Camping near Cane Valley, Kentucky focuses primarily on sites adjacent to Green River Lake, a 8,210-acre reservoir with 300 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with summer temperatures reaching into the 90s and winter temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with limited winter availability outside December through February.
What to do
Trout fishing opportunities: Just south of Green River Lake, Kendall Campground sits below Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River. "Fish the river for trout, walleye and stripers or go upon the lake for a joy ride," notes one visitor to Kendall Campground. The area features a dedicated trout stream from the adjacent National Fish Hatchery.
Hiking trails: Smith Ridge offers woodland exploration despite limited trail markers. "There is plenty of shade with hiking path and a playground for kids," explains Kenny P. from his stay at Smith Ridge Green River Lake. Most trails connect campgrounds to lake access points and rarely exceed 1-2 miles in length.
Horseback riding: Green River Stables provides specialized camping for equestrians. "Has horse camping with covered stalls. Great trails on Green River Lake State Park for hiking, biking & horses," reports Erin W. The facility serves as a gateway to the park's designated horse trails.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Despite proximity to water recreation, the campgrounds maintain a quiet environment. "Relaxing and low key," Beth H. says of Holmes Bend, adding that the "paved roadways great for biking and walking." Many campers report wildlife sightings including deer and turkeys throughout the campgrounds.
Site spacing: Unlike crowded campgrounds, several locations offer generous distance between sites. "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. about their experience at Smith Ridge Green River Lake.
Multiple camping sections: Many campgrounds feature distinct camping areas with different characteristics. "Sites 1-30 are wooded and semi private. 31-80 are set more in a park complete with playground and street lights near the bath house," explains Candy H. about the layout at Smith Ridge.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Several campgrounds lack shower houses entirely. "Only flaw.... no showers!" notes Kenny P. about Pikes Ridge. Even campgrounds with shower facilities may have maintenance issues, as Christina S. points out: "One bathroom hasn't had electric in two years and another women's bathroom only has hot water in one shower."
Seasonal amenities: Services and facilities vary throughout the operating season. At Green River Lake State Park, Joey notes: "The downside was the store was closed and the wifi we expected wasn't on. Since this was a working trip, we had to go to town and get wifi at the library."
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty depending on location. "Practically no cell service with Verizon or AT&T," reports Todd C. about Smith Ridge. Some campgrounds near higher elevations have better coverage than those in valleys.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. Holmes Bend offers supervised recreation: "Playgrounds are cleaned everyday. Walking around you will find wildlife. Lots of deer and turtles and birds," according to Thomas R. from Holmes Bend.
Beach swimming: Many campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas separate from boating zones. "Has a beach for swimming and playgrounds for the kids," reports Lee-Ann R. about Green River Lake State Park Campground. Most beaches operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with limited lifeguard service.
Site selection for shade: The region's summer heat makes shaded sites valuable for families. "The old part had plenty of shade the newer part not so much," advises Jeremy K. about Smith Ridge. Request specific site numbers when making reservations to ensure shade coverage.
Tips from RVers
Electric service reliability: Power issues can affect some campground sections. "They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances," cautions Lindsey M. about Smith Ridge. Bring a surge protector and backup power if electronics are critical.
Site dimensions: While sites generally accommodate standard RVs, some areas have obstructions. "Our campsite had two stumps there were hard to work around when backing up the camper in the dark," notes Christina S. Most campgrounds post maximum RV length restrictions on their reservation systems.
Water hookup availability: Water connections aren't universal at all sites. "There is a station to fill your tank with drinkable water. The non water sites are quiet and most are shaded," explains Thomas R. about Holmes Bend. Sites with water typically cost $5-10 more per night than non-water sites.
