Lake Cumberland
RV Guide
Introduction
Known as the largest manmade lake east of the Mississippi River, Lake Cumberland is one of Kentucky's premier RV destinations. Lake Cumberland was initially developed for flood control and to produce hydroelectric power back in 1952 when the U.S Army Corps of Engineers built it. It is the ninth-largest reservoir in the United States, features a shoreline spanning more than 1200 miles, and the lake covers 65,530 acres. Fun fact: when Lake Cumberland is full, there is enough water to cover all of Kentucky with three inches of water.
The lake is a huge part of the economy in south-central Kentucky thanks to the large numbers of tourists that visit the area. Since the lake is so large, there are many different areas that you can check out. One of the most popular areas along the lake is Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, where you can enjoy some family friends activities all year round, including hiking, golfing, and horseback riding. The main source of recreation in and around Cumberland Lake is out on the water. There are two swimming beaches, numerous marinas that offer boat rentals, and plenty of incredible fishing spots located all over the massive body of water. There are also many special events held at the lake during the summertime, including The Lake Cumberland Raft Up where boats are rafted together, and people have a party.
There is no shortage of RV camping options at Lake Cumberland. From first time RV users renting a rig to the experienced camper, everyone will be impressed with the wide range of amenities available at Lake Cumberland. There are five campgrounds maintained by the Government near the lake and an additional campground at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Lake Cumberland is open all year round.
RV Rentals in Lake Cumberland
Transportation
Driving
Lake Cumberland is really easy to find and there are many ways for you to access the waterfront. Since the lake is so large there are plenty of routes that you can take depending on where you are wanting to go. If you are checking out Lake Cumberland State Resort Park there is only one entrance, which can be found off KY-127 by taking the State Park Road exit.
For those wanting to pick up some supplies or use amenities before beginning your trip, you have many choices. To the north is Jamestown and Russel Springs, while the south has Monticello. Near the east of the lake are Burnside, Tateville, and Somerset and to the west, there are no towns with large stores as it is not as developed.
All of the roads in and around the lake are mostly well maintained and driving your rig around without damaging it shouldn't be an issue. If you are staying at the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park it can be challenging to level rigs on the larger side and navigate the tighter roads.
Parking
Since the lake is so massive there are plenty of parking areas located near some of the main amenities.
Public Transportation
There are no public transport options that will take you to Lake Cumberland.
Campgrounds and parking in Lake Cumberland
Campsites in Lake Cumberland
Reservations camping
Lake Cumberland State Park Campground
One of the best campgrounds available to RV travelers near Cumberland Lake is within Lake Cumberland State Park. At this campground, there are 123 campsites that are suitable for RVs, including 91 that have power and water.
The sites are large enough to support rigs that are up to 55 feet in length. They also come with some great amenities, including picnic tables, BBQs, and fire rings. There are also other great amenities available within, such as full restrooms, coin showers, and water collection points. The site has easy access to horseback riding, hiking trails, miniature golf, and a disc golf course. The campground is also pet friendly and you should be able to get cell phone reception here on all of the major networks.
Reservations at the campground are highly recommended since it is a very popular place to stay during the summer months.
Cumberland Point Campground
Cumberland Point is one of the five campgrounds around Lake Cumberland that are operated and maintained by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Overlooking the lake, this campground is regarded as being excellent. The campground is clean, quiet, well maintained and great for smaller rigs that are under 30 feet long.
Cumberland Point Campground has a total of 30 sites, 14 of which are located on the waterfront. The campground has some great amenities, including flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station. A boat ramp, picnic shelter, public parking area, and a playground are also located within the area. Pets are allowed and you will be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks within the campground.
If you wish to stay at Cumberland Point Campground you should make a reservation prior to your arrival as the campground is small and also very popular.
Fall Creek Campground
Fall Creek Campground is another one of the five campgrounds situated at Lake Cumberland that are operated and maintained by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Located on the shores of the lake, this campground is very popular with visitors who are looking to stay in a small campground. It is clean, peaceful, well maintained and great for smaller rigs that are up to 35 feet long.
Fall Creek Campground has a total of 10 sites that are all shaded. All of the sites have both electric and water hookups so you can have a little bit of luxury during your stay. The campground has some great amenities, including flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station. A boat ramp, picnic shelter, public parking area, and a playground are also located within the area. You can also park your boat near the campsite if you prefer that then at the boat ramp. Pets are allowed and you will be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks within the campground.
If you wish to stay at Fall Creek Campground you should make a reservation prior to your arrival as the campground is small and also very popular.
Fishing Creek Campground
Located towards the northern end of the lake, Fishing Creek Campground is operated and maintained by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Fishing Creek Campground is a refurbished site that is a great choice to stay at if you are wanting to be located near the town of Somerset. The campground is known to be peaceful, clean, well maintained and great for smaller rigs that are up to 30 feet long.
Fishing Creek Campground 46 sites, 26 of which are RV friendly. All of the sites at the campground come with water and electric hookups that give you some creature comforts during your stay. The campground has some great amenities, including flush toilets, showers, and drinking. Other amenities at the campground include a day-use area, picnic sites, and a playground. Pets are allowed and you will be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks within the campground.
If you wish to stay at Fishing Creek Campground you should make a reservation prior to your visit as the campground is a popular destination.
Kendall Campground
One of the more popular COE operated campgrounds at Cumberland Lake is the Kendall Campground. The campground is located south of Jamestown and overlooks the lake. It is held in high regard due to its cleanliness, great amenities and access to the lake. Smaller rigs are recommended here as the campground roads are quite tight.
Kendall Campground has a total of 115 reservable campsites for you to choose from, all of which come with both water and electric hookups. Each campsite also has a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. Other amenities in the campground include a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, basketball court, horseshoe pit, hiking trail, and playground. Pets are allowed and you will be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks within the campground.
Reservations are encouraged at Kendall Campground since the campground is so popular, especially over the summer months.
Waitsboro Campground
Waitsboro Campground is one of the smaller campgrounds operated by COE that are located near Cumberland Lake. The campground is known to be quite hard to access if you have a large rig due to the steep incline and decline getting in and out of the campground. The dump station is also known to be quite hard to use due to the tight turns needed.
Waitsboro Campground has a total of 22 sites, 17 of which are RV friendly. All of the sites have electrical and water hookups to add a little bit of glam to your camping trip. Eight of the sites are also on the waterfront, so if you want a lakeside view we recommend reserving one of those. Other amenities in the campground include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, and a dump station. There is also a day-use area with a group picnic shelter and a parking area. Pets are allowed and you will be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks within the campground.
Reservations for Waitsboro Campground are available from mid-April until mid-October and can be made online.
Seasonal activities in Lake Cumberland
In-Season
The Lake Cumberland Raft Up
Known as one of the most popular events of the summer, you must attend The Lake Cumberland Raft Up if you are looking to party when visiting the lake. The event happens every August and involves guests tying boats together to form a huge raft. In 2010 the event entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the most boats tied together when there were 1,500 boats out on the lake. There is also a floating stage that provides musical entertainment and many other activities on the shoreline.
Swimming
If you love to swim we think you will be very happy visiting Lake Cumberland. There are plenty of swimming beaches located on the banks of Lake Cumberland, whether they be in private campgrounds, resorts, or the public parks. One of the most popular swimming beaches is at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, where there is a sandy beach that is also known for getting a few waves. If you plan to go swimming at the lake remember to swim to your abilities, as there will be no lifeguards on duty.
Boating
With so many miles of waterways to explore at Cumberland Lake you really need to get out on the water to experience as much as you can. There are no restrictions on what type of watercraft can be used on the lake and during your visit you will see a wide variety, including motorboats, kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and fishing boats. If you don't have your own boat don't fret as there are plenty of rental services located around the Cumberland Lake.
Off-Season
Golfing
If you are into golfing you really need to visit Lake Cumberland Stake Park during your visit to the lake. Within the state park, there are two different courses to choose from: An 18-hole miniature golf course and a 15-hole disc golf course. Both of the courses are affordable and there are rentals available if you don't have your own equipment. Looking for a full-size golf course? There are many public courses near the lake, so check online to see which course is most suited to your needs.
Fishing
Widely regarded as the best lake fishing in Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is an amazing place to fish all year round. With so many different areas of the lake to explore you will have a wide range of choice of where to fish. Fishing from boats is very common on the lake and the State Dock is a great launching point for either a rental boat or your own watercraft. Some of the most popular species to target are bass, crappie, bream, walleye, trout, and catfish. There are also five species of bass. Remember that you need to get a fishing license before casting a line out on the lake.
Birding
Cumberland Lake is a hotspot for birds, so it is an ideal place to do some birding. As you could imagine, there are so many waterfowl that call the lake home throughout the year. There are also many species of raptors and songbirds to see. Lake Cumberland State Park is a popular place to look for birds too, so remember to bring your binoculars if you want to see some of the beautiful creatures that fly through the skies.
