Pike Ridge Campground in Kentucky on map
Pike Ridge Campground
Water is everywhere at this campground on the shores of Green River Lake.
Green River Lake is, just like the river it impounds, green. And it is backed by wooded green hills and tan rock bluffs. Pike Ridge Campground, one of the Army Corps of Engineer's newer campgrounds, lies at a point on the lake's edge, commanding a wide view of the surrounding land and water. The Corps impounded this lake in 1969 to control flooding on the Green River. Recreation is an added benefit of this effort. Come to Pike Ridge, and you will appreciate the benefits of recreating along these scenic shores.
Pike Ridge Campground is on the Robinson Creek Arm of Green River Lake. Pass the entrance station and near the campground boat ramp. The main campground road is located here. The sites here, 1-19, have water and electricity. Trees planted by the Corps shade the grassy area. Rocks have been placed on the shoreline to prevent erosion. All the sites overlook the water and are ideal for water lovers. Campsite spaciousness is average. At the end of the road on a small cove is the swim beach, a safe swimming area for little campers. A small loop with campsites 20-27 is the least desirable. It has little shade and only two water-access sites. The bigger loop, with 26 sites, is more appealing. Pass a comfort station and come to the campsites, which are widespread and spacious. Begin a string of waterfront sites, starting with 31 and running through 40; these have limited shade. Boats pull up directly to the sites. The situation is the opposite at the back of the loop. Here, sites 44-53 are cut into thick woods and have superlative shade and high privacy, but they are not lakeside. I would take these sites during very hot weather, as the lake is just a short walk away. Turn away from the lake and pass five sites, 56-60, near the entrance station. These are the least popular but good for campers who want peace and quiet.
All sites are reservable, so there's no need to worry about getting shut out on summer holiday weekends. A full-time campground attendant provides a safer, more enjoyable trip. Just before you enter the recreation area, there is a small store that sells firewood and limited supplies.
Most folks visiting Pike Ridge come for the lake access. A boat ramp makes getting on the water very easy. Many boaters like to fish, and Green River Lake is one of the premier muskellunge fisheries in Kentucky. This fish, commonly known as the muskie, can grow in excess of three feet. More commonly sought after and caught are smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and bream. All campers can walk to the swim beach, though a few campers are literally just a few feet away. The clear, green waters are an alluring force for getting wet. So is a hot Kentucky summer day. During cooler times, consider the nearby Pike Ridge Trail. Drive a half mile back toward town, and you will see a large parking area on the right. The trail begins beyond the gate and extends for several miles along Pike Ridge, which divides the Robinson Creek and Green River arms of the lake. Mountain bikers will enjoy the trek as well. Return the way you came. Once you come to Pike Ridge, you will return here to camp, as well as hike, fish, swim, and boat.
Key Information about Pike Ridge Campground
ADDRESS: 4725 Pike Ridge Rd., Columbia, KY 42728
OPERATED BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CONTACT: 270-465-6488, www. lrl. usace. army. mil; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica . com
OPEN: Mid-May-third Sunday in September
SITES: 60
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire grate, lantern post; 20 sites with water and electricity
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station
FACILITIES: Hot showers, water spigots, flush toilets
PARKING: At campsites only
FEE: $15 standard, $21 electric
ELEVATION: 675 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Pike Ridge Campground
¦ Pets: On 6-foot leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: At campsites only
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit
Getting to Pike Ridge Campground
From downtown Campbellsville, take KY 70 East 4.2 miles to KY 76. Turn right on KY 76, and follow it 4.6 miles to Pike Ridge Road. Turn right on Pike Ridge Road and follow it 5.5 miles to dead-end at the campground.
GPS COORDINATES N37° 15.87' W85° 18.09'
