Tent camping near Berea, Kentucky ranges from riverfront sites to woodland settings throughout The Knobs region, an area characterized by isolated hills and knobs that rise 400-600 feet above the surrounding landscape. The Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds much of the area, with elevations between 750-1,100 feet contributing to moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Paddling adventures: 10-minute drive from Red River Gorge Adventures to popular water spots. "This campground is only a two mile paddle to the infamous jump rock and swim hole. Also, you are just 10 minutes from Slade, where you will find Miguel's, (the best pizza you'll ever eat), gas stations, and cell signal," notes Josh J.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers best opportunities at Wildcat Creek Farm. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" shares Elizabeth R. These farm animals often visit campsites without disturbing gear.
Hiking to cliff views: 2.5 mile trail leads to panoramic vistas. "Hanson's point at the red river gorge is often called the best view of the Gorge. To get to Hanson's point you'll have to earn it by hiking for about 2.5 miles, but trust me when I say it's worth it," recommends Wayne H.
What campers like
Waterfront camping spots: Pulaski County Park features lakeside sites with direct water access. "The campground is spread across the hills and 'bays' of the park. Not crowded right now and the water is WAY down. There is the hilltop 'parking lot' pull throughs, the largest part of the campground spread across the knoll, to include water front sites and primitive sites across the road in the trees," explains Shelly S.
Private campsites: Spacious tent sites with distance between neighbors. "This campground is actually a veteran owned boating rental/shuttle service with an attached campground. It's very spacious, I've camped on holiday weekends and never had other campers within 100 ft of my site," reports Josh J. about his experience at Red River Gorge Adventures.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies offer excellent celestial viewing. "The night sky of stars and quiet stillness brought a calm and peace from our busy week," notes Kurt B. about camping at Wildcat Creek Farm, adding "On a clear night it was super relaxing listening to nature and looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Grove Boat-In Campground has no reservations and it apparently fills up on weekends," warns Lynn G., who recommends weekday visits when possible.
Water access challenges: Grove Boat-In Campground requires boat transportation. "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites. This was a pretty decent paddle away and I waited til too late to get there," cautions Emilee B.
Campfire restrictions: Availability of firewood varies by location. "I would suggest bring your own fire wood and do not buy it there at the camp. The wood they gave us was not good and wouldn't catch fire," advises Vince B. about Red River Gorge Adventures. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: HomeGrown HideAways offers unique farm experiences for children. "We had such an amazing time at HomeGrown HideAways!! We stayed at the Yome, and it was perfect for our family of four. Instead of sleeping in it, which would have been perfectly comfortable, we actually used it as more of an extra shelter and we pitched out tents in the field in front of the Yome," shares Cassandra C.
Beach access: Sandy shorelines provide water play areas for children. "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," notes Lee-Ann R. about Pulaski County Park, which features designated swimming areas with gradual entry points.
Multiple playground areas: Recreation facilities throughout campgrounds. "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play. You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground," explains Katie M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: White Oak Boat-In Campground offers unique access methods. "It can't be accessed by car but you can bike in on a dirt service road. Most of the docks are quite small, so plan to visit by small boat or by canoe/kayak, though we did see some larger boats at some of the docks. Great spacious sites, beautiful and wooded," advises Lynn G.
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities for larger vehicles. "Bathhouse showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross, water source is old and campground manager didn't follow up with me," warns Julie B. about Pulaski County Park.
Gate timing restrictions: Security measures affect late arrivals or early departures. "They close the gates at night and don't open the gates till 8 am was the only drawback. The gate adds to the security of the campground I liked that they control coming and going at night times," explains Andrew C. about Red River Gorge Adventures.
