Clermont's camping options sit in the rolling hills of Kentucky's Bourbon Country, typically at elevations between 400-700 feet. The region experiences hot summers and mild winters with occasional snow, making camping possible year-round at some locations. Most campgrounds near Clermont have a mix of wooded and open sites with varying levels of privacy.
What to do
Hiking trails: Jefferson Memorial Forest offers 2 miles of hiking paths through natural woodland. As one camper notes, "Lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods" at Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest.
Golf access: Several campgrounds are located near golf facilities. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, "There is a golf course on site. Plenty to see, including My Old Kentucky Home, the tour was amazing." The campground offers both tent and RV sites adjacent to the course.
Bourbon tours: The area serves as a central base for exploring Kentucky's famous distilleries. One visitor at White Acres Campground shared, "Being minutes away from all the Bardstown brewery's this is a MUST SEE PLACE!" Many campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of multiple distilleries, making them practical home bases for bourbon enthusiasts.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campsite spacing varies significantly between locations. At Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, "Most of the sites were really big, and there was plenty of space and trees in between." This state park maintains larger sites than many commercial campgrounds in the area.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. One camper at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground noted the "big grass area and nice bathhouse," while another praised the "clean facilities, friendly staff."
Historic attractions: The region offers numerous historical sites within short driving distances of campgrounds. A visitor to My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground explained, "There is a railroad museum in New Haven, KY" and recommended "taking a Distillery Tour," highlighting the area's cultural significance beyond just outdoor activities.
What you should know
Airport noise: Several campgrounds near Louisville experience aircraft noise. A reviewer at Louisville South KOA noted, "One drawback is that the campground is in the approach path of the airport. You can hear aircraft noise all night long." This is especially relevant for light sleepers or those with noise-sensitive pets.
Train activity: Railroad lines run near some campgrounds in the area. At Camp Escape, a camper mentioned, "There was a train that was loud as it went by but other than that this spot is great!" Consider earplugs if you're sensitive to nighttime noise.
Seasonal activities: October brings special Halloween events to some locations. At Otter Creek Park Campground, "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Clermont offer play areas for children. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, the "Kids playground [is] next to" the tent camping area, providing convenient entertainment for younger campers while still allowing pets.
Swimming opportunities: Natural water features provide swimming access during warmer months. One visitor to Otter Creek Park Campground mentioned a "great creek for swimming," making it a popular choice for families with children and dogs during summer visits.
Festival timing: Plan around special events for enhanced family experiences. A visitor noted that "Otter Creek Park Campground does allow you to make reservations," which becomes especially important during popular seasonal events when pet-friendly sites fill quickly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Brooks RV Park, "Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. There is a nice laundromat, and the paved roads were repaved not long ago." Research specific site numbers before booking if traveling with pets.
Leveling needs: Uneven terrain is common at several campgrounds. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "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." Bring leveling blocks, especially for larger RVs.
Hookup variations: Utility arrangements differ significantly between sites. At White Acres Campground, one visitor found "Utilities all worked, but this is a no fringe experience." Another noted it has "Big sites. So much to do in Bardstown area," making it suitable for pet owners seeking a simple base camp for exploring with their dogs.
