Primitive campsites and RV parks surround Columbus, Kentucky, offering varied terrain from forested lakesides to riverfront locations. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with seasonal closures during winter months. The area experiences moderate rainfall year-round with hot summers and mild winters.
What to do
Fishing on-site: Twin Knobs Recreation Area provides direct lake access with multiple fishing spots. "This is one of my wife and I favorite spot! Great campground with great views of lake and easy way to the beach," notes one camper at Twin Knobs Campground.
Hike local trails: Several campgrounds maintain on-site hiking trails ranging from 0.5 to 3 miles. At Red River Gorge Adventures, guests can explore nearby paths. "Hanson's point at the red river gorge is often called the best view of the Gorge. To get to Hanson's point you'll have to earn it by hiking for about 2.5 miles, but trust me when I say it's worth it," recommends a camper.
Boat and kayak rentals: Many lakeside parks offer affordable boat rentals starting at $25-45 per day. "This is a small well maintained campground right on the Kentucky river. There is a dock and a boat ramp. The customer service is exceptional," writes a visitor to Camp Nelson RV Park.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Several campgrounds offer private tent sites set back from main roads. "We loved the campground! The facilities were very nice and clean. The park was clean and very spacious. We had lots of room in our space and we were not on top of our neighbors," shares a guest at Cummins Ferry RV Park.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain updated shower houses and restrooms. "The women's bathhouse has been remodeled and was very nice," reports a camper at Lake Shelby Campground.
Natural swimming areas: Several parks maintain lake access for swimming during summer months. "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," writes another camper about their experience.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have weak or no cellular coverage. "Wifi did not work (tho that was a problem with most of this area)," notes a camper at Lago Linda Hideaway.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close between November and April. At Zilpo Campground, the season runs "April 25 to November 2" according to their listing information.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for RV leveling. "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," writes one Cummins Ferry visitor.
Water access varies: Not all sites have water hookups despite being advertised. "Lovely site, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup," cautions a Twin Knobs camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated facilities: Some campgrounds offer better amenities for children. "This is a small well maintained campground right on the Kentucky river. There is a pavilion and a pool. It is about 30 minutes from Lexington and about 8 miles to the closest town," notes a Camp Nelson RV Park visitor.
Consider space between sites: Family noise carries at tighter campgrounds. At 4 Guys RV Park, "They have a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground. They are very close to Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge area," according to one reviewer.
Plan for limited store access: Many campgrounds lack on-site stores. "There is not a store on site, but a short drive up the road there is a general & grocery store that also sells fresh made sandwiches," mentions a Lago Linda Hideaway camper.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many RV sites are shorter than advertised. "The RV spots were really tight. 30/50 amp full hook ups with a number of pull throughs. The sites next to the river are level and easy to back into," writes a Cummins Ferry RV visitor.
Water and electric limitations: Not all sites offer full hookups. "Full hookups for $395/mo if you are staying monthly," notes a Camp Nelson RV Park resident, while another camper mentions, "Only full hook ups on one site, but all the others has electric and water."
Arrival timing matters: Some campgrounds have strict check-in procedures. "They close the gates at night and don't open the gates till 8 am was the only drawback. The gate adds to the security of the campground I liked that they control coming and going at night times," explains a Red River Gorge Adventures camper.
