me to string up my hammock and fall asleep watching the sunset acrossKentucky Lake.
The campground includes a boat ramp and pit toilets.
Why stay here? Its the most centrally-located basiccampground at Land Between the Lakes and just minutes away from theintersection of Woodlands Trace and US Highway 68, making it easily accessibleand a great place to explore the entire recreation area.
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