Camping Adventure at Hillman Ferry Campground

Camping Adventure at Hillman Ferry Campground

It was a long week at work and all I wanted to do was get away and into the woods. Called my friend and we picked a location in between both of us. Hillman Ferry Campground in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area was the perfect place. After some quick texts on who would be bringing what I set out for Hillman Ferry. I arrived and picked a great site located in Loop A right on the water, with a beautiful view of the bay that leads right out to the lake. Sitting next to the beach, just down…
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Total Solar Eclipse: What to expect on August 21, 2017?

Total Solar Eclipse: What to expect on August 21, 2017?

Where will you be August 21, 2017? The Great American Eclipse will pass through Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area on August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon and hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Western Kentucky, as nearby Hopkinsville is the closest city to the point of greatest totality. What to expect? We are anticipating over 50,000 visitors at Land Between the Lakes. All campsites which can be reserved have been booked and most local lodging is full. Basic and self-service camping are still available. Please get your permits online before you…
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Backcountry Camping has a new name at Land Between the Lakes

Backcountry Camping has a new name at Land Between the Lakes

Dear Campers, You may have noticed a recent name change of your favorite Backcountry Campground on our maps. Here is the reason… In 2000 when the US Forest Service assumed management of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the decision was made to keep the backcountry permit system for the smaller campgrounds created by the Tennessee Valley Authority. These campgrounds are small and have less amenities than the large, developed campgrounds such as Hillman Ferry, Piney and Wranglers. Since Land Between the Lakes is now part of the National Forest System, the camping areas referred to as “backcountry areas”…
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Sustainable Recreation Arrives

Sustainable Recreation Arrives

Dear Friends, Over these past four years we have been adjusting and adapting our programs and services in order to balance our budget as it “down sized.”  We’re in better shape than other Forest Service units because of our prioritizing strategies we worked on together in our 2012 Budget Reduction Open Houses. Today we want to include you in our part of the region-wide effort to achieve sustainable recreation. Sustainable Recreation = Recreation that Lasts Our regional facilities budget has decreased by more than half and our recreation operations budget has gone down by 12 percent since 2012. We are…
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Respect the Roads

Respect the Roads

We have all heard it before; “respect the resource.”  What does that actually mean?  It means we must work together to maintain and improve what we have. At Land Between the Lakes we place a tremendous focus on maintaining natural settings, scenic views, and healthy forests while balancing the needs of our diverse user groups.  Activities like habitat management, environmental education, camping, and hiking might seem unrelated; yet each one has the potential to affect the other. By being responsible, it is possible for everyone to enjoy the land for years to come. Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area serves as…
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Land Between The Lakes fire updates

Land Between The Lakes fire updates

Wildfire conditions The Forest Service asks campers to take extreme care with any campfire sites, cooking activities, and open flames in Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area today and Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for the national recreation area and surrounding communities. High winds, dry fuels, and low humidity increases the likelihood for wildfire activity in the area. The last wildfire at Land Between The Lakes occurred on February 28, 2016. More information about the wildfire can be found at https://landbetweenthelakes.us/wildfire-at-land-between-the-lakes/. Firefighting personnel at Land Between The Lakes anticipate the Red Flag…
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Hillman Ferry Campground Improvements

Hillman Ferry Campground Improvements

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Camping season is just around the corner so dust off that camping gear! Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Energy Lake Campgrounds open for the 2016 season Tuesday, March 1. Check out the latest improvements, upgrades, and regular maintenance completed at Hillman Ferry Campground over the winter. Two picnic shelters at the Beach, and behind the Outpost were rehabilitated using revenue generated at Hillman Ferry Campground.   Due to poor water distribution during rain events, there were ongoing issues with deteriorating road conditions in A and B loops . Using soil and water restoration funds, capital improvement funds, and…
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Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area Improvements 

Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area Improvements 

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Sites at Birmingham Ferry Backcountry Area were in need of rehabilitation. We knew work had to be done. A portion of the revenue from Backcountry permit sales is set aside for improvement projects. These funds were used to rehabilitate and reinforce campsites at Birmingham Ferry where necessary to reduce erosion. This project was completed in December of 2015. We hope our campers at Birmingham Ferry enjoy the improvements...Happy camping! --Gary  
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Cravens Bay Campground Improvements

Cravens Bay Campground Improvements

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager In May of 2015, several Land Between The Lakes staff met with campers who use Cravens Bay Campground. We wanted to know what was most important to campers at Cravens Bay. Maintenance and the current condition of the bathhouse were the two biggest topics. This meeting resulted in a project list for improvements for Cravens Bay Campground. All sites markers will be replaced. Completed August of 2015. The road drainage was reworked to allow better flow of water in storm events. Completed November of 2015 The current bathhouse will not be replaced but rehabilitated. The interior of the…
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Wranglers Campground Improvements

Wranglers Campground Improvements

By Gary Hawkins, Recreation Program Manager Why make improvements to Wranglers Campground? As a result of hearing from campers at public meetings in 2011, the US Forest Service planned, secured funding and began improving several campsites at Wranglers Campground in 2015. Campsites were upgraded and constructed to accommodate more people and make better use of unused campsites. What improvements were made? Camping season peaks at Wranglers in April and October due to spring and fall breaks and desirable weather conditions. With project planning from the Land Between The Lakes Engineering department and work completed by Envirosmart, Wranglers upgraded services on 17 campsites and constructed 4 new sites…
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