Away2Maine
Not Exactly Where I Want To Be
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Joined: 03/04/2003
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We are looking at heading to LBL for fall break this year. Have done a bit of research and heard a few good things about a few campgrounds in the area. So the question becomes twofold:
1) What is your preferred campground in the LBL area and why?
2) What the heck is a "COE" campground? People keep referencing these and more than likely will in this response and with my lack of sleep I have been unable to recall what exactly this translates to!
For what it is worth, we will be camping with a 7 year old, and a 3 year old. Any good points on how to keep them entertained in the area would also be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Shawn, Jennifer, The Boys, and Gypsy
2003 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Combo
2006 Cedar Creek Silverback 33LBHTS
Banks PowerPDA 6 Gun Tuner
MagnaFlow 4" Turbo Back Exhaust
Husky Fifth Wheel Slider and 5th Airborne King Pin
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Joined: 08/10/2001
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COE is Corps of Engineers. There are several in the LBL area - they do tend to be closed early in the season due to lack of operating funds, however, so you will need to check for the dates. You can make reservations on line at Reserveusa.com. Of the COE CG, we prefer dither Canal or Eureka. Most of Eureka's 25 or so sites actually are on the water, Canal is larger but few sites are actually water front. The National Forest Service has Hillman's Ferry - HF has trails and, in summer, activities for kids. I think they are discontinued after 9/1, tho. They do not take reservations but it is a large CG, and should have space that time of year. They also stay open later in the year - mid-Nov, I think, but you should check that. If I can be of further help, please email me.
See ya' down the road!
Don-SCPO USN Ret.Corpsman
Joy-Ret.Off.Mgr.
Katie-Mini Aussie
Sam-Calico Fat Cat
Maggie-Chihuahua
2003 38'Phaeton DP
2006 Saturn Vue
LIFE ISN'T ABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE THE STORM BUT HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
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PotKorn
St. Louis, MO
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Joined: 02/01/2001
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There is a visitor's center on the only north/south road going through LBL. Next to it is a large bison herd in a drive-thru area. The kids (and you) might get a kick out of that. When we went, we had to wait several times while the bison strolled around on the roadway.
In Grand Lakes, near the north end of LBL, is Patty's 1880's Settlement. It has restaurants, shops, mini-golf, and other activities. Go there for the 2-inch thick pork chops, and some of the best ribs and homemade pies ever.
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Dave Buck
Hernando Ms.
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Joined: 07/29/2003
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I usually stay at Hillmans ferry campground. Its at the north end of LBL close to the North visitor station. It is quite large and I never have a problem getting a site. They have full hookups with pull thrus and backins. I also agree with the "must eat" at Patti's, dont miss it. Stop at the Visitors Center, they will load you up with info, schedules, and maps.
Dave @ Adella
2006 Allegro 35TSA
one old dog
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pee-paw
Tennessee
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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And on the southern end of LBL is Piney Campground. It is equally as good as H Ferry or better. Second the Patti's suggestion.
pee-paw
2002 DSDP 3858 330 Cat
2003 CRV Toad
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Jeff1014
Martin, TN
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Joined: 12/28/2001
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Hillman and Piney are both good, but each have relatively few full hook up sites and of those, they seem to be held continualy. Kentucky Dam State park is also good, but no full hook ups. Paris landing state park is also good but only 30 amp service and very few ful hook ups available.
Jeff and...
1 wife (Dianne)...
40' Holiday Rambler Imperial...
1 2006 Saturn VUE toad...
1 Sheltie dog(Maggie)...
3 mangey cats(Buttons,Bows & Sissy).
numerous flamingos
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Ladycruiser
Indian Mound,TN
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Joined: 05/26/2003
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Piney Campground offers 383 well-defined sites with 281 electrical hookups, 44 sites with electric, water and sewer and 59 primitive sites. They also have 9 primitive cabins for nightly rental, swimming area and 2 boat launching ramps and a fishing pier. We go there every month for a long weekend if we can't get away for any longer. As a matter of fact have another trip planned for the 25th of this month.  We just traded up to a motorhome and it will be our madien trip in it. If you are going to Dover, Cindy's is a great place to eat and just a few miles from the campground.
Nancy & Ron
Little Buddy & Miss Prissy (shih ztu fur babies)
1999 Nation Tropi~Cal
Ford V10 gasser
Man! What a beauty ; )
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Relentless
Paducah, KY
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Joined: 06/14/2003
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Grew up playing on Ky. Lake & my family spends most of our leisure time there now. Where to camp depends on how you want to camp. Hillman Ferry and Piney Campground are large, developed campgrounds. There are many others that are smaller, more private and "on" the lake. Birmingham Ferry and Cravens Bay come to mind. There are also many on private property outside the LBL but on the same lakes...such as Moor's Resort. Are you bringing a boat? Do you fish? For more information on the area, check out this link http://www.kentuckylake.com/chat.htm There is a lot of info there...unfortunately, the message boards get almost no traffic.
If you would be interested in a very inexpensive spot on private property e-mail me at jcarpen8@cs.com.....I am a member of a private club on Ky Lake which occasionally has camper spots available. They have full hook-ups including cable TV & are $35 a week. Boat slips are available for $5 per night. We have a sand beach & swim dock. You must be "sponsored" by a member....e-mail me if interested.
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RGar974417
Robesonia,Pa 19551
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Joined: 11/11/2000
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I like Canal Campground at Grand Rivers. It might be a little tight for larger RV's but they have some nice sites overlooking the water.
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Sunnygirl
IL
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Joined: 05/29/2003
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With Hillman Ferry and Piney not taking reservations, what are the chances of getting a site (for a 34' trailer) at those campgrounds if you're going in June? We'll be driving from far northern Illinois, so we wouldn't want to arrive and not be able to get a decent site. Are those CGs that much better than the COE CGs?
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