Map showing campground location near Grand Rivers, Kentucky

Camper submitted image from Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL

Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL

Within Land Between the Lakes, Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay operates as a US Forest Service campground that draws both recreational campers and drag boat racing enthusiasts. The facility spans multiple terraced sections connected by gravel and compacted rock roads, with paved access routes leading to the main areas. Sites range from waterfront locations directly on Kentucky Lake to more secluded spots set back in the wooded sections.

The campground divides into two distinct areas: the original side featuring the large boat ramp and immediate water access, and a gated section with more level, paved sites that closes during scheduled drag boat racing events. Michael W. notes that campers should "plan to arrive early or late for the prime waterfront spots" due to day-use visitors who occupy sites for swimming. The boat ramp includes extensive parking areas both at water level and on the plateau above, accommodating long-term trailer storage.

Reviewers consistently mention the site's popularity with boaters, which can create busy conditions in the main cove area. The campground provides designated areas for firewood collection and splitting, along with daily-maintained pit toilets. Wildlife sightings include deer and raccoons, particularly near the waterfront areas. Some sites present leveling challenges for RVs, and confident backing skills may be required for certain locations.

This campground works well for boaters, drag racing spectators, and campers comfortable with varying activity levels depending on seasonal events and weekend crowds.

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Location

Public Campground

Birmingham Ferry/Smith Bay - LBL is located in Kentucky

Coordinates

36.92200038 N
88.15400018 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 4/1/26
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AT&TLTE
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Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/1/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/1/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/1/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

38 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 13 min from Clarksville, TN
1 hr 51 min from Evansville, IN
1 hr 52 min from Owensboro, KY

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the affordable waterfront primitive camping with clean facilities and respectful fellow campers. Some noted occasional boat traffic and day-use crowding, plus variable site cleanliness upon arrival.

Kirstin A.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

Pretty views/ Lake access

We camped in July ‘21. It was a nice stay! Great view of the lake and close to the boat ramp. A lot of sites right off the water, but they were taken when we went. There’s a place designated for fire wood collecting/splitting which is nice.

Lots of boats come to this cove. We kayak so it’s a little hard to do with all the boats coming in and out. Our site was not very level. But all in all, good time :)

Site29 - I’m pretty sure

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Kurt D.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Great spot!

Super easy to walk in. Ten dollar fee to camp. The place was empty on the Thursday afternoon we came in. Saw lots of deer right on Kentucky Lake, as well as a family of trash pandas. The sites were very dirty when we arrived (baby diapers and wipes scattered everywhere - eww), but we cleaned it up and had a beautiful spot for the night. The pit toilet was clean, compared to most I've seen. We would camp here again.

Site11

Month of VisitJuly

Michael W.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Great swimming and paddling access

We last visited BF during the 1st week of June. The lake water was so high that all of the really nice sandy beaches close by were covered. However. The paddling was fantastic, and the water was plenty warm for swimming. (Way warmer than my pool at home!) There were 5 other family groups spread around the main camping area. All quiet and respectful of one another. I was surprised that the pit toilet was open, as the LBL website had said they were closed. Not only was it open but it was cleaned daily! Lots of folks driving through on their way to the boat ramp. A few gawkers driving about but not nearly as bad as all the golf carts in the big campgrounds! No bugs. Lovely weather. Saw one small water snake. Only issue with this Campground is that lots of people occupy sites during just the day for the swimming. Thus, plan to arrive early or late for the prime waterfront spots.

Tim D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

nice campground

Birmingham ferry is a good campground for " primitive" camping. there is a picnic table at each sight, a boat ramp, and a couple of places to fish. there are always friendly people at this campground. There are drag boat races here a couple times a year.

Staci R.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2017

Drag Boat Racing & Camping: go together like PB&J

Birmingham Ferry is the elite campground for national level drag boat racing, and the camp ground reflects the elite sport enthusiasts who enjoy drag boat racing while camping. While considered to be back country and primative (only select sites have electric or water) people come in from all over the US to participate in the drag boat races every year. All roads to campground are paved, and campground roads are gravel or compacted rock. The campground is terraced, and actually spreads through several sections that provide campers with the choice of being very close to the water (or activities if racing is going on) or further in the woods and more quiet. The boat ramp has a large parking area at the ramp and on the plateau above the ramp, providing for long term trailer parking. While most all sites are long or large enough for RV's in the immediate boat ramp area, you will need to be a confident driver to back a camper up and onto some sites. The campground is divided into the original or "old" side, with the large boat ramp, and the flatter side is gated and has more of the paved sites. The gated side is closed to walk-in camping during specific times of year in order for Birmingham Ferry to host drag boat racing (this year's schedule is posted as a photo). This is a fee camping area, and requires registration, available at either Welcome Station or any of the four hosted campgrounds.

Month of VisitJune

(12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available at Birmingham Ferry Recreation Area?

Birmingham Ferry Recreation Area offers numerous recreational activities centered around Kentucky Lake. The area is known for hosting national-level drag boat racing events several times a year. Water activities include excellent paddling opportunities, swimming in the warm lake waters, fishing at designated spots, and boating with convenient access via the on-site boat ramp. Kayaking is popular in the cove, though be aware that motorized boats also frequent the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with deer and other animals commonly spotted. The campground features sandy beaches when lake levels permit, making it ideal for water enthusiasts.

How do I get to Birmingham Ferry Campground from Kentucky Lake?

Birmingham Ferry Campground is directly located on Kentucky Lake, making access simple if you're already on the water. The campground features a boat ramp that provides direct access to and from the lake. If arriving by boat, simply navigate to Smith Bay on Kentucky Lake. The cove where Birmingham Ferry is located is popular with boaters and easily identifiable. For those driving, the campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) recreation area with road access. Consider checking with the Land Between the Lakes management for specific driving directions from your location.

What amenities are available at Birmingham Ferry Campground?

Birmingham Ferry Campground offers basic amenities for a more primitive camping experience. Each campsite features a picnic table, and there are designated fire areas with a place for firewood collecting and splitting. Select sites have electric and water hookups, though most are primitive. The campground has a $10 camping fee per night. There's a boat ramp available for lake access, and the site provides good water views. Facilities are limited, so campers should come prepared with necessary supplies for a more rustic camping experience.

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