Burnside camping options provide access to Lake Cumberland's 1,255 miles of shoreline at 723 feet elevation. The area receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 85°F. Fall camping extends well into November at many locations with reduced crowds after Labor Day.
What to do
Fishing at Green River Lake: Smith Ridge offers proximity to multiple fishing locations with boat access. "I gave Smith Ridge 5 stars because it offers a lot of great fishing spots and beautiful views. There isn't but maybe one trail there, and it's unmarked," notes Jessica C., who also mentions "a beach, and boat ramp available to those that wish to fish."
Hiking woodland trails: Holmes Bend provides access to over 5 miles of natural trails. "It's a short drive or walk thru the woods to trail head. Fishers bend has over 5 miles of trails," explains Kenny P. The campground has paved roadways that are "great for biking and walking," according to Beth H.
Swimming at primitive beaches: Wilson Creek Recreation Area offers a less crowded swimming option. "You're also only a short walk from the beach which is nice," reports Jessica C. Another visitor, Kenny P., suggests you can "cool off at the gravel beach at the end of the road" after hiking the old 4-wheeler trails.
What campers like
Spacious camping pads: Pikes Ridge - Green River Lake provides larger sites for setup. "Sites are very spacious," confirms John, adding that there are "trails for hiking, a playground and a beach." Kenny P. calls it "The best campground on GRL!!!"
Privacy between sites: Smith Ridge campground offers more separation than other nearby options. "I am not close to my neighboring campers, the parking spots are huge, and it's a great area to walk around," reports Maze M. Sites 1-30 are described as "wooded and semi private" by Candy H.
Water proximity: COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge provides lake access for campers. "You're pretty close to the lake (the boat ramp is about a 1/2 mile as the crow flies)," notes Estus H., who appreciated that "each of the sites came with a stack of firewood already in place when you got there."
What you should know
Power reliability concerns: Several campgrounds report electrical issues. "They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances," warns Lindsey M. about Smith Ridge.
Bathroom conditions vary: Cumberland Falls RV Resort offers newer bathroom facilities compared to older campgrounds. At Smith Ridge, Christina S. reports, "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."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location. At Holmes Bend, Ron B. reports "cell service Verizon & AT&T Service 3 bars depending above or below hill in camping area." At Smith Ridge, Todd C. found "practically no cell service with Verizon or AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: RV sites near Burnside, Kentucky often include children's play areas. "The newer part not so much. The old bathhouse needs some updating. They were both clean. Hosts were nice and helpful," notes Jeremy K. about Smith Ridge's playground facilities.
Sites with shade: Old Chimney RV Park has "limited shaded sites," according to Paul M. At Pikes Ridge, John warns that there's "not much shade unless you get a site on the edge of the woods."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Green River Lake State Park campsites offer nature observation chances. "Walking around you will find wildlife. Lots of deer and turtles and birds," reports Thomas R. about Holmes Bend.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV campsites may require equipment adjustments. At Smith Ridge, Todd C. found the "picnic tables were secured to the ground taking up a good bit of the site for our rug and chairs. The dump stations are a little tricky."
Water hookup availability: Holmes Bend campground has variable water access. Thomas R. explains, "Some sites only have electric at the higher numbers but there is a station to fill your tank with drinkable water. The non water sites are quiet and most are shaded."
Campsite selection strategy: For optimal privacy, choose wooded sites over open areas. At Pikes Ridge, Lynn G. advises, "All the RV sites are extremely open so there's no shade or privacy, but everyone has the same lovely view. Just a few sites are among the trees at the edge of the forest but further from the water."
