"*Camping*" because we'll be in a travel trailer instead of a tent (real campers sleep in tents). Too old to be a real camper

We've never been to The Land Between the Lakes KY and I was wondering if anyone here has some special places to see and/or places to avoid.

It looks interesting on paper and the net and it's not too far a trip for our first time in the trailer.
We won't go until after Labor Day - Way less crowded

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In dog years I'm dead.

I did not camp there but we rented a house on one of the lakes for a big family reunion.

Lets just say I was not at all impressed with the area. I will not go into it more just I can think of many other areas I would like to go. If you do not have a boat or canoe then I see no reason to go there.

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Still Running Against the Wind

We were last there in 2000. The area is not as well-developed as we had hoped. The best deal around is the lodge at Ky. Lake State Park. We looked for things to do, but there just wasn't much in the way of attractions. They had what was remaining of a factory outlet shopping center. However, the only place I had any interest in was the Case Factory Knife store. I picked up a nice Bowie with a red sambar stag grip.

There were a lot of homes for sale in the area. There isn't a lot of industry in the area. The LBL area was great to visit. We had bison come right up to the vehicle, and saw a lot of deer and elk bedded down.

We also traveled to Reel Foot Lake, and to Union City, in Tennessee. RFL is a beautiful, and still fairly primitive area. At Union City, we visited Dixie Gun Works, and I bought a new muzzle loader, and visited the antique car museum.

If you like it quiet, that's the place.

PS - My wife and I also visited the area around Eddyville, where my father was raised. His grandfather was a captain of guards at the prison, and his father was a maintenance engineer.

I'm afraid that whole area has been a victim of the economy for at least the last 30 years. What little industry was there is long gone. No jobs, no money, people left. About all that's left is the lake itself, tourists and the fishing. very sad.
But there is some mighty pretty country up that way if you like that sort of thing.

the best time to go is when the leaves are turning in the fall. the bison and elk area is neat to drive thru. I think it is 4 or 5 bucks per vehicle. if it is very warm, the elk are out of sight in the shade or standing in the ponds. up at the north end there is a restaurant called Patty's that has 1 1/2" thick pork chops that are to die for. enjoy. lee

Around LBL - two of the four rivers. The other two ar Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

I live within 15 miles of LBL. Do not camp so cannot comment on any of their campgrounds. EXCEPT - IF YOU WANT IT BRING IT. There are NO commercial sales in LBL. Minor exception –there is a gift shop at Golden Pond Visitors Center.



South entrance (Dover TN) small limited shopping area.
Likely would be coming past/through Clarksville - more choices for last minute shopping and Adult Beverages. Several pawn shops along Fort Campbell Blvd.

East entrance (Cadiz KY) small town limited shopping area. Some antique stores. Large boat dealer just before crossing the bridge into LBL.


North entrance (Grand Rivers) very small city - very limited shopping. That outlet mall is/was in Eddyville. Mostly empty spaces in last few years. Just to add confusion there is Eddyville (the new Eddyville) and Old Eddyville. Much of Old Eddyville is now under Lake Barkley. There is a nice museum and a visually interesting state prison (Castle on the Cumberland).

West entrance (Aurora KY) DRY county. Very limited shopping. Less than 20 miles to Murray or Benton (after you cross the bridge.) 4 Lane all the way to Murray (Hwy 80). Two lane to Benton. Murray has largest selection for shopping near LBL, with the exception of Paducah. Both Murray and Paducah offer Adult Beverages.

I mention Adult Beverages because some surrounding areas are officially DRY.

I see the mention of Patti’s for dining. Three comments – reservation are usually needed – plan to breathe a LOT you are paying for atmosphere - lots of stuff to look at outdoors. Brass Lantern in Aurora is another for good dining.

For a day trip outing – there is Amish community to the north - (Marion KY) . If you stay on the road and go past Marion you can take a FREE ferry to Cave in Rock IL. ( IIRC Marion groceries are big contributors to the operating costs. KY has NO sales tax on groceries – Illinois taxes groceries – hint.)

You can me PM with questions.

Bekeart

Update - Dining/Viewing Recomendation - East side of lakes - Lake Barkley State Resort - The dining room is fantastic - HUGH wooden beams create a very tall open area – worth a look even if you don’t dine. Late afternoon I often see deer grazing along the entrance road.