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State Park
Canal
Grand Rivers, KY
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State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
1 Tent113 RV1 Group
Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
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- Operator website
Listed website for the campground operator.
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- Operator:270-362-4840
- Address:Canal Campground · Grand Rivers, KY · 42045
Live availability
via Recreation.govSee every open campground nearbySame dates & filters, across the whole area
Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.
About
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.
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Amenities
Showers
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Dump Station
Electric Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Wifi
Firewood
Camp Store
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (115)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Canal

North-South Trail
Kentucky
55.6 mi8,602 ftgain
TrailExpert

Canal Loop Trail
Kentucky
10.0 mi2,182 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Bohanon Loop and Vogle Loop
Kentucky
3.9 mi738 ftgain
TrailModerate

Kentucky Lake Dam
Kentucky
2.8 mi315 ftgain
TrailEasy

Kentucky Dam Village Loop
Kentucky
8.9 mi1,522 ftgain
TrailDifficult

North Park Trail
Kentucky
1.9 mi118 ftgain
TrailEasy
Nearby Campgrounds
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