Land Between the Lakes Vacation Guide

Land Between the Lakes Vacation Guide

The land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley is home to more than 300 miles of shoreline, 500 miles of exploration trails and 170,000 acres of land, including forests, wetlands and open fields. In its midst, you will find plentiful wildlife, ample fishing opportunities, hiking trails for all skill levels and preserved historical sites, all along some of the most gorgeous views you'll find anywhere in the country. 

Whether you're bringing your whole family or coming by yourself, this vacation guide to the Land Between the Lakes of Kentucky and Tennessee, affectionately nicknamed the LBL, will help you start planning your getaway and learning the highlights of Land Between the Lakes tourism. Reserve a stay with KOA to have the best trip possible from beginning to end.

Things to Do at LBL

With so much space in the Land Between the Lakes, you'll find a near-infinite amount of activities to keep you occupied, whatever your hobbies are. Most tourists find something to love, whether on the water or in the forest.

Young boy and his father smiling and fishing on their small boat in the LBL

Boating and Fishing

Together, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake make up the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast and the largest human-made body of water worldwide. With that in mind, it makes sense that you can find somewhere along the lakes to participate in practically any watersport, from fishing to riding a Jet Ski.

Make sure you pack your fishing license when you venture to the LBL. You will be able to find boats for rent all down the coastline and soon be on your way to catching bass, catfish, bluegill and other fish that frequent these waters. Not an angler? Take a canoe or kayak along one of the scenic water trails for a good view of fish, birds and other wildlife.

Hiking, Biking and Off-Roading

Aside from the water, one of the most popular reasons people visit the LBL is to explore the hundreds of miles of hiking trails. There are trails for you to walk and bike and additional trails designed for off-road vehicles. Riders of any skill level are welcome to test them out. Depending on the time of year you travel to the LBL, you might even be able to snag a seat in a guided horseback trail ride.

Exploring Wildlife

The LBL is teeming with wildlife of all kinds. Most notably, many American Bald Eagles have made their home on this protected land. Take a walk and see if you can find any beavers, bison or osprey while out. If you hunt, you might also choose to take a trip here for the deer, waterfowl, turkey and small game. As long as you have your hunting license and your preferred game is in season, you can test your skills in these great outdoors.

Top Spots for Tourism in the Land Between the Lakes

Clearly, there is an abundance of interesting outdoor activities for the nature enthusiast to enjoy on their next visit to the LBL. Some spots draw thousands of the 1.5 million tourists the LBL sees every year. To get the complete experience the LBL has to offer, check out these family-friendly locations for their exciting, informative and affordable presentations:

  • Woodlands Nature Station: Learn about the local Kentucky wildlife at the Woodlands Nature Station. Guests get up close to endangered species like the Red Wolf as well as turtles, bobcats, snakes, coyotes and, of course, the American Bald Eagle.
  • The Homeplace 1850s: The Homeplace introduces you to rural life before the Civil War. Take a step into the 19th century and learn how farmers tended to daily chores like fence-mending, gardening, row cropping, tobacco curing and sheep shearing.
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: The 40-foot domed screen and Meade 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope provide you and your family with a fun and educational show to remember forever. The Planetarium has multiple daily shows to fit into any schedule.
  • The Elk and Bison Prairie: Travel comfortably in your car through a preserve full of elk, bison and other mammals and birds. The Prairie is open all year, sunrise to sunset. Rangers suggest planning your trip around dawn and dusk when the animals are most likely to be active. Be sure to listen for the elks' bugle calls!
  • Civil War sites: Both Kentucky and Tennessee are home to many relics from the Civil War area. Enthusiasts can visit the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Fort Heiman, the Fort Henry Trail Systems and various historic state parks near the LBL.
  • KOA Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point: In between gaining all of these wonderful experiences, you'll want a comfortable place to recuperate so you can do it all over again. You will have a challenging time finding better offerings than our lakeside camping areas and lodging options.

Why Choose Kampgrounds of America?

Since 1962, KOA has provided lodging around beautiful scenery so you can create unforgettable moments with the ones you love, however you want to make them. Whether you're a nature lover or homebody, KOA has options for you to enjoy your stay in the Land Between the Lakes. 

Bring your RV or tent, or choose a beautiful on-site option to get away from your busy life. Here, you'll experience nature, quiet and peace. KOA is the perfect place to plan your first family vacation with your kids, thanks to our resort, complete with a waterpark and daily activities. Or, grab your partner and escape on a couple's getaway where you can spend the weekend exploring new surroundings or stay cozy in your preferred lodging.

Pavilions are especially great options for large events like family reunions and weddings. Choose from pavilions that sleep 50 to 200 people — invite everyone you know to engage in a beautiful weekend of laughter, love and outdoor fun. While there is so much to do, you will also have a fantastic backdrop for photos that will help you remember your experience at KOA for a lifetime.

Fishing pole hanging off the front of a bright red canoe on Lake Barkley

Reserve a Stay at KOA

When you come to vacation at the LBL, don't settle for anything less than a fully immersive experience. Give us a call or reserve your spot online at KOA Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point today so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife every minute of your adventure!

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