Tent camping near Burnside, Kentucky provides access to the Daniel Boone National Forest and Lake Cumberland, where elevations range from 700 to 1,300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with highs in the 60-70°F range. Most tent sites throughout the region close seasonally between late October and early April due to colder conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers multiple hiking options including the Twin Arches Loop where you can explore natural rock formations. According to a visitor at Clifty Campground, "We hiked the Wildflower Loop Trail (1.5 miles) in a drizzle and although wet it was safe. When the rain stopped we hiked Eagle Falls Trail and it was very muddy but the views were worth it."
Mountain biking: The trail system at Pulaski County Park offers routes for cyclists of various skill levels. A camper noted, "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops. I won't say they're easy to navigate but it's doable if you pay attention to the names and direction you're going. They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging."
Boating access: Many campgrounds provide direct water access for boats and kayaks. At Grove Boat-In Campground, one camper shared their experience: "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites. This was a pretty decent paddle away."
Scuba diving: Laurel River Lake offers underwater exploration opportunities for certified divers. The clear waters provide visibility up to 20 feet in optimal conditions during spring and early summer months.
What campers like
Lake views: Many sites offer direct views of Lake Cumberland. A camper at Pulaski County Park mentioned, "Great lake views. A lot of hiking and mountain bike trails." Another visitor added, "Great beach access. Quite and very clean."
Privacy at boat-in sites: White Oak Boat-In Campground provides more secluded camping options. One reviewer described it as "wonderful atmosphere here, potable water provided, pit toilets" and noted that "it's a medium sized campground" with "great spacious sites, beautiful and wooded."
Disc golf course: Active campers appreciate the disc golf facilities at some parks. A Pulaski County Park visitor commented, "The disc golf will take you on quite a hike and to another parking lot and trailhead totally outside the park."
Fishing spots: Multiple access points for fishing exist throughout the region. At Halcombs Landing, a visitor observed it has "a pavilion area and single picnic tables out along a break wall that offer some nice scenery with your picnic lunch. There were people fishing in several areas also."
What you should know
Site sizing varies significantly: At Clifty Campground, a camper reported, "The sites are inconsistent between their sizes on the Clifty campground. We had two small tents and one car. If we had any more gear or people it would have been uncomfortable."
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities maintenance differs between campgrounds. One camper at Rockcastle noted, "The vault bathrooms were pretty rough." Similarly, at Pulaski County Park, a visitor shared, "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barely cleaned and just gross, water source is old."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close completely during winter months. A visitor to Rockcastle reported, "Campground is closed, but the boat launch is open. Might be able to park in boat launch parking."
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), securing reservations is often necessary, particularly for weekends. Many boat-in locations cannot be reserved and fill quickly on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Pulaski County Park offers several play areas for children. A camper noted, "There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins. There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play."
Beach access: Families with children can enjoy swimming areas at select locations. One camper mentioned, "There's a very large walking trail, and archery area. You can put a boat right in at their little dock as well. The lake view is gorgeous. There's many places for kids to play, a basketball court, volleyball court, disk golf, and a small beach area."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have issues with evening disturbances. A visitor to Tranquility Creek appreciated that it's a "Quiet, clean place to rest," while another camper at Pulaski County Park warned, "Despite the no alcohol rule, there's still a lot of partying at night. No one really enforces that."
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons frequently visit campground dumpster areas. One camper noted, "There are a lot of raccoons that visit the dumpster area so expect it to be a little messy if your fellow campers aren't shutting the dumpster lids."
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: Many tent-focused campgrounds have limited RV access. At Hidden Ridge Camping, the sites are specifically designed for tents, offering "spacious and secluded" spots that may not accommodate larger vehicles.
Water and electric hookups: Availability varies between campgrounds and specific sites. A camper at Pulaski County Park advised, "More RV sites have been added. More are needed."
Parking challenges: Some sites present difficulties for larger vehicles. One camper detailed, "I had to be careful when parking as I had to avoid the water supply, 2 trees, a safety pole for the water supply (painted brown), electricity box, and then the drop off on the other side of the road. It did take a few turns to get in and out of the campsite."
