Tent camping near Burgin, Kentucky offers outdoor recreation options in the rolling hills of central Kentucky, where elevations range from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The area features a mix of forested ridges and river valleys within the Inner Bluegrass region. Campgrounds typically experience warm summers with average highs around 85°F and mild spring and fall seasons that extend the camping season.
What to do
Hiking trails and disc golf: Pulaski County Park provides multiple activity options for campers. "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops... They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging," notes reviewer Shelly S. The park also features disc golf that "will take you on quite a hike."
Farm animal interactions: At Wildcat Creek Farm, campers can enjoy friendly farm animals that visit the camping areas. Elizabeth R. mentions, "Such a quiet place. The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" These animals often become a highlight for visitors without being intrusive.
Water recreation: Lake access is available at several campgrounds in the region. Pulaski County Park offers "Great beach access" according to Lee-Ann R., along with boat ramps on both sides of the campground. Water activities provide cooling recreation during summer months when temperatures can reach the high 80s.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting around Burgin creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. Kurt B. from Wildcat Creek Farm shared that "The night sky of stars and quiet stillness brought a calm and peace from our busy week." The lack of light pollution makes astronomical observation a popular evening activity.
Community facilities: HomeGrown HideAways provides exceptional common areas for campers. Frank H. describes it as having "An unbelievable community shelter and community kitchen. Nested between 2 mountains." These shared spaces create opportunities for socializing while maintaining privacy at individual campsites.
Affordable camping options: The campgrounds near Burgin offer good value. Terry S. notes that Pulaski County Park is "priced well" and Steven S. adds they have "Good primitive sites" with "really good prices." Budget-conscious campers can find options ranging from basic tent sites to more developed facilities without breaking the bank.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campground restroom quality differs significantly between locations. Julie B. warns about Pulaski County Park: "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barely cleaned and just gross," while other reviewers mention cleanliness issues during busy periods. HomeGrown HideAways offers both rustic and modern options as Cassandra C. notes, "The outhouse was perfectly clean, but there were flush toilets available if you took a little walk."
Water availability concerns: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. Bourbon Trail Campground lacks potable water sources according to their amenity list. At Pulaski County Park, one camper mentioned "Brown nasty water," suggesting filtering might be necessary even where water is available.
Campsite proximity can affect experience: Some locations have tightly packed sites. Anna C. reports that at Pulaski County Park, "The campsites are close together, so perhaps we just got unlucky with our neighbors." During peak seasons, this proximity may impact privacy and noise levels, especially on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters for children: Kids particularly enjoy the farm animals at several campgrounds. Katelyn W. reports, "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek!" at Wildcat Creek Farm. These interactions provide entertainment and educational opportunities for younger campers.
Multiple playground options: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. Katie M. notes that at Pulaski County Park, "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play." These facilities help keep children entertained between other outdoor activities.
Consider timing for optimal experience: Weekdays typically offer a quieter family camping experience. Anna C. cautions that despite rules, "there's still a lot of partying at night" at some locations, adding "It can get loud." Planning mid-week stays can help families avoid rowdier weekend crowds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for boat owners: Campers with watercraft should consider Pulaski County Park for its convenient boat access. Angie B. points out, "This campground has boat ramp very accessible," making it ideal for those combining camping with water activities. Multiple launch points provide flexibility for different campsite locations.
Seasonal availability limitations: Check operating dates before planning trips. Pulaski County Park operates from "Apr 1 - Oct 31," while HomeGrown HideAways stays "open year-round, but some amenities are limited during winter months." This affects services like showers and water hookups during off-season visits.
RV site improvements ongoing: Facilities continue to upgrade at some locations. Terry S., a long-time visitor to Pulaski County Park, observes, "It has been improved over the years and still needs work. More RV sites have been added. More are needed." This suggests making reservations well in advance for improved RV sites.