88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Carlisle, Kentucky provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park and Zilpo Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest. The area features a mix of camping styles from tent and RV sites to cabin accommodations, with most developed campgrounds offering electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities. State parks in the region typically maintain well-marked sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while national forest campgrounds offer a more rustic experience with fewer amenities but greater proximity to hiking trails and natural features.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. "We originally were going to stay at Twin Knobs Campground, but after some research, we decided to switch the reservation to Zilpo. Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer," noted one visitor about the Daniel Boone National Forest camping options. Weather patterns in central Kentucky include humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and mild winters, though occasional snow and ice can make access difficult from December through February. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays, with some state parks implementing minimum stay requirements during peak periods.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available near Carlisle-area campgrounds. The proximity to water features stands out in visitor experiences, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes, rivers, or creeks for swimming, fishing, and boating. A camper described the area as "one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region" with "seemingly endless trails" for hiking and exploration. The Kentucky Horse Park Campground, located about 30 miles west of Carlisle, receives positive reviews for its spacious sites and convenient location near both Georgetown and Lexington. Campgrounds in the Daniel Boone National Forest tend to attract visitors seeking more seclusion and natural surroundings, with Zilpo and Twin Knobs offering particularly scenic waterfront camping areas on Cave Run Lake.
"This Park off Ky68 outside Lexington, Ky was a nice, informative stop over enroute back home."
"There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade."
from $22 - $34 / night
Check Availability"I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"
"Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"
from $50 - $53 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."
from $31 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here for 5 nights while attending an equestrian event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The staff at the park are really helpful & friendly. "
"About 30 minutes away from the Ark. Easy trip on I75, about 30 minutes. Some level sites, but most seem to have a slope."
from $36 - $46 / night
Check Availability"We were THRILLED to leave our cicada-infested northern Kentucky home and find that this park was blissfully free of Brood X cicadas. It was so peaceful, and we were able to fully enjoy the outdoors."
"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"
from $22 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We really liked this campground and kayaking on the Kentucky River is great. Tons of activities for the kids and even adults."
"Fort Boonesborough SP is near I64 and I75 Between Lexington and Richmond , Ky. The Kentucky River is adjacent. I remember watching Daniel Boone in black and white when I was a kid."
from $41 - $47 / night
Check Availability"We decided to come to Kentucky to visit the Ark and the Creation Museum. I found this little campground by joining The Dyrt. Three springs, was the best choice this summer."
"Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together. Gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."
"It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Our favorite campsite for the outskirts of Cincinnati. Lots of great spots available! You can get to the lake in about a 15 minute drive."
"However I decided to focus on the positive. The trees are big and mature. The restrooms extremely clean, the shower a pressure washer. All good things in my book."
from $39 - $52 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThe Edge Cave Run's Glamping Getaway is a MUST experience on your bucket list!
Beautiful scenery right on the Licking River!
Modern amenities, wi-fi, close to local attractions, comfortable beds. Perfect family getaway!
ScoutIn live locally and they keep it carry nice and always a great spot for family and kids
TravelerGoldenrod Gap was a beautiful location to unwind for a weekend within reach of Red River Gorge. We stayed at a primitive campsite located next to the convenient showerhouse. Had anyone been using the nearby RV camping spot, we might have been a little too close to neighbors, but our stay was quiet, fun, and filled with cool wildlife sightings on the guest-only trails. Access to the campground was easy, the facilities were clean and fully functional. The hiking trails were varied in difficulty and scenery. Our favorite was Mushroom Loop Trail, which gave us a wide path up to the highest ridgeline on the property that is blooming with colorful mushrooms. But I'd like to give a shout out also to the Frog Trail that lazily followed a small stream flowing through a serene grove. Many great memories were made here, and I'm sure we will return to try out the other campsites on offer!
ScoutI enjoyed a much-needed weekend getaway with friends at Goldenrod Gap! Staying at the Sand Pad site offered plenty of amenities that made the stay comfortable. The Maranda showerhouse was a pleasant surprise—easily the nicest I've experienced on a camping trip! The property is a short drive from Broke Leg Falls and offers a variety of its own trails to explore, each unique in its own way. I loved seeing all of the moss, flowers, and mushrooms along the trails. Closing out a day full of hiking with s'mores by the campfire and stargazing at Goldenrod Gap was a perfect way to kick-off the summer camping season!
ScoutCampground is beautiful. Restrooms were very clean.
Mix of hook up and primitive. VERY spacious sites with privacy and space between. Its right on Cave Run Lake too.
Only negative we saw was widowmaker limbs in trees directly above campsites.
GuidePros: natural setting, clean bathrooms Cons: unlevel campsites, no sewer hookups, self-check in, outdated, non-air conditioned bathrooms, no laundry facilities
TravelerQuiet and peaceful campground in the former corn field of the owners grandfather. Clean bathhouse, kids play area and hammocks for relaxing. Staff will shuttle you and a kayak 3 miles up the Licking river for a relaxing, family friendly float. My site had electric and water with a dump station available for $40.
GuideThis beautiful camping area owned by the US Forest service is just the spot. Fits my small camper perfectly. The sites have enough room to be enjoyed and have great gravel pads to prevent flooded tents in the rain. Add the hot shower house and it’s just what the doctor ordered.
ScoutWe didn’t have reservations but Tammy and Billy were wonderful. The bathrooms are nice and clean. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot this is it.
Camping spots near Carlisle, Kentucky offer diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,100 feet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The region's limestone bedrock creates distinctive camping conditions with natural drainage that helps campsites remain usable even after heavy rainfall. Fall temperatures average 50-65°F during the day while dropping to 35-45°F at night.
Fishing at stocked lakes: Cave Run Lake at Zilpo Campground provides ample fishing opportunities with largemouth bass, crappie, and muskie. "Great spot right on the water," notes one visitor to Zilpo Campground, which has easy lake access for anglers of all experience levels.
Historical exploration: Fort Boonesborough State Park offers immersive historical exhibits with period reenactments 40 minutes southwest of Carlisle. "The Fort was VERY cool. If my kids were still at home this would definitely be a field trip location!" explains a visitor to Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground.
Hiking through fall foliage: Daniel Boone National Forest trails range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging 7-mile routes with significant elevation changes. A camper at Twin Knobs Recreation Area shares, "Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature. Campground is heavily wooded, too, so plenty of shade."
Mini golf and recreation: Blue Licks Battlefield State Park offers family-friendly activities including mini golf, basketball, and volleyball courts. "My absolute favorite campground. It's small, clean, level pads and just plain fun. They typically have nice activities for the entire family along with the pool and museum," reports one regular visitor.
Site privacy: Campers appreciate the natural spacing between sites at several campgrounds. At Koomer Ridge Campground, visitors note, "The sites are wooded, level and drain well. The prices are reasonable and the shower house is clean." This national forest campground offers more seclusion than many state park options.
Historical significance: Blue Licks Battlefield State Park provides educational value beyond just camping. "We enjoyed the history at this state park. I enjoyed learning about the salt making process and also Daniel Boone. They had a lovely museum for a small fee. They even have a fort on the property that we found on one of our hikes."
Lakefront access: Waterfront sites remain highly sought after in the region. "We stayed in one of the 'premium' sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot," reports one camper about their experience at Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Cleanliness: Zilpo Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Great campground with a lot of privacy! Nice secluded area with a lot of privacy." Bathrooms and common areas receive regular attention, particularly during peak summer months when usage is highest.
Limited water hookups: Several campgrounds restrict water access to common spigots rather than individual sites. "Lovely site, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup," notes one camper about Twin Knobs Recreation Area, suggesting visitors bring water containers for refills.
Seasonal availability restrictions: Most campgrounds in the Carlisle area operate from April through October only. Kincaid Lake State Park Campground stays open year-round but with reduced services during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Varied site levelness: Terrain throughout the region creates challenges for larger RVs. "Most sites are gravel and most seem to have a slope," reports one visitor about camping options near Carlisle, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks for comfort.
Reservation requirements: During fall color season (late September through October), campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Sites with electric hookups typically require booking 3-6 months in advance for Friday and Saturday stays.
Nature programs: Blue Licks Battlefield State Park offers ranger-led activities specifically for children. "Quinton doing his nature walks, and events for the family and kids with scavenger hunts" provides structured outdoor education opportunities that engage children with local ecology.
Playground access: Kentucky Horse Park Campground maintains modern playground equipment with equipment suitable for various age groups. "Lots to offer! Pool, beautiful horse country and right off of I75!" making it convenient for families wanting easy access to amenities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas with varying levels of supervision. "The beach makes great fishing, and there's a nice playground for the little ones," notes a family that regularly visits Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground throughout the camping season.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate history lessons by visiting sites with historical significance. "It doesn't matter where you are from, this campground is a very friendly campground. Your neighbors are just like when you are home. Nice playground for the kids. Putt putt golf and some history."
Pad dimensions: RV sites at Kentucky Horse Park Campground accommodate larger rigs with concrete pads up to 50 feet long and 15 feet wide. "Most of the campsites had probably at least 50 to 60 feet between each one and lots of grass and trees. The campsite we stayed in, 140, was a pull through so that was bonus."
Water pressure considerations: Water systems at some campgrounds deliver unusually high pressure. "Water pressure is pretty high make sure you use a regulator," advises a visitor to Whispering Hills RV Park, suggesting RVers bring pressure regulators to protect their plumbing systems.
Electric service reliability: Most RV sites offer 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability that requires advance reservation. Late afternoon demand can occasionally cause brief voltage drops during summer peak usage periods at older campgrounds.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "We had electric and water, no sewer hookup but the campground has a dump station that was conveniently located," reports one RV camper about accommodations in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Carlisle, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Carlisle, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Carlisle, KY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Carlisle, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlisle, KY is Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carlisle, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Carlisle, KY.
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