Columbus is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Columbus is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Columbus, reviewed by campers like you.
Do you like camping in Kentucky? Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River Historic Cummins Ferry RV Park, RV Resort and Campground with a 'tiny' Marina is a gated community that’s all about relaxation and “affordable luxury”. Located less than 30 miles from State Capitol Frankfort and 30 mile from downtown Lexington, KY's favorite City. There are many Campgrounds in Kentucky - but only a handful of us on the Kentucky River. :-) check our reviews, we are one of the Best Campgrounds in Kentucky.
Our peaceful and quiet RV Park in Kentucky sits high on the Kentucky River bank, with a serene view of the famous KY River Palisades- shear rock formations and Waterfalls. You have to see to believe why people describe us as the friendliest, cleanest and most beautiful RV resort in the area. Kentucky River Palisades Finally there is easy access to one of Kentucky's Best Kept Secrets!
The Kentucky River palisades. This area was referred to by early travelers as one of the nation's"natural curiosities". The 300 to 400 foot perpendicular walls of limestone(also known as Kentucky Marble), remain unchanged since Daniel Boone traversed this area. Since the Kentucky River is one of the oldest, most deeply embedded rivers in the world, the Palisades expose limestone deposits of up to 450 million years old. Come and enjoy this undisturbed natural wonder from the gently sloping banks of Cummins Ferry Resort.
What's there to do at the Resort? Whether you enjoy camping, boating, fishing, hiking or just relaxing, Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground, RV Resort on the Kentucky River is a great experience. We are located just south of Frankfort and Lexington, Kentucky in the middle of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There is so much to do near Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground, RV Resort is more than just camping, so getting bored is not something that is likely to happen. If you are feeling down from spending too much time inside, like we all have been- don't worry, Cummins Ferry RV Park in Kentucky is a chill place to spend quality time Outdoors. People like to camp here because we are located in Central Kentucky and are within driving distance of many places, such as Shaker Village, all of the Historic Bourbon Distilleries, Old Fort Harrod State Park and a ton of great restaurants, a few Microbreweries- and wineries as well. There are also many local attractions and a variety of outdoor recreation activities close to the resort.
Fishing+ Boating! The Kentucky River is a fisherman's paradise, providing the opportunity for anglers to catch their limit of a variety of local species, such as Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, and White Perch. Hiking Trails! Self-guided hiking trails allow explorers to follow the river shoreline and meander from the marina to the swimming pool and into the wooded portion of the campground where one of the most intense concentrations of rare plant species in the Bluegrass Region is on display. Sheltered beneath an incredible natural arbor of Beech and Yellow Poplar, Blue Ash, Chinquapin Oak and Sugar Maples lies an abundance of exquisite botanical wonders such as the Snow Trillium, Big BlueStem, Wild Oates, Riverbank Goldenrod, Saint John's Wort and Tufted Hairgrass.
$30 - $55 / night
Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area.
Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding.
Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding.
Zilpo sits on a peninsula in the middle portion of Cave Run Lake at an elevation of 800 feet. The lake spans 8,270 acres with soft, sandy beaches. The campground is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods, and campsites have good privacy.
The nearest community is 12 miles away.
$85 / night
Nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this camp is part of the larger Twin Knobs Recreation Area. There are more than 200 sites spread out over 10 loops under a dense forest of mixed conifer and deciduous trees. The recreation area includes two reservable group picnic areas. Group camping is also available.
Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.
Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.
The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region. Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky.
The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.
$40 - $43 / night
Three Springs Campground, located just 10 miles south of the NEW Ark Encounter, has been family-owned and operated for over 54 years. The Heltons are the 4th family to own the park, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mtns. The park boasts a protected ecosystem and brings "Nature" back to camping for those inclined to share in the beauty of the outdoors. Come see why Three Springs is so highly recommended!
$40 - $60 / night
Near Red River Gorge and Natural bridge
Set back almost a mile from the main road on its own private drive, Lago Linda Hideaway provides security and privacy for its campers in a gorgeous setting. The 35 Piney Woods and Lazy Oaks campsites (which can be reserved in advance) lie on ridge tops among groves of oak trees, allowing campers to spread out and enjoy as much privacy as they wish. All of these campsites are graveled and have electrical hookups.
Each site has its own city water, picnic table, and fire ring. In addition, a large, grassy meadow provides ample overflow camping for tent and car campers, including a big, covered, cooking pavilion with electricity along with another covered area that provides additional shelter for a number of tents.
Lago Linda Hideaway has a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as Broadband Internet access. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome to this accommodating environment.
$12 - $86 / night
$30 / night
You can spend a weekend in our Treehouse Yurt, experience comfort and seclusion in our Yome Away From Home, park your RV, pitch your tent, or hang your hammock.
We are also available for your wedding, retreat, reunion, fundraiser, or festival.
We are a farm in the mountains so be prepared to encounter INSECTS (mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers), WILDLIFE (deer, turkey, snakes, toads, and dare we mention the bear track we spotted one spring?), WEATHER (hot, cold, rain, snow), TOXIC PLANTS (poison ivy, stinging nettle, wild mushrooms), just to name a few.
We DO NOT have internet or cell service, though we do have a phone for emergency use (trust us, your "people" aren't out here). Instead, we do encourage other forms of entertainment: instruments, hiking shoes, fishing poles, bubbles, hula hoops, etc.
We also DO NOT have trash service. We will have recycling bins set up for plastic, cans, paper, and compost for your food waste, but plan to take your trash with you when you leave. We will have extra bags for those that forget. We also encourage you to bring your own dishes & cutlery to minimize excess trash as well.
You're always welcome to try our home line before 9pm at 859.Yum.Dirt (986.3478), but the best way to catch us (usually) is via email at Jessa@HomeGrownHideAways.org.
$15 - $75 / night
The campground is on 10 acres of tree lined frontage on the Red River. There is a mix of trees/shade and open fields. It is a primitive campground, meaning that there are no power hook-ups or running water. There is an excellent canoe/kayak take-out. It's location in the heart of the Gorge makes it the perfect place for riverside camping and provides access to hiking trails.
$8 - $20 / night
4 Guys RV Park is a new RV park located near Natural Bridge, The Red River Gorge, and Daniel Boone National Forest. It's unlike any RV park in the area.
$50 / night
Quiet, less utilized campground on Cave Run Lake. Campsites have more privacy and are more primitive. There is a bathhouse, but it is not regularly maintained. This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches.
Stay 6 nights, very peaceful and quite place, this time of year! Campground empty, no one there. Beautiful sites, large, all fine gravel and paved pull offs, very nice! Bathrooms could use a update, easily Lot’s of bug in May, but huge amount of ticks 🕷️ Campground sets back off main road about 10 miles, so no traffic noise at all. Has boat lunch, beach, camp store, 2 dump stations, 7 loops host at most of them, very nice people. We had great time, will defiantly be back to stay again!
Stayed on the F Loop next to the lake, fire pit, picnic table, level tent site and bathroom showers a short walk. Camp hosts very friendly and helpful. campsite are close together.
We had the most amazing time and actually ended up extending our stay here because of how lovely this spot is. Secluded and tucked away along the river. Very clean sites, both back-in and pull-through. Full hookups. They have live music and a food truck on Saturdays. Entry is by card-swipe only, so very safe. Peaceful spot without much noise. Little trail along the river to walk.
Loved this campground growing up! We tent camped and our relatives RV camped. However they have cut down most of the trees, the facilities aren’t maintained very well and the campground/park looks more run down than ever. It’s sad but I hope they update and maintain it more in the future.
We love this campground! Had a great time here, the staff was friendly and helpful and kind and it felt extremely remote and secluded and private too! The campsites are very large and spacious - they have firewood and porta-potties on site and its right along the river. Our favorite campsite in the gorge - especially because it has no cell service! :)
This is a super clean campground. Like amazingly maintained. If you are looking for a family campground I wouldn't stay here. This is not a kid friendly place. There is not space for them to run around. There is supposed to be a playground but there isn't which is why I did 4 stars.
If you want somewhere clean, to stay in your camper or just in a chair right outside, This is perfect. If you need somewhere to be for a night to leave the next day it's great.
It's not a good campground to explore or do anything at. Not a good one for kids under the age of 16, there is just nothing to do. When we were here 2 if the 3 trails were closed. We won't stay here again because it just isn't a good fit for us. But if you aren't looking for a family campground, then this is probably ideal for you.
Super close to all the sightseeing. Perfect prices and just really enjoyed it. The sites are a little tight but overall very nice and kept up to date.
Sites too close together. Clean showers and restrooms. Not much for a family to do.
No playground for the kiddos, a small water hole for catch-and-release fishing.
Really nice for off-site attractions (Creation Museum, Ark Encounter)
No The Dyrt discount, Did offer Senior and Museum discount of 10%
We always make sure this is our #1 spot to go it's our home base campground , love the mature trees in the campground and the trail around the lake . It's beautiful ❤️ down here must visit.
It wasn’t exactly rustic but you couldn’t ask for much more just 10 miles from the ark . They have a few hiking trails and a creek the kids caught crawfish in.
Stayed overnight here just for a quick stop on our way from Wisconsin to the Smokey Mountains … bathrooms were in pretty rough shape and not cleaned at all. For the price it’s not terrible, but not clean at all.
We stayed on an inner loop and was happy with our site but after scouting other sites, we would definitely go for an outer loop lakeside site next time. Gravel pads. Bathroom and showers were good. Quiet, peaceful campground with friendly staff. Enjoy all the lake activities!
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.
Despite advertising, there is no dog park. There are a ton of dogs, so this would’ve been nice.
The river and waterfall makes it feel like a tranquil place. The walking trail by the river is nice, we walked it almost every day.
Live music and food trucks every Saturday are a nice touch!
We pulled into the Outpost late evening, and easily found our reservations, clearly detailed map, and access codes. The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins. There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours. The next morning I met the owner and she was a wonderful, nice person. Looking forward to staying again.d
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.
Good level spots. Quiet the first week of April. Good picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are not far from any of the site in the loop. Will update after we use the shower house. I thought that we would be able to walk from our location to the camp store. It is possible but not easy. The camp store and laundry were closed March 31, bought firewood at entry for $8 a bundle.
Nice quiet out of the way campground
Fun little place. RV sites and tent sites lakeside. Fishing, ducks. $5 swimming pool nearby. $20/night tents. Showers and restrooms. Nice parks nearby for equestrian, playground, disk golf course. Huge mall nearby in Simpsonville KY. Drivable to Louisville. Stop at Wings n Rings, yum. Highly recommend. Closes for winter Oct 31 to tents.
Great spot! Clean bathrooms and showers, large spacious spots and a gorgeous lake. Highly recommend!
This is a small campground with only one bath house. They are working to make improvements. It’s nice and quiet here. We are staying here so we can go to the Ark Encounter. Not a lot of camping available around here.
Campground is OK. You're literally on top of each other. They put a huge RV with huge jeeps and trailers backed up a foot from our car and tiny tent. I was afraid they would run us over while we slept. There were open RV sites everywhere, so putting them a foot from us made zero sense to me, I dunno. Made it quite difficult to get our equipment out of our car and back out our car when we left. I can't imagine the RVers appreciated tents dispersed throughout.
Quiet lil place clean showers and bathrooms extremely friendly staff who will go out of their way to help you set up. (Was offered hoses and power cords if needed). I stayed in 4A and leveled with ease . It’s a back In Only but they are there with you to guide. Dog friendly which is a big bonus. Has some on site cats too. We are 36 class A but had many different sites available and some great looking primitive sites as well. We will be back to relax and get back to nature.
Very full this weekend. Stayed 3nights as a rest point in our travels. Very clean and well laid out. Laundry was inexpensive and accessible all hours.
Wonderful area. Bath houses/restrooms were very clean and nice. (Single occupancy). Nice area. Beach area of lake was closed due to flooding.
We stayed 5 nights at the Outpost and the owner was extremely nice! Brought me some fresh tomatoes and watermelon for my birthday! The campground was clean, the play ground needed a little attention when we first arrived but they filled in the holes and it made it so much more enjoyable for my 3 YO. The pool was a nice addition. The camp store has the essentials that you may need during your stay. Can't wait to come back!
We enjoyed our stay at Camp Nelson RV Park. It's a smaller(ish) park with quite a few permanent sites. A lot of the permanent sites are older campers in need of some TLC.
The campground has a very nice pool and is very quiet. A bit tight for larger rigs (ours is a 40' DP). The owner is very friendly and has several younger folks working there that are very friendly and accommodating.
There was a slight mix-up with our site when we arrived, but the young lady that was guiding us returned to the office and found us a very nice alternative site for the duration of our stay. They have a small campground store at the office that is well supplied with the necessities. Off the beaten path, quiet, and friendly....what more could you ask for???
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Columbus, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Columbus, KY is Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Columbus, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Columbus, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
