Kendall Campground in Kentucky on map
Kendall Campground
This riverside campground has recreational opportunities aplenty.
After passing through the Wolf Creek Dam in Russell County, the Cumberland River turns south through Cumberland and Monroe Counties before crossing into Tennessee. This tailwater was created in 1952 with the completion of Wolf Creek Dam. Kendall Recreation Area, complete with a great campground, was built in the flat below the dam. Above the dam is massive Lake Cumberland. Interestingly, the water discharging from the dam averages 52°F.
This campground has an unusual configuration but is nice nonetheless. Drop steeply off Wolf Creek Dam to enter a large flat. The Cumberland River
emerges from the bottom of the dam and curves around the recreation area. The campground, which lies near the river, has one big loop and two smaller concentric loops. Because it was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, it is first-rate and in great shape. The big loop contains campsites 1-41, large, shady sites that are spread far apart from one another. Brush grows between them, making for even greater privacy, and tall trees grow overhead. The loop circles around and passes steps leading to the river. Some of the sites back up to a creek coming out of the nearby fish hatchery. The large sites continue, most of which are great. But you will be mixed in with RVs, as they like these spacious sites too.
The area with the small concentric loops, which contains sites 42-77, is good but not as good as the big loop. The sites here are in great condition, just a little too close together, especially sites 53-65 beside the middle road. I recommend the first loop over this one; still, these sites aren't bad.
An additional loop, known as the Kendall Annex, has been constructed along the Cumberland River. Located on the far side of Hatchery Creek from the main campground, Kendall Annex contains campsites 78-112. Well-constructed with large gravel pads, most sites are riverside. Planted trees still have a ways to go, but the Kendall Annex is certainly an asset to the tent-camping experience. It has its own bathhouse. Two bathhouses serve the main campground. Reservations are recommended in summer, the most popular time here. A camp host stays on-site and mans the entrance station.
Kendall lives up to its name as a recreation area. And I like the fact that the campground is close to all the available activities. Canoeists can delight in paddling the Cumberland River; coming cool and clear out of Wolf Creek Dam, it's runnable here all year. Flow from the dam dictates river speed. Averaging 200-400 feet wide, the river offers easy access, and there are few dangers. Trips of varied lengths are easily made with numerous access points, including one downstream on KY 379. The river flows through beautiful, steep woodland and farm country. Wind and a few boats are the only hazards to navigation. Be aware that flow rates can vary with the dam's release schedule. To get it, call the Wolf Creek Dam Hotline at 800-238-2264 (press 4, then 34). A basketball court and playground are also part of the recreational mix. Plus, a hiking and bicycling trail leaves from the campground near site 68. The level campground roads and other roads in the flat below are great for bicycling as well. Fishermen love to walk over to the river and toss in a line for trout, which are stocked from the nearby Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, which is worth touring. You can also fish in the creek that flows out of the hatchery. And, if you get tired of the moving water down here, you can also head upstream from the dam and enjoy huge Lake Cumberland for still-water activities. A boat ramp is just across the dam at Holcomb's Landing. When you come here, be happy they built Wolf Creek Dam because now you can enjoy Kendall Recreation Area.
Key Information about Kendall Campground
ADDRESS: 80 Kendall Rd., Jamestown, KY 42629
OPERATED BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CONTACT: 270-343-4660, www. lrn. usace. army .mil; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica . com
OPEN: Late March-November
SITES: 116
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, lantern post, tent pad, fire ring, water, electricity
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets PARKING: At campsites only FEE: $20
ELEVATION: 590 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Kendall Campground
¦ Pets: On leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: Prohibited
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit in a 30-day period
Getting to Kendall Campground
From Jamestown, take US 127 South to Wolf Creek Dam. Look for the right-hand turn on the north side of the dam that leads down to the recreation area.
GPS COORDINATES N36° 52.233 W85° 9.102'
