Smith Bay Campground
Open year-round for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Portions of Smith Bay are within a seasonal wildlife refuge that closes November 1 through March 15 annually. The refuge area reopened March 16, 2026 and remains open through October 31, 2026. Restrooms are available seasonally.
Flood Watch issued July 10 at 7:19AM CDT until July 12 at 1:00AM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and southwest Indiana. * WHEN...Through late Saturday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The first round, or rounds, of heavy rain occurred overnight with southeast MO, southwest IL, and far western KY receiving most of it. Radar estimates show a broad swath of 1 to 3 inches with embedded pockets where storms repeated producing 2 to 3 times that amount in some localities. This super saturated ground will be prime breeding grounds for excessive runoff from additional heavy rains expected later today into tonight, and heading into the weekend.
About
Smith Bay Campground is a rustic self-service campground located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Lyon County, Kentucky. Situated along the shores of Kentucky Lake, the campground provides a quiet, primitive camping experience with direct lake access and a paved single-lane boat ramp available year-round at no additional charge. The campground offers basic amenities including designated campsite pads, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash pickup. There is no potable water available, so campers must bring their own supply. Payment is $10 per night via self-registration at the on-site fee tube or through the LBL online permit system. Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount when occupying the site. Smith Bay is also known as an excellent wildlife viewing location, particularly for bald eagles between November and February. Note that portions of Smith Bay fall within a seasonal wildlife refuge that closes November 1 through March 15 annually to provide resting areas for waterfowl and eagles. The maximum stay is 21 nights during any 30 consecutive days.
Directions
From US 62/641 west of Eddyville, take KY 453 South (Trace Road). Turn right on Road 114, then right on Road 116. Follow signs along Woodlands Scenic Trace (FS Road 100).
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | None |
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