M
Matthew P.
Guide
Guideland between the lakes
Hard on a Harley
Got down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
Best Campgrounds in Kentucky
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Kentucky's public lands feature a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites spanning diverse landscapes from Daniel Boone National Forest to Mammoth Cave National Park. Campgrounds like Twin Knobs Recreation Area and Zilpo Campground provide accessible options for various camping styles including tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Kentucky Horse Park Campground near Lexington offers year-round camping, while several locations in Daniel Boone National Forest provide more secluded experiences with fewer amenities but greater immersion in natural surroundings.
Most Kentucky campgrounds operate seasonally with many state park facilities open from April through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly at popular locations near water features or during peak summer months. Access roads to developed campgrounds are generally well-maintained, while dispersed sites may require vehicles with higher clearance. A camper noted, "The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted. I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance, especially if it has rained because it's pretty steep in sections." Weather considerations include humid summers and occasionally stormy spring conditions that may affect camping comfort and accessibility.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout Kentucky, with several campgrounds situated near lakes and rivers. Zilpo and Twin Knobs campgrounds near Cave Run Lake receive high ratings from visitors who appreciate the combination of water activities and forest surroundings. According to one visitor, "One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening." Campgrounds with electric hookups and improved amenities tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. Primitive tent camping in more remote areas provides greater solitude but requires self-sufficiency. Kentucky's mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites accommodates various camping preferences, with the most developed facilities offering amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and camp stores, while remote sites provide a more traditional outdoor experience with minimal infrastructure.
Best Camping Sites in Kentucky (457)
1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park
141 ReviewsMammoth Cave, KY+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. Zilpo Campground
49 ReviewsSalt Lick, KYWebsite+1 (606) 768-2722$31 - $105 / night
"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."
3. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
48 ReviewsPine Ridge, KY+1 (606) 663-8100$27 - $45 / night
"We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."
"It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."
4. Kentucky Horse Park Campground
50 ReviewsGeorgetown, KYWebsite+1 (859) 259-4257$40 - $43 / night
"I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"
"Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"
5. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground
46 ReviewsPatriot, INWebsite+1 (859) 384-3522$35 / night
"There’s also some hiking and biking trails accessible from the main turnoff from the highway, so there’s plenty to do in the area if you’re stopping on through or staying a few days."
"we really enjoyed Big Bone. we went to their museum center on Saturday afternoon and walked the Bison trail to see the baby bison they had at the time. it was nice to have something different to do."
6. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground
46 ReviewsOlive Hill, KYWebsite+1 (606) 286-4411$20 - $80 / night
"Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."
"Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."
7. Twin Knobs Recreation Area
44 ReviewsSalt Lick, KYWebsite+1 (606) 780-7818$35 - $150 / night
"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"Amenities are near enough if you forget something, you'd never know staying here that there is a Walmart about 20 minutes away if you forget something important."
8. Nolin Lake State Park Campground
40 ReviewsSweeden, KYWebsite+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!"
9. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
42 ReviewsSlade, KYWebsite+1 (606) 663-2214$20 - $30 / night
"I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."
"Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though) Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"
10. Hillman Ferry Campground
38 ReviewsGrand Rivers, KYWebsite+1 (270) 924-2000"Hillman Ferry is the northernmost full service campground in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and is an excellent base camp for exploring the LBL and other recreation opportunities in"
"This campsite is located in beautiful Land Between the Lakes. Many sites are by reservation, but many more are first come first serve. Sites are big and open and some provide views of Kentucky Lake."
Recent Camping Photos in Kentucky
665 Photos of 457 Kentucky Campgrounds
Pam B.
Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
dereck R.
Tree Tops RV Park
Patty C.
Kentucky River Campground
Kirk T.
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Heather K.
Double J Stables and Campground
Seanna M.
Camp Escape
Andrea L.
LBL FS-326
Cummins
Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River
Bea
Fern Lake Campground
Hopewell RV Park
Hopewell RV Park
Wayne H.
Red River Gorge Adventures
Recent Reviews in Kentucky
2668 Reviews of 457 Kentucky Campgrounds
- GGreg S.
ScoutGrove Drive-in Campground
USFS never disappoints!
Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, it’s tough to find a bad spot to Grove Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest. Sites are both spacious and well spaced. They are paved and mostly level with a gravel pad for the fire ring and picnic table - well laid out in classic USFS fashion. Located near Corbin, KY, Grove serves as a great staging location to explore the area including Laurel River Lake and Cumberland Falls State Park. Time well spent!
- JJeffrey C.
TravelerFirefly Hills
Firefly Hills experience
We were greeted by the owner upon arrival. There are more adventures for kids at this 90 acre campground than I can list.
- Adventure playground in the woods behind our campsite
- Group campfire pit well stocked with wood and kindling for social gathering and making new friends. -Clean modern bathhouse fully handicap accessible. -100 year old historic home fully renovated for rent.
- Kids can participate in feeding farm animals and collecting eggs.
- Community garden. -Huge off leash dog park.
- Modern laundry facilities and general store offering Kentucky local treats for sale.
- New campsites and frisbee golf course under construction along south fork of Kentucky River coming soon. -Fishing ponds and hiking trails across 90 acres. -Rec room with ping pong and foosball for kids.
- 2 premium sites with good air conditioned casitas for relaxing out of the RV.
- BBrian C.Scout
Duncan Lake, Land Between the Lakes
Dispersed site nestled in and surrounded by tall pines with lake access.
Duncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
- AAshley U.Traveler
Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort
Ehhh
I love 1000 trails but this one is unfortunately in disrepair. The staff is wonderful and it’s pretty. But the free WiFi is only in the common room they have, Which is nice with billiards etc. the WiFi on the campgrounds is slow and costs with a limit of connections. The mini golf is barely usable. The Astro turn is destroyed so you’re playing it on broken concrete. And the props are broken probably that’s to rude guests. The playground is so broken it’s unsafe. Luckily, I was out there with my kids and I could catch them before they try to get on the sides that were broken before they came down and we ended up leaving that area. You can tell it used to be beautiful.
I love this place, but I feel like the WiFi, playground and mini golf should no be advertised.
- HHeather O.Scout
Baileys Point
Nice and clean
Nice sites, and clean washrooms nice staff
- ddan H.Guide
Three Springs Campground
Somewhat run down & unkempt
Starting with the good, it is reasonably close to the freeway yet far enough away not to be bothered by road noise. Wi fi was mostly usable. Electrical power was stable. Estimate , if the park was probably half full of campers , some long term , some transit. Was quiet. On the other hand, the place was unmowed with grass 6 to 8 inches high throughout the entire facility. A zero turn mower set unused vext to the office. Some of the water spigots were broken and hoses were strewn about so that people could get it water from different spigots to different sites. What's the worst was the bathroom in showers. A couple of people here and said they were clean , but either there definition of clean was different , or they've been a significant lack of labor to keep them up. In the men's side, there was mold all along the floors at the caulking edges.There was wadded up wet toilet paper smashed on the wall of 2 of them.The ceilings were covered in old cobwebs and fresh spider nests. The floors were quite dirty. Over half of the sites aren't level, so if you use this place bring leveling chocks/plates for your tires if not hydraulically leveled. This facility has a great deal of potential with a bit of money and some elbow grease.
- JJaxson J.Scout
Escape With Us RV Resort
Happy camper rv very friendly close to everything
Friendly people very nice quiet atmosphere
- MMichael N.Traveler
Thunder River Campground
The perfect getaway for the camping lovers
Beautiful scenery right next to the Russell Fork River! A solid 5 stars for the campground & staff. You don’t have to worry about the fun police monitoring your every action. Very budget friendly, they have the cheapest rates that I could find around the area. It’s really laidback & peaceful. You can sit at camp & relax while you drink your favorite beverage, enjoy your favorite smoke, just keep it to yourself & don’t raise hell. Or you could hit the Russell Fork for some awesome river activities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, etc. At check-in you get the free Wi-Fi password & a bundle of wood for your fire pit. It’s a great getaway & I thoroughly enjoyed my stay & look forward to coming back. The only downside is that they need more shade options for the back tent sites to beat the summer heat. I highly recommend Thunder River Campground!!⛺️
Guide to Kentucky
Camping in Kentucky offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Bluegrass State.
What to do
- Explore the Bourbon Trail: Many campgrounds are near distilleries. For example, at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, campers can easily visit local distilleries. One reviewer mentioned, “We want to return and visit more Bourbon Trail Distilleries.”
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Campgrounds like Green River Lake State Park Campground offer beautiful trails. A visitor noted, “The lake is really pretty, the showers were pretty decent.”
- Fishing and Boating: Many sites, such as Holmes Bend, are close to water activities. One camper shared, “The beach is great and right next to the marina.”
What campers like
- Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roominess at places like Smith Ridge Green River Lake. A review stated, “The parking spots are huge, and it's a great area to walk around.”
- Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. At Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, one camper said, “Bathrooms were very clean and the staff was super friendly!”
- Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground noted, “Camp host greeted us upon arrival.”
What you should know
- Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A reviewer at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites were crammed close together.”
- Power and Water Hookups: Be prepared for long power and water lines at some sites. One camper warned, “With exception of a couple of sites, everything is at least 30 to 36' away from your hookup.”
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Smith Ridge Green River Lake said, “Showers or bathroom, they never fix anything.”
Tips for camping with families
- Look for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like CampFire Ridge RV Park have playgrounds. One parent mentioned, “Family oriented, pet friendly, peaceful with playground for the kids.”
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Holmes Bend noted, “Most sites are spaced apart but close enough to make new friends.”
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Green River Lake State Park Campground said, “We enjoyed the lake views and fall colors everywhere.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Smith Ridge Green River Lake mentioned, “They have a known power issue.”
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds may have tight turns. A visitor at Holmes Bend said, “Some spaces and turns would be tight for larger rigs.”
- Bring Extra Supplies: It’s wise to have extension cords and hoses. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, “Bring plenty of blocks!”
Camping in Kentucky can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Kentucky for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Kentucky for families?
Kentucky offers several family-friendly campgrounds with amenities perfect for all ages. Kentucky Horse Park Campground is excellent for families, featuring large level sites, clean facilities, and walking access to the Horse Park itself. The spacious layout gives kids room to play while parents enjoy well-maintained grounds. Another top choice is Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, which offers spacious sites, nice picnic tables, and access to hiking trails and boat rentals. Families appreciate the lake access for swimming and fishing activities. For those looking for outdoor adventures, Mammoth Cave National Park offers camping near world-famous cave tours, while Cumberland Falls State Resort Park provides waterfall views and gem mining activities kids love.
What amenities are available at popular Kentucky campgrounds?
What amenities are available at popular Kentucky campgrounds?
Kentucky campgrounds offer diverse amenities to enhance your camping experience. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground provides water and electric hookups, though be prepared with extension cords as utilities are often placed at least 30 feet from sites. This campground is conveniently located near Bardstown and bourbon distilleries. Hurricane Creek features shaded sites that aren't too crowded, plus its own boat ramp for water access. Many Kentucky state parks offer modern bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, and dump stations. RV-friendly options like Camp Carlson Army RV Park provide clean facilities alongside fishing opportunities at stocked lakes. For water enthusiasts, campgrounds near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offer boat ramps, docks, and swimming areas, making them popular destinations during summer months.
Are there any free camping spots in Kentucky state parks?
Are there any free camping spots in Kentucky state parks?
Kentucky state parks generally do not offer free camping - most require fees ranging from $20-35 per night depending on amenities and season. However, there are some free or low-cost alternatives. Ramp - West Kentucky WMA offers primitive camping options with minimal fees. Similarly, Gilbertsville Ramp - DFWR provides budget-friendly access near Kentucky Dam Village. For truly free camping, look to Daniel Boone National Forest, which permits dispersed camping in designated areas. While not technically state parks, these public lands offer a more rustic, no-fee experience. Always check current regulations before heading out, as some areas may require a Kentucky hunting/fishing license or free backcountry permits. Remember that free sites typically lack amenities like running water, electricity, or maintained restrooms.
When is the best season for camping in Kentucky?
When is the best season for camping in Kentucky?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant camping weather in Kentucky, with mild temperatures and less humidity. Fall is particularly spectacular at places like Koomer Ridge Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest, where the changing foliage creates breathtaking landscapes. Spring brings wildflowers and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Cummins Ferry RV Park on the Kentucky River can experience flooding after heavy spring rains, so check conditions before visiting. Summer (June-August) remains popular despite heat and humidity, especially at lake destinations like Fenton Lake Access, known for clean waters and fishing. Winter camping is possible at year-round campgrounds, though facilities may be limited and water systems winterized. Many state parks reduce services after November until early spring.
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