CAMPING AND MORE AT LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES With more than 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline and 170,000 acres of rolling forest, it's no surprise that camping is one of the most popular activities at the USDA Forest Service's Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area. Camping in this Western Kentucky and Tennessee area is more than just spending the night under the stars. LBL has three developed family campgrounds: Hillman Ferry in the north end (KY), Piney in the south (TN), and Energy Lake, located northeast of the Golden Pond Visitors Center. All have scenic campsites along the lakeshore, as well as in shaded woods. While Hillman and Piney offer amenities like water, electric, and sewer hookups, they also feature a wide array of recreational activities and programs. "We get people of all ages at our campgrounds," explained Derrick Washington, Piney Campground Manager. "We want to make sure there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy." LBL also has the region's premier horse camp, Wranglers Campground. Wranglers features approximately 100 miles of horse and wagon trails, an outpost center, stalls, tack, hay/feed, a farrier service, and virtually everything horse and rider need for a getaway of camping and trail riding. Wranglers Campground also offers guided horse trail rides and pony rides for LBL visitors. Campers explore LBL's lakes, trails, and visitor attractions, but those staying at Hillman and Piney also have access to many activities not open to other LBL visitors. The campgrounds offer swimming, volleyball, softball, basketball, Frisbee, arts and crafts programs, and live music. The majority of these activities are free for the campers staying at the campground. Bike rentals are offered as well. Hillman Ferry rents adult and children's mountain bikes, while Piney has street bicycles available. Campers can enjoy a ride through the woods on the paved trails or just a leisurely ride on the campground roads. LBL also offers mountain bike trails for those desiring a more challenging experience. "As well as the variety of trails offered for biking, visitors have access to numerous public access roads that take you off the beaten path," Washington explained. "It is a great way to enjoy the wildlife and diversity of LBL." While there are a lot of activities to be found in the developed campgrounds, there are plenty of other camping options as well. Birmingham Ferry, Fenton, Rushing Creek, Cravens Bay, and Gatlin Point camping areas have basic amenities such as drinking water and chemical toilets. Those wishing to experience more privacy can obtain a permit to camp virtually anywhere in the back woods, and backpackers hiking the North/South Trail can take advantage of metal shelters-pieces of metal culvert adapted into hut-type shelters that sleep up to six people. "There are almost as many definitions of 'camping' as there are campers," noted Washington. "That's why we provide so many different camping opportunities at LBL." Camping Shelters are available at Piney and Wranglers and consist of basic wooden structures with electricity and bunk beds that sleep up to four or eight people. "Not everyone has an RV and not everyone is comfortable sleeping in a tent," Washington explained. "The camping shelters offer a little more protection from the elements, but still provide a rustic, natural experience." Special fees apply for some of the events and camping facilities. For more information on LBL camping or other LBL attractions, call 1-800-LBL-7077. Camping information and maps are also available on the LBL website at www.lbl.org. Campgrounds offer campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as through reservations. For information concerning reservations, contact www.recreation.gov or call toll free, 1-877-444-6777. This information is valid until September 30, 2008. After that date, please 270-924-2000 for new information.