Colson Hollow Group Camping Area

For Kentuckians, gathering friends, family, or fellow enthusiasts for a shared outdoor experience is a cherished tradition. Our state's natural beauty, particularly the sprawling landscapes and shimmering waters of the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, provides an ideal backdrop for such group adventures. Tucked away within this remarkable region, near Murray, you'll find Colson Hollow Group Camping Area, a destination specifically designed to cater to larger gatherings seeking privacy, tranquility, and direct access to the great outdoors.

Colson Hollow is not your typical individual campsite; it's a dedicated space built for groups, offering a secluded and spacious environment for memorable outings. Reviews from past visitors consistently highlight its quiet nature and the privacy it affords, making it a beloved spot for annual traditions and special events. This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and informative overview of Colson Hollow Group Camping Area, drawing on publicly available information and the experiences of its patrons, to help our Kentucky neighbors plan their next group adventure in the heart of the LBL.

Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is a unique facility within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, specifically designated for groups ranging from a minimum of 10 people up to 200. Its purpose is to provide a dedicated, private space where larger parties can camp together, enjoy shared activities, and immerse themselves in the natural environment without encroaching on individual campsites. Unlike general campgrounds, Colson Hollow operates on a reservations-only basis, ensuring that groups have their reserved space upon arrival and maintaining the exclusivity and privacy that its visitors appreciate.

The campground spans 25 acres of maintained fields, offering ample room for groups to spread out, set up multiple tents, and engage in various outdoor pursuits. It’s known for its peaceful ambiance, allowing groups to enjoy their time together in a quiet setting away from the general public. As part of the LBL, Colson Hollow also benefits from the region's abundant wildlife and access to the vast recreational opportunities of Kentucky Lake. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and functional space for organized group camping, making it a recurring favorite for many Kentuckians year after year.

Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is nestled within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area at Forest Service Rd 169, Murray, KY 42071, USA. This strategic location places it in Trigg County, Kentucky, within one of the state's most cherished natural playgrounds. The LBL is a unique inland peninsula bordered by Kentucky Lake to the west and Lake Barkley to the east, offering an unparalleled landscape of forests, wetlands, and extensive shorelines.

Access to Colson Hollow typically involves navigating through scenic Forest Service roads, which are generally well-maintained, contributing to the feeling of a secluded escape. While providing a private setting, the campground remains reasonably accessible to the city of Murray, allowing groups to procure any last-minute supplies, groceries, or essentials before heading into their group camp. Forest Service Road 169 itself is described as having a "higher maintenance standard" due to the facilities located along it, which is beneficial for vehicles carrying group camping gear.

Moreover, its location near Kentucky Lake means easy access to water-based activities. The campground is situated along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake, and while it's a group camping area rather than a general access point, its proximity to the water enhances the overall outdoor experience. Being within the LBL also means groups have ready access to the area's extensive network of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and other educational attractions like the Elk & Bison Prairie or Woodlands Nature Station. This combination of seclusion, natural beauty, and practical access to both local towns and LBL attractions makes Colson Hollow an ideal spot for group adventures in Kentucky.

Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is designed to support large group camping, providing essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and functional stay. The services reflect its purpose as a designated group area within a national recreation area:

• Reservations Required: Unlike many first-come, first-served campgrounds in LBL, Colson Hollow requires advance reservations. This ensures your group's private space is secured. Reservations can be made by calling the LBL administrative office.
• Dedicated Group Camping Space: The area encompasses 25 acres of maintained fields, providing ample room for groups of 10 to 200 people to spread out with multiple tents and vehicles.
• Accessible Vault Toilet Building: One accessible vault toilet building is provided on-site, offering basic restroom facilities.
• Refuse Container/Trash Pickup: A refuse container is available for waste disposal, ensuring the cleanliness of the group area.
• Fire Rings and/or Grills: Sites are typically equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, facilitating campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Multiple picnic tables are available, providing convenient dining and gathering spots for groups.
• Additional Sanitary Facilities (Upon Request): For larger groups or those requiring more facilities, additional sanitary provisions can be arranged upon request for an extra charge.
• Mowed Areas: The maintained fields ensure comfortable tent pitching and open space for activities.
• Proximity to Kentucky Lake: While not a dedicated boat ramp, its location along the shoreline offers natural access to the water for various activities.

Groups should note that specific utilities like water pumps or electrical hookups are generally not available at this primitive group camp. Therefore, groups need to come prepared with their own water supply and be self-sufficient regarding power, consistent with a more rustic camping experience.

Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is highly valued for its specific attributes that cater to large gatherings seeking a memorable outdoor experience. Here are its most prominent features and highlights:

• Ideal for Group Camping: This is its primary and most significant highlight. The spacious 25-acre maintained field is perfectly suited for groups of 10 to 200, providing ample room for multiple tents, vehicles, and shared activities without feeling cramped.
• Quiet and Private Environment: Repeatedly praised by visitors, Colson Hollow offers a secluded setting that ensures "quiet, private" gatherings. This allows groups to enjoy their time together without disturbance from other campers or the general public.
• Consistent Positive Experiences: Reviewers highlight having "a wonderful time every yr here," indicating a high level of satisfaction and repeat visits, which speaks to the reliable quality of the experience.
• Reservations Only: The mandatory reservation system is a key feature, guaranteeing that groups have their dedicated space upon arrival, eliminating the uncertainty of first-come, first-served sites.
• Ample Room to Spread Out: With 25 acres, groups have "tons of room to spread out," which is particularly beneficial for large gatherings, allowing for diverse activities and personal space.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: The provision of vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash removal ensures a comfortable experience while maintaining a rustic feel.
• Proximity to Kentucky Lake: Its location along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake means beautiful views and easy access to water-related activities for the group.
• Within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area: Being part of the LBL means groups can easily access other attractions and trails within this vast natural area.

Groups should be aware that while accessible, the creek crossing near the entrance may become impassable during heavy rain, which is a practical consideration for planning.

As a specialized group camping area operated within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Colson Hollow typically does not offer seasonal or commercial "promotions" in the way a private campground might. Its pricing structure is set to facilitate group use and is highly competitive for the dedicated space and privacy it provides. The "special offer" of Colson Hollow is its unique ability to host large groups exclusively and affordably within a prime natural setting.

The standard fee for Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is $40 per night, with a minimum requirement of 10 people to reserve the space. This flat nightly rate for up to 200 people makes it an exceptionally cost-effective option for large gatherings, as the per-person cost decreases significantly with more participants. This consistent, low group rate is its primary value proposition.

For the most current fee information and to inquire about the reservation process and availability, interested groups should directly contact the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This ensures accurate planning for your group's visit.

For reservations and inquiries regarding Colson Hollow Group Camping Area, please use the following contact details. Note that direct calls are the primary method for reserving this group site:

• Address: Forest Service Rd 169, Murray, KY 42071, USA
• Phone: (270) 924-2044 (This is the dedicated number for group camping reservations within Land Between the Lakes, including Colson Hollow and Brandon Spring Group Center).
• Mobile Phone: +1 270-924-2044

It is highly recommended to call in advance, as this is a reservations-only site and popular, particularly during peak seasons. Confirming details like availability, specific rules, and any potential needs for additional sanitary facilities is best done through direct communication.

For Kentuckians planning large group outings, Colson Hollow Group Camping Area stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its primary appeal lies in its unique offering of a private, dedicated space for groups of 10 to 200 people. This exclusivity means that local clubs, family reunions, youth organizations, or even just large circles of friends can enjoy their time together without concerns about disturbing other campers or being confined to smaller, individual sites. The consistent positive reviews, with groups returning "every yr," underscore its proven success in providing a wonderful group camping experience.

The quiet and private nature of Colson Hollow allows for genuine connection and shared experiences amidst the beauty of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. For Kentuckians, this means easy access to one of our state's most magnificent natural resources, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and water-based activities on Kentucky Lake directly from a secluded base camp. The affordable flat rate for large groups makes it an incredibly cost-effective option, ensuring that memorable outdoor gatherings are accessible to a wide range of local communities.

Knowing that the site is reserved exclusively for your group, complete with essential amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and trash disposal, provides a hassle-free planning experience. For any Kentucky group looking to foster camaraderie, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy quality time together in the serene and vast wilderness of the LBL, Colson Hollow Group Camping Area is an ideal choice, promising privacy, space, and a return to nature.