Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers within Rough River Lake, Laurel Branch sits along the river in Mcdaniels, Kentucky, and runs as three separate campground areas flanking a central boat ramp. Sites closer to the road get more traffic noise, while the wooded side sites give campers more separation. Water-adjacent sites go fast. Book those well ahead, especially on summer weekends when the campground fills. A short nature trail connects the first and second areas, and a day-use beach adjoins the third. The boat ramp is compact with limited trailer parking. Anglers, boaters, and swimmers all use the same access corridor, so expect activity. The campground operates May through late October, with electric and water hookups available for RVs up to 82 feet. Campers planning a longer stay in the region can also browse camping near Falls of Rough for additional options in Grayson County.
Description
Overview
Laurel Branch Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky. The 5,100-acre lake is a hometown paradise for visitors who love the outdoors, and more than two million visitors camp, picnic, fish, swim, boat and relax on the lake shore each year.
Recreation
A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are provided at the lake, including ample opportunities for boating and fishing. The most sought after fish are bass, crappie and catfish, and bass tournaments occur at the lake throughout the year. Additionally, pontoon, johnboat and jet ski rentals are available at the nearby marinas.
Facilities
Laurel Branch Campground offers 62 campsites, several of which have electric hookups. Most of the campsites are waterfront, while others are just a short walk away from the lake. Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, playground, boat ramp, drinking water, nature trail, public beach, and fish cleaning station.Wi-fi is available from an outside source.
Natural Features
The rolling, forested hills of rural south central Kentucky offer an extraordinary setting for those who visit the lake. Rough River Lake provides views of ancient sandstone, shale and limestone cliffs. An abundance of water in the area, both surface and underground, has carved through limestone to create a myriad of sinks and caverns. The lake itself is home to numerous species of wildlife, including migratory songbirds and waterfowl.
Nearby Attractions
The historic Green Farm is adjacent to the lake. It consists of about 3,000 acres, a large ancestral home, an old water-powered mill and store and a golf course. George Washington once owned part of the land. Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts the longest cave system in the world with more than 240 miles of mapped passageways, is about a one-hour drive away. Other nearby attractions also include the historic Holt House in Hardinsburg, the Jack Thomas House in Leitchfield, and the new Aquatic Center in Leitchfield.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (270) 257-8839.
Charges & Cancellations
Once a reservation has been created, there will be a $10 fee to cancel your reservation, change sites, or change dates. Cancellations made the day before you are scheduled to arrive through the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first night's use fee. No-show's are charged a $20 fee plus the first night's use fee. If your reservation is for only 1 night, and you have been charged the first night's use fee, there is no $10 or $20 service fee charged.
Map & DirectionsLaurel Branch is located in Kentucky near Falls of Rough
Public CampgroundDirections
From Louisville, KY: Begin at ramp onto I-64 West toward New Albany/St. Louis, traveling 22.3 miles. Take the IN-135, Exit Number 105, toward Palmyra/Corydon, onto IN-135 South toward Corydon, traveling 16.7 miles. Continue on Bypass Road KY-79 for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Continue on 1st Avenue, KY-79S for 495 feet. Turn a slight right onto US-60, traveling 11.8 miles. Turn left onto KY-259/KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-110, traveling .4 miles. End at 991 Laurel Branch Road, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 74 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Address
991 LAUREL BRANCH ROAD
Mcdaniels, KY 40152
Coordinates
37.6075 N
86.4536111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/12/26- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/12/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/12/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/12/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 56 min from Owensboro, KY
- 1 hr 9 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 15 min from Louisville, KY
