Kenlake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Kentucky
Kenlake State Park
covers 170,000 acres in the heart of one of the nation's finest regions for outdoor recreation. This state park is nestled in a nature lover's paradise with the fresh smell of water and a cool breeze from Kentucky Lake. There are well over 150 bird species that have been spotted at the park, including herons, gulls, egrets, and various waterfowl. When you vacation here, you'll be able to enjoy the mild year-round temperatures of southwestern Kentucky. Kenlake is 17 miles southeast of Benton, 16 miles northeast of Murray, and 11 miles east of Hardin.
Spring 30-81 F
Summer 58-92 F
Fall 32-83 F
Winter 23-52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kenlake State Park
If you decide to visit Kenlake State Park in an RV, you'll have the perfect home base. Your camper or motorhome will keep you comfortable and protect from the outdoor weather. Don't have an RV? Consider renting one from RVshare.com, where you can choose from top models and class sizes. All rentals come with 24/7 roadside assistance, nationwide insurance, and a dedicated team member ready to assist your RV requirements.
Lost Creek RV Park & Campground
Lost Creek RV Park & Campground is a quiet wooded location with nature and rustic trails. The campsites have plenty of room for large RVs to park for the night. You'll love that there's no need to cut any firewood as the campground does that for you. All the camping sites have a fire ring and picnic table.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Full bathhouse, boat ramp, and restrooms
Lakeside Campground and Marina
Lakeside Campground and Marina offers lakefront campsites that accommodate large RVs. Each camping site is supplied with a picnic table, and there are some fire rings spread throughout the grounds. The marina part of the campground offers boat and boat slip rentals at a reasonable price.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Swimming pool, game room, and playground
Aurora Oaks
This campground is located in Hardin just a few miles from the state park. While the small campground doesn't provide a huge scenic view, there are mature trees for shade and a friendly atmosphere throughout the site. All the camping sites have a fire pit and a picnic table. There is a volleyball net and playground area for youngsters to play.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, and swimming pool
What to Do at
Kenlake State Park
Inside Kenlake State Park
Kenlake State Park offers two nature trails through wooded terrain that are shared by hikers and bicyclists. You can either travel the trails separately or together to enjoy a longer-distance excursion. As you travel through the wooded terrain, you may see wild turkey, deer, and small game animals. On a hot, humid summer day, refresh yourself with an exhilarating swim in the pool, which is located behind the lodge. Other things to do in the park are boating, fishing, picnicking, playing tennis, and watching a concert at the amphitheater during events.
Outside Kenlake State Park
There are various things to do and see outside of Kenlake State Park. The multiple surrounding cities are filled with restaurants, shops, and other attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Several of these establishments are family-friendly, so you can be sure that your children will have a safe and excellent time.
Restaurants
The Pond Restaurant
The Pond Restaurant, which is about five minutes from the park, offers delicious, fresh homestyle meals in a relaxed and laid-back environment. They serve fresh-caught catfish, steak, chicken, and a variety of side dishes.
Type: Southern, American
Location: 16814 US Highway 68 East, Hardin, KY 42048
Four Seasons Restaurant
No matter if you crave breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can count on the Four Seasons Restaurant to serve up a delicious family-style meal. They're famous for their option to build your own omelets, catfish, and a variety of other American dishes. They even serve mouth-watering, tender, and juicy steak the way you like it.
Type: American
Location: 4264 Murray Highway, Hardin, KY 42048
Cindy's On the Barge
Cindy's On the Barge offers a relaxed dining experience on the water. You can either park your boat at the marina or drive up in your vehicle. The restaurant serves delicious meals and homemade desserts.
Type: American
Location: 888 Kenlake Marina Lane, Hardin, KY 42048
Dinner Bell Restaurant
Fill up on all-you-can-eat fish, chicken, and southern greens at the Dinner Bell Restaurant. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Type: American, Southern
Location: 13444 US Highway 68 East, Benton, KY 42025
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
Eat delicious Mexican dishes at this small-town restaurant, which is a short distance from the state park. Popular menu items include taco salads, fajitas, and enchiladas.
Type: Mexican
Location: 15927 US Highway 68, Benton, KY 42025
Shopping
Baits N More
This convenient little store has all the bait supplies you need for a day of fishing; plus, there are various snacks, drinks, and more to take along on your fishing excursion.
Location: 15663 US Highway-68 East, Hardin, KY 42048
The Hitching Post & Old Country Store
Slip back into the past at The Hitching Post & Old Country Store. The store has old-fashioned toys, vintage glass bottles, and a variety of other quality products.
Location: 16474 US Highway-68 East, Hardin, KY 42048
Parcell’s Marketplace & Gift Shop
Parcell’s Marketplace & Gift Shop has been the leading gift shop serving the area since 2004. You'll find collectibles, clothing, home décor, and various gift items.
Location: 165 US Highway 68 East, Benton, KY 42025
Walmart Supercenter
Restock your RV with fresh produce and meats at Walmart Supercenter. Other items sold here include clothing, baby items, fishing gear, home décor, and footwear.
Location: 310 West 5th Street, Benton, KY 42025
Kroger
Kroger is another grocery store option near the state park where you can purchase fresh foods, baked goods, and more.
Location: 808 North 12th Street, Murray, KY 42071
Sightseeing
Elk and Bison Prairie
For a small fee, you can maneuver your means of transportation through the fantastic native grassland habitat on the 3.5-mile paved loop road that circles the grounds at Elk and Bison Prairie. As you navigate through the 700-acre enclosure area, where elk and bison roam free, you'll get to observe the habitat that surrounds the wildlife. The park features a variety of wildlife species, including small mammals, wild turkey, and many songbirds.
Location: Elk & Bison Prairie Road, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory
Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory is situated at Land Between the Lakes in Golden Pond. During your visit, you will have an opportunity to view exciting images in the 40-foot dome of the theater while you learn about the universe.
Location: 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Kentucky Shores Family Fun Center
Kentucky Shores Family Fun Center offers plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy. On-site features include go-carts, two ziplines, paintballing with 100 rounds of ammo, and more.
Location: 6215 Highway 641 North, Gilbertsville, KY 42044
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
Currently, the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 9,500 acres and features one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forests in the region. The refuge protects, manages, and enhances this ecosystem and its viable population of wildlife. The area is perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Location: 9 US Highway 641, Benton, KY 42025
Adventure Park at Talon Falls
Adventure Park at Talon Falls is the perfect family-friendly destination for some fun. Some of the on-site features include a petting zoo, hayrides, barnyard sports, and the Talon Falls Express Train.
Location: 2932 Kentucky Highway 849, Melber, KY 42069
How to Get to
Kenlake State Park
From Hardin, head west on 4th Street toward Commerce Street. Then, turn right at the first cross street onto Commerce Street and follow it for a short distance. Turn right onto KY-402, follow for about eight miles, and make a slight right turn onto US-68. Travel for about 1.5 miles and then turn right onto KY-80. Go for about one mile and turn left onto Kenlake Road. Kenlake State Park will be on the right.
Entering Kenlake State Park
Kenlake State Park is open all year from sunup to sundown.
Per vehicle (1-4 audlts) : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Kenlake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one through us! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.