Kenlake Campground: Your Kentucky Lake Getaway in Benton, KY

Kenlake Campground Introduce

Welcome to Kenlake Campground, a scenic and established camping destination within Kenlake State Resort Park in Benton, Kentucky. For Kentuckians eager to embrace the beauty of Kentucky Lake and the vast recreational opportunities of the Land Between the Lakes area, Kenlake Campground offers a convenient and picturesque basecamp. While it presents some classic state park charm, it's important to understand its unique characteristics to best enjoy your stay. Whether you're planning a fishing trip, a family outing, or a serene retreat into nature, Kenlake Campground provides a gateway to some of the best outdoor experiences Kentucky has to offer.

We understand that choosing the right campground involves balancing location, amenities, and personal preferences. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Kenlake Campground. We'll delve into its advantageous location, the services it provides, and the key features that define its appeal, especially from the perspective of local users. While some past reviews highlight areas that could benefit from updates, it's also clear that the stunning natural setting and prime access to Kentucky Lake make it a beloved spot for many. Get ready to explore why Kenlake Campground remains a popular choice for Kentucky adventurers.

Kenlake Campground is ideally situated within Kenlake State Resort Park, located at Park Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA. This prime address places it on the mid-west shore of Kentucky Lake, a sprawling freshwater lake known for its excellent fishing, boating, and scenic beauty. Its location is a significant draw, being "just across the bridge" from the northern entrance of the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. This massive 170,000-acre peninsula offers an unparalleled array of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to wildlife viewing.

Accessibility to Kenlake Campground is generally straightforward. The park is well-marked and reachable via state highways, making it convenient for visitors traveling from various parts of Kentucky and beyond. For RVs, the roads within the park are typically navigable, though some internal roads and site approaches may require careful maneuvering due to varying site sizes and terrain. The proximity to Benton provides easy access to local towns for supplies, gas, and other necessities, ensuring that campers are well-equipped for their stay. This blend of natural seclusion and practical accessibility makes Kenlake Campground a well-positioned hub for exploring both Kentucky Lake and the vast wilderness of the Land Between the Lakes, including popular attractions like the Elk & Bison Prairie and the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm.

Kenlake Campground, as part of a Kentucky State Resort Park, offers a range of essential services and amenities designed to support a comfortable camping experience, though some facilities may show signs of age, as noted in customer feedback.

Utility Hookups: Most campsites are equipped with utility hookups, including electric (20/30/50 amp service) and water connections. However, some sites may have connections "far away," requiring campers to bring extra-long hoses and extension cords.
Dump Station: A central dump station is available for RV and trailer waste disposal.
Bathhouses: Service buildings with showers and restrooms are provided. While generally functional, reviews indicate that these facilities may be "decent" but could benefit from upgrades, with issues like limited working showers for a full campground (e.g., only "Two showers for women isn't enough").
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
Lodge and Restaurant Access: As part of Kenlake State Resort Park, campers have access to the park's lodge, which may include dining options (like the "Burger Barn" at Kenlake Marina) and other facilities.
Swimming Pool: A seasonal outdoor pool is available for guest use, located behind the lodge, providing a refreshing option during warmer months.
Marina and Boat Ramp: Kenlake Marina offers boat slips, a three-lane boat launch, and is easily accessible for those wishing to enjoy Kentucky Lake.
Playground: A dedicated playground area is typically available for younger campers.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them.

Kenlake Campground's appeal lies in its unique features and the natural beauty that surrounds it, offering a classic Kentucky camping experience despite some challenges mentioned in past reviews.

Prime Kentucky Lake Views: Many campsites offer "nice view of the lake," with some being particularly desirable for their picturesque vistas. Sites like #65 and #66 are noted for having "a lake view and are more spacious."
Proximity to Land Between the Lakes (LBL): Being "just across the bridge" from LBL is a major highlight, providing unparalleled access to attractions like the "Bison and Elk Prairie" and "The Homeplace 1850s farm," as well as extensive hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Abundant Wildlife: The natural setting within a state park and adjacent to LBL means excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Varied Site Characteristics: While some sites are "small" and "close together," others offer more space. Campers are advised to "Pay close attention to site length when booking" to ensure their rig fits.
Shade from Large Trees: Many campsites benefit from "large trees provide nice shade," offering comfort during sunny days.
Boating and Fishing Opportunities: Direct access to Kentucky Lake through the nearby marina makes it a fantastic spot for anglers targeting bass, catfish, crappie, and red ear, or for general recreational boating.
Renovations Underway: It's important to note that Kenlake State Resort Park Campground is undergoing a significant $9.3 million renovation project. This includes plans for 63 full-service campsites, six camper cabins with lake views, and a new 2,000-square-foot bathhouse, aiming to enhance the overall camping experience. This addresses some of the concerns noted in older reviews about maintenance.

For reservations, inquiries, or to get the most up-to-date information on Kenlake Campground, including details on current renovations and site availability, please use the contact information for Kenlake State Resort Park.

Address: Park Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA (Note: Official park address is sometimes listed as 542 Kenlake Rd, Hardin, KY 42048, and GPS coordinates are 36.7651952, -88.1441652. Confirm with the park directly if navigating.)
Phone: (270) 474-2211
Mobile Phone: +1 270-474-2211

For locals in Kentucky, Kenlake Campground at Kenlake State Resort Park offers a quintessential Bluegrass State camping experience. Despite past concerns about site sizes and bathhouse conditions, the ongoing $9.3 million renovation project indicates a strong commitment from the State of Kentucky to upgrade and improve these facilities, aiming to address these very issues. This investment means that Kentuckians can anticipate an even more comfortable and modern camping experience in the near future.

Its unparalleled location on Kentucky Lake, with direct access to fishing, boating, and the extensive recreational opportunities of Land Between the Lakes (including the Elk & Bison Prairie just minutes away), makes it an ideal spot for any outdoor enthusiast. The "nice view of the lake" from many sites provides a serene backdrop for your stay. For families, the presence of a pool and proximity to LBL attractions ensures there's "lots to do." While it's always wise to "Pay close attention to site length when booking," the beauty of the location and the dedication to improvement make Kenlake Campground a valuable and evolving asset for Kentucky residents seeking a memorable lakeside getaway close to home.

For a visual walkthrough of the campground, you can check out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MK2pwfb7dY).

Kenlake Campground Photos

Kenlake Campground Location

Kenlake Campground

Kentucky Marshall County Benton Park Road

Park Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA

Kenlake Campground Reviews

We had site #66, nice view of the lake! Site is really small and it drops off on the three sides. Our trailer is 16 foot and our vehicle had to be parked side ways in front to get it in our site. Water and electric are far away. We had an extension cord, but had to run to Dollar General to buy another hose. Love the location! Just across the bridge is Land Between the Lakes and minutes from the Bison and Elk Prairie. Check out the Home place to the south in Land Between the Lakes. The bathrooms were decent but they are at the top of the hill from us, so we didn't use the showers. Only 3 showers but one was out of order. Two showers for women isn't enough for a full campground. . Over all, the majority of sites are close together and little. Pay close attention to site length when booking. #65 is my favorite, then #66. They both have a lake view and are more spacious.
Jul 03, 2022 · Tanya Taillon
If you like clean , we’ll maintained places , this is NOT for you. The sites are small, not very level and the bathrooms need work. The electric and water are often pretty far from the pad and you might need extension chords and longer hoses. The State of KY should give more money to these parks to help maintain them .
Oct 26, 2023 · Janet Crane
Our trip was a 15 year wedding anniversary. We stayed at one of the cabins, just as we did 15 years ago and they are still just as clean and well maintained now as they were then. All the staff were so friendly, helpful and gracious. As an added bonus we walked out early one of the mornings to a surprise visitor. HIGHLY recommend this park to all!
Jul 02, 2021 · Angela Fulton
Let me start by stating this review is with regards to Kenlake SRP Campgrounds. While my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 6 day, 5 night LBL vacation. As KY residents and taxpayers we were quite dismayed with the disregard by Kenlake SRP Campground staff and their overall regard for the safety and security of registered campers but also the lack of adequate cleaning of the campsites and especially the comfort station (shower house).From trash throughout our campsite upon arrival Sunday afternoon to the overflowing trash and feminine hygiene products receptacles, plugged toilets in the men's side to decaying doorways, unsantitized toilet seats, and filthy shower floors and window "screens" in the "comfort" station, our 6 day, 5 night stay at the Campgrounds was less than satisfactory. Throughout our stay, the comfort station was marginally cleaned only once.And then there's the question about accessibility, yes I realize it's a 50 year old campground which gives its campsites the serene beauty of mature hickories, oaks and maples, BUT as for accessibility at the comfort station there is none. In today's age of federal ADA compatibility by all public facilities, this is not acceptable.For myself, my mobility is less than ideal, but I'm still amblitory, but for those unable to navigate elevated curbs, high steps in and out of the shower stalls, narrow toilet stall walls and doors, Kenlake SRP Campground shower house is not compatiable for those needing accessible facilities.With regards to the safety of registered campers, with the exception of check-in, at no time in our comings and goings through the Campground entrance was our or any of our friends vehicles checked for proper registration tags. With 4 out of the six days, the gatehouse's window blinds drawn closed.On the 6th and final day of our reservation, when we pulled out to depart, I personally spoke with the gatehouse staff to voice my concerns, and was told "that's what happens when we stay full". FULL? During our entire stay, the most sites occupied were 10.
Sep 23, 2023 · DS Messenger
Electric hookup is more like 100 ft from camper, not 50 as described. Water hookup is just as far away.Beautiful view from our large deck at site 28. Site is very tight to get into.Apparently picnickers are allowed to frequent the campground— more people in and out in cars than campers.Closing next year for much needed renovations. During our visit, everything closed—porta potties.
Sep 23, 2024 · Linda Nowak