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Best Tent Camping near Butler, KY

458 Reviews

Tent camping options near Butler, Kentucky are limited, with most designated campgrounds serving primarily as boat ramps rather than camping destinations. Tree Line Retreat and Mimsey's Mayhem offer the closest legitimate tent camping opportunities in the region. Big Bone Lick State Park, mentioned by campers as a preferred alternative, provides established tent campsites approximately 20 miles from Butler. The immediate Butler area lacks developed tent-only campgrounds, requiring campers to venture farther for proper facilities.

Primitive tent camping in this region requires careful planning as several locations listed as campgrounds are actually just boat ramps with minimal facilities. According to multiple visitor reviews, Boltz Lake Ramp and Bullock Pen Lake Ramp do not offer camping despite being categorized as campgrounds. One camper noted, "This is just a boat ramp for a local fishing lake sitting near the local water departments pump station. There is no camping here at all." Basic amenities like toilets exist at some locations, but tent campers should bring their own water, food, and waste disposal supplies. The camping season generally runs from May through September, though some sites may be accessible year-round.

Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences near Butler should consider the more established options within driving distance. Tree Line Retreat allows fires and provides drinking water for tent campers, while Mimsey's Mayhem offers a single walk-in tent site with firewood available. As one visitor reported about the area, "Big Bone Lick State Park is my favorite in this area," suggesting tent campers may find better experiences by traveling slightly farther from Butler proper. The Ohio River corridor provides additional tent camping opportunities, though campers should verify site availability directly with park offices, as several locations in the database have either closed permanently or do not actually permit overnight camping despite their listings.

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Best Tent Sites Near Butler, Kentucky (7)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Butler, KY

458 Reviews of 7 Butler Campgrounds

  • John M.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Governor Bebb MetroPark Campground

    Roughing it by a creek and a pioneer village

    Basic car tent camping at several spots along a creek wIth picnic tables and fire rings (no hookups, portolet toilets, no showers.) There is a rustic scout cabin/group lodge reservable for scout, etc. groups. The park features a pioneer village with log cabins, including a blacksmith forge, etc. that have been moved to the site.

  • E
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    Hilly, beautiful and secluded

    My family stayed here because we were visiting the Ark Encounter.  I’m not sure if there are closer campgrounds, but we chose to primitive camp here for our visit.  We arrived with just enough time to set up up our tent and head back towards Alexandria for dinner and supplies at Walmart.  There is not much variety and choices very close.  The RV and tent area is very hilly.  Our tent ground sloped but it didn’t bother us very much.  The campsites are very close to each other but there was only two other tent campers and they were both over 4 sites over from us. The tent area has portable toilets.  I chose to drive to the shower house when I needed to use the restroom.  The shower house is typical of most campgrounds, a few cobwebs but generally clean with shower and toilet stalls.  There are two shower houses for the entire campground.  The lake is very pretty, a few camp grounds are right off the shore.  The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no water spigot in the main tent camp area.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Hidden Getaway

    This is an awesome quiet campground tucked away in northern KY along the Ohio River. There are 10-12 dispersed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No electric, no water, porti potti at park entrance. Would need to drive if camping at the top of the hill or bring a camp toilet. Great views and semi secluded.

  • T
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great Secluded Spot

    Stayed here two nights. The first night at campsite #10, which didn't really have level ground, so we moved to #8 for night two. Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring. The main road was nice to drive on, but the others were pretty rough. Had spots for hammocks, and the portopotty was well maintained. The spots were all pretty secluded. Great remote location!

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    VERY much recommend

    My husband and I stayed for 2 weeks in a very large tent back in primitive camping area ... The campground we found to be very well maintained with a very kind and attentive staff who checked on us regularly. The sites were large enough for our liking with each having a picnic table and firepit but no water or electric. Primitive tent camping is back in its own little part of the park near the lake (there are a few lakeside sites if you have a small kayak or raft to use while there) and while we liked the privacy the one set back is this big hill you must climb to get to the bathhouse or anywhere else on the property .. the distance to walk to the bathhouse as well is a good little walk and not anything you want to be doing if you have health issues or limited physically at all .. the bathhouse was always being checked on by staff for cleanliness and stayed pretty fresh our entire stay (they have 2 bathhouses) .. you can't gather or bring your own firewood for whatever reason and the 6$ cost per bundle (as well as the 7$ per bag of ice if u should need it) isn't cheap. Most rv sites are in shade ...nice playground for the kids and just outside the campground is the rest of kincaid lake state park .. the state park area has a beautiful view of lake with Olympic sized pool as well as general store and many different shelter houses and grills to enjoy if you'd like.. they have a nice recreational area offering a big nice basketball court , playground, volleyball court and putt putt golf course .. NICE QUIET PEACEFUL PLACE TO GET AWAY TO FOR SURE. WE WILL DEF BE BACK

  • Steve Z.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

    Great place for passers through or staycationers.

    We have stayed in four sites her during the past couple of month. There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade. [Site 10 is presently inhabited by a large family with a sign that says “Camp Host out front. I have not seen them do anything for campers here, and the site is kept in disgraceful cluttered condition.] we next stayed on Lot 13, which backs up to the primitive campground. Quite nice, but beware: this site as well as about half of the other sites at this campground require the use of electrical and water extensions because the connections are on the “wrong” side of the RV, and quite a distance away. For Lot 13, I needed over 50’ of extensions. We then stayed on walk-in lot 51. I was able to “self permit” at the gate…it’s first come first served, no online reservations. Nice, but no shade. Finally, we’re on Lot 47. Eureka! This is my favorite so far. It’s one of the “premium sites” with wooden deck and nicer picnic table for only $2 additional per night. View is phenomenal, and it’s close enough to dumpsters and gatehouse. Notice that I didn’t mention anything about sewer hookups. That’s because there are none. There is a single, very popular dump station near the entrance/exit.
    There are several miles of decent trails here, a swimming pool, putt putt golf, a pioneer museum, and a lodge with a good restaurant. The campground is easily accessible and is very kid and pet friendly. Nice sites for tent camping. Facilities are a bit dated, but clean and well maintained. All RV sites are back-in, and some are limited length. (Though some campers have rather cleverly managed to pull through a couple of the sites.) Some are quite unlevel.
    Overall good family campground on rich historical site.

  • Anne H.
    May. 22, 2018

    Winton Woods Campground

    Love this campground for a weekend rendezvous!

    Winton Woods campground has spacious paved RV spaces with full hook-ups, fire ring, and picnic table. They also have cabin and tent camping. The location is located on the lake with access to put in a kayak or canoe. The bathrooms are clean, with private combined shower/dressing stalls. There is a playground for children, and a camp store that sells firewood and supplies. I love the tall pines on the property. They made me feel like I was out west. The campground is also near paved and unpaved trails in the park that surround more of the lake which allows for walking/running/hiking and bicycling, fishing, small craft boating, with small craft boat rentals available at the marina. The park also allows for horseback riding, and a small water park for children in the summer.

  • D
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Perfect offgrid campsite

    It's quiet, and each of the 10 campsites are easy to find.  There is no hookup, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring.    Most smaller rigs won't have a problem, and we saw several cars on the narrow and rough gravel road.    We look forward to exploring the miles of trails on this park.

  • K
    Sep. 4, 2018

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    Iffy

    We went to tour the campground with intentions of pulling our camper (for reference 36' trailer) up there to stay while my husband worked on a contract in a neighboring town. I had read every review that I could find so I kind of knew what to expect. There were very few sites that I could even fit on and even then I would have had to disconnect from the truck and pull in beside the camper. I wasn't sure if I could get the awning and slides out on some of the sites by the way they are set up. Most sites are shaded and a nice little playground for kids. I have an outside kitchen in the back of my camper and it would be hanging out over a hill on most sites. The state could spend a few dollars on this campground and build up the campsites to make them more usable. The campers that were there had to use a ton of blocks to level up so be prepared. Tent sites are all on a sloping hill, so it might get interesting when it rains, still close to the lake with a great view. Pretty enough, but I won't be camping there. It looked like too much work to set up for a few days. Didn't use the restrooms, therefore no judgement. Sorry, I sound like it's not good enough for me, but I just wasn't impressed. Another point is that you can't swim in the lake, why?

Guide to Butler

Tent camping near Butler, Kentucky offers a mix of unique experiences, from serene lakeside spots to rustic retreats. Whether you're looking for a simple getaway or a more adventurous stay, there are options to suit your needs.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The Boltz Lake Ramp - DFWR is perfect for those who enjoy boating and fishing, providing a convenient put-in for water activities.
  • At Bullock Pen Lake Ramp, you can enjoy a peaceful day of fishing at this local fishing lake, although camping is not available on-site.
  • For a unique experience, Mimsey's Mayhem offers a chance to connect with nature on a regenerative farm, where you can learn about unique animal husbandry.

Some prices for tent camping are free

  • Camping at Boltz Lake Ramp - DFWR is free, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Bullock Pen Lake Ramp also offers free access, ideal for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without spending a dime.
  • While Mimsey's Mayhem has not specified pricing, it is a private campground that typically offers unique experiences at competitive rates.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Boltz Lake Ramp - DFWR provides basic amenities like toilets, making it a straightforward option for those who prioritize simplicity.
  • At Bullock Pen Lake Ramp, you'll find essential facilities such as toilets, although it lacks more developed amenities.
  • Mimsey's Mayhem allows campfires and pets, making it a welcoming spot for families and those looking to enjoy a cozy evening outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Butler, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Butler, KY is Boltz Lake Ramp - DFWR with a 1-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Butler, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Butler, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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