Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp Introduce
Welcome to Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp, your ideal destination for an authentic and refreshing outdoor experience right here in Kentucky. Located in the charming area of Benton, our campground is a fantastic spot for those who love the water and the peace of nature. Smith Bay isn't just a place to stay; it's a gateway to enjoying the expansive beauty of Kentucky Lake, offering direct access for all your boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming adventures. We understand that a truly great outdoor escape combines stunning natural views with essential amenities, and that's exactly what you'll find here. Whether you're planning a quiet picnic with a view, a lively family camping trip, or a serene fishing excursion, Smith Bay provides the perfect backdrop.
Our focus at Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp is to provide a welcoming and functional space that allows you to connect with nature on your own terms. As a self-service facility, we offer a streamlined approach to camping, giving you the freedom to settle in and start enjoying the outdoors quickly. We take pride in maintaining a clean and accessible environment where everyone, including families and their furry friends, can feel comfortable and safe. We believe this campground is a true asset for Kentuckians, offering a convenient and beautiful location to make lasting memories by the lake.
Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp is situated on Smith Bay Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA. This exceptional location places our campground directly on Smith Bay, an arm of the magnificent Kentucky Lake. Being positioned within the broader Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, our site offers unparalleled access to one of the region's most popular bodies of water. This means campers are just steps away from the lake, providing immediate opportunities for a wide range of water-based activities and breathtaking views.
Accessibility to Smith Bay is straightforward, making it an easy drive for residents across Kentucky. Whether you're coming from nearby communities like Paducah or Murray, or venturing from further afield, the journey to Benton is well-mapped and easily navigated. The local roads leading to our campground, including Smith Bay Rd, are generally well-maintained, ensuring smooth travel for vehicles of all sizes, including those towing boats or RVs. As a self-service campground, you'll find clear instructions upon arrival for selecting your site and settling in, making the process efficient for spontaneous trips. This ease of access, combined with our prime lakeside location, means more time enjoying the beautiful views and recreational opportunities that Smith Bay offers, and less time worrying about the logistics of your journey.
At Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp, we provide essential services and facilities designed to support a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. While it's a self-service campground, we ensure that fundamental amenities are in place for your convenience.
- Designated Campsite Pads: Clear and defined areas for setting up your tent or parking your RV, designed for ease of use.
- Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings.
- Grills/Fire Rings: Designated spots for cooking over an open flame or enjoying a campfire under the stars.
- Boat Ramp: A key feature, providing direct and easy access to Smith Bay and Kentucky Lake for launching and retrieving boats.
- Lake Access: Ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and bank fishing directly from the campground area.
- Single Toilet House / Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available to serve campers' needs.
- Trash Pickup/Dumpsters: Facilities for proper waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean and tidy.
- Pet-Friendly: We welcome well-behaved pets, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Please ensure they are leashed and cleaned up after.
Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp stands out for several key features and highlights that make it a truly appealing choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts in Kentucky. These attributes contribute to a memorable and highly enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- Direct Lake Access: The most significant highlight is the immediate access to Kentucky Lake via Smith Bay. This is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering effortless entry for boats, kayaks, and canoes.
- Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Kentucky Lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish. Campers can enjoy fantastic fishing directly from the shoreline or by launching their boats from the on-site ramp.
- Beautiful Scenic Views: As noted by many visitors, the views of Smith Bay are consistently described as "beautiful." The picturesque natural surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for relaxation and photography.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Smith Bay is highlighted as a "Great place for kids," indicating a welcoming atmosphere where families can enjoy the outdoors together, from swimming to exploring.
- Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Customers have praised it as a "Great place to have a quiet picnic," underscoring its tranquil setting ideal for those seeking a serene escape from noise and crowds.
- Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground is welcoming to pets, allowing Kentucky families to bring their beloved animals along for their outdoor adventures.
- Self-Service Convenience: The self-service model offers flexibility, allowing campers to arrive and settle in without extensive check-in procedures, catering to spontaneous trips.
- Ideal for Picnics: Beyond camping, the area is highly recommended for day-use picnics, with scenic spots that invite visitors to simply enjoy the view and fresh air.
For all inquiries or to learn more about Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp, please feel free to contact us:
Address: Smith Bay Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA
Phone: (270) 924-2000
Mobile Phone: +1 270-924-2000
While it's a self-service campground, these contact numbers are typically available for general information or in case of any urgent needs. We encourage you to utilize these details to plan your visit to Smith Bay!
For our valued locals across Kentucky, Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp stands out as an exceptional and easily accessible outdoor haven. We understand that Kentuckians appreciate convenient opportunities to enjoy our state’s incredible natural beauty, and Smith Bay perfectly fits this need. Its location in Benton, nestled directly on Kentucky Lake, means you don't have to embark on a long journey to find a truly immersive camping and water recreation experience. This proximity makes it an ideal spot for quick weekend getaways, impromptu fishing trips, or even just a serene day out with the family for a picnic by the water.
The "self-service" aspect provides flexibility, allowing you to arrive and set up camp at your convenience, which is a significant advantage for busy schedules. As reviewed by real customers, the access to the lake for boats, kayaking, swimming, and fishing is a major draw, ensuring there's always something to do for water enthusiasts. The "beautiful views" and "quiet picnic" spots are perfect for those simply looking to unwind and soak in the peaceful surroundings without venturing far from home. Being "pet friendly" and a "great place for kids" further solidifies its appeal as a family-oriented destination, fostering outdoor memories for all ages. Choosing Smith Bay means supporting a local recreational area that enhances the quality of life for Kentucky residents by providing a beautiful, functional, and accessible gateway to the great outdoors right in our own backyard.
Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp Photos









Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp Location
Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp
Smith Bay Rd, Benton, KY 42025, USA
Smith Bay Self-Service Campground & Boat Ramp Reviews
Great camping area! Has access to the lake for boats,kayaking ,swimming,fishing.the views are beautiful. Has a single toilet house. Pet friendly. Great place for kids.
Aug 14, 2024 · sunshinegirl42071Great place to have a quiet picnic with a great view of Smith Bay. It also has a great camping area.
Aug 14, 2022 · Brandon DoomBeautiful campsite although it could be a little busy at times.
Aug 15, 2023 · Charles B. (:D)- Mar 30, 2025 · Andy Mayfair
- Jul 21, 2023 · Eric Nichols
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