Best Campgrounds near Adams, KY

The eastern Kentucky landscape surrounding Adams provides a mix of state park, national forest, and privately-operated campgrounds offering diverse overnight experiences. Established campgrounds in the area include Grayson Lake State Park, located about 25 miles northwest of Adams, and Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 30 miles north. These developed sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Several private campgrounds like Falls Campground in nearby Fallsburg and Creekside Cabins & RV Park in Louisa expand the options with cabin rentals and glamping accommodations alongside traditional campsites.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence the camping experience in this region of the Appalachian foothills. Many state park campgrounds including Grayson Lake and Carter Caves operate primarily from April 1 through October 31, while some private facilities remain open year-round. Water and electric hookups are common at established sites, though campers should verify availability when planning during shoulder seasons. The terrain throughout the region features rolling hills with some steep access roads to lake areas. Cell service can be limited in valleys and remote camping areas. A visitor noted, "Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle with an open field behind them."

Lake access represents a significant draw for campers in this region, with several campgrounds positioned near Grayson Lake, Yatesville Lake, and Paintsville Lake. These water-adjacent sites often feature boat launches, swimming areas, and shore fishing opportunities. The surrounding mixed hardwood forests provide natural shade at most developed sites. Campers frequently mention the quiet surroundings and scenic lake views as highlights of their stay. According to one review, "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites." While the most popular waterfront sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, the region's multiple campgrounds typically offer availability even during peak season with advance planning.

Best Camping Sites Near Adams, Kentucky (93)

    1. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Adams, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 673-1492

    $18 - $30 / night

    "In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in."

    "It's been a few years since I've visited Yatesville Lake State Park Campgrounds but it used to be a staple of my summer. The campsites are a LONG distance from each other."

    2. Falls Campground

    9 Reviews
    Louisa, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 826-0212

    $37 - $72 / night

    "The sites are nice and most have direct access to the creek and beach area. Privately owned so not ruled to death like some state park campgrounds."

    "There's a dollar general at the entrance."

    3. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 297-8488

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."

    "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."

    4. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 474-9727

    $30 / night

    "Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground."

    "This stunning Eastern Kentucky State Park offers spectacular views of rock formations, tree lined roads, and a stunning lake."

    5. Pappy's Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    East Lynn Lake, WV
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 972-3257

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Campground is located right next to the East Lynn outlaw trails. The owner and staff very friendly and even set us up with a local group to show us around."

    "We ride with the WV Outlaws and they take you on awesome trail and creek rides!! Kids love the creeks on hot days they have so much fun!! "

    6. Wildcat Camping and Fishing

    2 Reviews
    Flatgap, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 265-3629

    $50 / night

    "Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels."

    7. Creekside Cabins & RV Park

    1 Review
    Louisa, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 686-2915

    8. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    9. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."

    10. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 889-1790

    $30 - $35 / night

    "The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."

    "I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."

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Recent Reviews near Adams, KY

466 Reviews of 93 Adams Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • John M.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    A Wonderful Campground!

    We had a wonderful weekend stay at this campground; we were fortunate to get a river view site which was amazing. It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by. The campground is a very nice facility with unique cabins and nice full hook up sites. They have a nice store, restroom and shower facilities and they even have a small menu that they can prepare and bring to your site including a delicious chocolate chip cookie desert!

    The owners are the real gem here; they are so friendly and accommodating and go out of their way to make you feel at home! We had a grandchild visit and we forgot a jacket and Julie(owner) went out of her way to find a hoodie out of her Halloween stock, so he would have something for the weekend. 

    We will be back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.

    Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.


Guide to Adams

Camping spots near Adams, Kentucky range from established state parks to privately-operated grounds with varying terrain and amenities. Eastern Kentucky campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 600-1000 feet among the rolling Appalachian foothills. Seasonal rainfall affects site conditions, with spring bringing muddy terrain and summer offering firmer, drier camping surfaces.

What to do

Lake activities: Yatesville Lake State Park offers multiple water recreation options. "The main attraction is the lake of course which is quite clean for swimming, boating or fishing, but can be a little busy at times," notes Chris M. "I noticed, but didn't get to check out, there is a place called The Cove at Yatesville lake that has a beach for swimming with climbable inflatables in the water, kayak rentals and among other things."

Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park provides natural underground adventures with guided tours. "There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" recommends Chris B., who warns to "don't touch the bat poo."

Hiking options: Several trails exist throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Lick Falls Loop hike can be done from the campground and was nice (4.5 miles)," according to a camper. For water-based hiking, "Going to 'The Grotto' aka Clifty Falls is a must (4.5 mile round trip). The same boat ramp has a decent place to get in and swim."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature at Yatesville Lake. "The campsites are a LONG distance from each other. You won't even hear your neighbors," reports Carrie J. Another camper confirms: "Always clean sites well spaced out." This contrasts with more crowded campgrounds in the region.

Creek access: Falls Campground in Fallsburg provides direct water access for cooling off. "I stay in a certain place everytime with a great view of the waterfall right out my tent door," shares Ashley P. "The waterfall is fun to slide down." Another visitor explains why they return: "My son loves playing in the creek and on the falls so we keep tubes in the camper specifically for here."

Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe native animals. At Jenny Wiley State Park, campers report wildlife encounters throughout the park. As one visitor notes, "wildlife everywhere" contributes to the appeal. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities, especially near water sources.

What you should know

Site limitations: Not all sites accommodate all camping setups. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle with an open field behind them." Additionally, "bring all the leveling blocks you own because very few sites are level and most are very sloped."

Water access challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for reaching water. "Sites were large though!" notes one camper about Yatesville Lake State Park, but adds "The sites are also a LONG distance from the parking areas. Be prepared to pack in any gear you bring (and also pack it out)."

Utility hookup issues: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. "The campsites are set up were the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose," advises a Jenny Wiley State Park visitor. Another notes: "What's odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly environments: Several campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. At Falls Campground, "If you want a place for your kids to play and ride bikes, this is it," shares Cathi. Another camper adds, "Kids can be seen from all spots, all over the campground. Very family friendly."

Special events: Look for campgrounds with seasonal activities. Falls Campground offers themed camping experiences. "They also have a fantastic Halloween themed October. We love the experience each and every year!" reports Vanessa D. Similar events occur at other eastern Kentucky campgrounds during summer and fall.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation suitable for children. Paintsville Lake State Park provides "some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water," though one camper recommends, "I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water."

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Considering the flat spots are very limited, I don't think its a great tent campground and geared more towards RVs. One side of the campground runs against a golf course. If you're tent camping over a weekend, be prepared to have golfers tee-ing off next to you beginning at 7am."

Utility planning: RVers recommend bringing additional equipment for utilities. "Many of the electric hookups at established sites can be 50+ feet from parking areas. Bring extension cords," advises an experienced camper. Similarly, some campers recommend bringing water pressure regulators as pressure can be inconsistent.

Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Paintsville Lake State Park, "getting a reservation is difficult. I tried for two years before I finally got a reservation...I checked again and it was all booked up all summer." Making reservations 6-12 months in advance is recommended, especially for holiday weekends and summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Adams, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Adams, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Adams, KY and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Adams, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Adams, KY is Yatesville Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Adams, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Adams, KY.

What parks are near Adams, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Adams, KY that allow camping, notably East Lynn Lake and Grayson Lake.