Old Kuttawa

Star0.15
6 reviews
Old Kuttawa

Quick Facts

Price

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Booking

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Old Kuttawa
No fees available
Campsite Fees
To reserve the ampitheater you must reserve site 1 (large shelter).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"Reviewers describe Old Kuttawa as a great spot for family gatherings, reunions, and picnics, with shelters that meet group needs. The area is noted as generally clean and well-suited for children’s activities and group recreation."

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Best Time to Camp at Old Kuttawa

Summer transforms Lake Barkley into a water lover's paradise, with warm temperatures that make the lake feel like nature's own swimming pool. The inviting waters beckon swimmers, paddlers, and beachgoers throughout the sunny season, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking the woodland trail and enjoying picnics beneath the shade of towering trees.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: summer months. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Old Kuttawa

Nestled where Lake Barkley meets the historic canal to Kentucky Lake, Old Kuttawa Recreation Area welcomes day visitors to a scenic waterfront haven perfect for family gatherings and lakeside relaxation. This northern shore gem combines sandy swimming beaches with shaded picnic groves, while an amphitheater, playground, and meandering woodland trail invite exploration beyond the water's edge.
Old Kuttawa is described as a recreation area focused on day use (picnicking, beach, trail) with picnic pavilions and an amphitheater; the provided information does not describe tent, RV, primitive, group camping, cabins, or glamping accommodations.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away, the remarkable Floodwall Murals of Paducah tell the story of this river town through stunning outdoor artwork that spans blocks of historic downtown. These larger-than-life paintings capture everything from Native American heritage to the city's role as a steamboat hub, offering visitors a vivid journey through western Kentucky's rich past.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Lake Barkley into a water lover's paradise, with warm temperatures that make the lake feel like nature's own swimming pool. The inviting waters beckon swimmers, paddlers, and beachgoers throughout the sunny season, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking the woodland trail and enjoying picnics beneath the shade of towering trees.
Natural Features and SceneryThe recreation area claims a prime position along Lake Barkley's northern shoreline, where 57,900 acres of shimmering water stretch across 1,004 miles of varied coastline. Ancient hardwoods frame the lakefront, their branches creating natural cathedral ceilings above the picnic areas and the Anderson Woodland Trail. This half-mile path winds through the forest, revealing the region's impressive trees while offering birders the chance to spot everything from songbirds to waterfowl. The location serves as a gateway to the legendary Land Between the Lakes, with Kentucky Lake visible just beyond the connecting canal.
Geological RegionPositioned at a unique crossroads where Lake Barkley's northern waters meet the canal linking to Kentucky Lake, the recreation area sits at the doorstep of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This distinctive geography places visitors at the convergence of two major reservoirs, where the narrow land bridge between them has created one of the region's most remarkable landscapes.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityRestrooms and paved parking are available.
Sites SizeTwo large picnic pavilions; large shelter (site 1 / amphitheater); picnic tables and grills; playground; swimming beach
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesReserve site 1 (large shelter) if you need to reserve the amphitheater; picnic pavilions and scattered tables/grills offer shaded day-use options.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFacilities include two large picnic pavilions, an amphitheater, a playground, restrooms, paved parking, numerous picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the recreation area, and ample shade.
Cancellation PolicyIn order to reserve the ampitheater, you must reserve site 1 (large shelter).

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation opportunities at Old Kuttawa Recreation Area center on lakeshore activities and a short woodland trail. The area supports day use including picnicking, beach swimming, boating and fishing, plus a nature trail for birding and tree viewing.
Hiking
The Anderson Woodland Trail is a half-mile footpath suitable for birding and viewing large regional trees.
Fishing
Fishing is listed among the primary recreational activities on Lake Barkley.
Swimming
A swimming beach is available for visitors to enjoy warm summer water temperatures.
Boating
Boating on Lake Barkley is an available activity; the site sits on the lake's northern shore near the canal to Kentucky Lake.
Wildlife viewing
Birding is specifically mentioned as a use of the Anderson Woodland Trail and the area is noted for tree viewing.
Beach activities
A swimming beach provides typical beach recreation opportunities along Lake Barkley.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Old Kuttawa

35
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 58%
Wind: 11.7 mph
Mainly clear

Weather History
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Good to know

Peak season datessummer months
Proximity to water featuresOn the northern shore of Lake Barkley with an on-site swimming beach and near the narrow canal linking Lake Barkley to Kentucky Lake.

Campground Map

Old Kuttawa
Driving directionsFrom Nashville, take I-24 West to Exit 40. Turn left on 62 and then right on Highway 295. Follow Highway 295 to recreation area entrance.
Access via I-24 West to Exit 40, then state routes 62 and Highway 295 to the recreation area entrance.
Nearby places
Paducah
Nashville

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.2
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Old Kuttawa has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers describe Old Kuttawa as a great spot for family gatherings, reunions, and picnics, with shelters that meet group needs. The area is noted as generally clean and well-suited for children’s activities and group recreation.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the suitability for family events, including reunions and picnics, and note that shelters work well for group gatherings. They like the available recreation options such as...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Parking is the main complaint, with one reviewer noting that only a limited number of vehicles are allowed and that a nearby non-family park reduces available parking for family groups. No other...
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Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This location works particularly well for family reunions and group picnics, especially if you plan to use the open areas for kids’ activities and sports. Be prepared for limited parking and consider...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Family reunion, small shelter fit our needs." "Great place for our family picnic, volleyball, basketball,swimming areas. Large open area around shelter for kids. Only problem is parking, only allow...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2 SM (small shelter) was reported as fitting a family reunion’s needs. Site 1 LG (large shelter) was described as a great gathering place for a group, with the surrounding area relatively clean.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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