Canal

Star4.44
1.1K reviews
1010 Canal Campground Road, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

440 ft

Price

$20 - $256/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Open from March 28, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Canal
$20.00 - $256.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 for Tent Only Electric sites to $256 for Group Standard Electric sites during peak season (March 28, 2025 - October 27, 2025)....
Show more
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$256.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
270-362-4840
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 1.1K reviews

240 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakesites

"User reviews for Canal Campground are highly polarized. Many reviewers praised the natural beauty, friendly staff, and spacious sites, while others criticized the cleanliness of facilities, the skunk problem, and issues with site maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1010 Canal Campground Road, Grand Rivers, KY 42045

Canal

1010 Canal Campground Road, Grand Rivers, KY 42045

Driving directionsFrom Interstate I-24, take Grand Rivers Exit 31. Drive south on Highway 453 for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto J.H. O'Bryan Avenue for .1 miles. Turn right onto Canal Campground Road for .5 miles.
Paved roads accessible from Interstate I-24. Conditions described as manageable for most passenger vehicles but may include narrow roads and tight curves within the campground loops.
Nearby places
Grand Rivers (approximately 4 miles, about 10 minutes)
Paducah (approximately 30 miles, about 40 minutes)
Benton (approximately 15 miles, about 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
The Village Market in Grand Rivers (approximately 4 miles) offers groceries, meats, and deli options. Several restaurants and shops are also nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Canal

Each season brings its own magic to Canal Campground. Spring awakens the peninsula with wildflowers and perfect temperatures for hiking, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a tapestry of crimson and gold. Summer invites endless days on the water, though visitors should come prepared for the humidity and occasional mosquito. Many seasoned campers consider spring and fall the crown jewels of the camping season here, when comfortable days and cool nights create ideal conditions for campfire gatherings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; busy with families enjoying boating, swimming and beach activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter and noted for pleasant weather and fall foliage on surrounding forests.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers, mild temps and quieter visits—highly recommended seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (open Mar 28–Oct 27).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 28, 2025 - October 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 28, 2025 to October 27, 2025.

About Canal

Nestled on a pristine peninsula where Lake Barkley meets Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers the rare experience of being surrounded by water on three sides. This unique location combines breathtaking waterfront vistas with state-of-the-art facilities, creating an ideal basecamp for adventures both on land and water. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching the sunset paint the lakes in golden hues, every moment here connects you with nature's grandeur.
Canal Campground accommodates various styles of camping, including tent, RV, and group setups. All sites are equipped with water and electric hookups, and some have sewer connections.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is officially 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is officially 2 PM.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum stay is 14 nights during any visit
  • 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and swimming. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, boating, and exploring the nearby Land Between the Lakes area.
HikingThere is a short hiking trail within the campground with scenic views. However, for more extensive trails, visitors must travel to the nearby Land Between the Lakes.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with ample opportunities to catch bass and catfish in the adjacent Barkley and Kentucky Lakes. Some visitors noted that fishing was relaxing even when the catch was sparse.
SwimmingThe swimming beach is accessible but has mixed reviews about cleanliness. Some visitors appreciated the convenience, while others criticized it for being unkempt and littered with dead fish.
BikingThe paved roads within the campground are suitable for biking. Some loops have inclines and narrow roads, making them challenging for beginners.
BoatingA boat ramp is available for guests, and many visitors enjoy kayaking and canoeing. Larger boats and fishing floats are also common.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is rich in wildlife, including deer and eagles. Visitors frequently spot these animals and consider it a highlight of their stay.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSkunks are a recurring issue, along with ticks during warmer months. Dead fish along the shore and muddy water reported by users.

Weather at Canal

Reviews

4.4
1.1K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Canal is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Canal Campground are highly polarized. Many reviewers praised the natural beauty, friendly staff, and spacious sites, while others criticized the cleanliness of facilities, the skunk problem, and issues with site maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 1081 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty, wildlife, and proximity to local attractions like Patti's Restaurant. Many enjoyed the large, well-spaced sites with good views of the lakes and canal.
Based on 1081 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the presence of skunks, cleanliness issues in restrooms, tight roads for large RVs, and the occasional rudeness of staff or hosts.
Based on 1081 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven sites. Consider renting or bringing a golf cart to enjoy exploring the campground. Avoid the Hill Loop if you seek reliable cell service.
Based on 1081 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, with many families enjoying the area. Spring and fall are quieter and noted for their pleasant weather. Winter camping is not an option as the campground closes.
Based on 1081 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Canal Campground is beautiful!" "Bathrooms were decent and clean." "Skunks are everywhere at night." "We love the Canal! It's quiet, super clean and beautiful."
Based on 1081 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Hill Loop offers great lake views and spacious sites, but some are difficult to access for larger RVs. The Primitive Loop is appreciated for its tent sites but criticized for their uneven terrain.
Based on 1081 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicap-accessible sites are available but need maintenance for better leveling and safer usage.
Based on 1081 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but owners have reported issues with skunks and the lack of waste disposal stations for pet cleanup.
Based on 1081 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Canal? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 17, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Kentucky

Campgrounds
Barkley Lake
Canal