Campfire ghost stories have been told for centuries, but have you ever been to a real haunted campground in Kentucky? If not, you might want to check out this one-of-a-kind camping experience. There are some beautiful campgrounds scattered across Land Between the Lakes, and they all have a ghost story or two. The stars of that show may or may not come to visit. If they do, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

If you enjoy a good scare, here are 7 reasons to visit one of the more unique campgrounds in Kentucky:

1. Land Between the Lakes is full of history.
Flickr/Timothy K Hamilton
And not all of it is good. These beautiful lands have seen Civil War battles, Natives, and before that, pioneers, all hunting, living, or fighting at some point.
2. The Phantom Trucker of LBL is known to haunt the area.
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
The accounts vary on this spirit of unrest, as some see him on 65-80, and others report it took place on the Trace. All accounts confirm an eerie feeling, followed by headlights that follow them for a while and suddenly disappear.
3. Wandering soldiers have been spotted here, too.
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
Things that go bump in the night in the woods around Kentucky Lake could be the sounds of Civil War soldiers, still wandering the lands. Some of the spirits died so suddenly they may not even be aware the war is over.

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4. Angry slaves are rumored to be here, too.
MN Photos/Flickr
Legends and lore also speak of the spirits of slaves who wander the areas around Land Between the Lakes. Some are said to be runaways. Others are said to have fought in the Civil War for freedom but had bitterness over past injustices.
5. And then, there's the beast of LBL...
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
Those who pitch camp on the northeast side of Lake Barkley often report an eerie feeling. Tales dating back to the Natives who frequented the area report a wolf/dog creature that walks on two legs like a man.
6. Two words: Vampire Hotel.
Flickr/Drew Tarvin
This is a recreation area in LBL that is said to be the meeting house of Roderick Ferrel, who claimed to be a 500-year-old vampire. He and his "clan" killed a Florida couple and the recreation center is said to be cursed.
7. And finally, there's the whole business of drowned cemeteries...
florador/Flickr
During the initial forming of both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, several towns were flooded, including their cemeteries. It is rumored that the spirits of the dead no longer rest well since that desecration on their tombs. Visitors see red glowing eyes, strange orbs, and mists wandering the woods around both lakes.

Land Between the Lakes is a gorgeous section of the Bluegrass State, but people who camp here, often say they hear unexplained noises throughout the night. Of course, this could always be other campers or wildlife, or it could be something more. For those that like a real-life scare, try taking this haunted road trip across the state. If you want to take a chance on seeing some woodland spirits, the LBL haunted campground in Kentucky is a perfect night of fear and fun.

Have you ever gone camping in Kentucky at Land Between the Lakes? Did you happen to hear or see anything out of the ordinary? Share with us your experience in the comments section!

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More to Explore

Haunted Campground In Kentucky

Marisa Roman | April 02, 2021

Are there any haunted attractions in Kentucky?

Because Kentucky is so rich in history, it also comes with a lot of stories, particularly ones that are riddled with ghosts! There are plenty of haunted spots in Kentucky worth checking out, such as: 

 

What are the scariest haunted attractions in Kentucky?

Oftentimes the scariest haunted attractions in Kentucky are the ones that are abandoned. Not only are these abandoned spots usually riddled with hauntings from years ago, but there is also an added creep factor when you consider the building itself. We’ve found so many abandoned places throughout Kentucky that we’ve decided to create the ultimate road trip. If you’re ready for the thrill of a lifetime and are willing to test your bravery, then check out this road trip to the six most abandoned places in Kentucky.

Are there any ghost towns in Kentucky?

Barthell is a ghost town in Kentucky.

When most people hear the term ghost town, they might picture a town that is saturated with ghosts and hauntings. But yet, a ghost town isn’t necessarily haunted, it’s just empty. Most ghost towns in Kentucky were once thriving areas that due to circumstance, people left behind. Consider Barthell as the perfect example. This coal mining town was inhabited back in 1902 by miners who found jobs in the nearby mines. However, after a coal mine fire broke out, destroying many of the mines, the town was evacuated.

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Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA