How much does camping cost at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Camping fees at Lake Barkley State Resort Park range from $25-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Barkley State Resort Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Barkley State Resort Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lake Barkley State Resort Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Barkley State Resort Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Lake Barkley State Resort Park is open Peak season weekends require longer stays; exact dates unspecified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Yes, Lake Barkley State Resort Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Fire policies at Lake Barkley State Resort Park: Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent pest infestation.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Barkley State Resort Park?

Popular activities at Lake Barkley State Resort Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

3.82

22 reviews

P.O.BOX 790, Frankfurt, Kentucky, 42211, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kentucky

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Barkley State Resort Park

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Get Directions

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

$25.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard camping permits range from $25 to $100 depending on type and duration. Golf cart permits cost $25 per week or $100 annually. Firewood is...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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Campground Map

P.O.BOX 790, Frankfurt, Kentucky, 42211, United States

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

P.O.BOX 790, Frankfurt, Kentucky, 42211, United States

Nearby places

Cadiz (8 miles), Frankfurt (null), other nearby towns not specified

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores and fuel stations available within 10 miles.

Weather at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Current alert: Past issues include fallen trees causing power outages and tornadoes.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Summer brings the best conditions for lake use. Daytime highs run mid-80s to low-90s°F, and water temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming and all-day boating. Marina services and organized programs operate fully during peak season. Weekend crowds mean two-night minimums and tighter site availability. Book ahead. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and lighter use, though marina hours may be reduced. Winter mornings drop to freezing, creating quiet conditions for campfires but limiting water activities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season for lake use: warm water, marina services and lifeguarded swimming in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season weekends require longer stays; exact dates unspecified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round with peak season weekends requiring two-night minimum stays.

About Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Lake Barkley State Resort Park sits on the shores of Lake Barkley near Cadiz, Kentucky, at the gateway to Land Between the Lakes. A 186,000-acre peninsula with roaming elk, bison herds, and living history farms. The campground offers tent, RV, group, and cabin sites with full hookups and lake access. Fees range from $25 to $100 per night, and you'll need reservations for summer weekends.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park accommodates various camping styles, including improved campsites, group accommodations, and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for lake use. Daytime highs run mid-80s to low-90s°F, and water temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming and all-day boating. Marina services and organized programs operate fully during peak season. Weekend crowds mean two-night minimums and tighter site availability. Book ahead. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and lighter use, though marina hours may be reduced. Winter mornings drop to freezing, creating quiet conditions for campfires but limiting water activities.

ElevationThe park's gentle rolling terrain provides accessible outdoor experiences for visitors of all abilities, with varied topography that adds visual interest to every vista.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies forested shoreline along Lake Barkley at 371 feet elevation. Native hardwoods provide shade across most sites, and lake views open up from select locations near the water. Deer, wild turkey, and songbirds move through camp regularly. The adjacent Land Between the Lakes expands wildlife viewing to include free-roaming elk and bison on restored prairie grasslands. The shoreline alternates between wooded points and open swimming areas where the lake spreads wide under low-light-pollution skies.

Geological RegionPositioned at the gateway to the legendary 'Land Between the Lakes' – a spectacular 186,000-acre peninsula managed by the U.S. Forest Service – visitors gain access to one of America's most remarkable outdoor playgrounds. This vast wilderness sanctuary features roaming elk and bison on restored prairie lands, authentic living history farms that transport you back in time, and endless opportunities for wildlife photography and nature exploration.

Scenic ViewsLake Barkley views are praised by visitors. 'The good is from my camp site we have a nice view of the lake,' noted by a reviewer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers various lodging accommodations, including cabins and group facilities, as well as improved campsites. Lodging facilities include full amenities with options for catered or shared services, making it ideal for group events.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby attractions include the Janice Mason Art Museum and interpretive programs at the Land Between the Lakes. This makes the park culturally enriching.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time unspecified.

Check-out

Check-out time unspecified.

Stay Limit

Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance
1 night minimum during the week and 2 nights on peak season weekends.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits unspecified.

Groups

Group sites are available, but the specific number of people or vehicles allowed is not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites run narrow and uneven. Electrical posts sit between sites, requiring long extension cords for many spots. Water hookups similarly demand extra hose length. Spacing varies. Some sites crowd close together while others gain separation from trees and topography.

Reservation PlatformsAvailable from Kentucky State Parks reservation system.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly mentioned but subject to reservation rules.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.

AccessibilityThe park provides permits for golf carts, and disabled guests are exempt from purchasing these permits if they display a valid hanging disability tag. Additional accessibility features are not detailed.

Site SizeSites are reported as narrow and uneven, with some being too small for larger camping setups.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are noted to be close together, while others have decks and good views of the lake.

Recommended SitesSites with decks and tree cover for shade are ideal, especially for families.

Best CampsitesSites with decks provide better lake views and easier setup on the uneven terrain. Reviews don't specify site numbers, but campers recommend confirming dimensions before arrival if you're bringing a larger rig. Some spots only fit small setups.

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Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Lake Barkley State Resort Park provides a wide range of amenities. Visitors have access to both basic and unique facilities, including fire rings, picnic tables, showers, potable water, and flush toilets. The campground also offers additional attractions such as boating facilities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. A camp store, laundry facilities, and accessibility features are also mentioned as part of the amenities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups64 of 79 sites (81%)

Water hookups69 of 79 sites (87%)

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, from hiking and boating to bird watching and equestrian camping. Seasonal options, such as lifeguarded swimming, add to the variety.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUnlevel campsite surfaces and nearby tornado risks noted by users. Electrical hookups may require extension cords.

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased locally to prevent pest infestation.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours unspecified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services available within 10 miles, including a hospital and first aid stations.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling station is available on-site, but no specific details about trash pickup schedules are mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated near Lake Barkley; boating and fishing opportunities available.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as helpful. 'Camp host went above and beyond,' according to a user.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Barkley State Resort Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the campground. Positive aspects include a helpful camp host, clean swimming areas, and scenic views of the lake. Complaints mainly focus on the condition of the bathrooms, uneven and narrow campsites, and the need for long extension cords for hookups.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews praise the camp host's helpfulness, the scenic beauty of the lake, and the abundance of trees providing shade. The beach is also described as clean, and many campers appreciated the...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the uneven and narrow campsites, the long distance of hookups from the pads, and the poor condition of the bathrooms. One user mentioned the lack of fire rings and lantern...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviews mention that certain campsites have decks and good views, while others are too small to accommodate large campers. Specific site numbers are not provided.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing long extension cords and water hoses to manage the distant hookups. They also suggest verifying the size of the campsite to ensure it fits the camper/tent, as some sites...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during peak season weekends, with a two-night minimum stay required. Seasonal issues include tornado impacts and power outages.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful camp ground! The facility was also clean and the camp manager was helpful.' - Amanda Courville 2. 'Bathhouse was the nastiest I’ve ever been in and we’ve camp a lot.' - Sherry...

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Golf cart permits are available, and disabled guests are exempt from the fee if they display a disability tag. No further accessibility reviews are detailed.

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families chasing a lake vacation do well here: lifeguarded swimming, boat ramps, bison and elk viewing a short drive away at Land Between the Lakes, and shade-covered sites. Cabin or lakeside sites with decks are worth requesting specifically.

Skip if

Bathhouses draw consistent complaints about upkeep. RV campers with big rigs should also know sites run narrow and uneven, electrical posts sit far from pads, and most reviewers needed a 50-foot extension cord and extra hose just to connect.

Nearby Campgrounds

25 HURRICANE CAMP RD, Eddyville, KY 42038, USA

Hurricane Creek sits on the shores of Lake Barkley near Eddyville, Kentucky, offering mid-sized lakefront camping with electric and water hookups. The campground provides direct access to fishing and swimming, with boat-friendly amenities and a dump station. Operated by Hurricane Creek Campground, it runs seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.