Camping near Burlington, Kentucky provides access to both rural camping experiences and locations convenient to city attractions. The terrain includes river views, rolling hills, and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 500 to 900 feet. Seasonal weather varies significantly with hot, humid summers that often reach 90°F and mild winters where temperatures typically stay above freezing, creating different camping experiences throughout the year.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground offers educational opportunities beyond camping. A camper noted, "Great place to learn some history, hike a trail, and view the bison. There are places to have a picnic, and a small campground is available. A visitor center and gift shop is also onsite."
Paddle sports: Indian Springs Campground provides access to water activities. According to one review, "They did allow fishing(catch& release) in the lake and also offered canoes and pedal boats for use at no extra charge. There was also a nice walking trail around the lake."
Orienteering: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site offers guided trail activities for those looking to improve navigation skills. A visitor mentioned, "Loved the orienteering course," providing a unique activity not commonly found at other campgrounds in the region.
Disc golf: Miami Whitewater Forest has courses available for campers. A reviewer commented, "Lake nearby with boat rentals and paved bike paths. River access down path behind lot 129."
What campers like
Educational exhibits: The paleontology focus at Winton Woods Campground sets it apart from other camping areas. One visitor appreciated that "It has a nice 'campground' feel set in large pine trees and wide sites but has 50-amp full hook-up sites."
Peaceful settings: Many campers value the quiet environment at some locations. A visitor to Tucker's Landing stated, "Site 22 had a beautiful view of the ohio river. The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river. It was very quiet and peaceful."
Level sites: Campers frequently mention the importance of level camping spots. At Indian Springs Campground, a visitor observed, "The spaces are gravel and level. The campground is mostly RV with a few private apartments/houseboat."
Clean facilities: Camp Shore Campground received praise for its maintenance. A camper noted, "We had a 50/30 pull thru site with water, a fire ring, and a brand new picnic table. The owner was efficient and kind and we felt very welcome."
What you should know
Terrain variations: Not all campgrounds have level sites. At Away at Green Hill, campers should be prepared for challenging terrain. A reviewer advised, "We stayed at Henry's Holler. It's a 4x4 only site. There is a steep hill that you may need 4wd to get up."
Limited shade: Some campsites lack tree coverage. At Winton Woods Campground, one camper noted, "Our only complaint would be no shade at the section we were in."
Road noise: Proximity to highways affects some camping experiences. Oak Creek Campground sits near main roads, with one reviewer mentioning, "This is a small little campground near I75. There is a fair amount of road noise to complete with the sounds of the stream running through the CG."
Seasonal differences: Weather affects campground operations and experience. Tucker's Landing positions itself as an excellent stopover during travel seasons, with a reviewer sharing, "Great river views. Sites close together with lots of permanents."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Oak Creek Campground offers dedicated children's areas. A camper shared, "Pool and new dog park with a very nice play area for the kids. We prefer site 18 which offers nice privacy and is next to a stream."
Water activities: Kids enjoy watching river traffic at several locations. At Tucker's Landing, a family noted, "The kids enjoyed seeing the barges going up and down the river."
Educational opportunities: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site provides learning experiences suitable for children. A visitor mentioned, "The museum and gift shop have a lot of educational stuff which would be excellent for a home schooling trip. A good interactive grade school age children campground."
Mini-golf: Several campgrounds feature additional activities beyond standard camping. According to a Big Bone Lick visitor, "There is a pool, mini golf, and tennis plus some play areas for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. At Miami Whitewater Forest, one RVer cautioned, "Most sites are uneven."
Electricity considerations: Miami Whitewater Forest Campground offers varied electrical options. A camper noted, "Clean, well-maintained campground with about 30 sites, most of which have electric service."
Site length limitations: Big rigs may struggle at certain campgrounds. At Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, a camper observed, "The sites are a bit small (in length) and ours (49) was very un-level, and worst of all had no shade at all."
Access routes: Consider approach directions carefully. A Big Bone Lick visitor advised, "If coming from the south into the campground, get off at the Richwood exit. Our GPS routed us another way and Richwood would have been much easier."
