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Map showing campground location near Falls of Rough, Kentucky
Camper submitted image from Rough River Dam State Resort ParkView 20 Photos
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Rough River Dam State Resort Park

3 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Rough River Lake holds this Army Corps of Engineers campground open from April through October, with drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access all available. No pets are allowed. Sites vary in spacing, with some more secluded than others and some clustered close together. Amenities include drinking water, toilets, a dump station, firewood, and WiFi. The park draws crowds, particularly in summer, and shade is limited across the area. Anglers can fish public areas around the dam at no charge. Campers wanting a different configuration can look at Axtel or browse places to camp near Rough River Lake for additional options in the area.

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Map & DirectionsRough River Dam State Resort Park is located in Kentucky near Falls of Rough

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

37.62039708 N
86.5023148 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Rough River Dam State Resort Park

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5 Stars

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1 Star

34%
33%
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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the park's cleanliness and diverse recreational amenities including beach and marina access. Some noted basic site conditions with mixed privacy levels, though the overall facility maintenance receives positive feedback.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2019

Clean! Clean! Clean!

They have one of the cleanest parks! This is a Corp of Engineers reservoir that is well maintained. We stay in various places all over the park and the best thing about this is there are no fees to access the public areas of the dam to fish or lake! Our children love to camp and play around the lake!

  • Review photo of Rough River Dam State Resort Park by Benjamin W., June 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Rough River Dam State Resort Park by Benjamin W., June 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Rough River Dam State Resort Park by Benjamin W., June 16, 2019
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Wide open spaces

The Rough River Lodge , Falls of Rough , Ky no longer has a campground co-located, it was closed a few years ago when the dam was renovated. That being said there are two campgrounds Cave Creek and Axtel, in the immediate area, with the total available around the lake being 5.

The Lodge is an older building, the rooms overlook the lake. There are two cabin areas and a 2ish mile nature trail connects them with the lodge and Marina.

The area offers a small airport, boat ramp, miniature golf, beach, pool, tennis courts, small playground, picnic pavilion, and basketball court. Not much shade and just like the rest of the area busy.

Month of VisitJune
  • The Nature Trail in the area
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  • Enjoying the water at the far end of the trail
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  • Review photo of Rough River Dam State Resort Park by Shelly S., June 14, 2018
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2016

basic

site: some secluded sites/some sites close together. basic. amenities: clean. older. attractions: hiking. swimming. I might go camping here next trip, but it was nothing spectacular.

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Rough River State Park Campground?

Rough River State Park Campground offers basic amenities with clean but older facilities. The park is known for its well-maintained grounds and clean restrooms. It's important to note that the original campground near the dam was closed during renovations, but alternative camping options exist at nearby Cave Creek and Axtel campgrounds. The Corps of Engineers maintains the reservoir and surrounding areas to high standards, ensuring visitors have access to essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience.

Is Rough River Lake open for camping year-round?

Rough River Lake camping availability varies throughout the year. While the area offers camping options, the full operating schedule depends on seasonal conditions. The main camping areas around the lake, including Cave Creek and Axtel campgrounds, typically follow standard seasonal patterns for Kentucky state parks. For precise operating dates and current availability, contact the park directly or check the Kentucky State Parks website before planning your trip.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Rough River Lake?

Visitors to Rough River Lake can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking on designated trails and swimming in the lake. Fishing is particularly popular, with free access to public areas around the dam. The well-maintained Corps of Engineers reservoir provides excellent opportunities for water recreation. Families appreciate the child-friendly environment with plenty of space for camping and playing around the lake. The natural setting offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation throughout the park.

What lodging options are available at Rough River Dam State Resort Park?

Rough River Dam State Resort Park features the Rough River Lodge as its primary lodging option. While the original campground co-located with the lodge was closed during dam renovations, visitors have multiple camping alternatives nearby. There are five campgrounds total around the lake area, with Cave Creek and Axtel being the closest to the lodge. These provide traditional camping experiences in well-maintained settings. The park's lodging options cater to different preferences, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the reservoir while having access to comfortable accommodations.

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