Best Tent Camping near Columbus, KY

Looking for tent camping near Columbus? Finding a place to camp in Kentucky with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Columbus, KY (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground

    1. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    124 Photos
    378 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky

    Red River Gorge Campground is known for its picturesque surroundings and range of outdoor activities. The campground is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, a geological wonderland with soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches and deep gorges. The area is popular with hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous trails for all levels of experience, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and fishing. Red River Gorge Campground provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in Kentucky.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

    2. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

    19 Reviews
    36 Photos
    84 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm

    3. Wildcat Creek Farm

    3 Reviews
    36 Photos
    24 Saves
    Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

    Our farm is located on the property where the ferry brought individuals across the KY River from Versailles, KY. We are a private farm and live here for the pleasure of the land, the quiet from the city, and the outdoor activities. We want to share this with our guests.

    Come and enjoy bourbon country on the Kentucky River. We are located next door to the Wild Turkey Distillery, and within miles of a few others. Our 35-acre property offers immediate access to the KY River, and is within 5 minutes of an quaint downtown area, should you decide to go to town for a meal. Plenty of restaurants for your choosing! 7 minutes away is a Walmart should you forget anything. Come and relax in our peaceful surroundings. Horses, mini horses, goats, mini mules, all on site and loving attention. Bring your frisbees, cornhole, and yard games.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $32 - $82 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield

    4. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    52 Saves
    Salt Lick, Kentucky

    Local Family Owned & Operated est.2012 Riverside Campground RV & Tent Camping 50amp, 30amp, 110v NEW Bathhouse Kayak/Canoe Rental & Shuttle Service

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways

    5. HomeGrown HideAways

    3 Reviews
    22 Photos
    44 Saves
    Bighill, Kentucky

    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.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $15 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures

    6. Red River Gorge Adventures

    8 Reviews
    43 Photos
    94 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky

    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.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $8 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
    Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
    Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
    Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
    Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat

    8. Tree Line Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    5 Photos
    15 Saves
    Williamstown, Kentucky

    Tree Line Retreat is the ideal spot for some well deserved R&R! Nestled on a 40 acre working farmstead, the primitive camp sites are natural grass areas under a tree canopy of large oaks, cherries and other species. You are welcome to hike around and explore the 40 acres, plenty of backroads for beautiful biking, nearby lake with public access for fishing, swimming& picnicking. Located between Cincinnati OH and Lexington KY, the retreat is a short 20 minute drive to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown KY, 45 minutes to Lexington KY, 50 minutes to Cincinnati. An abundance of wildlife roam the area from many species of birds, deer, turkeys along with possible visits from our free range barn cats!

    Bartlett Farm proudly raises California, New Zealand & mini Rex rabbits, Embden geese, Muscovy ducks, pasture raised chicken and pasture raised eggs. There are some fenced farm dogs to make noise to keep predators away and some barn cats. All tent sites are brush hogged and the access road is as well. Firewood and water by the gallon available for purchase.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available

    $20 / night

    • No image available
      • No image available

        10. White Sulphur Horse Only Camp

        Be the first to review!
        Salt Lick, Kentucky

        White Sulphur Horse Camp, located near Cave Run Lake on the Cumberland Ranger District, is developed as a primitive campground for horseback riders. The camp provides access to over 50 miles of multiple-use trails winding along forested hills and limestone ridges. Ideal for individual riders as well as organized groups, the facilities at the horse camp bring riders into the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area, and the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. View information about Cave Run Lake Nonmotorized Trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking around Cave Run Lake. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to this campground. Learn more... Cave Run Lake area map The parking area can accommodate up to 30 vehicles with a trailer, up to 50 feet long. Picket lines and a watering trough are available for horses. The campground has no electricity.

        • Tents
      Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Columbus

      631 Reviews of 12 Columbus Campgrounds


      • DD
        Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
        Nov. 17, 2024

        The Ole Cornfield

        This Place is Awesome! Favorite Camping Spot Ever

        James, Lauren and their crew were the best! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The camping is just so relaxing, right on the river, open space, beautiful land! We can't wait to visit again.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River
        Nov. 10, 2024

        Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

        Excellent first time!

        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 and sat by the fire every night! We will absolutely return!

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground
        Nov. 7, 2024

        Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

        big, lots of trees and noisy

        Stayed here a week. Had the place pretty much to myself especially on the rainy days. Outstanding features for me were the 4 pull thrus, one of which I scored,. Water is available here and there but not at every site. One side of the campground abuts an asphalt plant which was quit noisy at times. The park is on the river at the bottom of a valley. The highway traffic comes down one side with engine brakes bellowing and the passing lane going back up is almost as loud with truck drivers using every gear to stay up to speed. I noticed the number of dump trucks near the park/asphalt plant on my way in. Near quitting time for the plant the highway many feet above you sounds like the scene in full metal jacket on the beach with the helicopters coming and going,  the plant is on the same side of the river next to the bridge. I was very close.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Natural Bridge Campground

        Not as advertised

        The amenities are not worth the price. The bathrooms are not clean. We paid for a campsite that had water and electric but we had to share water with another site. Luckily there were a splitter available. The sites in the 30s look like they may be spacious but you are on top of one another.

        The 5 star review on here is regarding the state park camping, not this site. Would not return.

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
        Oct. 6, 2024

        Still Waters Campground

        Great for long term or seasonal

        Lots of run down RV’s and shanty town in the back of the park. More long term renters than weekend warriors. One dump station, no sewage on the sites. One bathroom, for the whole Park. lots of tents sites (that were busy) makes for poor bathrooms. Not to mention its outhouse style with no climate control. 1/3 men’s bathrooms were out of order and 1/3 urinals were too. 2/3 showers where out of order and the two useable toilets, the door locks were broken. No wifi. Fires are allowed. Fire pits are run down so be mindful. 2/5 bars for ATT services. Sites aren’t labeled or labeled extremely bad. Electrical seems very out dated. Make sure you have protection. Over priced at $60 + tax for the night. Scattered shade. Pull through sites mainly. Picnic tables have seen better days (years more like it). Good space between sites and access to the river for water sports. Little lake for fishing. No pet area and strict leash laws. I wanna give this a 2/5 because they were pleasant. They encouraged me to review on multiple sites but I think that would be bad for them so I’ll stick to my main review site. 1/5, if the price was better like 30-40/night maybe 2/5 but for the price of a motel 6 and only electrical and that is sketchy. Save your money book elsewhere or avoid.

      • Patti W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Callie’s Lake and Campground
        Sep. 26, 2024

        Callie’s Lake and Campground

        NOT happy,

        Made reservations almost a month in advance, arrived on given day and could not level our RV on a very unlevel lot couldnt even get our steps to come out as they hit gravel. Tried to move the RV around for over an hour and finally went to the store to inform them of our trouble. We were told they had no other space for us, so we had no choice but to leave. This was NOT our choice, they did not deliver what they had promised, yet no refund, or even a partial refund was offered. 3 years being full time on the road, this was a first such experience, and their lack of concern made us not happy.

        .UPDATE Callie and I have talked and our issues have been resolved. We visited Callies Lake& Campground, no overnight stay

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Three Springs Campground
        Sep. 22, 2024

        Three Springs Campground

        Three Springs Campground

        Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together. Gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through. Sites are not particularly level. Bathrooms are clean and the hosts are attentive. The only trash bin is near the office by the out of service pool.

      • Benjamin A.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Wildcat Creek Farm

        Nice spot on riverside

        First thing first. Keven was awesome! Hands down best stay at a camp area I've ever had. Hospitality awesome. Animals awesome. Neighbors were quiet as well. Even though we had an accidental mishap. Kevin was super cool. Would definitely recommend. Will be coming back for sure. 

        The "island" site is a nice little shaded area above the riverside. Off to the right corner of the site is a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water. On a clear night it was super relaxing listening to nature and looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river. Pretty damn cool especially if you have never seen country sky at night. The animals are a few donkeys, chickens, and a farm cat all are very friendly and won't get into your stuff but occasionally will stop by and say hi. Overall....great experience. If you get a chance to book this spot. Don't think about it just do it. THANKS KEVEN! keep the bottle caps going!!!

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Clear Creek Rec Area
        Sep. 13, 2024

        Clear Creek Rec Area

        Beautiful creek

        Pros: Beautiful little creek. Well spaced sites. Low usage. Some sites are long. Nice hiking trails from campsite. Most sites are shaded.

        Cons: Close to a moderately used road.

        Pit toilets, picnic tables, gravel pads.

      • Chaz M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
        Sep. 12, 2024

        Natural Bridge Campground

        A lot to do

        There is so much to do nearby. Awesome stores and adventures. Campground has WiFi, fishing for kids, and is in a great location.

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Elkhorn Creek RV Park
        Sep. 9, 2024

        Elkhorn Creek RV Park

        Great Family Spot

        We last minute booked this spot as a family getaway and we are so happy we did. It was perfect for our kids and dogs. Kids were none stop walking the dogs, and scootering up and down the road. Everyone was so kind, there was even live music! And can I take a moment to say the restroom/shower was the cleanest I have EVER used. Huge thanks to the staff, you can tell they truly take pride in their work. We had a site next to the creek and it was beautiful! We are already talking about coming back!

      • Kristen S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
        Aug. 27, 2024

        Still Waters Campground

        Excellent weekend trip

        Campsites are shady and flat, bathhouse is clean and well maintained. Office staff are friendly and helpful. We had a blast spending the day in the creek! Thanks for an A+ weekend campout!

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Lago Linda Hideaway
        Jul. 18, 2024

        Lago Linda Hideaway

        The dyrt

        One key feature of The Dyrt is its extensive campground database, which includes over 44,000 campgrounds nationwide. This allows users to easily search for and discover new camping destinations based on location, amenities, and user ratings. The app also offers offline maps and filters for specific preferences such as pet-friendly sites, RV accessibility, and more.

      • Karen S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

        Family friendly

        We have stayed here many times. Very clean campground.the staff is helpful and friendly. The shower and bathrooms have always been clean . Just wish that they had a fenced in dog park

      • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

        Great place to stay and close to Pure Kentucky

        Excellent campground. Clean and quiet. Can get busy but sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space. Fine gravel sites with well kept grounds, shower house, and attentive host. We want to return and visit more Bourbon Trail Distilleries.

      • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Foot Campground
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Turkey Foot Campground

        Excellent find in the woods!

        Found the perfect spot for our trailer and our friends car camping. Clean vault toilets. Each site has fire ring and picnic table. Pack in pack out even though some didn’t get the memo yet park service was there in the morning to clean. Limited to no cell service.

      • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Zilpo Campground
        Jul. 7, 2024

        Zilpo Campground

        Beautiful campground

        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.

      • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
        Jul. 6, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

        Great stay!

        The campground is easy to navigate. The ranger met us on the way in and was super-friendly. Our site was small bit not cramped, and there was a picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of space between each site. Neighbors were quiet and friendly. Will camp here again!

      • Katrin M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
        Jun. 23, 2024

        Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

        Very nice campground

        We camped here over the weekend in a double campsite. It was very spacious and clean. The site had 2 picnic tables, 2 lantern poles, and and a fire pit. Everything was leveled, so the tent set up was really easy. The campground is very well maintained. Some sites have stairs in order to reach the tent pads. There is a bathhouse with flushing toilets and nice showers. They also have pit toilets, which I never used. There are several trails, that start from the campground. The area is absolutely stunning, but it was extremely hot, so we couldn't do too much hiking. But the plan is to return in fall.

      • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Woodstock Campground
        Jun. 8, 2024

        Woodstock Campground

        Our fave primitive camp in the RRG!

        We LOVE Woodstock! Such a beautiful, open, peaceful property and each site has its own handmade benches and firepit. Literally right off the road for Red River Gorge so you’re 10 minutes from creation falls, sky bridge, chimney top rock, etc. Also right down the road from Sky Station and The Brick for beers, ice cream and coffee. Also just 15 minutes from the amazing Muir Valley climbing area. Literally couldn’t ask for a better location for a weekend in RRG. Not to mention how peaceful it is, away from the hustle and bustle of the other camps in Slade.

        Ronnie is the kindest host, very considerate and welcoming. He helped us when we pulled in to guide our big rig to the best spot (35 foot camper). He has tent sites and space for RVs but it is primitive camping so be prepared - no water or bathrooms available. Oh and cash only!

        We can’t wait to be back. Thanks Ronnie!

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
        May. 27, 2024

        Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

        Well Maintained Campground in RRG

        We stayed here while some of our group did some rock climbing in the area.  The camp staff was super helpful and offered to rearrange a few sites that were open so that our tents would fit better.  It was during the week, so not all of the sites were full which gave him some flexibility.   Some of the sites in the RV area are pretty small so do some checking when you select.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
        May. 25, 2024

        Natural Bridge Campground

        Okay

        Sites are okay. We had one with trees so got some shade. Staff is friendly. The restrooms didn’t get cleaned the entire 5 nights we were here. The floor was swept but the same dead fly on the sink was there all week too. There are only 2 men’s and two women’s shower/toilet rooms for the entire camp. During the week it was not an issue but the place got full on Friday night and having two toilets for each sec is not a good plan, especially if two men want to shower leaving no men’s facilities until they’re done. Probably would not return.

      • David A.
        Camper-submitted photo from Zilpo Campground
        May. 9, 2024

        Zilpo Campground

        Wonderfully Quite Place

        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!



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Columbus, KY?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbus, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Columbus, KY?

        TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Columbus, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.