Nickell Branch Campground
Open year-round as a self-service campground. No reservations; first-come, first-served only. No potable water on site. The Canal Loop Trail sections 12-13 near the campground are currently impassible due to bridge replacement work.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:40PM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with daily heat index values peaking up to around 110 degrees. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
Nickell Branch Campground offers a quiet, primitive camping experience at the northern end of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. The 11 designated sites provide an alternative to the more developed campgrounds in the recreation area, appealing to campers seeking solitude and direct lake access. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, with vault toilets and trash service available. The campground sits along Kentucky Lake near the Barkley Canal that connects Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, making it an excellent base for boating and paddling. A boat ramp provides direct water access. The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the access road near the pay station, offering hiking and biking opportunities with connections to the North-South Trail. This is a self-service facility where campers select a site, complete a fee envelope, and deposit payment in the Iron Ranger fee tube within 30 minutes of setup. Cash or check only. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply.
Directions
Follow Woodlands Scenic Trace (FS Road 100) and look for signs directing to Nickell Branch. Access road is FR-102 (gravel).
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| LBLInfo@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (800) 525-7077 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| LBL Self-Service Camping | |
| LBL Alerts | |
| LBL Rules & Regulations |
Community Posts
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