Camping options near Burlington, Kentucky offer diverse settings from lakefront sites to wooded retreats within 30 miles of the city. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 80s and winters that can drop below freezing. Fall camping season extends later than many northern areas, with comfortable temperatures often lasting through mid-November.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Stonelick State Park Campground, anglers can catch bluegill and catfish in the lake. "Amazing views of the water and surrounding wooded areas. Good place to fish for bluegill and catfish," notes a camper. The fishing spots near the campground can get crowded on weekends, but other access points are a short walk away.
Hiking trails: The 1.7-mile paved walking trail at Hueston Woods State Park Campground offers easy access to nature. "There are several hiking trails and biking trails. Streams were dried up at our visit," one visitor reported. The park maintains trails of varying difficulty, making it accessible for all experience levels.
Water recreation: Boat rentals are available at several parks, with General Butler State Resort Park offering canoe and paddle boat options. A camper mentions, "There is mini golf canoe and paddle boat rentals available as well." The rental fees typically range from $10-20 per hour depending on the watercraft type.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive feedback at A.J. Jolly Park & Campground. "The Bathhouse is super nice and clean," reports one visitor. The newer facilities in the Flatwood section are particularly well-maintained.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at certain parks. "Our spot was level and the roads were easy to navigate in our motorhome," notes a camper about Winton Woods. Another visitor at Hueston Woods commented, "A lot of the sites are large and have enough space for everything you need!"
Convenience to attractions: Location near both natural features and urban amenities makes these campgrounds practical bases. "We stayed here while traveling back home from the Smoky Mountains. It is a beautiful site but unfortunately we were not able to enjoy it," shares a camper about Winton Woods Campground, highlighting its strategic location for travelers.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Three Springs Campground, not all sites are created equal. "Sites are not particularly level," warns one camper. Another notes that "Final approach/exit to the park is very steep," which can create challenges for larger vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: Some facilities close during winter months. Stonelick State Park Campground operates from April 1 to October 31, while others like General Butler and Follow The River RV Resort remain open year-round but with limited services in winter.
Reservation systems: Booking experience varies widely between parks. One camper at Winton Woods noted frustration: "We needed to stay on a Monday night and tried all weekend to book a site online. Both the mobile site and the full website didn't work." Call ahead during busy seasons, especially for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Follow The River RV Resort, "There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park," shares a visitor. Oak Creek Campground also offers "pool and new dog park with a very nice play area for the kids."
Wildlife education: Three Springs Campground provides natural learning opportunities. "They have a few hiking trails and a creek the kids caught crawfish in," reports one family. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing chances.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain features requiring extra supervision. At A.J. Jolly, "The sites I'm at are on a hillside so think theatrical style site. None are level looking so you will need to know what your doing," cautions one camper, pointing out the need for careful site selection with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require equipment for proper setup. At General Butler State Resort Park, one RVer noted "some sites have a huge drop off from the camping pad to the grass. You almost have to drive there and look at the sites one by one to make sure what you're getting!"
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when booking. A camper at A.J. Jolly warned, "Water hook ups are on the opposite side of electrical on several sites," which can require extension cords or additional hoses not typically carried.
Size restrictions: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs despite being advertised as such. At Oak Creek Campground, a visitor noted, "Spaces are narrow—though we were able to navigate the area, I wouldn't necessarily call it 'Big Rig Friendly.'" Research maximum lengths before booking, especially for motorhomes over 35 feet.
