With Kentucky’s 45 state parks, the greatest length of navigable waterways in the lower 48, and the world’s longest cave system, the state of bourbon and horse racing is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. A diverse state with numerous distinct natural regions, Kentucky has a plethora of camping locations. Whether you choose to visit a state park or national forest, you don’t have to look hard to find amazing locations for camping in Kentucky.  


For some of the most romantic and rugged landscapes in the state, visit the Red River Gorge in the south. With some of the most spectacular sites for camping in Kentucky, the gorge is a popular destination with visitors and locals alike. Climbers and hikers love the steep and rocky hillsides and cliffs which make the gorge famous. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge offers endless overnight options. From dispersed camping in quiet stretches of forest to whimsical treehouse and full-access campgrounds, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to spend the night. Snag a site next to a lake with record-sized muskies and you won’t have to go far to get on the water first thing in the morning.   


If you love fishing, visiting Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a must. With an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with fish, it’s an angler’s dream. Enjoy lazy afternoons canoeing on the river or get an adrenaline rush on thrilling rapids. Nature lovers will love the plethora of wildlife and numerous hiking trails that wind through lush shaded forests. 


Keep exploring Kentucky’s shaded forests and rugged cliffs in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in southeast Kentucky. Boaters will delight in the park’s large, languorous rivers and quick-flowing streams. Sheer bluffs and rocky gorges characterize the river valleys where water flows over rugged rapids and slows in quiet pools. 


There are a variety of options for camping in Kentucky near the Big South Fork, from primitive to developed campgrounds. If you’re travelling with horses, stay in the horse camp, complete with a tack store stocked with essentials. Keep in mind that most parks and campgrounds have a ban on bringing your own firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. Check with the campground regulations before you come, as some allow collection of wood on the forest floor and other require you to purchase firewood from a ranger. Wherever you choose to stay, with the Dyrt you can be sure to find the best camping in Kentucky. 

Kentucky

The Best Camping in Kentucky | 100+ KY Campgrounds

Join the fun near Confluence. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Confluence campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Confluence camping trip.

Confluence

The Best Camping Near Confluence, Kentucky

## Overview

Buckhorn Campground on Buckhorn Lake, provides the perfect outdoor escape in eastern Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau.  
  
The campground is packed with activities to entertain all ages, including monthly interpretive programs offered during summer months and convenient access for boating and fishing on Buckhorn Lake.

## Recreation

Buckhorn Lake welcomes fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, hunting and just plain relaxing. The campground provides access to a nature trail and fishing areas as well.

## Facilities

Buckhorn is packed with amenities to make your stay comfortable. A basketball court, playground and horseshoe pits will entertain visitors on-shore, while a swimming area and boat ramp, cater to visitors eager to explore the lake.   
  
Additional amenities include free wireless internet, electric hookups, laundry facilities, hot showers, vending machines, a dump station and flush toilets.

## Natural Features

Buckhorn campground sits near the dam on Buckhorn Lake, surrounded by the beauty of the scenic Appalachian Mountain Range.   
  
The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams.   
  
  
Fed by the waters of the Kentucky River, Buckhorn Lake extends for 1,230 surface-acres, providing plenty of water recreation opportunities.

Buckhorn Campground was also recently recongnized as the location for the largest River Birch Tree in the country by The National Register of Big Trees, the tree measures 205 inches around, 117 feet high and an 85 foot crown on top, making this tree surely a sight to see.  
  


## Nearby Attractions

The park is just minutes from attractions like Carr Creek Lake and the Buckhorn Log Church. Rent a pontoon from Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, explore the Red River Gorge Geological Area or hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Buckhorn Dam Campground

## Overview

The Trace Branch Campground, located on Buckhorn Lake, is a great launchpad for outdoor activities in Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The facility features plenty of shade and open grassy areas for spreading out and enjoying the landscape of the Appalachian Mountain Range.  
  


## Recreation

Buckhorn lake offers ideal conditions for anglers including seclusion from fishing pressure and boat traffic, producing some of the best muskie fishing in the area.  
  
With comfortable water temperatures,swimming and water skiing are popular in summer months and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of the area's many miles of trails.

## Facilities

Trace Branch Campground boasts mostly waterfront campsites with electric and water hookups. Amenities include a shower house, playground, horseshoe pits, and a convenient fishing area.   
  
A general store is about three miles from the Campground.

## Natural Features

Buckhorn Lake is situated in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. The Kentucky River feeds the lake, originating in the southeast of the state and flowing generally northwestward. 

## Nearby Attractions

Nearby destinations include the Lilley Cornett Woods, Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area.

Trace Branch

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.



Lago Linda Hideaway

Roaring Shoals is a family farm. This campsite is a double capacity with full hookup, located in a rural community halfway between Jackson and Salyersville on Highway 30 East. The site is close to the road; however there is much woodland to explore located on the property. We have small waterfall and a natural rock formation that can be hiked to. There is great cellular service if your device uses Verizon towers, as there is a tower on the property. This is the perfect place to come and relax if you are visiting the area. It is approximately 12 miles from a small town with local restaurants and convenience stores. Our farm raised USDA inspected black angus beef can be purchased if available; please check availability by calling a few days prior to your stay. You may also purchase firewood that was harvested from our property which is a certified tree farm. Our cattle are raised on another of our properties located a few miles up the road. We would be happy to schedule a time to take you there to see where they are born and raised.

Roaring Shoals Farm

Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake

Buckhorn  Dam Rec Area - Buckhorn Lake

Secluded primitive campground nestled in the middle of 3 mountain in Ravenna Kentucky. Waterfalls, wildlife, creeks, hiking trails tent and RV sites as well as pack in sites and hammock sites.



Nocomas Pass 

Littcarr Campground is located on the shores of Carr Creek Lake in southeastern Kentucky's mountainous region. The area provides an excellent atmosphere for camping, fishing, boating and enjoying the natural setting. Recreation The lake offers boating, water skiing and swimming. Anglers can fish for crappie, bass, bluegill and walleye. A short nature trail for hiking is located in the Dam/Tailwater area. For a bit more adventure, the six-mile Sugar Branch Trail begins at the dam and ends at Sugar Lake Road. Facilities The campground offers 45 sites with electric and water hookups. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities and a dump station. For family-friendly entertainment, two playgrounds, a picnic shelter, horseshoe pits, and basketball and shuffleboard courts are also on-site. Natural Features Carr Creek Lake is situated in a scenic sloping landscape heavily forested with a wide variety of hardwood and pine trees. An array of songbirds and waterfowl inhabit the area's marshlands. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include Daniel Boone National Forest, Lilley Cornett Woods, Bad Branch Falls Nature Preserve, Red River Gorge Natural Scenic Area, Natural Bridge State Park and Buckhorn Lake. Charges & Cancellations The Littcarr Campground will be closed from April 1 - May 11 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. ADA Access: N

Littcarr Campground

Carr Creek State Park

***Rockcastle Riverside has 20 back-in 100-foot RV sites with 50 amp electric and water hookups next to river. There is one full-service dump station. There are also 10 primitive camping sites with limited picnic tables close to 5 bathrooms. One shower is available behind general store/check-in with more to come in very near future. 20 more secluded and full day shaded primitive sites coming soon across the road at Turkey Trace. Fire rings are dispersed throughout all primitive sites on main campground and in Turkey Trace. Store has ice, water, soda, limited camping supplies. Kayak rental and kayak shuttle service also available. Campground is kayak take-out point; we can shuttle you to drop-in point (subject to availability) ***

***Campground is on the Kentucky Adventure Trail Section 2 from Livingston to Newcomb. 30 minutes from Salt Peter Cave, One hour from Cumberland Falls, 20 minutes from Wildcat Mountain Battlefield. Only a 10-minute drive from I-75 exit ramp 49 to campground.***



Rockcastle Riverside

Are you in need of a campground near Louisville, KY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Louisville

The Best Camping Near Louisville, Kentucky

Lexington-Fayette is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Lexington-Fayette, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Lexington-Fayette

The Best Camping Near Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

Searching for the best camping near Ironville, KY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Ironville, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Ironville

The Best Camping Near Ironville, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Meads, KY? Meads is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Meads

The Best Camping Near Meads, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Lexington, KY has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Lexington campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Lexington, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Lexington

The Best Camping Near Lexington, Kentucky

Bowling Green, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bowling Green campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bowling Green camping trip.

Bowling Green

The Best Camping Near Bowling Green, Kentucky

Owensboro is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Owensboro is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Owensboro, reviewed by campers like you.

Owensboro

The Best Camping Near Owensboro, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Hopkinsville, KY? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Hopkinsville, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Hopkinsville and user-submitted reviews.

Hopkinsville

The Best Camping Near Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Pleasure Ridge Park, KY? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pleasure Ridge Park campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Pleasure Ridge Park, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pleasure Ridge Park

The Best Camping Near Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Paducah. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Paducah. Find the best campgrounds near Paducah, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Paducah

The Best Camping Near Paducah, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY has a lot to offer. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky

Daniel Boone National Forest, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Daniel Boone National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Daniel Boone National Forest

The Best Camping Near Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kentucky camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky

Of the six parks in the Bluegrass State, Mammoth Cave is the only true national park. This area of southwestern Kentucky holds the best outdoor activities to be found in the state.

There are a large number of campsites across a few campgrounds, and Mammoth Cave Campground holds most of them. Both Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs Campgrounds are accessible for RVs. Backcountry camping is also available for interested hikers. The caves are, of course, the big draw, and no matter where you stay, you should take a cave tour. Since there are no nearby forests or BLM land, the best camping near Mammoth Cave National Park is fairly far away at the Green River Lake Wildlife Management Area. If you can’t get a spot in the park, staying in nearby Park City or Brownsville, KY, is the best choice.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mammoth Cave National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Mammoth Cave National Park, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Grayson Lake, KY has a lot to offer. Grayson Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Grayson Lake, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Grayson Lake

The Best Camping Near Grayson Lake, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lake Cumberland. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Lake Cumberland

The Best Camping Near Lake Cumberland, Kentucky

Barkley Lake, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Barkley Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Barkley Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Barkley Lake

The Best Camping Near Barkley Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Buckhorn Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kentucky camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Buckhorn Lake camping trip.

Buckhorn Lake

The Best Camping Near Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Dale Hollow Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Dale Hollow Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dale Hollow Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dale Hollow Lake

The Best Camping Near Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Carr Creek Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Carr Creek Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Carr Creek Lake, KY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

The Best Camping in Confluence

Top Campgrounds in Confluence (70)

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