About HOLMES BEND
Overview Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, Holmes Bend Campground is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Click here for the Green River Lake Virtual Tour. Recreation With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake: Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region.Facilities Holmes Bend Campground offers 125 campsites, 40 of which have electric hookups only and 62 of which have water and electric hookups. Amenities like flush toilets, showers, fire rings and drinking water provide a comfortable camping experience. A playground and an interpretive trail offer additional recreation opportunities within the campground. Several miles of multi-use trails to include horseback riding are all located just down the road from the campground. A swimming beach, reservable picnic shelter, parking areas, additional playground, restroom facilities, boat ramp, courtesy dock, fishing pier all managed by the marina, as well as marina owned rental cabins are all located within 1 mile of the campground.Natural Features Green River Lake area encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors on the water and on land. Contact Info Between 04/18/2025 and 10/26/2025 this location is staffed. Please call (270) 384-4623 to speak with local staff. From 10/28/2024 to 04/17/2025 this location is
How to Get There
From Columbia, KY, take Cumberland Parkway to exit 49 and merge onto Highway 55 north. Continue for 1.5 miles, then turn right on Highway 551. After a mile turn left on Holmes Bend Road and follow directional signs to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HOLMES BEND
Heading to HOLMES BEND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HOLMES BEND?
No central reservation system listed for HOLMES BEND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233513) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HOLMES BEND?
From Columbia, KY, take Cumberland Parkway to exit 49 and merge onto Highway 55 north. Continue for 1.5 miles, then turn right on Highway 551. After a mile turn left on Holmes Bend Road and follow directional signs to the campground.
How do I contact HOLMES BEND?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-384-4623 or email: andrea.m.davis@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
