Canal

Show on map270-362-4840
Lake Managers office, P.O. Box 218
GRAND RIVERS, KY 42045-0218

Overview

Situated along a peninsula between the lush shorelines of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers modern camping and provides the ideal setting to enjoy nature at its best with family and friends.

Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the Barkley Dam and boats traveling through the canal from the comfort of their campsite. The campground faces Barkley Lake, and the shore of Kentucky Lake is a brisk one-mile walk across the canal.

Recreation

From water sports to wildlife viewing to hiking and biking, Canal Campground is the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Eagle nests can be spotted throughout the grounds, and its not unlikely for visitors to encounter deer and other wildlife. A short hiking trail allows campers to enjoy the outdoor scenery at their leisure.

Fishing is also a popular pastime, and during warm months bass and catfish are plentiful in both lakes.

Facilities

A designated swimming beach and a boat ramp help campers enjoy the lake. Picnic pavilions and a playground create a perfect setting for a party or family get-together. For group camping, several sites surrounding the pavilion can be reserved, and a fishing float nearby allows groups to go out on the lake together.



Electric hook-ups, showers and flush restrooms create a comfortable camping experience.

Natural Features

Lake Barkley, as part of a dam project at the Cumberland River, spans 134 miles along the Kentucky landscape, offering countless recreational activities to visitors. The canal connects Lake Barley with Kentucky Lake, forming one of the greatest freshwater recreational complexes in the country.

Nearby Attractions

Grand Rivers, a short drive from the campground, has several restaurants and two public marinas.

Camp site features

Across 115 camp sites:

  • Electric hookups: 114 of 115 sites
  • Water hookups: 114 of 115 sites
  • Sewer hookups: 17 of 115 sites
  • Fire pit: 1 of 115 sites
  • Picnic table: 113 of 115 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 115 sites
  • ADA accessible: 22 of 115 sites
  • Group sites: 1 of 115 sites
  • Longest RV: 99 ft
  • Largest party: 64 people
  • Power up to 50 amps
  • Equipment: CAR, FIFTH WHEEL, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, RV/MOTORHOME, Tent, Trailer

Directions

Physical Address: 1010 Canal Campground Road, Grand Rivers, KY 42045. From Interstate I-24, take Grand Rivers Exit 31. Drive south on Highway 453 for approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto J.H. O'Bryan Avenue for .1 miles. Turn right onto Canal Campground Road for .5 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

1,194 reviews
5 stars
844
4 stars
242
3 stars
68
2 stars
25
1 stars
15
Kimberly K
Loop:Hill
Site:
Reviewed 7 days ago
We stayed on site 78 that backs up to the water. We enjoyed our one-night stay at Canal Campground. The place was clean and quiet.
HAROLD M
Loop:Hill
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
Our last stay of the year was almost perfect, the weather was perfect, mid 70s, spot great, and plenty of nice neighbors we met was great! Didn’t even fish this time but got plenty of exercise in with our Golden Retriever, Oliver! Looking forward to next season!
Tony P
Loop:Cana
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
What a beautiful and nice place!The campground host was very friendly and helpful.
Jane G
Loop:Hill
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
The staff, especially Cindy, are the best at Canal Campground in Kentucky!!!!
wesley J
Loop:Brpt
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
clean, quiet campground
John E
Loop:Hill
Site:
Reviewed 9 days ago
A wonderful place to stay. A very beautiful lake front campsite. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Mar 26, 2027 – Oct 24, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Mar 27, 2028 – Oct 25, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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