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Best Campgrounds near Columbus, KY

692 Reviews

Central Kentucky near Columbus offers several established campgrounds with a mix of primitive and developed facilities. Kentucky Horse Park Campground, located north of Lexington, provides over 250 campsites with full hookups for RVs and dedicated areas for tent camping. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground along the Kentucky River features boat-in access options alongside traditional drive-in sites. The region includes both state park facilities with modern amenities and more rustic national forest campgrounds like Koomer Ridge in Daniel Boone National Forest, which offers a more secluded camping experience.

Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some facilities like Elkhorn Campground operate seasonally from April through October. Electric hookups and water access are common at developed sites, while shower facilities vary by location. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly near the Red River Gorge region. During peak summer weekends, reservations are strongly recommended as riverside and lake access sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "You're smack in the middle of Georgetown and Lexington which both offer several family friendly options, a lot of great local eating options and bars/nightlife options."

The Kentucky River serves as a central feature for many camping areas, with several campgrounds providing direct river access for fishing and boating. Water-based recreation represents a significant draw throughout the region. Campers frequently mention spacious sites with shade trees, particularly at locations like Queenslake Horse Farm and Hidden Lake Farm Camp. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews, with some campers noting cleanliness issues during busy periods. A visitor to Zilpo Campground remarked, "Amazing seeing the Milky Way one evening," highlighting the dark skies available at more remote locations. Both family-oriented campgrounds with playgrounds and more secluded natural settings can be found within reasonable driving distance of Columbus.

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Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, Kentucky (85)

    1. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $40 - $43 / night

    "I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"

    "Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"

    2. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Winchester, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 527-3454

    $37 - $43 / night

    "We really liked this campground and kayaking on the Kentucky River is great. Tons of activities for the kids and even adults."

    "Fort Boonesborough SP is near I64 and I75 Between Lexington and Richmond , Ky. The Kentucky River is adjacent. I remember watching Daniel Boone in black and white when I was a kid."

    3. Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    25 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 863-2552

    $36 - $46 / night

    "Stayed here for 5 nights while attending an equestrian event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The staff at the park are really helpful & friendly.  "

    "About 30 minutes away from the Ark. Easy trip on I75, about 30 minutes. Some level sites, but most seem to have a slope."

    4. Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    18 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 865-2003

    $30 - $55 / night

    "It's situated high up on the Kentucky river bank which is nice but there's little access to the riverbank except from the floating dock and boat ramp."

    "They take you to your sight assist you with backing in the rest rooms are very clean the pool is very clean they have a boat ramp into the Kentucky river a covered dock to fish off."

    5. Elkhorn Campground

    19 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    "Surrounded by rivers and open green fields. Very nicely maintained. Lots of campers even this early in the season! Looks like kids and fishing folk would be in heaven."

    "It was a short walk to the beautiful Elkhorn Creek (at the back of the campground). Perfect little spot for fishing (you will need a fishing license to fish, as it’s public water). "

    6. Hidden Lake Farm Camp

    4 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    18 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "If I recall correctly, pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times since there's farmland nearby."

    7. Camp Nelson RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Bryantsville, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 548-2113

    $30 / night

    "Off the beaten path, quiet, and friendly....what more could you ask for???"

    "The pool is nice although they do sell memberships to it for outside folks to use which means there can be a lot of people there on a holiday or very warm day."

    8. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    44 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    9. Queenslake Horse Farm

    1 Review
    Stamping Ground, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 388-2225

    $100 - $150 / night

    "We found Queenslake and booked one of their lakeside camp sites.  When we arrived the owners we very kind and showed us to the designated site. "

    10. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."

    "Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though)

    Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"

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Recent Camping Photos near Columbus, KY

208 Photos of 85 Columbus Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Columbus, KY

692 Reviews of 85 Columbus Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Beautifuly kept and right next to the amazing horse park

    We spent two nights here and were pleasantly surprised that most of the campsites had probably at least 50 to 60 feet between each one and lots of grass and trees. The campsite we stayed in, 140, was a pull through so that was bonus. Most of the campsites look like they had at least water and electric and I think there might have been some sites that had sewer as well. Right next-door to the Kentucky Horse Park, which is a must see. Very interesting museum and lots of barn with different types of horses in them to visit. If you buy your ticket at the campground, you would get five dollars off the admission fee.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Wonderful place to stay with easy access to the Bourbon Trail and Frankfort

    We stayed for several days so that we could visit distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. Frankfort is almost close enough to bicycle to. Lexington is less than an hour away. It was a great base for visiting many interesting places.

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park was fantastic. The sites were clean and everything worked. The staff was super friendly. We stayed in a creekside site so we had a little bit of scenery. It is a pretty urban place, not a state park, so we didn't expect it to be as pretty as it turned out to be.

    The pool was plenty warm. The bathroom was clean. The classic rock singer who came in and sang in the pavilion on Saturday night was fun.

  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Quiet & friendly

    I stayed here for 2 weeks while visiting family in the area. Very safe & quiet campground with very friendly staff.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Nice place

    Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington.

  • Amanda W.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Nice location, friendly staff

    Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek. Convenient to Frankfort, Georgetown & Lexington. Waterfront sites available, many concrete sites & some gravel sites. From what I hear, they have made many improvements and continue to do so. I believe most sites are full hookup & they are building cute little pergolas on several sites. I had a long, gravel pull thru site. Barely any room on the camp side but both ends were roomy. Cute little general store & a very clean little laundry building w/a change machine. Fire rings on all sites that I saw. I believe there are 2 play areas for kids & a pool. There is a dog park w/a side for large dogs & small dogs. It was shaded and had seating. Convenient to several distilleries including Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve. There’s a place nearby that rents kayaks and canoes. They have entertainment & a food truck on weekends.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

    Nice camp ground

    It’s well maintained and the staff are friendly. It’s easy to get to and set up. The sites are a bit too close together. And not perfectly level.

  • Paul K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Fantastic.

    We stayed in one of the "premium" sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Good free camping

    This place takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful! We fit with our 21 foot camper and truck. Large spots, river alongside campground. Sad to see people left a lot of trash. Free is free!

Guide to Columbus

Camping near Columbus, KY, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Explore Horse Country: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground is surrounded by beautiful horse farms. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country," making it a perfect spot for horse lovers.
  • Visit Historical Sites: The Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground offers access to historical attractions like the Boonesborough Fort. A visitor noted, "The park appears to get pretty soggy following any rains," so be prepared for some muddy trails after a rain.
  • Enjoy Water Activities: At Cummins Ferry RV Park, you can rent boats and enjoy the river. One happy camper said, "Secluded and tucked away along the river," highlighting the peaceful setting.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Whispering Hills RV Park states, "Super clean. Very friendly staff and helpful."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. A visitor at Elkhorn Campground mentioned, "The staff are extremely helpful," which makes for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One reviewer at Callie’s Lake and Campground said, "It was quiet and we enjoyed our large, private site."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Three Springs Campground, may not have many activities for kids. A reviewer noted, "There is supposed to be a playground but there isn't."
  • Site Size: Be aware that some sites can be tight. A camper at Whispering Hills RV Park mentioned, "Spots were a smidge tight but totally do-able."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Elkhorn Campground, are only open from April to October, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. The Whispering Hills RV Park has inflatables and a pool, making it great for families. One parent said, "This park is great for kids."
  • Space for Pets: Many campgrounds allow pets, which is a plus for families. A visitor at Kentucky Horse Park Campground noted, "Pets allowed," making it easier to bring the whole family along.
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A camper at Fort Boonesborough State Park mentioned, "It gets crowded on weekends; lots of children."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Cummins Ferry RV Park said, "Full hookups. They have live music and a food truck on Saturdays."
  • Leveling Blocks: Some sites may require leveling blocks. A camper at Cummins Ferry RV Park mentioned, "The sites here are not level."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A visitor at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park noted, "Obnoxious, loud, could not sit outside at all," highlighting the importance of keeping noise down.

Camping around Columbus, KY, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Columbus, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbus, KY is Kentucky Horse Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 49 reviews.

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