Burnside is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Burnside is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Burnside, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park.
Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
$30 - $35 / night
Bandy Creek is a spacious and modern campground, situated in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. A swimming pool, along with on-site volleyball court, playgrounds and ball fields, make Bandy Creek an ideal spot for families. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres including rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys, which are found throughout the park.
Located just under 20 miles from Bandy Creek is the Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
$20 - $140 / night
Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing. The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century.
Boating and water activities are a big hit. A boat ramp is located a short distance from the campground.Hikers take pleasure in the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail that leads from the campground to the dam.
Most campsites are surrounded by a mixture of hardwood trees that provide picture-perfect colors in autumn. Laurel River Lake spans 5,600 acres of deep, clear water and 192 miles of cliff-lined shore. Bountiful hills from the Appalachian foothills create a backdrop for the lake area.
Head to the Cumberland Falls Trail that begins at Cumberland Falls and ends at the mouth of the Laurel River. This trail is a 30-45 minute drive from the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (606) 878-8134.
$38 - $92 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Cumberland
Waitsboro Campground is at 500 Waitsboro Road and is situated on beautiful Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky.Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. The lake has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish and walleye, making it a favorite among anglers. The Black Walnut Nature Trail, located near the lake office, is a self-guided educational trail. The trail is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4pm EST.
The campground overlooks the main body of the lake, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
General Burnside Island State Park is nearby. It was named after Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who led patrols along the Cumberland River, circling this 400-acre island to keep watch for Confederate soldiers. Visitors come today to enjoy boating, fishing, golfing and picnicking on Kentucky's only island state park. Burnside Marina is 10 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store.
$16 - $42 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Cumberland
Kendall Campground is located at 80 Kendall Road, south of Jamestown, Kentucky, just below Wolf Creek Dam, which forms beautiful Lake Cumberland. Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. Kendall Campground offers visitors convenient access to a cold water trout stream, making it a popular fishing destination. The stream is well-stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Whispering Pines Trail, located within the campground, is a non-strenuous trail approximately half a mile long.
The campground overlooks the river, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
Wolf Creek Dam National Fish Hatchery is within walking distance of the campground. It is open year-round and offers free tours to the public and an excellent Environmental Education Center. Click here for more information. Lake Cumberland State Park is just 6.5 miles from the campground. This beautiful park offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mini golf, disc golf and boat rentals. Birders enjoy the park for its exceptional viewing prospects of raptors, songbirds and waterfowl. Grider Hill Marina and Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. Jamestown Marina & Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. State Dock Marina is 8 miles away, with boat rentals, snack bar and general store.
$16 - $60 / night
Fishing Creek Campground is located at 1598 E. Highway 1248 just west of Somerset, Kentucky. Fishing Creek is part of beautiful Lake Cumberland, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing and hunting.Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. The lake has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish and walleye, making it a favorite among anglers.
The campground is situated above the shore of Fishing Creek on Lake Cumberland. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
Lee's Ford Resort Marina is less than 10 minutes from the campground. It offers boat rentals, a general store, restaurant and lodging. The Mill Springs Battlefield Park is just a 15-minute drive from Fishing Creek. This historic Civil War site offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop and driving tour. Special events are held throughout the year, including educational programs and a thrilling reenactment.
$22 - $36 / night
In March 2019 a record flood devastated the campground, boat ramp, and trails in this area. Bee Rock Campground will remain closed until recreation facilities are safely restored. View Bee Rock Closure Order. To find other campgrounds nearby, contact the London Ranger District at 606-864-4163, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campground facilities at nearby Laurel River Lake open on April 12.Bee Rock Campground, located on London Ranger District, has developed campsites on both sides of the Rockcastle River. The campground is a US Fee Area. The Laurel County side, with 9 sites, is open all year. The Pulaski County side, with 19 sites, is open from mid-April through mid-October. An overlook along Bee Rock Loop Trail provides a scenic view of the rocks and cliffs along Rockcastle River. Bee Rock Boat Rampprovides river access. The campground features Old Sublimity Bridge, a historic structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the late 1930s. The stone used in the abutments was quarried from the adjacent sandstone cliffs. The bridge has been restored for foot travel only. The name Bee Rock comes from a local legend which states that a large number of wild honeybees used to live in this area, using a hollow area under this cliff as their hive. Tired of the wild honeybees invading their hives, local beekeepers dynamited the rock, destroying the hive and causing honey to flow down the cliff into the Rockcastle River. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Bee Rock Campground. Learn more... Bee Rock Campground Map Campfires are permitted in fire rings only. Make sure fires are out before retiring at night or when leaving your campsite. Parking is available at campsites, boat ramp and overflow parking area. Restrooms are accessible vault toilets. Drinking water is available except during winter months. No climbing or rappelling from cliffs, arches or other rock formations at Bee Rock Overlook. Low lying areas are prone to flooding, so be alert for flooding when driving, camping or crossing streams in this area. Swift currents and undertows can make swimming and wading very hazardous. View Bee Rock Campground Guide & Map (pdf) Nearby Trails: Bee Rock Loop Trail #529 Rockcastle Narrows Trail #503 Rockcastle Connector Trail #401A Sheltowee Trace Section 25
$8 - $12 / night
Scout
We had a fantastic stay at The Farm RV Resort in December. The resort's peaceful, wintery landscape provided the perfect setting for a quiet getaway. The sites were spacious and well-maintained, and the full hook-ups made our stay easy and comfortable. We enjoyed crisp walks around the property, and the community fire pit was a great way to warm up in the evening. The staff was welcoming, and we left feeling refreshed and relaxed. If you’re looking for a cozy, winter retreat, The Farm RV Resort is the place to be!
ScoutWe had a wonderful stay at The Farm RV Resort. The peaceful, countryside setting was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The spacious, level sites were well-maintained, and the full hook-ups made our stay convenient and comfortable. The staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxing. We loved the nearby walking trails, community fire pit, and quiet evenings surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for a serene, well-run RV resort, The Farm RV Resort is an excellent choice!
TravelerIf you’re looking for an idyllic spot to park your RV and unwind, The Farm RV Resort is an absolute gem. Nestled in a serene countryside setting, this resort offers the perfect blend of nature and comfort. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed by the friendly and helpful staff who made check-in a breeze. The resort itself is beautifully maintained, with spacious, level sites that provide plenty of room for both our RV and outdoor activities. We particularly loved the well-kept grass areas and the full hook-ups, making it super convenient for extended stays. The resort has a rustic charm that makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all, yet it still provides modern amenities. One of the highlights of our stay was the peaceful atmosphere. The surrounding farm landscape, with its rolling fields and calm breeze, is perfect for those who enjoy the quiet outdoors. We spent our evenings watching sunsets, enjoying the fresh air, and even taking walks around the grounds. For those looking for activities, the resort offers a variety of fun options. There’s a cozy clubhouse with games and a small store for essentials, plus a community fire pit where guests can gather and share stories under the stars. We also enjoyed the nearby trails, perfect for hiking or biking. Whether you're a family looking for a relaxing retreat, a couple seeking a quiet getaway, or an RV enthusiast wanting to experience the countryside, The Farm RV Resort checks all the boxes. We left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and already planning our next visit!
Traveler
Very nice campground. Some sites have walkways going to the fishing pond. Overall clean restrooms and showers.
Traveler
Sites are close together but very level. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Beautiful waterfront sites.
Scout
Such a great spot. Staff is friendly it’s located right beside the National Forest hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking is phenomenal in this area. The sites are very clean. Shower house is huge and clean. Love this Campground. They’ve got a great natural playground for kids to play on.
Guide
Up a forestry road at the top of a mountain! Sleeping with the bears!
Scout
Spent the last 2 weeks of the season here and enjoyed our stay. We had daily deer visitors at our site and went trout fishing too. The walking trails around the brooke and campground were easy enough even for someone with limited mobility. I would ask COE to correct the women's handicap shower. The hand held shower head is missing even though there is a connection port for it. Shower house is not heated and it is extremely uncomfortable....Be prepared to keep pressing a button every 55 seconds to get water. In addition, there is no way to control water temperature for your shower. In my opinion, this is something that needs to be addressed. The washing machine was out of order.... And the ole sayin"treat things as you would your own" comes to mind and it would be our hope that people would see the benefit in keeping things nice for all to use. The camp host made rounds on the golf cart every few hrs....which is appreciated:) UPDATE: Now both washers have been removed from the annex campground....and we have a week left. Kinda of a crappy thing to do to people....with no warning.
Scout
I am a long term camper. This park has all the utilities water, electric, sewer. I haven't had issues with the free wifi and am able to stream movies and TV with no buffering.
They have a community building with restrooms, showers, laundry, kitchen area, and mail pick up. They also have an outdoor community area with a fire pit, lounge chairs, and grill.
They have been having events for the children. Movie night, outdoor games, and a camp fire with smores.
It's quiet and 5 minutes away from town. Door dash delivers.
The manager is a sweetheart and makes sure any issues are taken care of.
Legend
We found this new and wonderful glamping and event center with 5 FHU sites and 2 water and electric sites when looking for a campground (CG) to visit friends. We called and were able to get a FHU site for Mon- Thur. Our RV GPS, plus using Google Maps, brought us in on KY-34 heading east. There are two Chenault Bridge road turns. Be sure to take the turn near CR-1329(second going east or first one if coming in from the west) that took us about a half mile to the LockRidge Park. Their regular check in time is 4:00 PM, but we called and had permission to come on in early around 2:30 PM. When we arrived, we pulled up front and went to find an office to check in. Everything was closed up but we were soon greeted by two ladies(owner and manager) who took us down around the entrance parking lot to back-in site 5 with FHUs. There was no formal check in but we did receive an email prior to arrival with the shower house code. The cost for a FHU site was $50. The gravel at this time was fairly new and thick, so we had to be careful as we maneuvered our 40’ fifth wheel down a slight incline to get to the CG area. We were“wowed” by the boulder landscaping and how wide and deep the sites were. The sites are close together but the way they are designed give you a spacious and private feeling. Sites 1-4 are easy back-ins as you have a good sized parking lot in front of them. Site 5 is a little more challenging as you need to go down the exit road to get your back-in angle. The utilities are essentially in the middle of the pad, but as stated prior the sites are long, so we maneuvered to get centered to fit our hookups and to be able to put our patio down. The water pressure was around 60 psi and we used a reducer. There are trees that border the area, but we had no problem getting a Starlink signal. For site 5, we placed the antenna on the roof. For Wifi, ask for the password so you can connect to a strong signal. Performance was way above average. We got 4 bars LTE on Verizon. We were pleasantly surprised that they had laundry, which is on the side of the main bathhouse. There are two washer/dryer combos for$6 per load to wash and dry, which is paid on the honor system via scanning a QR code. An amazing“work in progress,” LockRidge is a park that offers unique overnight stay options, including tube rooms, underground rooms, silo rooms, container rooms, RV spots, and Conestoga wagon rooms. They also have a parking area near the entrance for Harvest Host. There’s also a small restaurant and event center for weddings etc. The owners, Heather and Brian, have worked hard to make LockRidge a unique experience.
Guide
We loved Bandycreek campground for it{s scenic beauty….we were there in late October. They leaves were brilliant! The campground was pristine as well as the shower house and bathrooms. So many trails to walk…just make sure you know how long they really are and if they truly are a loop before you head out and take water! The campground was quiet, there was a bustle of activity every morning of park staff cleaning the shower house, emptying the bear boxes and doing general maintenance cleaning up downed branches etc. All staff were met were very friendly. The visitors center was close with staff who were very helpful in answering questions about the area. Our only concern about the place was that it is difficult to navigate if you have a large rv. Ours is a 43 foot fifth wheel. We had a lot of difficulty backing into our site with all the little obstacles but with the assistance of a fellow camper we finally got in. Also the drive into the campsite is treacherous if you are coming from Oneida. It is harrowing to say the least and I would not recommend it if you have a large rv. Hairpin turns and switchbacks, low hanging rocks, and narrow road. We came in the back way which consisted of driving on a well maintained gravel road with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass. So be warned and do your research before you drive in…plan your route! I feel like we barely survived! Ha. But it was worth it and we did survive!
Legend
Found this campground on the map near Haneys Appledale Farm in Nancy Kentucky. Nice, new, “shiny” campground. The owner was extremely friendly and we spoke briefly about the place. As listed above there’s no showerhouse, so bring your own if you want to visit. There’s also no shade, they are creating their campground in a very nicely tiered field and working on getting a pond going to fish in. Nice size sites with easy access power , water and sewer. Gravel drive and pads, fire ring and picnic table. There is an AWESOME playground and pavilion set back in the trees! My grand loved the ropes course. We stayed in the back of the campground on a full moon night so I can’t say how dark it is on a no moon night, it was very quiet and we enjoyed our visit.
Guide
This campground is pretty new and not too large, making it a nice quiet getaway. All the sites are concrete with nice gravel between, along with picnic tables and firepits. Because it's isolated in the trees, you can't even hear the main road!
One thing we liked is the great drainage. Even on the rainy days, there were almost no puddles due to good landscaping and slight slope. The water pressure is really strong, be sure to use your pressure regulator!
The bathhouse is nice and clean. There's a playground with slides and such here, too.
We were here during the month of October and the owners and helpers decorated the area with pumpkins and little scarecrows.
The drive up from the main road is 85% paved with nice new asphalt. Just a short section that's gravel. On the nice days, we would walk all the way from the campground down the hill to the main road and back.
There's Wifi available, and it was at least as good as our AT&T cell connection, and we were able to keep our Starlink on pause, saving us a month's cost there.
We will definitely be staying here again. No question.
The only negative I can add is that there's no real "office" to receive packages. We had to replace our rig's AC unit, and the owner allows me to ship it to his house about a mile away. When it arrived I drove over and picked it up. For other stuff, I just got a post office box in town. (They don't do General Delivery at this USPS location.)
Guide
Just ok. Nothing wrong. Showers old and poorly done but clean. Sites roomy enough but packed in. Have propane and trash. Popular park. Lots of coming ad going.
Guide
The sites are nice and wooded. There is plenty of space between sites to give each camp a little privacy. We were a drive up, no reservation camper. They only took cash or check on-site. Camp host was very nice and helpful.
Guide
We stayed here as the kick off to the KAT. The sites are grassy right next to the river. Bathroom is clean, and there is also a small camp store.
Guide
We stayed here on a KAT section 2 trip. Super friendly and helpful staff. They had campsites, covered wagons, and cabins. The had a small camp store and sold firewood
GuideWe stayed there while running the KAT section 2. Great staff. Lots of room for horses. They had campsites, covered wagons and cabin space.
Guide
There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
Guide
One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
GuideBeautiful lake and clean bathhouse. Sites are close together, not really tent friendly
Traveler
Loud Carson road and kids playing basketball til 11:00 pm. They were very loud and vulgar.
Site had lots of room though. We left after the first nite. Lost our next 2 nites fee but worth the loss not having to stay any longer.
Staff somewhat indifferent.
TravelerCampsites are spacious with gravel campsites and paved rv parking at campsites. Water and electric at each site. Clean bathrooms with showers.
Scout
This is a beautiful campground! Very Family oriented. The park attendants are so nice and welcome families and will help you in any way! We love going here and feel so safe because the sheriff department along with the attendants are always coming through. Some of the nicest attendants, always has a smile and willing to help in any way!
Legend
Spent 2 nights in July at Kentucky Splash Park Campground. Only reason it didn’t get a 5 star is first needs more shade (there are new trees growing ) and the cut through road is busy in the evening from local traffic. Nice size sites with cement or gravel parking. Cement pads with picnic tables and strangely deep fire pits.
The showerhouse is in well maintained shape. Plenty of room and hooks to hang your stuff from. Hot water and large shower heads.
Small playground and pavilion to use.
Easy walk across the parking lot to the water park. Price not included in site cost. If you get a wrist ban you can get back in for the day.
Scout
This campground is clean and the campsites are decent. However, our campsite had two stumps there were hard to work around when backing up the camper in the dark. If you need to use the showers or bathroom, they never fix anything. One bathroom hasn’t had electric in two years and another women’s bathroom only has hot water in one shower and the hand dryers don’t work.
ScoutWe have stayed here many times. Very clean campground.the staff is helpful and friendly. The shower and bathrooms have always been clean . Just wish that they had a fenced in dog park
Camping near Burnside, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Burnside, Kentucky, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there's something for every camper to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Burnside, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Burnside, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Burnside, KY and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Burnside, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burnside, KY is Cumberland Falls State Resort Park with a 4.3-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burnside, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Burnside, KY.
What parks are near Burnside, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Burnside, KY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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