Top Tent Camping near Elizabethtown, KY

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Elizabethtown, look no further. Finding a place to camp in Kentucky with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Elizabethtown, Kentucky's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Elizabethtown, KY (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground

    1. Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground

    17 Reviews
    92 Photos
    109 Saves

    Jefferson Memorial Forest features a campground for tent camping and can accommodate both families and groups. Although the Forest is only minutes from Metro Louisville, camping here seems like a much more remote camping experience. Located within the Horine Reservation, the campground is in the uplands of the Forest and has good separation between individual campsites. Seven family campsites and four group campsites are available. Latrines and water are near to all the sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Houchins Ferry Campground

    2. Houchins Ferry Campground

    8 Reviews
    48 Photos
    39 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
    Camper-submitted photo from Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave

    3. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    23 Saves

    The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain top retreat
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain top retreat

    4. Mountain top retreat

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    4 Saves
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $150 / night

    • No image available

      5. River Floodplain Campsites

      Be the first to review!
      4 Saves

      Camping on the river floodpain by Backcountry Use Permit.

      • Tents
      • No image available

        6. Yellowbank Creek

        Be the first to review!
        4 Saves
        • Pets
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        • Toilets

      Recent Tent Reviews In Elizabethtown

      599 Reviews of 6 Elizabethtown Campgrounds


      • Alex M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Heartland RV Park
        Oct. 26, 2024

        Heartland RV Park

        A great place

        I am a long term camper. This park has all the utilities water, electric, sewer. I haven't had issues with the free wifi and am able to stream movies and TV with no buffering.

        They have a community building with restrooms, showers, laundry, kitchen area, and mail pick up. They also have an outdoor community area with a fire pit, lounge chairs, and grill.

        They have been having events for the children. Movie night, outdoor games, and a camp fire with smores.

        It's quiet and 5 minutes away from town. Door dash delivers.

        The manager is a sweetheart and makes sure any issues are taken care of.

      • tThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Horse Camp
        Oct. 19, 2024

        Mammoth Cave Horse Camp

        Worse experience

        Until midnight there was a loud microphone with drunk people trying to sing karaoke where it was heard around campground. Slurring speech and cursing. No respect to others trying to sleep.

        Was booked for the weekend but leaving after night 1.

      • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Nolin Lake State Park
        Oct. 5, 2024

        Nolin Lake State Park

        Camp among the trees

        The campsites are surrounded by trees and it’s beautiful. Campsite has good showers too which is a plus. Nearby mammoth caves!

      • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from White Acres Campground
        Sep. 26, 2024

        White Acres Campground

        Love this place!

        Great hosts, quiet camping location, 5 minute drive into town. No, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but we don’t need all that stuff. I’d rather pay a cheaper price than to stay at a place with activities going on all the time and so much noise you can’t enjoy the countryside.

      • amna S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
        Sep. 22, 2024

        Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

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      • amna S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

        seo

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      • Jeremy K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Nolin Lake State Park
        Sep. 14, 2024

        Nolin Lake State Park

        Weekend trip

        Very quiet, clean, and nice campground. Very close to Mammoth Cave. Shower facilities were very very clean. Nice well spaced sites.

      • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave
        Aug. 16, 2024

        Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave

        Can’t beat the Location, Amenities & Proximity

        We’re staying one night for Mammoth Cave and added a second night thanks to the activities offered. For a family that usually only spends one night that’s a big deal. The kids are super excited to do the lake inflatable course and have already enjoyed the nice playground and bouncing pad. We chose a standard site so I didn’t expect much. For the price it’s great to have all the hookups but it’s not level at all. I parked at an angle, propped up the front and our full slide gives it a wonky tilt so got it pretty good. It could probably use another level of blocks at the front. Just wonky sites. But nice and wide

      • c
        Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
        Aug. 8, 2024

        Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

        Great Campground and Location

        We really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park. I have to correct some information on this listing, though. There are no electric hookups. There is water available at spots throughout the campground, but not at the sites. There is one difficult to use dump station. Also, internet connections are terrible. You need to rely on the WiFi at the visitor center and lodge.

        Setting that aside, it’s a beautiful, wooded campground with large and generally level sites. You’re right in the middle of the park, with all it has to offer. Its about a ten-twelve minute walk to the Visitor Center, which is where all the cave tours and many of the hiking trails start. The Visitor Center also has a great exhibit explaining the geology and history of the park and area. It is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the park lodge, which has several restaurants. Both buildings are wonderfully air conditioned, which helped a lot in the August heat.

        Also helping with the heat are the caves themselves, which are spectacular and not to be missed. Other activities right in the park are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental.

        There are modern and very clean bathrooms throughout the campground. It’s a mystery why they didn’t include showers when they built those bathrooms. Instead there are paid showers in the building housing the camp store. You insert six quarters and get a decent amount of time. For me, this was the only real downside of the campground, one I could put up with given all the other advantages.

        Site 35B was a great site and was next to a small field, giving us extra space and privacy.

      • Holdun R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Horse Cave KOA
        Jul. 29, 2024

        Horse Cave KOA

        Wonderful!!

        I stayed in spot 87 for 4 days. It was a clean camp with all kinds of variety of camping spots. The only reason is not getting 5 stars is bc it's right on the Interstate, and that noise wasn't the most peaceful. There were a ton of things for kids and families to do. There was a pool, playground, pond, etc. There were some really cool wagon tents, teepee's, and actual tree houses.

      • Aimee H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wax - Nolin River Lake
        Jul. 24, 2024

        Wax - Nolin River Lake

        Beautiful views

        This is one of the cleanest campgrounds with excellent water views and you can pull your kayaks or floats into the river from your site..clean river lots of fisherman out ..we are in the C loop C007 and the site is amazing there are many riverside sites but some are primitive so make sure to double check

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisville South KOA
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Louisville South KOA

        Clean and fun. Nice location.

        My family visited Louisville South at the beginning of June for an extended family trip.

        Pros- Lots of activities for kids. Nice pool, great playground, bounce pad. Bike rental. Decent (not spectacular) hiking trails. The RV sites with patio were very nice, but could be bigger.

        Cons- some (not all) of the staff. One lady in particular was always rude, and didn’t like answering questions. There was a security light for the bounce pad that was on all night long, and thoroughly illuminated the adjacent tent sites. My brother’s family of 6 did not sleep well. This is something that is easily corrected by installing a shade over one edge of the light, but the staff didn’t seem to care.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge
        Jul. 20, 2024

        COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge

        Nothing ever fixed

        This campground is clean and the campsites are decent. However, our campsite had two stumps there were hard to work around when backing up the camper in the dark. If you need to use the showers or bathroom, they never fix anything. One bathroom hasn’t had electric in two years and another women’s bathroom only has hot water in one shower and the hand dryers don’t work.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Singing Hills RV Park And Campground
        Jul. 18, 2024

        Singing Hills RV Park And Campground

        Amazing Service Very Close to Mammoth Cave NP

        We stayed at Singing Hills for three nights while visiting Mammoth Cave NP. Beth was super helpful via email even before our arrival with advice on tour tickets. My wife has mobility issues and she had good suggestions for us.

        Eldon checked us in and gave us recommendations for restaurants which were outstanding. I'm quite sure that our truck is now over-gross :-P

        The camping was just fine. Grounds are well tended. Spaces are gravel. Water, sewer, and electric all did what they should.

        The next time we are in the area, we will definitely return to Singing Hills.

      • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park

        Great place to stay and close to Pure Kentucky

        Excellent campground. Clean and quiet. Can get busy but sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space. Fine gravel sites with well kept grounds, shower house, and attentive host. We want to return and visit more Bourbon Trail Distilleries.

      • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
        Jul. 14, 2024

        Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

        Great Choice

        We loved our visit here! We stayed two nights with our dog and felt very safe. Campsites appear close at first but actually felt comfortably private. People walk and bike along the roads and it felt very friendly. Bathrooms are clean and cool. There’s a camp store, Caver’s, with food, souvenirs, showers, and bathroom. Super close to the visiting center for tours.

      • Nathan G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from O'Bannon Woods State Park
        Jul. 13, 2024

        O'Bannon Woods State Park

        Decent campground, best on weekdays

        Had the typical state park experience. Bathrooms are decent, a little dated but oh well. The weekends in the middle middle of the season are typically busy. Plan your site well, many lack a level spot for tents and have a lot of slope near the pull off.

      • joseph B.
        Camper-submitted photo from COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground
        Jul. 10, 2024

        COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground

        Depends on the spot

        Overall this campground is peaceful, but very crowded with a lot of spots in one area.  I was lucky enough to book a double spot that had some space between the other campsites with a good view of the lake.  Great amenities.

      • joseph B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Moutardier
        Jul. 10, 2024

        Moutardier

        Decent

        This campground has tried to cram as many people into it at one time as possible.  Sites are very close to each other that you could hear your neighbor burp or fart at any time day or night.  Otherwise, the campground is clean with good amenities.  If you are lucky enough to get a lake side spot, the views are good, but again, you will have neighbors.

      • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park
        Jul. 6, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park

        Great stay!

        The campground is easy to navigate. The ranger met us on the way in and was super-friendly. Our site was small bit not cramped, and there was a picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of space between each site. Neighbors were quiet and friendly. Will camp here again!

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave
        Jun. 2, 2024

        Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave

        Just Okay

        Bit over priced. It went up each night we stayed. We had a fifth wheel on a standard gravel 30/50 amp site. Full hook up. Advertised internet but there wasn’t any in the section we stayed. There was a little shade in our area. The whole place is alternated by cabins and camping sites. There is grass between every site. Plenty of playgrounds, a pool and pond/beach. Golf cart rentals are $55 per day and people run them all day and night. Golf carts were playing music at midnight. This place does not sleep. And if you bring dogs, you must physically show them the rabies tag, they don’t check their email. Even though you pick a spot on their map they will change you to a different spot unless you pay the $35 extra to “lock in” a specific spot.

      • Lindsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge
        May. 27, 2024

        COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge

        Great location and power supply issues

        Location was excellent, close to the water. They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances. There are other campgrounds on the lake that I would choose instead of this one for that reason. The site itself was fine, and if not for the power issues we would come back.

      • Joel K.
        Camper-submitted photo from German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest
        Apr. 24, 2024

        German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest

        Nice primitive self-serve campground with 20 spots

        We stayed here on a guys trip in April 2024.  It was easy to find, had a self-serve pay tube, and since it's a primitive campground they had no electricity, showers or flush toilets (but they did have decent pit toilets).  It rained quite a bit the few days prior to us arriving so some of the fire pits at the sites had standing water.  You cannot make reservations so plan accordingly, but when we arrived Friday afternoon we were the only people there.   There is no camp host and they do not provide firewood onsite.  We had a hard time finding any in Tell City but finally got some at Tractor Supply.  We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable. The trails were very nice, but the rain that occurred prior to our arrival made for several soft spots and some "fun" creek crossings. We also encountered several ticks, so plan accordingly. Generally I would not hesitate to go back here.



      Guide to Elizabethtown

      Camping near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

      What to do:

      • Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive from Elizabethtown, this park is famous for its extensive cave system. One visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground said, "We really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park."
      • Enjoy water activities at Nolin Lake: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around the scenic waters. A reviewer at Nolin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental."
      • Fishing and swimming: Many campgrounds, like Baileys Point, offer fishing spots and swimming areas. One camper noted, "We loved fishing and swimming in the lake."

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park said, "The bath house was very clean and well maintained."
      • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Louisville South KOA shared, "The staff are super helpful."
      • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A guest at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space."

      What you should know:

      • Limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Mammoth Cave Campground, do not have electric hookups at the sites. A camper pointed out, "There are no electric hookups."
      • Busy during peak season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during summer. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground noted, "The campground is great, very small fills up fast."
      • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Louisville South KOA mentioned, "You WILL be up all night with the barking chihuahua on the next site."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave said, "There is so much to do, that 5 days doesn’t seem long at all."
      • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park mentioned, "The sites are level with water and electricity."
      • Pack outdoor games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Baileys Point shared, "Our highlight is definitely the fall because we participate in the Halloween festivities."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kentucky Taylorsville Lake State Park noted, "The sites are not tight but spread out."
      • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require longer cords for hookups. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."
      • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Kentucky Moutardier said, "The campground is clean with good amenities."

      Camping near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elizabethtown, KY?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elizabethtown, KY is Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Elizabethtown, KY?

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Elizabethtown, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.