
Canal Campground
Barkley Lake, Kentucky
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As of October 2026, Canal Campground is a campground in Kentucky with 114 campsites. Canal Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Canal Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Canal Campground is located at 36.9956° N, 88.2097° W.
- people allowed on 113 of 114 sites
- 8
- people allowed on the largest site
- 64
Canal Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Mid-stay changes allowed
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
Published by Recreation.gov for Canal Campground, read on September 28, 2026.
Campsites at Canal Campground
- Standard 112
- Group 1
- Tent 1
- Accessible 22
- Hookups 114
What an RV fits
- 20–24 ft1 site
- 25–29 ft4 sites
- 30–34 ft15 sites
- 35–39 ft23 sites
- 40–44 ft25 sites
- 45–49 ft10 sites
- 50–54 ft7 sites
- 55–59 ft3 sites
- 60–64 ft2 sites
- 65–69 ft2 sites
- 90–94 ft1 site
- 95–99 ft1 site
Amenities
- restrooms
- showers
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Lake.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife.
All sites at Canal Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
| Site | Loop | Type | Sleeps | Max RV | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 053 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 34 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 054 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 34 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 055 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 50 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 056 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 38 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 057 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 058 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 059 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 42 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 060 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 50 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 061 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 36 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 062 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 063 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 064 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 30 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 065 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 066 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 067 | Beach | Standard | 8 | 34 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 085 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 30 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 086 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 25 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 087 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 45 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 088 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 43 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 089 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 53 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 090 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 57 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 091 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 69 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 092 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 99 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 093 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 92 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | Accessible |
| 094 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 59 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | Accessible |
| 095 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 63 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | Accessible |
| 096 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 46 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | Accessible |
| 097 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 51 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | Accessible |
| 098 | BRPT | Standard | 8 | 62 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 084 | CANA | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 021 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 022 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 023 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 024 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 025 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 67 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 026 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 48 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 027 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 028 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 029 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 030 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 24 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 031 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 33 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 032 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 033 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 30 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 034 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 035 | Fisherman's Row | Standard | 8 | 33 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| NASH1 | GRUP | Group | 64 | 45 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 068 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 36 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 069 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 44 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 070 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 36 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 071 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 37 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 072 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 47 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 073 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 42 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 074 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 45 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 075 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 076 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 32 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 077 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 38 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 078 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 42 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 079 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 080 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 32 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 081 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 50 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 082 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 38 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 083 | Hill | Standard | 8 | 52 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 001 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 002 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 003 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 004 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 005 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 006 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 007 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 008 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 009 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 010 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 011 | Primitive | Tent | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 012 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 013 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 014 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 015 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 016 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 017 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 018 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 019 | Primitive | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | - |
| 103 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 104 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 105 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 106 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 107 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 108 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 109 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 110 | The Flats | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 111 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 30 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 112 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 35 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 113 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 55 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 114 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 45 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 115 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 46 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 116 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | 50 ft | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 117 | VIEW | Standard | 8 | - | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| 036 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 42 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 037A | Woods | Standard | 8 | 34 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 037B | Woods | Standard | 8 | 37 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 038 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 30 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 039 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 45 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 040 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 48 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 041 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 41 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 042 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 36 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 043 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 37 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 044 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 37 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 045 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 37 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 046 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 40 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 047 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 26 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 048 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 31 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 049 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 28 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
| 050 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 25 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 051 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 31 ft | Electric, Water | - |
| 052 | Woods | Standard | 8 | 36 ft | Electric, Water, Sewer | - |
About Canal Campground
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.
Rules and notices at Canal Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Canal Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District firewood policy is now in effect and seeks the public’s cooperation to prevent the spread of forest insects and disease at campgrounds in the Cumberland River Basin. The firewood policy requires visitors at Lake Barkley’s campgrounds to use only firewood that has been certified as heat-treated by U.S. Department of Agriculture or state natural resource agency.
Canal Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Canal Campground?
Canal Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 114 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.
How do I find last-minute availability at Canal Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Canal Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Canal Campground have?
Canal Campground has 114 campsites.
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