Hillman Ferry Campground in Kentucky on map
Hillman Ferry Campground
This large campground with many amenities offers something for everyone.
At the northern end of Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is Hillman Ferry. This is a big campground—369 campsites! It takes a few miles of driving to see them all. All the campsites are first come, first served. Determined campers will find a site at this campground that offers something for nearly everyone.
Pass the campground gatehouse, operated by friendly folk here to help. Turn right and enter Area A. This area has 75 mostly shaded campsites and is open April through August. The first 20 sites offer electricity and water; these get grabbed up quickly. The next sites are basic leveled sites beneath hardwoods. More sites surround a modern bathhouse. Beyond the bathhouse are many campsites overlooking a cove of Kentucky Lake. These lakeside sites are scenic but will not be quiet during summer, as they look out on the campground's swim beach and volleyball court. These sites would be good for families with children. A boat ramp with courtesy dock is also in this cove. The campground road continues around the cove and climbs a hill. These hilltop sites have been renovated and offer great lake views but require campers to haul their gear a bit up or down to the campsite. Boaters like them because they can pull their boats to the shoreline adjacent to the lower campsites.
Area B, with 68 sites, opens May 1 yearly. The spur roads overlay very hilly terrain. I was surprised to see RVs here on the 13 electric sites. Many of the sites overlook a different cove of Kentucky Lake than Area A; most are smaller and on steep hills, so they attract more tent campers. Some sites have been leveled, some not. A bathhouse stands on this hilltop, along a spur road with campsites that do not have a lake view. A dock and boat ramp make fishing convenient for anglers. A fish-cleaning station also attracts anglers to this area.
Area T, with 50 campsites, is landlocked. It fills first since it has water, electric, and sewer sites. Senior campers prefer this tight-knit series of concentric loops beneath the pines with a grassy understory. A shower and bathroom are in the center of the loops.
Area D, with 62 electric and water sites, goes fast too. Its sites are heavily shaded but are also small and cramped. There is nothing but pavement and gravel beneath the trees. Get friendly with your neighbors here, as you will be seeing a lot of them.
Area C, with 114 campsites, is more appealing. The sites offer more space beneath the widespread oaks and cedars. Most sites offer water and electricity. Seventeen sites have water, electricity, and sewers. The many lakeside sites go first; the sites farthest from the lake are basic. Some overlook Dodds Creek, which flows into Kentucky Lake. Others are on a hillside and will be used by tent campers. A newer bathhouse is centered in the loop.
The campground attracts active family campers, anglers, retirees, and folks riding mountain bikes. Hillman Ferry can fill on nice summer weekends, but summer weekdays will see sites available. The more developed the site, the sooner it will fill. Hillman Ferry attracts more RVs than anything, though tents and pop-ups are well represented.
Activities are nearly limitless. In summer, the forest service has on-site naturalists offering outdoor programs to keep kids busy. A campground swim beach offers watery fun for the younger set. Adults make their own fun. Many will be using the two campground ramps to launch their boats in search of fish on Kentucky Lake. And others will be water-skiing or on personal watercraft.
A softball field, archery range, and game court offer outdoor recreation on land. The area trails will appeal to still others. The Kentucky Heritage Trail is a mountain-biking path that starts at the campground gatehouse and makes mini-loops on a peninsula overlooking Kentucky Lake. Other interconnected paved trails leave the campground from Area T. The North End Hike/Bike Paved Trail leaves from the campground entrance road and heads 1.5 miles to the North Welcome Station. The North-South Trail is also open to hikers and mountain bikers, offering loop possibilities. The Canal Loop Trail offers 14 more miles of pathways for hikers and bikers.
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. The Hillman Ferry Outpost rents mountain and cruiser bikes and camping equipment. They also have limited food oriented toward campers, such as hot dog buns, coffee, and convenience items. Soft-drink machines are also at the campground. Ice, firewood, and tick repellent can be purchased at the gatehouse. The folks at the gatehouse can also help you with any questions you may have—and you're likely to have some at such a big campground.
Getting on Hillman Ferry Campground
From Exit 31 on I-24 near Lake City, head south on KY 453 to reach the Land Between the Lakes North Welcome Station. From the North Welcome Station, head south on The Trace for 1.5 miles to FS 110. Turn right on FS 110 and follow it to dead-end at the campground entrance station.
GPS COORDINATES N36° 56.785' W88° 10.887
Key information about Hillman Ferry Campground
ADDRESS: 820 Hillman Ferry Rd., Grand Rivers, KY 42045
OPERATED BY: U.S. Forest Service
CONTACT: 800-LB L-7077; campground phone: 270-362-8230; landbetweenthelakes . us; reservations: 800-525-7077, usedirect . com/ CampLBL
OPEN: March-November
SITES: 97 basic; 45 electric;
155 electric and water; 72 electric,
water, and sewer
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire grate; some have lantern posts
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground gatehouse
FACILITIES: Hot showers, water spigots, camp store, laundry
PARKING: At campsites only
FEE: $12 basic; $22-32 electric; $34-40 electric, water, and sewer
ELEVATION: 360 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Hillman Ferry Campground
¦ Pets: On leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: At campsites only
¦ Vehicles: All motor-vehicle operators must have valid license
¦ Other: 21-day stay limit
