Camping sites near Clermont, Kentucky offer a mix of primitive and full-hookup experiences within Kentucky's rolling hills and hardwood forests. Located in the central part of the state where average summer temperatures reach the upper 80s with moderate humidity, most campgrounds operate between April and October. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities with temperatures typically ranging from 25-45°F during the coldest months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Jefferson Memorial Forest offers multiple trail options ranging from 1.5 to 13 miles through mixed hardwood forest. "Lots of hiking, biking and horse trails. Great opportunities for fishing also abound," notes a camper at Otter Creek Park Campground.
Bourbon distillery tours: Many camping facilities provide convenient access to Kentucky's famous distilleries. "Being minutes away from all the Bardstown brewery's this is a MUST SEE PLACE," remarks a visitor at White Acres Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer lake access for anglers. "There is a lake on-site but requires a medium sized hike downhill and through undergrowth," mentions a camper about White Acres Campground, while another notes Taylorsville Lake provides "good access to the lake, gets busy in the summer."
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Despite proximity to Louisville, many campsites maintain a quiet atmosphere. "This is a hidden little gem in the bustle of Louisville. We visited in the off season and during COVID. But the staff were friendly, grounds were clean," shares a visitor at Louisville South KOA.
Historic attractions: The region offers numerous historical sites close to camping facilities. "My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is a small campground, clean, and friendly staff... Plenty to see, including My Old Kentucky Home, the tour was amazing," notes a camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with mature trees. "Smaller campground that has huge beautiful trees. sites are spaced out which has been really nice. Feels more like camping. Very shaded," writes a visitor about My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground.
What you should know
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from transportation routes. "Tent sites: very small campground. This spot is really just a place to come back to a night. Nothing to do at the campground," notes a camper at Little Patch of Heaven Campground.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at several locations. "Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches," advises a camper about My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, while another mentions, "Most sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description."
Seasonal staffing: Staff availability varies significantly by season and time of day. "The biggest overall issue is the lack of staffing. I'm not sure if it's the usual or if there is a lack of staff in general but we got in shortly after 7PM and there was no ranger or staff to be found to get firewood," reports a camper at Taylorsville Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a pool(no hot tub-filled in with stones), play/game area, bounce pillow, and 2 miles of hiking trails around the campground," shares a camper about Louisville South KOA.
Halloween activities: Fall camping offers special events at some locations. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" mentions a visitor at Otter Creek Park Campground.
Group site considerations: For family gatherings, some campgrounds offer designated group areas. "If you are looking for a place to take your children for a week or weekend of fun, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is your place. We stayed in spot 22 which is large and spacious. Seven of us camped (two families) with three tents, three hammocks and two cars."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Research individual sites before booking. "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description. Also some had sewer hook ups and others did not," advises an RVer at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground.
Safety considerations: Some RV parks offer more secure environments than others. "This is a hard to find gem in Louisville, KY! I highly recommend this park. Nice sized sites, reasonably priced compared to the KOA, all good full hookups, nicely kept, and most importantly it is in a safe country setting," notes a camper at Brooks RV Park.
Hookup variations: Electric and water connections differ significantly between campgrounds. "The sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig. Many were longer than other KOAs, which enabled the tow vehicle and TT to be parked. Full hook-ups and 30/50 amp services at the sites, some leveling required," shares a visitor about Louisville South KOA.
