Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is a nature lover’s dream — with 170,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and open fields to explore between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. It’s less crowded than a national park but offers just as many outdoor adventures, drawing 1.5 million visitors annually.
Why Visit Land Between the Lakes (LBL)?
This scenic peninsula stretches 40 miles long and up to 9 miles wide, offering:
- 500 miles of trails
- 300 miles of shoreline
- Two welcome stations (north and south)
- Endless options for hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching
Whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just exploring for the day, there’s something for everyone here at this unique attraction.
Interpretive Center
The Golden Pond Visitor Center is the main entry point to the Land Between the Lakes. It offers exhibits that highlight the area’s transformation from “Between the Rivers” to a national recreation area. Guests can also pick up maps, permits, and brochures and get details on hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
The center also features restrooms, a gift shop, vending machines, and a kids’ play area — a convenient and informative start to your outdoor adventure.
Pro Tip: Look for the sign inside this museum for daily events at The Farm, such as washing wool, knitting, and woodworking.
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm
This living history farm at Land Between the Lakes was my favorite part of the trip. Costumed interpreters walk you through two generations of life on a pre-Civil War farm.
You’ll see working gardens, heritage animals (sheep, pigs, and chickens), and demos like blacksmithing, tobacco curing, and weaving (or those mentioned above).
Tip: Check their event calendar for hands-on farm experiences!
Tip #2: If you are a Civil War fan, Vicksburg, MS, should definitely be on your travel radar.
Elk & Bison Prairie
For just $5 per vehicle, take a scenic drive through this protected prairie, home to dozens of bison and elk. We visited around 3 PM and saw several bison napping with their calves — no elk this time, but they’re out there! It’s open from dawn to dusk and worth the drive.
Free Bonus: A south bison range is visible from the main road.
More Wildlife Viewing
Don’t miss the Woodlands Nature Station — 8,500 acres of prime birdwatching and peaceful hiking. Over 240 bird species pass through this area each year, making it a hotspot for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Golden Pond Planetarium
Yes, Land Between the Lakes has a NASA-affiliated planetarium! Visit the Golden Pond Planetarium for 40-minute space shows in a 360-degree dome theater. It’s a fun and unexpected stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids or love stargazing.
Don’t miss the laser light shows — a big hit with visitors.
LBL Historic Sites and Furnace
At the southern end of LBL, stop by the Great Western Furnace, a massive limestone structure from the 1800s that tells the story of the region’s early iron industry production, which ran from 1820 through 1927. The interpretive signs here are surprisingly fascinating.
This particular furnace ran only one 34-week period and produced 1350 tons of premium iron.
Nearby Small Towns
Grand Rivers, KY
This picturesque lakefront town is full of charm, especially in Patti’s 1880’s Settlement. Come hungry — Patti’s is famous for its thick pork chops and mile-long dessert menu. I enjoyed every bite of the unique Kentucky Hot Brown with house-made potato chips on top.
Patti’s has primo gift and clothing shops, meticulously curated gardens, mini-golf, and a cozy lodge to explore. Don’t miss the fudge or sliced pie, which is ready to take home with you.
I would allow 2-3 hours to walk around Grand Rivers and see its adorable offerings.
Dover, TN
History buffs will enjoy Fort Donelson National Battlefield, the site of the first major Union victory in the Civil War. The driving tour and museum plaques bring this vital history to life. I especially loved all the Ulysses S. Grant nods in this town.
Dover is peaceful and picturesque—perfect for a day trip. I found some darling murals, a great coffee shop, and friendly locals.
Camping at Land Between the Lakes
LBL has great options for tent campers, RVers, and cabin lovers alike. Camping season runs from March 1 to November 30.
Energy Lake Campground (KY): 48 lakeside sites, Playground and beach for campers, Primitive cabins, RV/tent sites.
Piney Campground (TN): 384 campsites (most with hookups), 9 cabins (sleeps 4) and 10 larger ones (sleeps 8), located near historic Fort Henry trails.
Wranglers Campground (KY): Horse-friendly campground with 220 campsites and 12 cabins, Weekend farrier & blacksmith services (April–Nov), and Guided horseback rides available at Wranglers Riding Stables (formerly Rocking U Riding Stables).
Dispersed Camping
If you’re more adventurous, try dispersed camping — pitching a tent outside designated campgrounds. Just stay 100 feet from water sources and check with the welcome stations for guidance. It’s quiet, remote, and a great way to reconnect with nature.
Our Campground Pick
We stayed just outside LBL in Stewart, TN, at Cane Creek Marina & RV Campground. It was peaceful and spacious and had gorgeous lake views — plus full hookups and great weekday rates. Rumor has it that Taylor Swift likes to use this as a getaway for she and her band.
Final Thoughts
Land Between the Lakes is one of the Southeast’s best-kept outdoor secrets. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, watching bison graze, learning about farm life in the 1850s, or stargazing at a NASA planetarium — this place has something for every kind of traveler. If you love the outdoors, small towns, and discovering new places, LBL should be on your 2025 bucket list.
View more of our road trip travel destinations:
9 Exciting Kentucky Cities to Explore
Ark Encounter and Creation Museum