Camping spots near Adams, Kentucky range from established state parks to privately-operated grounds with varying terrain and amenities. Eastern Kentucky campgrounds typically sit at elevations between 600-1000 feet among the rolling Appalachian foothills. Seasonal rainfall affects site conditions, with spring bringing muddy terrain and summer offering firmer, drier camping surfaces.
What to do
Lake activities: Yatesville Lake State Park offers multiple water recreation options. "The main attraction is the lake of course which is quite clean for swimming, boating or fishing, but can be a little busy at times," notes Chris M. "I noticed, but didn't get to check out, there is a place called The Cove at Yatesville lake that has a beach for swimming with climbable inflatables in the water, kayak rentals and among other things."
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park provides natural underground adventures with guided tours. "There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" recommends Chris B., who warns to "don't touch the bat poo."
Hiking options: Several trails exist throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Lick Falls Loop hike can be done from the campground and was nice (4.5 miles)," according to a camper. For water-based hiking, "Going to 'The Grotto' aka Clifty Falls is a must (4.5 mile round trip). The same boat ramp has a decent place to get in and swim."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature at Yatesville Lake. "The campsites are a LONG distance from each other. You won't even hear your neighbors," reports Carrie J. Another camper confirms: "Always clean sites well spaced out." This contrasts with more crowded campgrounds in the region.
Creek access: Falls Campground in Fallsburg provides direct water access for cooling off. "I stay in a certain place everytime with a great view of the waterfall right out my tent door," shares Ashley P. "The waterfall is fun to slide down." Another visitor explains why they return: "My son loves playing in the creek and on the falls so we keep tubes in the camper specifically for here."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe native animals. At Jenny Wiley State Park, campers report wildlife encounters throughout the park. As one visitor notes, "wildlife everywhere" contributes to the appeal. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities, especially near water sources.
What you should know
Site limitations: Not all sites accommodate all camping setups. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle with an open field behind them." Additionally, "bring all the leveling blocks you own because very few sites are level and most are very sloped."
Water access challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for reaching water. "Sites were large though!" notes one camper about Yatesville Lake State Park, but adds "The sites are also a LONG distance from the parking areas. Be prepared to pack in any gear you bring (and also pack it out)."
Utility hookup issues: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. "The campsites are set up were the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose," advises a Jenny Wiley State Park visitor. Another notes: "What's odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly environments: Several campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. At Falls Campground, "If you want a place for your kids to play and ride bikes, this is it," shares Cathi. Another camper adds, "Kids can be seen from all spots, all over the campground. Very family friendly."
Special events: Look for campgrounds with seasonal activities. Falls Campground offers themed camping experiences. "They also have a fantastic Halloween themed October. We love the experience each and every year!" reports Vanessa D. Similar events occur at other eastern Kentucky campgrounds during summer and fall.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation suitable for children. Paintsville Lake State Park provides "some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water," though one camper recommends, "I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Grayson Lake State Park, "Considering the flat spots are very limited, I don't think its a great tent campground and geared more towards RVs. One side of the campground runs against a golf course. If you're tent camping over a weekend, be prepared to have golfers tee-ing off next to you beginning at 7am."
Utility planning: RVers recommend bringing additional equipment for utilities. "Many of the electric hookups at established sites can be 50+ feet from parking areas. Bring extension cords," advises an experienced camper. Similarly, some campers recommend bringing water pressure regulators as pressure can be inconsistent.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Paintsville Lake State Park, "getting a reservation is difficult. I tried for two years before I finally got a reservation...I checked again and it was all booked up all summer." Making reservations 6-12 months in advance is recommended, especially for holiday weekends and summer months.
