Camping near Clarkson, Kentucky offers visitors access to a network of woodland trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and quiet coves with clay-rich beaches. The region sits within Kentucky's cave country, creating a distinctive landscape of limestone formations with seasonal wildflower displays from April through June. During summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity, making waterfront sites particularly valuable for natural cooling.
What to Do
Disc golf adventures: Cave Creek Recreation Area on Rough River Lake features an on-site disc golf course integrated with the camping area. "There is a disc golf course in the area so if your in one of the sites near it you might want to keep your head down," notes a camper at Cave Creek.
Horseback riding trails: Maple Springs Campground offers specialized facilities for equestrians and direct trail access. "The campground is well spaced out, horse trailer and horse friendly, pretty good shade. There are also several primitive spots you can backpack into, check in with the staff before beginning your adventure," shares a visitor at Maple Springs Campground.
Kayaking secluded areas: Nolin Lake State Park provides calm waters in protected coves ideal for paddling. "We loved being close to the water as well. The trail system in the park was great and we put in over 14 miles of hiking there," reports a camper at Nolin Lake State Park.
Clay beach activities: Some beaches in the area feature natural clay deposits that kids especially enjoy. "If you dig down just a couple of inches on the beach, you'll find clay. My kids loved this and made a couple of clay pots," mentions a visitor to Axtel Campground.
What Campers Like
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Clarkson support diverse animal populations that frequently visit campsites. "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite! Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" reports a camper at Mammoth Cave Campground.
Waterfront fishing spots: Many sites offer direct access to productive fishing areas with convenient cleaning stations. "Moutardier Campground is a fisherman's paradise. It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers," notes a visitor at Moutardier.
Evening atmosphere: Campgrounds in the region offer distinctive nighttime experiences with natural lighting. "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening. Tons of trees and shade," shares a Mammoth Cave Campground visitor.
Watercraft access: Most recreation areas provide convenient ways to launch small boats directly from campsites. "Absolutely loved tent camping here! Several modern bath houses with showers, toilets and sinks. Tent sites are spacious enough for multiple tents/ canopy's to be set up. Waterfront and has stairs to walk down to the water," reports a camper at Moutardier.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: The most desirable sites require significant advance planning. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it! Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic," advises a camper at Nolin Lake State Park.
Site selection strategy: Campground layouts vary significantly with major differences between loops. "The tent campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents," notes a visitor to Nolin Lake State Park.
Camp store hours: Limited operating hours affect evening activities. "Only downside is maybe the camp store closes really early. I think maybe 5? By the time we got there our first day it was closed, so my son was bummed we couldn't have a fire," shares a Mammoth Cave Campground visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds present challenges. "The road is twisty and skinny. I'm not pulling a boat and would be concerned about passing in the curves. I was pulling a little 10ft trailer and almost got taken out by a dump truck," warns a camper at Cave Creek Recreation Area.
Tips for Camping with Families
Halloween camping: Several area campgrounds host special fall events. "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," notes a visitor at Wax Campground.
Playground options: Multiple play areas accommodate different age groups. "3 playgrounds with safe clean equipment. Plant of lake view sites and positioned to provide a semi private experience," shares a camper at Moutardier.
Swimming areas: Some campgrounds have designated swim zones with amenities. "There is a designated swimming and beach area. There are several restrooms located throughout the campsite. They were clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand soap," reports a visitor to Axtel Campground.
Tick prevention: Proper preparation for insects is essential. "The only downside to the entire trip is that the park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray," warns a Maple Springs Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site angles and backing: Layout considerations affect parking ease. "Don't expect anyone to greet you at the ranger station. It is unmanned. Sites have your parking pass clipped to the post. Gravel, mostly flat, pads with lots of shade trees," notes a visitor to Wax Campground.
Utility placement: Connection locations vary between sites. "Sites were well spaced and spacious with a fire ring and table. A few OTA stations and good cell, Verizon & ATT. Shower houses were newer and spotless with good water pressure and even hot water," shares a camper at Laurel Branch.
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "This campground has tried to cram as many people into it at one time as possible. Sites are very close to each other," cautions a camper about regional camping options.
Ferry access considerations: Water crossings affect route planning. "If you are in a RV note that you can't go across the ferry with your rig!!! You have to go around the park to access this campground. We are so glad we realized that ahead of time and didn't have to back track," advises a Maple Springs visitor.
