Located in the eastern foothills of Kentucky, Bighill sits at an elevation around 1,000 feet where The Knobs region creates distinctive ridge formations. The area experiences moderate temperatures most of the year with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows reaching the 20s. Camping options near Bighill range from primitive sites to full-service facilities with electric hookups.
What to do
Hiking near camp: At Lago Linda Hideaway, trails circle the small lake and provide moderate terrain for day hikes. As one visitor noted, "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."
Water activities: The Kentucky River offers kayaking opportunities with several access points. According to a camper at Cummins Ferry RV Park, "If you love water and nature this is the place for you! Beautiful river front campground that is peaceful. There is a boat ramp (perfect for my kayak), docks to go fishing off of, lots of nature and trails."
Historical exploration: Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park contains historical structures and interpretive trails. A camper shared, "Pretty wooded spot along the water with lots of history to explore. Pros: lots to do (pool, museum & historic buildings, some hiking trails, ranger talks, playground, sports fields, pool), tent loop."
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Many campers value the secluded setting around Bighill. At Red River Gorge Adventures, one visitor experienced, "This is my all time favorite campground. It's very spacious, I've camped on holiday weekends and never had other campers within 100 ft of my site. I've also been on weekends where I was the only camper there."
Community spaces: Shared facilities enhance the glamping close to Bighill, Kentucky experience. A reviewer at Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park mentioned, "They have dedicated tent sites with electric and also a primitive tent area. The campground organizes fun activities for the summer holidays like tie dying, camper's only pool party, bingo, best decorated campsite."
Helpful staff: The personal touch makes a difference at many campgrounds. A guest at Cummins Ferry noted, "Starting with the needed reassurance on the phone, then setting me up and checking in to make sure I was doing ok. As a newbie, I was so glad to have the staff (and friendly neighbors) helping me out!"
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Lago Linda Hideaway visitors should prepare for variable conditions: "Since it was so warm, we took a dip in the lake. Our site was spacious and pretty, with plenty of room for our two tents and a hammock. I will say we found a few lone star ticks (dead thanks to her prevention) on our dog."
Campsite selection: Many campgrounds offer diverse site options. A visitor to 4 Guys RV Park explained, "Large level sites. Commercial campground, so sites are close without trees to separate. Very clean restrooms. Pool, fishing lake."
Road conditions: Some access roads present challenges. A Lago Linda Hideaway camper warned, "The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so if you are in an RV, go slow. The area for RV's is a little tight in the trees and probably won't accommodate an extremely large vehicle."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several locations offer water recreation for children. At 4 Guys RV Park, "This place is gorgeous. Friendly staff and campers. They have a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground. They are very close to Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge area."
Kid-friendly activities: Structured programming keeps younger campers engaged. According to a Levi Jackson camper, "The playgrounds were our favorite place to be as they have a pretty good choice of equipment. There are a couple hiking trails and there's a pool for the summer months."
Safety features: Camp Nelson RV Park offers family-friendly amenities with controlled access: "The campground has a very nice pool and is very quiet. The owner is very friendly and has several younger folks working there that are very friendly and accommodating."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment. One Cummins Ferry visitor advised, "The sites here are not level. We used our normal 2x green blocks for the Jack, but needed all 10 of our leveling blocks, plus 8 paving stones to get the appropriate height."
Hookup availability: Full connections aren't universal in the area. At Westgate RV Campground, "They have complete full utility hook ups, Wi-Fi and you can walk to several restaurants and mini mart. The mini mart also has diesel. Easy on and off to and from I-75 at Exit 41 at London KY."
Site spacing: Consider proximity to neighbors when selecting glamping locations close to Bighill. At Camp Nelson RV Park, a camper observed, "My husband and I stayed there for 8 months through the fall and winter of 2018 into the spring of 2019. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They have really worked hard to bring this campground back to a place you would like to stay."
