Laurel River Lake — lakeside, hiking
Location: London, KY, KY
Price: From $45 per night
Price range: $45–$65 per night
Rating: 3.4 out of 5 (14 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Electric Hookups
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/laurel-river-lake-picnic-area to be notified when sites open up.
Laurel River Lake Picnic Area offers a beautiful 5,600-acre lake setting with a 4.6/5 rating from 131 Google reviews praising its clean grounds, sandy beach, fishing, swimming, and family-friendly activities including volleyball courts and playgrounds.
Wildlife alert: Eastern Copperhead snakes present in area; also White-tailed Deer, Black-and-white Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Red-bellied Snake, and Eastern Box Turtle.
Insider tips for Laurel River Lake Picnic Area: This is a day-use picnic area only — no overnight camping despite some Google review confusion Book early as it is a federal campground with high demand Large sandy beach and maintained volleyball courts available for recreation
Skip Laurel River Lake Picnic Area if: Seeking overnight camping — no overnight camping is allowed. Needing hookups — no hookups available at sites. Visiting outside May-October — seasonal operations only.
Best time to visit Laurel River Lake Picnic Area: May-October — Official operating season as listed in verified data.
Nearby campgrounds: Holly Bay (LONDON, KY), Craigs Creek Group Area (LONDON, KY), Grove (LONDON, KY), Waitsboro Campground (SOMERSET, KY).
Cell signal at Laurel River Lake Picnic Area (London, KY): moderate overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: Verizon.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
This is a day-use picnic area only
no overnight camping despite some Google review confusion
Book early as it is a federal campground with high demand
Large sandy beach and maintained volleyball courts available for recreation
Official operating season as listed in verified data
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: Verizon.









From London, Kentucky, head west on HWY 192 for approximately 15 miles. Turn slight left onto KY-1193. Continue on KY-1193 until arrive at destination on left. Area is marked by "Laurel Dam Picnic Area" signs.
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