Swings and benches line the bluff at Columbus-Belmont State Park, where campers look directly out over the Mississippi River from their sites. The campground sits within the state park grounds in far western Kentucky, and the river is close enough that a short drive gets you to the bank for watching barge traffic move through. Sites are paved and generally open, with the back loop offering full hookups including sewer. Those back sites are not level, so RV campers should come prepared with leveling blocks and a rubber mat or tarp underneath to keep them from sliding on the pavement.
Brandon R. notes that "several swings and benches line the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River," and that sense of deliberate design carries through the rest of the park. About half a mile from the campground loop, the main park area includes a Civil War museum, self-guided trench walks past cannons and relics, a snack shack serving ice cream and hot dogs, and a mini golf course. The museum charges a modest admission fee. A playground sits in the middle of the campground loop, and the overall grounds are consistently described as well-maintained and clean.
Bathhouse quality has drawn mixed feedback. One reviewer found standing water and leaks in the bathhouse during a 2025 visit, calling it an oddity given how well the rest of the park was kept. The dump station can fill up during busy periods. WiFi is available but reviewers flag it as slow and unreliable. Cell service gets limited mentions as well, so plan accordingly.
Road access is worth flagging for larger rigs. The approach from Fulton runs narrow in places, with bridges that tighten further and occasional farm equipment sharing the road. One reviewer towing a 36-foot travel trailer found it stressful enough to reconsider a return stay. Reservations are accepted, and the campground stays open year-round. Indian Camp Campground LLC sits a few miles north if you need an alternative in the area, and those heading across the state line can find options like Boomland RV Park & Campground to the northwest. Columbus-Belmont works best for campers drawn to Civil War history and Mississippi River access who are comfortable navigating a narrow rural approach.
Description
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a 156-acre site that played a fascinating role in the War Between the States. This is the site of a fortification build by the Confederates and later occupied by Union forces. The 1861 Battle of Belmont, fought to overtake the Confederate stronghold here, marked the opening of the Union's Western Campaign. It was also Grant's first battle.
Please note:
- The maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance to the date.
- New Inventory is made available when the call center opens.
- There is a 1 night minimum stay during the week at all parks.
- There is a 2 night minimum stay on peak season weekends at all parks with the exception of the Kentucky Horse Park.
- The minimum stay on peak season weekends at the Kentucky Horse Park is 1 night.
- Customers may arrive on a Friday or Saturday and stay a minimum of two nights.
- Customer service is authorized to fill in any empty spaces caused by the 2-night weekend stay rule.
Please note the following:
- Longer minimum night stays are required at most campgrounds during holiday periods.
- Parks prohibits the importation of firewood by campers from any state outside of Kentucky. This is in an effort to help prevent the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. Firewood is available for sale in the state park campgrounds.https://parks.ky.gov/firewood-policy
- Golf carts are allowed in the campground by purchasing a permit at check-in. Permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Annual permits can be used at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds and the Kentucky Horse Park. Disabled guests are not required to purchase a permit if they display their disability hanging tag.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.
Map & DirectionsColumbus-Belmont State Park is located in Kentucky near Hickman
Directions
Driving directions to Columbus-Belmont from: - Purchase Parkway at Fulton, KY - take exit 1 to Clinton and then left on Hwy 58W. - Purchase Parkway at Mayfield, KY - take exit 22 to Hwy 80 Wickliffe, KY - take Hwy 51south to Bardwell, then right on Hwy 123.
Address
P.O. BOX 9
Columbus, KY 42032
Coordinates
36.76187635 N
89.10742267 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/16/26
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/16/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 42 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 11 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 37 min from Jackson, TN
- 2 hrs 2 min from Clarksville, TN
