NF Campground Rating – Hillman Ferry (Land Between the Lakes, KY)

September 19, 2010 by libertatemamo 5 Comments

1. Site Quality = 4.5/5
   We really liked the sites here. The campground is huge (over 400 sites), and I’d say there were very few that weren’t decent. Sites are hard gravel, large, very level and with fire-pit and picnic bench. They are well rated (size-wise) so if you reserve a site for your rig size you should have no problem fitting in. There’s a selection of full hook-ups, electric/water, electric only and primitive, and you can choose from heavy forest (in T-section) down to waterfront (in C-section) either with or without shade.
2. Facilities = 4.5/5
   Nice facilities here. There’s flush toilets and individual (very large) shower stalls with good water pressure. There’s also a laundry machine in each shower area. The campground has lake access all along the shore with boat-ramps, fishing and a designated swim-beach in section A. Also, several playground and picnic areas. Central dump station (albeit with an odd, sharp right-hand turn to get in).
3. Location = 5/5
   You can’t really beat the location here. Land Between the Lakes is a huge  recreation area with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, biking, lake access, and water sports. There’s a large Nature Station, a historical working 19th century farm, a planetarium and even a Bison & Elk range. You’re also within 4 miles of Grand River which has a small grocery and a good restaurant (Patti’s).
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Great doggie play-area. Lots of space to hike and hang out in the campground, plus water access around the lake.

Overall Rating = 4.75
BONUS ALERT = Lake views, hiking, swimming and outdoor beauty all at your doorstep!  

Summary: When we arrived at this campground we immediately decided to stay longer than planned, it was that good. Land Between the Lakes is a huge (170,000-acre) recreation area set beautifully between Kentucky and Barkley Lake. The area has several large campgrounds, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails and every type of outdoor activity you could imagine. Hillman Ferry is located on the North End, has over 400 sites and is by far the most developed National Forest campground we’ve ever seen.  The sites are nice, level, large hard gravel pads and there’s a complete selection from full hook-up to primitive, heavily wooded to fully open lake-view. By far the prettiest (in our opinion) sites are the water-front ones in Section C1 and C2, although all the sites are decent. A portion of the sites are auctioned off for the season each year (and occupied by long-term campers) but the prime sites are kept open and reservable. The area is fairly quiet during the week, but does tend to fill-up in the week-end so book ahead if you want a lake view. We spent some lovely days here watching the sunset over the lake, hiking and playing in the water w/ Polly. A definite keeper!  

 Extra Info:  Both AT&T phones and Verizon wireless worked. Full selection of reservable sites from primitive to full hook-up (book well ahead for lake views). Sites are $23/night for electric/water. Central dump and potable water. Laundry.