RV camping near Cave City, Kentucky offers numerous options for exploring Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding area. Located in south-central Kentucky at approximately 600 feet elevation, the region experiences warm, humid summers and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Nolin River Lake and Green River Lake provide water recreation opportunities within 30-45 minutes of most campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge, campers have access to woodland trails right from the campground. "There is a two mile hike that is in the campground called Shady Creek Trail. It looked like it had not been hiked in a while but it went through woods, small stream and had a cool rock formation at one part," noted one visitor about nearby Moutardier Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Wilson Creek Recreation Area offers excellent fishing access. "There is a little stream that runs beside camp grounds... There is a short walk to the lake which is pretty and has a lot of fish who were jumping the evening I was there," according to a camper. Green River Lake is known for bass, crappie and catfish fishing.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds provide water access for swimming and boating. A camper at Wax Campground reported, "Pack your yak, fishing gear and sunscreen cause it is the perfect water oriented campground. The water is accessible from most of the sites but the Corps is a little picky about where you park your canoe."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous camping spaces. At Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort, a camper noted, "We were at site A7, back in site, 50 amp full hookup fit our 43ft camper and enough room for our truck. Gravel site backs up to trees."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high with visitors. "The bath houses are 'dated' - water stains but clean. Great water pressure and hot water," mentioned one camper about Moutardier Campground. Another noted that "Holmes Bend Campground has over 100+ sites... Bathroom, shower house and playground are available."
Lake views: Many sites provide scenic water views. A camper at Dog Creek Campground stated, "Seems all sites have a lake view. Very close to beach, but that means you hear everything at the beach." Another visitor commented, "Sunset over the lake was spectacular and we loved watching all the birds here."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Holmes Bend, a camper reported "cell service Verizon & AT&T Service 3 bars depending above or below hill in camping area." At Smith Ridge, however, another noted "practically no cell service with Verizon or AT&T."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate only during warmer months. "This camp ground is very quiet with super nice people running it. The bathrooms are extremely clean," noted a visitor to Singing Hills RV Park, one of the few campgrounds open year-round.
Reservation needs: Advance planning is essential, especially for holiday weekends. "First time at Wax and we will be back! Even when the campground was full over the holiday week, you didn't know you had neighbors!" shared one camper, highlighting the importance of securing sites early.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Singing Hills RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "It is a small campground, but great for families. There is a stock pond for kids to fish with bamboo poles that the park provides (catch & release only)," reported one visitor.
Fishing with kids: Multiple campgrounds offer easy fishing opportunities. "Our site was right next to the catch and release pond. We had a little bridge that crossed the creek from our main site to an additional space where our fire ring was," shared a Singing Hills camper.
Halloween activities: Special seasonal events are popular for families. One camper noted that Moutardier Campground has "Family friendly Halloween fun. Has a decorating contest with trick or treat in the campground. Safe and clean with lots of restrooms and lake front sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV sites near Cave City, Kentucky, choosing the right spot is crucial. "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," noted a camper at Smith Ridge.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. A visitor to Cave Country RV Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are pull through and large enough although I think it could seem crowded when more full than they were in the winter."
Utilities management: Power limitations exist at some facilities. "The electricity at the campground doesn't appear to be able to handle the amount of load that most campers will pull in the summer months," warned a Diamond Caverns visitor. Another noted, "We had an issue with our electric pole showing a fault on both the 30 and 50 amp plug."
