Glamping options near Clermont offer a mix of comfortable accommodations amid Kentucky's wooded hills. The area sits at elevations between 500-900 feet with moderate temperatures in spring and fall, making shoulder seasons ideal for outdoor activities. Summer humidity typically reaches 70-80% with overnight temperatures that rarely drop below 65°F during peak camping months.
What to Do
Hike forest trails: Jefferson Memorial Forest provides numerous hiking options within a short drive from Clermont. "Love going camping here it's a great place for both tent and camper I've been camping here for years," notes one visitor to Otter Creek Park Campground. The park features multiple hiking paths suitable for beginners to experienced hikers.
Explore cave systems: The limestone geography creates unique underground exploration opportunities. A visitor to Marengo Cave Campgrounds remarked, "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...there are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern."
Water activities: Fish, kayak or canoe on nearby lakes and rivers. A camper at Guist Creek Marina & Campground shared, "The place is beautiful with river view and valley overlooking sunsets every night. Options of wooded or open concept sites." The campground offers fishing licenses and boat rentals.
What Campers Like
Accessibility to attractions: Many glamping sites provide convenient bases for exploring both natural and cultural attractions. "This campground is close enough to the city that it makes for an easy get-away. Even if you're not camping the hiking is pretty incredible," noted a visitor about Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities rank high with glampers. A camper at Charlestown State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground was nice with concrete pads and full hookups. Campground was not heavily shaded, but we didn't mind that at all." The concrete pads provide stable bases for glamping structures.
Nature immersion: Despite proximity to urban areas, campsites offer natural settings. "The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Due to fall, the sites seem much closer than they are due to the thinning foliage," shared one visitor about Jefferson Memorial Forest Family Campgrounds.
What You Should Know
Seasonal considerations: Kentucky Derby weekend affects availability and pricing at many sites. "WE went to this KOA during the kentucky derby weekend, so of course you can expect it to be packed, we made reservations months ahead," noted one camper at Louisville South KOA.
Aircraft noise: Some sites experience overhead flight paths. A camper at Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground observed, "This is a great little well-kept campground. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures. UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am."
Site spacing varies: Review site layouts before booking glamping accommodations. At COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge, a visitor noted, "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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity planning: Many glamping sites offer family-oriented recreation. A visitor to Cummins Ferry RV Park shared, "We spent 2 nights at Cummins Ferry with 2 other families! We absolutely LOVED it! The staff was friendly and the scenery was amazing! Our sites overlooked the river and we loved the walking trails along the river! We had kids that fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night!"
Bathroom accessibility: When glamping with children, consider proximity to facilities. One visitor to Otter Creek Park Campground noted, "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!"
Playground options: Some glamping sites offer better play facilities than others. A camper at O'Bannon Woods State Park observed, "One of our favorite campgrounds. The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer. Beautiful in the fall!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many glamping locations require careful setup. A visitor to Guist Creek Marina & Campground stated, "This campground is nicely maintained. Has a nice bathroom and shower facility. The playground is nice and has a pavilion right next to it. I have a small trailer which is easy to level up but most of the sites are not very level."
Hookup specifications: Check what utilities are available at glamping sites. At Charlestown State Park Campground, a visitor explained, "Most are electric only but we got one of the handful of full hookup sites. There is little shade to be found here. Rose Island is very cool- Haunting but sublime."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between glamping locations. One camper at COE Green River Lake Smith Ridge noted, "I give it 4 not 5 because no cell signal so it's rustic camping which is good for some but not so much when alone. Sites 1-30 are wooded and semi private."
