The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Bowling Green, KY

629 Reviews

Bowling Green, Kentucky has good camping nearby for people who like to get outdoors. You can stay at Mammoth Cave Campground inside the national park, which puts you close to the longest cave system in the world. Nolin Lake State Park Campground is a nice option not far from town, with clean bathrooms and shower facilities that campers appreciate. Cedar of Lebanon State Park Campground has some good hiking trails where you might spot local wildlife. If you're in an RV, Clarksville RV Resort gives you full hookups and plenty of room to set up. Watch out for deer and raccoons around your campsite - they're common in this area. Make sure to store your food properly so animals don't get into it during the night. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping around Bowling Green. Summers can get pretty hot, so bring extra water and shade if you're camping between June and August.

Map showing campgrounds near Bowling Green, KentuckyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Bowling Green, Kentucky (77)

    1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    135 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave, KY
    24 miles
    +1 (270) 758-2424

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves."

    "green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!"

    2. Bowling Green KOA

    19 Reviews
    Bowling Green, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 843-1919

    "The Bowling Green KOA, Ky is located on the outskirts of Bowling Green near the I65 and Natcher interchange. You can actually see the back end of the campground from the ramp that connects the two."

    "Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was.

    Convenient to stores and restaurants. Laundry open 24/7 ($2.50)."

    3. Baileys Point

    34 Reviews
    Lucas, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 622-6959

    $22 - $50 / night

    "This campground is a favorite spot of ours that is close to home. it is only a 40 minute drive from Bowling Green. it has nice bathroom and shower facilities."

    "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."

    4. Beech Bend Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bowling Green, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 781-7634

    "The campground was paved and almost every spot had a small grass patch next to it. There were several larger grass spots on the edges of the campground. "

    5. Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 286-4240

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."

    "This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"

    6. Beech Bend Park

    4 Reviews
    Bowling Green, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 781-7634

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave

    34 Reviews
    Park City, KY
    25 miles
    Website

    "Close proximity to Mammoth Cave. Don’t miss the Amish bakery/cafe nearby!"

    "The older sites are more established with shade but most are gravel and not as easy to access while walking or biking. Karst beach is so nice with the wibit (extra cost but worth it)."

    8. Barren River Lake State Resort Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lucas, KY
    21 miles
    Website

    "right next to barren river state park lodge and marina. convenient to several stores and the towns of glasgow , scottsville, and bowling green, ky with excellent fishing and boating and viewing of wildlife"

    "Being able to park your boat within walking distance of your camper, load up and go when you please, we loved that!
    The park was clean and the neighborhood of the campground was very friendly!"

    9. Barren River Tailwater

    9 Reviews
    Lucas, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 622-7732

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Enjoyed my time staying at Tailwater in Kentucky. It was about an 8hr drive from where I live, so we decided to stay here for a long weekend with friends."

    "Tailwater Campground below Barren River Lake Dam is picture perfect maintained. You would think you just missed the tractor mowing."

    10. The Narrows

    11 Reviews
    Lucas, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 646-3094

    $34 - $50 / night

    "The Narrows

    The Narrows at Barren River Resort Park , Kentucky is a nice, well maintained campground. If you are a fisher person this is a campground for you."

    "Two loops, B loop has access to the shoreline so you can park your boat and walk to your site. Loop A has an overlook ( also called a cliff)."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Bowling Green, KY

152 Photos of 77 Bowling Green Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bowling Green, KY

629 Reviews of 77 Bowling Green Campgrounds

Guide to Bowling Green

Camping near Bowling Green, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive from the Mammoth Cave Campground, this park is famous for its extensive cave system. One reviewer mentioned, "The caves themselves are spectacular and not to be missed."
  • Hiking and Canoeing: At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking trails and rent canoes or kayaks. A visitor noted, "We loved that hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park was only 15 min away!"
  • Family Activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave offers tons of activities for kids. One family said, "There is so much to do, that 5 days doesn’t seem long at all."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Nolin Lake State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were cleaned regularly. The showers were hot and free!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground, one camper said, "The staff were helpful and very friendly."
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Moutardier offer beautiful waterfront views. A happy camper remarked, "Very clean with the cleanest bathrooms and showers I have ever encountered in any campground."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Baileys Point, may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "There is no firewood or ice for sale on site."
  • Noise Levels: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds near highways, like Clarksville RV Resort, can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "Due to the valley the CG is located in, the interstate noise is magnified."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Defeated Creek Campground can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer advised, "Book your trip way in advance at 'Recreation.gov' to get a spot in the best campground in the state!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one parent said, "The events and activities scheduled throughout the day were great at keeping the kids busy."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A family at Nolin Lake State Park Campground appreciated the "huge site with enough space for our RV, truck, dog fence, and fire area."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options, so bring your own supplies. A camper at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground mentioned, "The store was convenient, and the staff were helpful."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Mammoth Cave Campground pointed out, "There are no electric hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have cramped sites. A visitor at Cedars of Lebanon State Park Campground noted, "The sites were a bit cramped for our 31' rig."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds like Defeated Creek Campground may not have everything you need. One camper said, "Bring your own hand soap."

Camping around Bowling Green, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bowling Green, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bowling Green, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 77 campgrounds and RV parks near Bowling Green, KY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Bowling Green, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bowling Green, KY is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 135 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bowling Green, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bowling Green, KY.

What parks are near Bowling Green, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Bowling Green, KY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

Keep Exploring