With more than 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 170,000 acres of rolling forest, it's no surprise that camping is one of the most popular activities at USDA Forest Service's Land Between The Lakes (LBL). But camping in this western Kentucky and Tennessee national recreation area is more than just spending the night under the stars.

LBL has three developed family campgrounds: Hillman Ferry in the north end, Piney in the south, and Energy Lake, located northeast of the Golden Pond Visitors Center. All have scenic campsites along the lakeshore, as well as in shaded woods. While Hillman and Piney offer amenities like water, electric, and sewer hookups, they also feature a wide array of recreational activities and programs.

"We get people of all ages at our campgrounds," explained Thom Saylors, Recreation Technician in charge of Piney Campground. "We want to make sure there's plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy."

LBL also has the region's only horse camp, which in 1997 debuted a $2 million expansion. Wranglers features more than 80 miles of horse and wagon trails, an outpost center, stalls, tack, hay/feed and farrier service, and virtually everything horse and rider need for a holiday of camping and trail riding. Wranglers Campground also offers guided horse trail rides and pony rides for LBL visitors. Campers explore LBL's lakes, trails, and visitor attractions, but those staying at Hillman and Piney also have access to many activities not open to other LBL visitors. The campgrounds offer: swimming, volleyball, softball, basketball, Frisbee, golf, arts and crafts programs, line dancing, movies, and live music. The majority of these activities are free for the campers staying at the campground. Bike rentals have been added to the recreation offerings as well. Hillman Ferry rents adult and children's mountain bikes, while Piney has street bicycles available. In addition to the old logging roads and fire access lanes that stretch through LBL, three mountain bike trails have also been opened. So far it's been a hit, said Saylors.

"We have so many little-used and abandoned roads that make perfect bike trails," Saylors explained. "One of the best ways to see LBL is by bicycle because you have access to areas that most visitors never see."

While there are a lot of activities to be found in the developed campgrounds, there are plenty of other camping options as well. Birmingham Ferry, Fenton, Rushing Creek, Cravens Bay and Gatlin Point camping areas have basic amenities such as drinking water and chemical toilets. Those wishing more privacy can obtain a permit to camp virtually anywhere in the back woods, and backpackers hiking the North/South Trail can take advantage of metal shelters - pieces of metal culvert adapted into hut-type shelters that sleep up to six people. "There are almost as many definitions of 'camping' as there are campers," noted Saylors. "That's why we provide so many different camping opportunities at LBL."

Camping Shelters were added to Piney and Wranglers during the summer of 1995. These are basic wooden structures with electricity and bunk beds that sleep up to four people. "Not everyone has an RV and not everyone is comfortable sleeping in a tent," Saylors explained. "The camping shelters offer a little more protection from the elements, but still provide a rustic, natural experience."

Special fees apply for some of the events and camping facilities. For more information on LBL camping or other LBL attractions, call 1-800-LBL-7077.

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