Best Glamping near Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake State Resort Park and The Narrows recreation area house the premier glamping accommodations in Kentucky's picturesque lake country. Luxury canvas tents and elevated glamping platforms offer spectacular views of the water while providing essential comforts rarely found in traditional camping. Each site comes equipped with electricity, comfortable beds, and access to modern bathhouse facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. One guest shared, "This campground is amazing! Great sites, and lots of things to do for the kids. Lake access too." The well-maintained grounds feature direct water access from many sites, making these locations particularly popular with travelers seeking both outdoor adventure and comfortable overnight accommodations. Glamping sites typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to clean shower facilities.

Seasonal events enhance the glamping experience at these waterfront destinations. During October, Baileys Point hosts their popular Boo Fest celebration, perfect for families seeking Halloween-themed outdoor adventures. One reviewer highlighted, "The second and third weekends in October is Boo Fest. Great time for the kids (adults too)!" Water activities dominate the warm months, with easy boat access from many safari tent and glamping sites allowing visitors to park watercraft near their accommodations. Hiking trails connect the glamping areas to scenic overlooks and swimming beaches. Most luxury camping sites require reservations, especially during peak season from April through October. The proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park (approximately 30 minutes away) makes these glamping options ideal base camps for exploring both water recreation and underground wonders in south-central Kentucky.

Map showing campgrounds near Barren River Lake, Kentucky

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Best Glamping Sites Near Barren River Lake (17)

1. Baileys Point
34 Reviews
Lucas, KY
0 miles
Website
+1 (270) 622-6959
$22 - $50 / night
"Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN."

"It's one of the few in the state where you can camp near the water and keep your kayaks or boat within a quick stroll."
2. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
137 Reviews
Mammoth Cave, KY
21 miles
+1 (270) 758-2424
$25 - $50 / night
"Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area offer many activities to suit anyone's desires."

"The bathrooms were very clean and also air conditioned, which was a nice treat for a few minutes to step out of the humid June heat. They were flush toilets."

3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave
34 Reviews
Park City, KY
13 miles
Website
"When we arrived, the check in process was very easy and staff were helpful and friendly. Ice and firewood can be purchased on site."

"The park was beautiful and a packet was ready since we arrived after 7:00pm. Our fire pit was littered with trash. I notified the office the next morning however it was not cleaned during our stay."
4. The Narrows
12 Reviews
Lucas, KY
2 miles
Website
+1 (270) 646-3094
$34 - $50 / night
"The Narrows Recreation Area is off Ky 31E outside Glasgow, Ky. This is Redneck farm country at its best. Surprisingly I saw no signs for mud bogs though there were plenty of tractors and corn."

"Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming. Camphost is very nice."

5. Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort
14 Reviews
Park City, KY
16 miles
Website
+1 (888) 707-1477
"Bathrooms & showers are spacious, CLEAN, and they are air conditioned! There are seasonal campers here for sure, but that wasn't a negative. The campground is quiet and well maintained."

"This is a small campground right near the entrance of Mammoth Cave NP. It was nice being so close with plenty of hiking options. Bathrooms were clean, laundry was fine."
6. Bowling Green KOA
19 Reviews
Bowling Green, KY
19 miles
Website
+1 (270) 843-1919
"Made it less than enjoyable sitting by the beautiful fire pit provided. Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was."

"This was a nice KOA, but some sites were small with all sites having very small fire pits made from only old tire wheels."

7. Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages — Barren River Lake State Resort Park
2 Reviews
Lucas, KY
3 miles
Website
+1 (270) 646-2151
"I like the back in sites with shade and a small patio to set up on. They have small asphalt pads so you will get your backing skills tested."
8. Nolin Lake State Park Campground
40 Reviews
Sweeden, KY
29 miles
Website
+1 (270) 286-4240
$25 - $40 / night
"The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents."

"It was on the water and at night we had our campfire in the nice fire pit while overlooking the water. Very serene. The campground doesn’t have a ton of sites and they are spaced out quite well."

9. Rock Cabin Camping
5 Reviews
Cave City, KY
18 miles
Website
+1 (270) 773-4740
$25 - $99 / night
"Pros; This is a simple little campground near Mammoth Cave. The owner is super nice and friendly."

"Quiet, pretty, easy, and the owners and staff are delightful."
10. Horse Cave KOA
12 Reviews
Horse Cave, KY
23 miles
Website
+1 (270) 786-2819
"It had a gorgeous view of the Kentucky hills. Full hook up. The sites all looked very nice. They had teepees, covered wagons & a couple of treehouses. A nice area for tents as well."

"They have recently built a new bath house and it’s awesome. It has rooms that each have a toilet, sink and shower. Total privacy! Nice and clean as well. Big points for this amenity."

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Recent Glamping Photos near Barren River Lake

10 Photos of 17 Barren River Lake Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Barren River Lake

352 Reviews of 17 Barren River Lake Campgrounds

Kristin H.
Traveler
Nov. 5, 2021
Baileys Point
Our Go-To
What can I say, but Bailey's is our happy little piece of paradise! I've camped here since I was in my early 20s in tents, to camping in a camper in my 40s. Most sites have electric and water. Many sites have incredible views of Barren River Lake and some are downright on the banks. Bath houses are climate controlled and CLEAN. Bailey's is a large campground but it's not usually crowded with loud, obnoxious people. There's nearly a camaraderie here between the campers and while everyone is friendly, they tend to keep to themselves. We like loops B and C the best for a combo of waterfront views and shade trees. Something about watching the moonlight sparkle on the lake with a warm, crackling fire nearby. Bailey's is it!
Donna R.
Scout
Jul. 18, 2018
Baileys Point
Right on the Water!
Love this campground. It's one of the few in the state where you can camp near the water and keep your kayaks or boat within a quick stroll. It also has welcome shade in almost every sIte which helps during the hot humid days of summer. A beautiful park during the fall with all the changing colors on the numerous trees, too. Barren River Lake is peaceful and serene to camp alongside. Facilities are well kept including bathhouses, park areas, laundry, roads and sites. Pet friendly. Online reservations are convenient. A favorite place just an hour from Bowling Green, KY.
Staci R.
Legend
Aug. 1, 2017
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Hidden Gem in south central Kentucky
Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area offer many activities to suit anyone's desires. There are several competitive runs (5K and up) almost every weekend in the surrounding communities, and several are hosted in Mammoth Cave park itself. There is also the opportunity to go "caving", and you can walk through the caverns, and there are numerous hiking trails. Mammoth Cave offers tent, RV, and cabin camping - just be aware the cabins have running water, but no kitchens or air conditioning.
Heather K.
Ranger
Jul. 8, 2019
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave
Wonderful fall getaway!
When we arrived, the check in process was very easy and staff were helpful and friendly. Ice and firewood can be purchased on site. The efficiency cabin we stayed in was very clean and just perfect for 4 people. The cabin had a bunk bed and a futon bed. The kitchen had a small stove, sink and fridge. The bathroom was small but had a shower and toilet. There was a fire pit and picnic table. The jump pad was fun for the kids. The mini golf course needed a little cleaning/maintenance for the rocks and leaves on the course. The planned fall activities were so much fun for my kids. They did painting, bingo and games. All the staff we came in contact with were friendly. The cabin was situated in a convenient location to all activities. Our stay for this trip was awesome and I would recommend staying at this campground in the fall.
M
Michelle A.
Guide
Jun. 24, 2018
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Quiet and relaxing
Quiet and laid back. The bathrooms were very clean and also air conditioned, which was a nice treat for a few minutes to step out of the humid June heat. They were flush toilets. There was potable water right by the bathrooms. There were no showers but if you drove right outside the campground in the park there was coin operated showers and laundry room. There was also a camp store and post office. There were trails that ran through the campground and ones right outside in the park. During the day you could schedule tours to the caves which was a great view.
Alejandra E.
Guide
Sep. 2, 2021
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great camping spot
We booked a group site and had 3 tents. It’s very woodsy and tranquil. Bathrooms were close by and air conditioned too! The showers are in the general store building where the post office is so a short walk or drive there. It’s coin operated with a change machine for bills. $1.50 to turn the shower on and insert more coins before it turns off for additional time if needed. The park is amazing and there’s lots of trails that lead to caves and cave openings. All the cave tours within the park were fully booked when we went so we booked some private tours outside the park in the surrounding area. Lots of opportunities to see caves! We stayed for two nights and did some star gazing! Overall great campground and facilities. They also have a kennel for a small fee at the park lodge if you bring your pet and you’re going in a cave tour whether in the park or outside of it. Pets are generally not allowed in caves. Just confirm pet is vaccinated.
Shelly S.
Legend
Aug. 13, 2017
The Narrows
Three for the price of one
The Narrows Recreation Area is off Ky 31E outside Glasgow, Ky.

This is Redneck farm country at its best. Surprisingly I saw no signs for mud bogs though there were plenty of tractors and corn.

The Narrows are located on Barren River Lake. The area offers a Boatramp with day use area including a large pavilion, playground, single picnic sites, restroom and nature trail. Directly below the parking area is a large marina.

Co-located is The Narrows Campground. A mid-size , two loop area with beach, all electric sites and sand volleyball court.

A loop has mostly shaded sites, the outer loop has more space between sites. A loop sites do not have direct water access but you can walk down to the beach.

B loop has several sites that have direct water access and you can "park" your boat nearby. Many of the sites are not level so bring your blocks.
B
Bill G.
Traveler
May. 22, 2019
Baileys Point
A Great View
We have camped here for many years and all the sites are great. Checkin is quick and staff is friendly, helpful. We love that our boat can be moored into a cove very near site. Always beautiful views of Barren River Lake.
L
Lahree C.
Guide
Aug. 18, 2018
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Large sites close to Coooool Caves
We were nervous about our tent fitting on the pad.....but we could have fit 4 tents on the pad. There was a picnic table, tree coverage, and close to the bathrooms. It was muggy outside, but the bathrooms were air conditioned! There were 2 stalls and 2 sinks, but it was clean. Showers, laundry, and post office are located by the store. You have to pay $1.00 for 4 minutes. There was a storm that blew in the night we stayed, but there were plenty of drains under the pad. It was quiet, clean, and spacious. I wanna go back....like today.