Established Camping
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
Campground utilities may be further than expected so campers are encouraged to bring extensions for water hoses or electrical cords.
Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
Big Bone Lick State Park Campground, near Union, Kentucky, is a fantastic spot for families and friends looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that come with electric and water hookups, it’s a comfortable place to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
The campground boasts clean facilities, including well-maintained showers and restrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking or exploring. Many campers have mentioned the refreshing pool, perfect for cooling off on hot days, and the nearby hiking trails that lead to fascinating sights like the bison prairie and a historical museum. One visitor noted, “The trail to see the bison was great,” highlighting the unique experiences available right outside your tent.
For those who enjoy a bit of history, the campground is surrounded by intriguing historical sites and quaint communities, making it easy to pick up local provisions or souvenirs. While some sites may require a bit of leveling, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or taking a stroll through the park, Big Bone Lick State Park Campground offers a memorable camping experience.
Description
State Park
Big Bone Lick State Park
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is known as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology because it was the first site in North America to have an organized excavation, conducted by William Clark in 1807. The fossilized remains of American Mastodon, Columbian Mammoth, and Giant Ground Sloths were discovered at the site in 1739 and are now displayed at museums throughout the world. Notable Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin personally examined the fossils, many of which are displayed at Big Bone Lick, Monticello, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. According to paleontologists during the Pleistocene Epoch, when ice covered much of North America, prehistoric animals were attracted to the plentiful salt springs that still bubble from the ground at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. These animals were hunted and processed by Paleoindians who left the large bones behind that were later preserved by flood sediments. Come visit the museum and the Discovery Trail to learn about the history for yourself and stop by the live bison herd to take a glimpse into the past.
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.Click on the link for more details: 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.
Location
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground is located in Kentucky
Directions
The park is located 22 miles southwest of Covington on KY 338, off US 42 - 127 and I-71/ I-75.
Address
3380 Beaver Road
Union, KY 41091
Coordinates
38.88379 N
84.74727 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 28 min from Cincinnati
- 1 hr 8 min from Lexington
- 1 hr 13 min from Louisville
- 1 hr 46 min from Columbus