Nolin Lake State Park Campground offers campers pine-tree shaded tent sites with level spots. Located near Mammoth Cave National Park, this camping destination features tent, RV, and yurt options within a 350-acre wooded area at an elevation of approximately 600 feet. The campground sits along the eastern shore of Nolin Lake, a 5,795-acre reservoir that serves as a focal point for recreation in the region.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Mammoth Cave National Park houses the world's longest known cave system just 15 minutes from most Brownsville area campgrounds. "The cave is very big and cool. Reserve the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience. Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!" notes a visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground.
Hiking trails: The region offers diverse hiking opportunities for all skill levels. "We put in over 14 miles of hiking there. The staff was very friendly and helpful! I would definitely recommend this park to friends and family," shares a camper who stayed at Nolin Lake State Park Campground.
Fishing: Many campsites provide direct access to fishing spots. At The Narrows, "A cool feature in the sites is a fish cleaning table as well as fire ring and picnic table. Another nice feature is the campground is off the main road to the marina."
What campers like
Yurt camping comfort: Yurt accommodations in Brownsville, Kentucky provide a glamping experience with structure and comfort. "This is our second time here and we love it as much as the first. Will probably be a yearly visit for us. We love all the sites, it's quiet, near the lake, everyone is friendly," reports a visitor at Nolin Lake State Park Campground.
Star visibility: Rural Kentucky offers exceptional night sky viewing. According to a camper at 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. Within walking distance of the Marina, nice shaded sites and room to spread out."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. A visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground notes, "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" Another mentions, "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite!"
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have inconvenient shower access. At Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort, "Bathrooms were clean, laundry was fine. It's a little dated, but they seem to do their best to keep up with everything. T-mobile 5G internet worked well, and even better with a cell booster."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it! Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic. Quiet park with great gravel spots."
Terrain challenges: Some sites require leveling equipment. At Rock Cabin Camping, "The tent campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave, "This is the kind of campground you can take your kids, never leave the campground, and have fun for days. We did arts and crafts, bingo, trick or treating, watched the golf cart parade, played on several of the different playgrounds, and putt putt golf."
Swimming options: Many sites feature swimming areas for cooling off. "I highly recommend this trip and staying in the Mammoth Cave Lodge cottages! Close to the cave tours, Green River, and lots of hiking trails in the area!"
Transportation planning: Some facilities require significant walking. "This is a LARGE campground so renting a golf cart or bringing your bikes is recommended."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric capabilities differ between sites. At Horse Cave KOA, "Would have got 5 stars but the power would spike several times a day to 129-132 volts setting off alarm in coach. We moved spots and same issue but fewer times a day. Highly recommend Surge Protector at this park."
Site leveling: Many RV sites require adjustment. "Even on the concrete pad, we had to level side to side," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential delays. "Dump station is not ideal with long campers. Dump station busy when leaving with line," warns a camper about The Narrows.
