Camping near West Point, Kentucky offers access to several established facilities within a short drive. The region sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Salt Rivers, creating a unique ecosystem with mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet. Winter temperatures typically reach lows of 25°F, while summer camping sees average highs around 88°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground features extensive trail networks ranging from 1.5 to 13 miles through mixed forest. "Lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods," notes one visitor at Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several sites offer stocked ponds and creek access. At Otter Creek Park Campground, visitors note the "beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville." Another camper points out that "Otter Creek runs through the Outdoor recreation area."
Bourbon Trail access: Campgrounds near Bardstown provide convenient access to distillery tours. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park notes they enjoyed "hitting the bourbon trail and being able to head back into nature! This place afforded us the ability to enjoy the city and then kick back at a nice scenic spot."
Golf recreation: My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground sits adjacent to a full golf course. "There is a huge golf course that sits within the entire area. Three separate entrances. One for the amphitheater, one for the welcome center and one for camping," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to urban areas, many sites offer wooded privacy. "The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Roomy campsite and room for hammocking. Lots of trees for hammocking. Lots of downed wood for easy collecting," shares one camper at Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Convenient location: Multiple campgrounds provide strategic positioning for regional exploration. One visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground appreciates how "this campground is right in the middle of town, but you will still have to drive anywhere you want to go. We toured the My Old KY Home historic house and gardens with our kids (13 & 5) and everyone enjoyed it."
Water features: Creeks and waterways enhance camping experiences throughout the region. "Loved hitting the bourbon trail and being able to head back into nature! This place afforded us the ability to enjoy the city and then kick back at a nice scenic spot," reports a camper from Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground.
Family facilities: Many sites offer dedicated amenities for children. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park observed it's a "quiet, family friendly campsite. If you are looking for a place to take your children for a week or weekend of fun, My Old Kentucy Home State Park is your place."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds have limited availability between late fall and early spring. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground operates from "April 1 to October 31," according to their official listing.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience transportation noise. A visitor to Louisville South KOA cautions: "One nachteil der platz liegt in der Einflugschneise des Flughafens. Auch die ganze Nacht hört man Fluglärm." (One disadvantage is the campground is in the flight path of the airport. You hear aircraft noise all night.)
Varied terrain: Site leveling can be challenging at some facilities. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a camper advises: "Sites are a bit uneven and water and electric is about 40 feet away. Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Camp Carlson Army RV Park, a visitor warns: "The ONLY bad thing about this campground is that it is in a bowl -- no cell service, no satellite, no internet. Perfect for a QUIET getaway!!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on amenities and space requirements. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a camper shares: "We stayed in spot 22 which is large and spacious. Seven of us camped (two families) with three tents, three hammicks and two cars. We had plenty of room."
Activity planning: Coordinate outdoor activities with nearby attractions. "You are literally ten minutes from anything you want or need. Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living," reports a visitor at Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Heat management: Summer temperatures require preparation. At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, a visitor notes: "The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer. Beautiful in the fall!"
Bathhouse considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. One camper at O'Bannon Woods State Park reports: "Campground roads and campsite were well labeled, clean and electric was in working order. Bath houses were 2.5/5 and could use some maintenance. Some shower facilities were substantially better than others so we chose to walk."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Brooks RV Park, a visitor notes: "All 50 amp full hook up sites. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. There is a nice laundromat, and the paved roads were repaved not long ago."
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park cautions: "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description."
Access considerations: Road conditions affect campground entry. At Louisville South KOA, a visitor notes: "The campground has both pull through gravel sites, back-in, and tent sites. The sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig. Many were longer than other KOAs, which enabled the tow vehicle and TT to be parked."
