Cabin camping near Clermont, Kentucky offers options within a 40-mile radius of the bourbon-producing region. Located in the rolling hills between Louisville and Bardstown, the area experiences moderate summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cooler springs and falls around 65°F. Most cabin rentals in this region remain open year-round, with some properties adjusting their rates seasonally.
What to do
Cave exploration: 5 miles from Marengo Cave Campgrounds. The campsite places you within walking distance of a national landmark cave system. "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore," notes Tiffany T.
Bourbon trails: 20 miles off Interstate 65. White Acres Campground provides a strategic base for exploring Kentucky's famous distilleries. "We were unable to spend much time at the campground but made our designed trip to see the brewery's! Being minutes away from all the Bardstown brewery's this is a MUST SEE PLACE!" writes Justin W.
Lake activities: No motorized boats allowed. The calm waters at Deam Lake create ideal conditions for beginners. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone," reports Brandy A., who adds, "also the cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Varies by site selection. Charlestown State Park Campground earns praise for its spacious layout. "All the sites are pretty much the same with good spacing between them. Most are electric only but we got one of the handful of full hookup sites," explains Greg S.
Cabin quality: Recently renovated options. Marengo Cave receives positive comments for its accommodation upgrades. "Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping. Newer cabins looked very nice from outside," states Sarah S.
Budget-friendly options: $25-40 per night. Lake Shelby Campground offers affordable rates with good amenities. "We paid $25.50 per night. Nice walking trails and a couple of geocaches not to far away," notes Martin M.
What you should know
Train noise: Frequent throughout night. Louisville North Campground sits near active railway lines. "OMG, the trains. All night, every night. I'm a heavy sleeper and it sounded like the trains were going to crash into our RV and we were across the row from them," warns Jenifer K.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly. While some parks maintain exceptional facilities, others struggle. "The restrooms are located at the RV parking area, so we had to drive to use them. In my opinion, the restrooms should have been built in between the RV sites and tent sites to make them easier to access by walking," reports one Lake Shelby visitor.
Seasonal closures: Some amenities unavailable off-season. Many parks reduce services during cooler months. "Being it was our first trip ever camping with our new fifth wheel, we stayed for a week. It was wonderful! Very quiet and relaxing," shares Kimberly O. about her October stay at White Acres.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Outdoor games provided. Buffalo Trace Park offers multiple recreation options. "The sites are well-spaced and there's a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo," reports Kelsie E.
Halloween camping: Special October events. Some parks organize seasonal activities for children. "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!" says Amber S. about Otter Creek Park.
Cabin preferences: Reserve specific units. Cardinal Cabin at Deam Lake offers superior privacy compared to other units. "The campground is small and intimate. We had sites 8-9 and they were perfect. Lots of activities and of course the cave. Staff was great," mentions Lisa D. about Marengo Cave.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Length restrictions apply. Otter Creek Park Campground requires careful planning for larger rigs. "Very popular campsite for the surrounding area. Otter Creek runs through the Outdoor recreation area. Lots of hiking, biking and horse trails," mentions Jim C.
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites. Many campgrounds offer electric and water but not sewer connections. "Came here in our 40' class A. Very weird at first as the sites are 20 feet long, but they allow front ends to stick out. Very nice park on a lake. All new electrical and water, all sites have 50 amp despite the website stating only 30 amps as recent update," says a Lake Shelby reviewer.
Leveling requirements: Bring extra blocks. Uneven terrain challenges larger RVs at some sites. "We used all of ours and was not level. The campground is made for smaller sizes but we were able to negotiate the main ring road with our 37' travel trailer," notes Curtis J. about Buffalo Trace Park.
