Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bowling Green, KY

While visiting family in Scottsville we were in need of a close by RV park for our 40’ rig. This was the perfect spot for us. With plenty of pull through sites we were able to pick from (since we came early due to forgetting the time change!) The park is very well maintained, the owner was very accommodating and helpful, especially since we had to add an extra night last minute! There is a beautiful pool, playground and basketball court for kids! The place is also pet friendly. There was a cute area inside with a TV, dvds, and books to read or take one and leave one. Also a laundry area inside. Definitely recommend staying here if you’re in the area! It’s also fairly close to Nashville and bowling green!

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.

We were in primitive site I and it was a perfect spot to camp on a hot day. The sun never touched our tent. They offer kayak rentals and they are good sturdy ones at a reasonable rate. There is no swimming but we enjoyed fishing. They have A honey locus tree on one of the trails which was cool. I had never seen one. They are pet friendly and pets are allowed leashes on all the hiking trails. The animals are not scared of humans or dogs. We had squirrels, birds, deer and turkey join us at our camp site.

Beech Bend Campground was a great place for a weekend stop. We had full hookups for $45 per night. The campground had many open spots. 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. 

There was a gate attendant 24/7 which was nice. Beech Bend Campground was not too far from Downtown Bowling Green which was convenient to enjoy the city's amenities. 

There was car/drag racing at a separate part of the campground that lasted until 2- 3 a.m. it wasn't too loud where we were(Row 13), but definitely noticeable. $45 is a little expensive for what you get.

Moutardier Campground is a fisherman’s paradise. It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers. There were boat ramps, a marina nearby to rent boats, and also offered a playground. Pets were welcomed (we have a dog and a hiking cat). We also had cell service (Verizon). 

The view of the lake from the teardrop camper was awesome. We kayaked around the lake which was very enjoyable - saw ducks, and birds such as a grey heron. Also lots of fish jumping. There are power boats allowed in the lake. Many people were fishing from their boats, kayaks, or from the shore. 

There is also a two mile hike that is in the campground called Shady Creek Trail. It looked like it had not been hiked in a while but it went through woods, small stream and had a cool rock formation at one part that you would swear is a haven for snakes. Pets enjoyed it but beware if you do not like spiders. This trail was covered in spiders and webs. No exaggeration that we cleared about a hundred spiders out of our path. 

The campground was very well manicured and clean. Many of the sites were right on the lake. They were close together but did not seem it as they were on different levels and angles. Everyone was quiet and courteous. Bathrooms were very clean and well lit. The showers were “dated” - water stains but clean. Great water pressure and hot water. 

There was no store on the campground but 5 minutes away was a great little restaurant called Sherry’s that we had both lunch and breakfast at. Food was delicious (fried dill pickle chips!) and one could buy bags of ice. 

Overall this was a very relaxing campground. We met some wonderful people who have been coming to the campground for years. It is about 30 minutes from Mammoth Caves which was a great place to explore. Overall we gave the campground a 4 - lakeside and if you love to fish - it’s paradise.

Campground Review: Roughly 20 miles from the Bowling Green, Ky I65 exit Baileys Point is a well laid out large campground. A-F site loops boardering Barren River Lake are set mostly in the trees/forest to provide shade and "dampen" noise.

I stayed at D11 and was right on the lake , adjacent to a small swimming area. If I had my kayak along I could have easily parked it at the bottom of the hill like several other campers had in my loop. The sites are close together but not so close that you feel like the neighbors are looking in your windows, lol

Gear Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I receive gear to review while camping. The SHOWERS PASS Crossover Jacket is a great addition to my gear. The bright pink waterproof jacket with reflective "tape", zippered pockets and vents kept me dry while I was packing up in the rain and walking my dogs. I really like the sealed zippers on the front and pockets, the bottom can be drawn tight around your waist to keep the elements out too. The only con that I had was the zippered vents located on the sides of the jacket, under the arm sleeves, let out body heat but my arms were still sweaty.

I wore this jacket previously during a duathlon. During the trail run it was loose enough and moved well with no "raincoat crinkle" noises. During the bike portion it "stayed in place" around my waist and the hood was large enough to use with my helmet with no restrictions while looking around. The bright color and reflective tape make you very visible on the road. I've already suggested this jacket to two friends who also do endurance sports.

We spent two nights at this campground and really enjoyed it.    

When we arrived, we were met by the lady working the registration desk and check in was very easy.  

Temperature had been below freezing for several days so water was off at the sites but they had a hose to fill tanks at the office and on the day we departed, turned on water at the sites to assist with dumping and to fill fresh water.  Much appreciated.

Most of the sites are pull through and large enough although I think it could seem crowded when more full than they were in the winter.

While it was closed for our visit, there was a nice small pool, a work out room, very very nice shower and laundry facilities. 

The dog park was just a run area but fairly large with a covered seating area at one end and the pups loved using it.  It was also very clean and either visitors clean up well or the staff take good care of the property.

They also had an activity building which I believe may be rented out.

Finally, they have propane fill on site and while were there, the owner filled our tanks himself.

its a wonder full place to go have fun with kids and family and pets and good for fishing

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.

We loving camping at Barren River! Plenty of playgrounds and trails for our kid. Clean bathhouses if you need them. It can get pretty crowded in the summer months so book early and try to get a spot near the boat ramp if you plan to bring your boat. Beautiful lake and great bluegill and cat fishing. If you can, go get a hot dog for lunch and breakfast at Paradise Point down the road! It’s definitely an experience. And whether you’re from out of state or not, order a Hot Brown from the state park restaurant if you go! They have a great golf course as well. Definitely recommend this campground if you’re getting away with the family.

I visited the Maple Springs Campground in Mammoth Cave National Park for a total of 3 days/2 nights. I chose this site because it was pet friendly. Each site was spacious with room for up to three tents without feeling crowded. The sites were also spaced far enough apart that you never have to interact with your neighbors. Each site has two grated fire pits as well as picnic tables.

The campground offered several facilities such as a communal fire pit and a few privies and water supply stations. Everything was clean and in order while I was there.

Horses are allowed in the campground and you will see a lot of people taking their horses for a few runs around the road through the campsite as a warm up in the early mornings. My dogs did not like the horses at first but they got used to it as the trip went on. Keep this in mind if you plan to bring any four legged friends!

The only downside to the entire trip is that the park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray and my gear had been treated with permethrin. Seriously, the ticks were gnarly.

Overall, this was a great place to stay. I would happily go back if I felt that I had more control over the bug situation. I hope I can learn a little more about tick control and make my way back there soon!

Cute campground. Dog friendly. Super convenient location to the cave tours. Pretty clean bathrooms. Showers closed due to covid.

My spot was a nice quite one (24B). Lots of room for tents, hammocks, chairs, or your dog to explore.