Top Tent Camping near Bowling Green, KY
Searching for a tent campsite near Bowling Green? Finding a place to camp in Kentucky with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Bowling Green, KY (11)
1. Houchins Ferry Campground
8 Reviews•48 Photos•39 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
2. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave
2 Reviews•17 Photos•23 SavesThe park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback. Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available. All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water. Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov. Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat. When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted. Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers. Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk. Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
3. Narrows Boat Ramp
1 Review•10 Photos•2 Saves- Tents
- Toilets
4. Hidden Lake Farms Camping and Retreat Gully Creek
1 Review•5 Photos•13 SavesOne of the most primitive and secluded campsites on Hidden Lake Farms. Located near wet weather creeks, valleys, rock and gully formations. Pitch your tent on over 800 acres of isolated woodland and pastures at Hidden Lake Farms Camping and Retreat. Enjoy the seclusion and wilderness while conveniently located within 15-20 minutes from the small and quaint town of Morgantown, KY where you will find local restaurants, gas, convenience and grocery stores. If you want to venture a little further we are 30 minutes to the larger city of Bowling Green, KY and about an 1 1/2 hour from Nashville, TN. Enjoy hiking through open forestry, natural springs, and wet weather creeks. Spend you days fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming or bird watching on the 60+acre watershed lake. Experience a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, ducks, geese and Bald Eagles. We offer a variety of extras and experiences including an ATV ride tour of the farm or a guided lakeside hike through open forestry, on which you will view a Bald Eagles nest where numerous sightings have occurred.All Hidden Lake Campsites include access to communal cabin with full bathroom and kitchen area and campground Cook Shack with outdoor grill, full kitchen, coffee maker, pool table, and television.
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
$30 / night
5. Mountain top retreat
1 Review•2 Photos•4 Saves- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$150 / night
6. River Floodplain Campsites
Be the first to review!•4 SavesCamping on the river floodpain by Backcountry Use Permit.
- Tents
7. Camp Nashville Highland Rim
1 Review•12 Photos•32 SavesSecluded hilltop primitive camping nestled among the hardwoods near Nashville.
Amenities: community water hydrant, fire pit, vault toilet, tent shower (cold & hot water).
Supply your own tent, hammock, vehicle, and camping gear. No electricity.
Choose your favorite available camping space upon arrival.
Base price includes two adults (18 or older) per reservation. Under 18 no cost with adult reservation.
Contact host for special requests, and tips for local amenities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$32 - $45 / night
8. Laguardo
2 Reviews•4 SavesOverview
Not far from Nashville, Laguardo is a great day-trip destination for kids and families, with a playground and sandy beach to keep both the kids and adults entertained. Visitors looking for a little more action, will find the lake is also ideal for fishing, sailing and water skiing.
Natural Features:
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is surrounded by wooded areas and grassy flatlands in addition to 440 miles of scenic shoreline.
Recreation:
Laguardo is a popular spot for picnicking, but visitors can also participate in fishing, canoeing or water skiing with a convenient boat ramp located within the facility.
Facilities:
The group picnic shelter holds 100 guests and 50 vehicles and features modern amenities such as flush toilets. Family friendly offerings include a playground for children and an easily accessible swimming area, with sandy beaches.
Nearby Attractions:
Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail with three loops that range in terrain: the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop.
Near the dam, mountain bikers can try the Shutes Branch Mountain Biking Trail and bow hunters can make use of the Old Hickory Lake Archery Range.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
9. Nat Caldwell Park
1 Review•3 Photos•7 SavesOverview
Nat Caldwell Park, located on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, is just a short drive from Nashville, Tennessee. The park is an ideal place for a day of picnicking and boating with a convenient boat ramp for easy lake access and group picnic shelter for entertaining.
Natural Features:
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality.
The lake features 440 miles of scenic shoreline, surrounded by wooded flatlands and plenty of access points.
Recreation:
Nat Caldwell is quieter than some of its neighboring picnic areas, making it a wonderful place to fish, view wildlife or simply get away from it all.
Facilities:
The group picnic shelter holds 50 guests and the parking area fits 45 vehicles. Facilities include flush toilets and a boat ramp.
Nearby Attractions:
Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail with three loops that range in terrain: the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop.
The lake is also near The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and plantation where former president, Andrew Jackson lived in the early 19th century.
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
10. Old Hickory Beach
1 Review•22 Photos•13 SavesOverview
Old Hickory Beach sits along the lengthy shoreline of Old Hickory Lake. The day-use area is perfect for visitors looking to spend a day on the lake or lounging on the beach. Entertaining is easy with a large group picnic shelter accommodating up to 100 guests and grills for cooking out.
Birders can find a mix of waterfowl, wading birds, migratory songbirds and the occasional Blue heron or Snowy egret. Other wildlife in the area includes wild turkey, rabbits and white-tailed deer.
Natural Features:
Old Hickory Lake is a 22,500 acre reservoir created by the Old Hickory Lock and Dam on the Cumberland River. The lake is named after former president Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee-native nicknamed "Old Hickory" for his tough and aggressive personality.
Recreation:
Swimming and sailing are popular activities on the lake, while anglers will find an abundant population of catfish, crappie and bass for exceptional bank and boat fishing.
Hikers can explore the 1.1-mile Old Hickory Lake Nature Trail, featuring three loops (the Woodland Loop, Willow Swamp Loop and the Wildlife Loop), covering varying terrain.
Facilities:
The Old Hickory shoreline offers a sandy swimming beach, a playground for the kids and a boat ramp.
Nearby Attractions:
Take in the nightlife of downtown Nashville if city entertainment beckons. Or stick with the great outdoors and sit on the fishing piers at Rockland, Sanders Ferry, Shutes Branch, and Bledsoe Creek State Park. The lake is also near the Hermitage, the plantation where U.S. President Andrew Jackson lived in the early 1800s.
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Bowling Green
581 Reviews of 11 Bowling Green Campgrounds
- t
tiffany T.
Scout
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp
Worse experience
Until midnight there was a loud microphone with drunk people trying to sing karaoke where it was heard around campground. Slurring speech and cursing. No respect to others trying to sleep.
Was booked for the weekend but leaving after night 1.
Aly E.
Guide
Nolin Lake State Park
Camp among the trees
The campsites are surrounded by trees and it’s beautiful. Campsite has good showers too which is a plus. Nearby mammoth caves!
amna S.Guide
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
seo
Thank you for your article. We used some of your conclusions in our article about Mcdvoice. The mcdvoice.com survey with receipt is an initiative by McDonald's to gather feedback from its customers regarding their recent visits and experiences at various McDonald's outlets. Customers who complete the McDVoice survey are usually rewarded with a coupon code that can be redeemed for a free item or a discount on their next visit. The specifics of the free items can vary, but it often includes items like a free burger or a special discount on a total order as a reward for filling out the Mcdvoice survey.
- amna S.Guide
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
seo
Thank you for your article. 4.0 gpa scale We had similar issues when we created our GPA calculator to help students evaluate their academic performance by converting letter grades to a numerical scale. This is to convert a Grade GPA 4.0 system where an"A" equals 4.0 and an"F" equals 0. To calculate GPA: assign points to each grade based on the course credits, sum these points, and divide by the total credits attempted. Or, use our free GPA to Letter grade conversion chart and GPA Calculator.
- amna S.Guide
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
se
Hi there, cute easy things to draw I found your blog via Google while searching for such kinda informative post and your post looks very interesting for me
Jeremy K.GuideNolin Lake State Park
Weekend trip
Very quiet, clean, and nice campground. Very close to Mammoth Cave. Shower facilities were very very clean. Nice well spaced sites.
Jennifer H.
Legend
Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave
Can’t beat the Location, Amenities & Proximity
We’re staying one night for Mammoth Cave and added a second night thanks to the activities offered. For a family that usually only spends one night that’s a big deal. The kids are super excited to do the lake inflatable course and have already enjoyed the nice playground and bouncing pad. We chose a standard site so I didn’t expect much. For the price it’s great to have all the hookups but it’s not level at all. I parked at an angle, propped up the front and our full slide gives it a wonky tilt so got it pretty good. It could probably use another level of blocks at the front. Just wonky sites. But nice and wide
- ccathyLGuide
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Campground and Location
We really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park. I have to correct some information on this listing, though. There are no electric hookups. There is water available at spots throughout the campground, but not at the sites. There is one difficult to use dump station. Also, internet connections are terrible. You need to rely on the WiFi at the visitor center and lodge.
Setting that aside, it’s a beautiful, wooded campground with large and generally level sites. You’re right in the middle of the park, with all it has to offer. Its about a ten-twelve minute walk to the Visitor Center, which is where all the cave tours and many of the hiking trails start. The Visitor Center also has a great exhibit explaining the geology and history of the park and area. It is connected by a pedestrian bridge to the park lodge, which has several restaurants. Both buildings are wonderfully air conditioned, which helped a lot in the August heat.
Also helping with the heat are the caves themselves, which are spectacular and not to be missed. Other activities right in the park are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental.
There are modern and very clean bathrooms throughout the campground. It’s a mystery why they didn’t include showers when they built those bathrooms. Instead there are paid showers in the building housing the camp store. You insert six quarters and get a decent amount of time. For me, this was the only real downside of the campground, one I could put up with given all the other advantages.
Site 35B was a great site and was next to a small field, giving us extra space and privacy.
Holdun R.Guide
Horse Cave KOA
Wonderful!!
I stayed in spot 87 for 4 days. It was a clean camp with all kinds of variety of camping spots. The only reason is not getting 5 stars is bc it's right on the Interstate, and that noise wasn't the most peaceful. There were a ton of things for kids and families to do. There was a pool, playground, pond, etc. There were some really cool wagon tents, teepee's, and actual tree houses.
Aimee H.Guide
Wax - Nolin River Lake
Beautiful views
This is one of the cleanest campgrounds with excellent water views and you can pull your kayaks or floats into the river from your site..clean river lots of fisherman out ..we are in the C loop C007 and the site is amazing there are many riverside sites but some are primitive so make sure to double check
- AArt Z.Guide
Singing Hills RV Park And Campground
Amazing Service Very Close to Mammoth Cave NP
We stayed at Singing Hills for three nights while visiting Mammoth Cave NP. Beth was super helpful via email even before our arrival with advice on tour tickets. My wife has mobility issues and she had good suggestions for us.
Eldon checked us in and gave us recommendations for restaurants which were outstanding. I'm quite sure that our truck is now over-gross :-P
The camping was just fine. Grounds are well tended. Spaces are gravel. Water, sewer, and electric all did what they should.
The next time we are in the area, we will definitely return to Singing Hills.
Josie W.
TravelerMammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great Choice
We loved our visit here! We stayed two nights with our dog and felt very safe. Campsites appear close at first but actually felt comfortably private. People walk and bike along the roads and it felt very friendly. Bathrooms are clean and cool. There’s a camp store, Caver’s, with food, souvenirs, showers, and bathroom. Super close to the visiting center for tours.
joseph B.Traveler
COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground
Depends on the spot
Overall this campground is peaceful, but very crowded with a lot of spots in one area. I was lucky enough to book a double spot that had some space between the other campsites with a good view of the lake. Great amenities.
- joseph B.Traveler
Moutardier
Decent
This campground has tried to cram as many people into it at one time as possible. Sites are very close to each other that you could hear your neighbor burp or fart at any time day or night. Otherwise, the campground is clean with good amenities. If you are lucky enough to get a lake side spot, the views are good, but again, you will have neighbors.
- SSarahTraveler
Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave
Just Okay
Bit over priced. It went up each night we stayed. We had a fifth wheel on a standard gravel 30/50 amp site. Full hook up. Advertised internet but there wasn’t any in the section we stayed. There was a little shade in our area. The whole place is alternated by cabins and camping sites. There is grass between every site. Plenty of playgrounds, a pool and pond/beach. Golf cart rentals are $55 per day and people run them all day and night. Golf carts were playing music at midnight. This place does not sleep. And if you bring dogs, you must physically show them the rabies tag, they don’t check their email. Even though you pick a spot on their map they will change you to a different spot unless you pay the $35 extra to “lock in” a specific spot.
Meghan P.Scout
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave
BEDBUGS
Stayed in cabin 88 - bedbugs. Do not stay here.
Rachel S.
RangerMammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Great park campground
Really enjoyed our 3 night stay in Mammoth Cave campground. Level sites, tables, fire rings, running water bathrooms, spigots. Great location walkable to the camp store, lodge, visitor center, and cave tours.
- Rachel S.Ranger
Green River Park & Arboretum
Surprising free spot
This park allows overnight camping. We were the only ones there overnight, but lots of families and soccer practice until mid evening.
- aadam S.Scout
Grand Ole RV Resort & Market
Great First Experience
I’m in Nashville frequently due to work. First time traveling with the camper, and chose this place after seeing it a few times. They were great. Clean report and nice people.
Scott K.GuideMammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Easy access/ clean spot
Got in on a Sunday evening for tent camping. Nice woman working the entrance let us switch campsites without any hassle.
The site was well maintained and had a nice fire pit. Concrete picnic table in the space.
Hannah F.ScoutNolin Lake State Park
Proximity to Mammoth Cave
Pros: very well maintained facilities, toddlers enjoyed playground, able to walk along lake shore, could hear small waterfall behind our campsite, within 20 minutes of Mammoth Cave NP via Green River Ferry Con: sites nothing special for tent camping (probably great if in RV). Very sunny, out in open so windy. But nice to have electric and water when camping with toddlers so worth it. Would agree with previous review that the 1 tent site among all the electric sites looked beautiful- right on the water. If you don’t need electric, go with that one!
Micheal S.TravelerNolin Lake State Park
Good access to the Mamoth Cave area
We rolled in on the day of our stay with no reservations. Sites with no reservation cards are open for one night. There were 2 open when we arrived around 8 pm. After hours, it's an honor system using the envelopes at the entrance. The sites are level with water and electricity. There are lake sites available. Our site was in the open area. This was an overnight stay for us on our way home. The dump station is at the entrance. Bath house was very clean and well maintained.
- Micheal S.Traveler
Cedar Creek (TN)
Clean, Well Maintained
We used this as an overnight stop on our way to Georgia. Google Maps was right on for getting us here. The park was well maintained and the bathrooms were clean. There is water and electricity on site with a dump station at the back of the park. The sites along the lake have great views. Nights were quiet.
Angela C.RangerMammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Closest proximity to Cave
The actual campground is pretty basic. Sites are woodsy and spread out, there is a picnic table and fire ring, bathhouses and water spigot can be a little bit of a walk depending on your campsite, and the atmosphere overall was quiet. We experienced terrible weather so we didn’t explore much and would agree with some of the other reviewers that the RVs seemed out of sync with the more rustic vibe. What I appreciated was how easy and quick it was to drive to the Visitor Center the next morning for our bright and early tour of Mammoth Cave (and yes, book ahead).
- Micheal S.Traveler
Cedar Creek (TN)
Great Overnight Spot
We pulled in about 7 PM. We found our ticket for the campsite taped to the window of the booth. Reatroom are clean a little chilly As we were in beginning of April. It was a very quiet campground this time of year. Very clean and well maintained.
- HHeather T.Traveler
Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
Nature Lovers Paradise
Site 46B is an exceptional site. Extra large with unobstructed views of the woods away from the roads So much to see and do beyond the cave! This campground is set in the woods with lots of hiking and biking trails within walking distance. Yes, the caves are amazing but don’t forget to explore the surface through hiking, horseback riding and kayaking. The campground has lots of tent campers to big rigs and everything in between. Big rig generators can put a major dent into the campground experience unfortunately but it’s still a beautiful family friendly experience. Bath houses were very clean. Sites are level. The dump station leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a two person operation. One person to use their foot to hold drain open and the other to deal with hose. Wish they offered electric at sites but still one of my favorite campgrounds. Very clean friendly and accessible to activities in the park.
- DDarryl H.Guide
Rock Cabin Camping
Cabins better than some Marriott's, I've been in.
They are remodeling the old cabins that have been there since the early 1900s. And they look fantastic inside. The owner and the maintenance man were very accommodating. Would stay there any time when passing through. They are doing landscaping now and I expect it to look very nice when they are done.
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
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bowling Green, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bowling Green, KY is Houchins Ferry Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bowling Green, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Bowling Green, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.