Best Campgrounds near Columbus, KY

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, Kentucky (88)

    1. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

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

    $50 - $53 / 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

    $41 - $47 / 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 Reviews near Columbus, KY

697 Reviews of 88 Columbus Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Relode BaseCamp

    Perfect small campground

    Bathhouse is immaculate! Super clean facilities! Also laundry available for a small fee, picnic pavilion for all guest with starlink internet FREE! Cheap and affordable place great for families or just a trip for 1! Pet friendly, and beautiful pond! Quiet, off the beaten path, affordable!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Renfro Valley RV Park

    Basic but accommodating

    We came mid week, with no concerts. The place was almost empty! Looks like it would be a really cool place to camp at for a show

  • Sam C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Well maintained and quiet.

    This is a nice place. I've got about two bars 4G through verizon via xfinity. I don't know if there's usually a fee, but there's not one right now. It's got gravel lots with picnic tables and fire pits.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Columbus

The Columbus area features gently rolling Kentucky terrain with elevations ranging from 400-700 feet, creating varied camping experiences along the Kentucky River watershed. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions, with summer humidity levels often exceeding 80% and dramatic temperature shifts in spring and fall. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional ice storms that can affect road access.

What to do

Trail hiking options: Koomer Ridge Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest offers multiple trails directly from the campground. One visitor noted, "There are plenty of amenities and clean restrooms but this is really nothing to write home about if you're looking for a great outdoors getaway." The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the Red River Gorge area.

Water recreation: Cummins Ferry RV Park provides direct Kentucky River access with boat ramps and docks. A camper explained, "This is a small well maintained campground right on the Kentucky river. It is down in a hollow which makes it secluded and quiet. There is a dock and a boat ramp." The campground's riverfront location makes it ideal for kayaking and fishing.

Historical exploration: Fort Boonesborough State Park offers living history exhibits depicting 1800s frontier life. According to one visitor, "The Fort was VERY cool. If my kids were still at home this would definitely be a field trip location!" Historical programs run regularly during summer months with costumed interpreters demonstrating pioneer skills.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Kentucky Horse Park Campground provides generously sized sites with good separation. A camper observed, "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." This extra space allows for comfortable setups without feeling crowded.

Rural seclusion: Hidden Lake Farm Camp offers private lakeside camping away from crowds. One visitor shared, "We love going on the pond and fishing even though my friends suck at it. The hosts are always very nice and accommodating to me." The property maintains limited camping spots to preserve the quiet atmosphere.

Clean facilities: Whispering Hills RV Park maintains well-kept amenities including modern shower facilities. A camper noted, "The showers were great and clean. There were 9 of them, each in its own lockable room with a sink and toilet. There was also a laundry in the shower building." Regular maintenance schedules keep facilities functioning properly even during peak seasons.

What you should know

Site limitations: Many campgrounds have specific restrictions on equipment and site usage. At Elkhorn Campground, sites vary considerably in size and layout. One visitor mentioned, "Gravel and grass FHU sites mostly level. Great pool and bathhouse with full bath suites in beautiful tile." Request specific site information when booking.

Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds have unusually high water pressure requiring regulation. A camper at Whispering Hills warned, "Water pressure is pretty high make sure you use a regulator." Bring appropriate equipment to protect your RV plumbing systems.

Road noise impacts: Several campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to major roads. At Natural Bridge State Park, "Because of its proximity to Route 11, you will hear road noise at many of the sites, including the tent sites." Choose sites farther from roads when possible.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground offers numerous structured family activities. A camper shared, "This is a very nice park. There were lots of activities going on the weekend we were there. Playground was really good." Check activity schedules when booking to maximize participation opportunities.

Pool accessibility: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools with varying hours and access policies. One visitor to Fort Boonesborough mentioned, "In season, there is a small mini-golf course. Trout fishing is permitted. Closer to the cottages is a lodge, playground, and pool." Some facilities charge additional fees for pool access.

Educational experiences: Multiple campgrounds provide learning opportunities through organized programs. A visitor noted about Natural Bridge State Park, "Upon check-in, we were given a pamphlet of the many area hikes. There is a sky lift (chair lift) that takes you to Natural Bridge (or you can hike to it)." Many educational programs run primarily during summer months.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Cummins Ferry RV Park, a camper warned, "The sites here are not level. We used our normal 2x green blocks for the Jack, but needed all 10 of our leveling blocks, plus 8 paving stones to get the appropriate height." Bring extra leveling equipment when camping in this region.

Site selection importance: Research specific site layouts before booking. A Whispering Hills visitor noted, "We would give it a higher star rating but the spots are pretty small. Also we went during Covid when things should be cleaned more frequently and the bath houses always seemed half clean." Campground maps often don't accurately represent actual site dimensions.

Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi vary significantly between campgrounds. A Cummins Ferry camper reported, "They have 5 WiFi connections making this some of the best campground WiFi I have ever had." Call ahead to verify current connectivity options if working remotely.

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.