Lake Barkley State Resort Park
00 reviewP.O.BOX 790, Frankfurt, Kentucky, 42211, United States
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
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 sold at state parks to prevent Emerald Ash Borer.
About this campground
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Barkley, this stunning state resort park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Whether you're seeking the thrill of spotting native wildlife along wooded trails, launching your boat into the expansive lake waters, or immersing yourself in the local culture of nearby Cadiz, this scenic destination offers an unforgettable escape into Kentucky's great outdoors.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park accommodates various camping styles, including improved campsites, group accommodations, and cabins.
Historical SignificanceBeyond the natural splendor, cultural treasures await in the charming town of Cadiz, where the renowned Janice Mason Art Museum showcases regional artistic heritage. This proximity to local culture allows visitors to balance outdoor adventures with enriching cultural experiences, creating a well-rounded getaway that feeds both body and soul.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kentucky's seasons at Lake Barkley, where crisp winter mornings hover around 32°F create perfect conditions for cozy campfires and peaceful solitude. As spring unfolds, the park transforms into a verdant paradise, leading to warm summer days that climb to a comfortable 89°F – ideal for swimming and water sports. With moderate rainfall distributed throughout the year, the landscape stays lush and green, ensuring picture-perfect scenery no matter when you visit.
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 SceneryPrepare to be captivated by breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Barkley, where the water stretches to the horizon beneath towering canopies of native hardwoods. As darkness falls, the park transforms into a stargazer's paradise, with minimal light pollution revealing constellation-filled skies. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent sightings of deer, wild turkey, and countless bird species that call this pristine habitat home.
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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeSites are reported as narrow and uneven, with some being too small for larger camping setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are noted to be close together, while others have decks and good views of the lake.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with decks and tree cover for shade are ideal, especially for families.
Best CampsitesSome sites offer decks and excellent views of Lake Barkley. Specific recommendations not available.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are small and uneven; some feature decks and nearby electrical posts shared between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round with peak season weekends requiring two-night minimum stays.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
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
The park features hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, including an easy trail suitable for families. Trails are well-maintained and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the park lake, but specific details about the types of fish are not provided.Swimming
Swimming areas are available, with lifeguards on duty during the season. The beach is described as clean in user reviews.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available within the facility, offering opportunities for both recreational and skilled bikers.Boating
Boating opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, and motorized options. Boat ramps and docks are provided for easy access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as a key attraction, with elk and bison prairies located nearby.Beach activities
Beach activities include sunbathing and swimming. Beaches are noted for their cleanliness.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby attractions include the Janice Mason Art Museum and interpretive programs at the Land Between the Lakes. This makes the park culturally enriching.Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, and paddle boating are available on the park lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent pest infestation.
- Quiet hours unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsUnlevel campsite surfaces and nearby tornado risks noted by users. Electrical hookups may require extension cords.
Active alertsPast issues include fallen trees causing power outages and tornadoes.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services available within 10 miles, including a hospital and first aid stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season weekends require longer stays; exact dates unspecified.
Trash and recyclingA recycling station is available on-site, but no specific details about trash pickup schedules are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Lake Barkley; boating and fishing opportunities available.
Common complaintsComplaints include unlevel and narrow campsites, distance of electrical posts, and poorly maintained bathhouses.
HostCamp hosts are described as helpful. 'Camp host went above and beyond,' according to a user.
Campground Map
P.O.BOX 790, Frankfurt, Kentucky, 42211, United States
Driving directionsLake Barkley State Resort Park is located eight miles west of Cadiz on U.S. Highway 68. Exit 65 off I-24 onto U.S. Highway 68, head West 15 miles to the entrance of the park.
Roads are black top but uneven, requiring careful navigation. Nearby Interstate 24 provides direct access via U.S. Highway 68.Nearby places
Cadiz (8 miles), Frankfurt (null), other nearby towns not specified
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores and fuel stations available within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Barkley State Resort Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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...
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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.
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.
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or pet-related experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025