Hillman's Ferry

Hillman Ferry offers a full-service boat ramp access point on Kentucky Lake in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, making it a convenient launching spot for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters exploring this massive impoundment of the Tennessee River. The facility is part of the Land Between the Lakes recreation area and provides excellent amenities including showers, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, and a fishing dock. Note that **launching at Hillman Ferry requires a paid campground reservation**—it is not a free public access point.

Kentucky Lake is a sprawling reservoir ideal for paddlers of all skill levels, with calm, protected waters suitable for recreational kayaking and canoeing. The nearby Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and the interconnected Lake Barkley (about 5 miles east via a canal through Land Between the Lakes) offer additional exploration opportunities. The campground operates seasonally from March 1 through November 30, with reservations available up to six months in advance. This location works well as a base for multi-day paddling trips or day trips exploring the extensive shoreline and coves of Kentucky Lake.