Holly Bay

Holly Bay

About this campsite

Overview

Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing.

The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century.

Recreation

Boating and water activities are a favorite among campers of all ages. For the convenience and safety of our guests, a private boat ramp is located within the campground and is available exclusively for registered camping guests—there is no public access. Anglers will enjoy fishing in Laurel River Lake, which is well known for its healthy populations of bass, trout, crappie, and bluegill, making it a great spot for both experienced fishermen and families introducing children to fishing. A public-use swimming beach is located just a couple of miles away and is available at no cost.

Guests who enjoy hiking can explore the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail, which begins near the campground and leads to the dam, offering a scenic and family-friendly way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Recreation Sites offer:

Standard Electric Campsite (Overnight Use) - Includes electric and water hookups for a comfortable overnight stay.

Primitive Campsites - (No Electric or Water Hookups) for a peaceful simple camping experience.

Facilities

The campground features both single- and double-family campsites, with select sites offering 20-, 30-, or 50-amp electric hookups. Several campsites provide scenic views overlooking the lake, creating a relaxing and picturesque setting for guests.

Campers have access to modern amenities, including flush toilets (with one accessible facility), two shower houses, potable drinking water, and a convenient dump station. Firewood and ice are also available for purchase.

Natural Features

Most campsites are nestled among a beautiful mix of hardwood trees, offering shade in the summer and picture-perfect colors during the autumn season. The Laurel River Lake spans 5,600 acres of deep, clear water, with 192 miles of scenic, cliff-lined shoreline to explore and enjoy. Rolling hills from the Appalachian foothills surround the lake, creating a peaceful and memorable backdrop for family adventures, relaxation, and time spent together in nature.

Nearby Attractions

Cumberland Falls – Known as the “Niagara of the South,” this stunning waterfall is just a short drive from Holly Bay. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the rare chance to see a moonbow on clear nights.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – Offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a lodge with dining, perfect for a day trip with the family.

Laurel River Lake – Just minutes from the campground, enjoy fishing, boating, and peaceful lakeside views.

Sheltowee Trace Trail – A 4.2-mile trail near the campground that leads to the dam, ideal for family hikes and nature walks.

Dog Slaughter Falls – A hidden gem waterfall and short hiking trail for adventurous families.

Local Historic Sites – Explore nearby small-town museums, historic bridges, and landmarks for a taste of Appalachian culture.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (606) 878-8134.

Location

HOLLY BAY•KY

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TODAY☁️

24° / 9°

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TUE☀️

24° / 8°

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WED☀️

28° / 13°

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THU☀️

29° / 15°

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FRI☁️

29° / 13°

💧 1%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

1.3 km away

Laurel River Lake Picnic Area

Overview Laurel River Lake Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on a peninsula along the shores of Laurel River Lake. The picnic area provides 19 individual picnic sites which are first-come, first-serve, and two reservable shelters. There is no overnight camping allowed in the area. Click here for the Laurel River Lake Picnic Area virtual tour. Recreation Laurel River Dam was completed in 1974 creating a 5,600-acre lake which provides hydroelectric power, safe drinking water and recreation opportunities for the public. Since its impoundment, the Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers have cooperated in developing public recreation facilities on and around the lake. Facilities Laurel River Lake Picnic Area offers one small and one large reservable group picnic shelter, with 19 additional picnic sites with tables and grill. port-a-potties, drinking water, playground, horseshoe pit, fishing pier and a volleyball net are also provided. Natural Features Laurel River Lake, with its cliff-lined shores and quiet coves, is a favorite destination for thousands of visitors each year. They come to boat, canoe, fish, hunt, hike, camp, swim, scuba dive, view wildlife and relax at one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (606) 679-6337. Nearby Attractions Less than a mile up the road is a 725-feet long sandy beach area with a parking lot and chemical treated toilets. The beach is unguarded so always wear a flotation device when you're on or in the water. While visiting the picnic area you can stay at one of the Forest Service drive-in campgrounds located at Holly Bay and Grove Recreation Areas. Whiteoak and Grove boat-in campgrounds are accessible only by boat or trail. Cumberland Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Rockies. It is about a 20 mile drive from the area. Cumberland Falls State Park provides lodge and cabin accommodations for guests.

1.6 km away

CRAIGS CREEK GROUP AREA

Overview Craigs Creek Group Area is perched near Laurel River Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Here, group campers find hours of fun playing on the sports field, firing up the grills and exploring the beautiful lake. Daniel Boone National Forest protects 23 species listed as federally threatened or endangered. Species range from the magnificent bald eagle to the small Indiana bat and the Cumberland Sandwort. Recreation The hiking and biking trail at Craig's Creek is an easy, half-mile path that features several views of the lake. Picnicking, boating and fishing are popular pastimes for visitors. Fish species include crappie, catfish, and small and largemouth bass. A spacious sports field with a volleyball net and horseshoe pits lies near the picnic shelter. Facilities Group sites are for tent camping only and do not have electricity. The day-use picnic shelter fits 60 guests, and the group campsites fit up to 30 and 60 guests, depending on the location. Each group camp area comes with a campfire circle, large grill, picnic tables and a lantern pole. Modern vault toilets and a shower house are available. Natural Features The campground sits on Craig's Creek, which flows into an arm of Laurel River Lake across from Holly Bay Campground. The group site lies in a somewhat open space surrounded by woods. Set in the Appalachian foothills, plenty of hills and valleys create a beautiful backdrop for the lake area.

3.4 km away

White Oak Campground

Campground: White Oak Campground.

6.1 km away

GROVE

Overview Grove Campground is perched on a forested ridge above Laurel River Lake in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. The lake, fed by the Laurel River, is considered one of the most scenic lakes in the state. Boating, fishing, hiking and biking are greatly enjoyed by campers. Recreation Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers can trek more than 600 miles of road and trail in Daniel Boone National Forest. Duff Branch, Oak Branch, Fishing Point and Singing Hills Trails can all be accessed in the immediate area. Anglers find prized catches of walleye, crappie, brown trout and rainbow trout at Laurel River Lake. Boating and swimming are also popular activities. A boat ramp is located nearby at Grove Marina. Facilities The campground offers single and double family campsites, which have 30-amp electric hookups. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Flush toilets, drinking water and showers are provided. Ice and firewood are sold on-site. Limited groceries can be found at Grove Marina. Natural Features The campground is in close proximity to the lake and is less than a mile from the shoreline. Laurel River Lake boasts 5,600 acres of deep, clear water and 192 miles of cliff-lined shores. Bountiful hills and valleys create a beautiful backdrop for the lake area. The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (606) 878-8134.