Holmes Bend Campground in Kentucky on map - free

Both the nonelectric and electric sites here are desirable.

Holmes Bend Campground is, not surprisingly, located on a bend of what used to be the Green River. Despite the damming of the river, the lake still has quite a bend to it, and the land along the Green is still as scenic as ever. Fortunately, tent campers have their own nonelectric loop here. But, according to the campground host, many tent campers occupy the electric sites at this quiet getaway, even though most campsites do not overlook the lake.

Being at the end of a dead-end road has its advantages. This blufftop recreation area is circled by water, with only one way in and out. It's as if this place is its own community of campers who head to the outside world every now and then to work, so they can come back and occupy their rightful spot by Green River Lake. This "community" is divided into six camping areas. The first, with sites 1-23, will appeal to tent campers. The only nonelectric loop, it is located in a grassy flat dotted with maple and oak trees. The well-landscaped and well-manicured area has a restroom in its center. A bathhouse with showers is located in the next loop over. Campers pitch their tents directly on the grass at their sites. The next area has sites 24-43; landscaping timbers delineate the sites. A bathhouse is here, as is a volleyball court. The sites here are a bit too close together, compared with the rest of the campground. The next area, with sites 44-84, has water, electricity, and plenty of shade. This is the most popular loop in the campground; here, tent campers and RVs mix together. The sites are very level and spread apart. The next area has sites 85-110, which border the steep bluff overlooking Green River Lake. The views are impressive: a look down will give you an idea of how high you are above the water. Sites 98-101 are the best of the best here. Sites 102-106 are nice too. They are back in the woods and at the end of the campground, which is already at the end of the dead-end road. If you want the largest and most widespread sites, go for 112-125. They are large but more open to the sun. A nature trail is conveniently located by these sites.

ADDRESS: 69 Corps Rd., Columbia, KY 42728

OPERATED BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CONTACT: 270-465-4463, www. lrl. usace. army. mil; campground office: 270-384-4623; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica . com

OPEN: Mid-April-October

SITES: 23 nonelectric, 102 electric

SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring, food-preparation table, lantern post

ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation

REGISTRATION: At campground tollhouse

FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, water spigots

PARKING: At campsites only FEE: $17 nonelectric, $23 electric ELEVATION: 750 feet

¦ Pets: On leash only

¦ Fires: In fire rings only

¦ Alcohol: Prohibited

¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site

¦ Other: 14-day stay limit in a 30-day period