Tent camping opportunities near Perryville, Kentucky span from riverside sites to wooded retreats within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures typically reaching the upper 80s, making May-October the primary camping season. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though water access may be limited during colder months.
What to do
Water recreation access: Pulaski County Park offers direct lake access with two boat ramps flanking the campground. "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," notes Lee-Ann R., who appreciated the swimming opportunities during warmer months.
Hiking trails: HomeGrown HideAways features hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. One camper mentioned "a good, challenging mile or so hike" through the property, which sits "between two mountains" according to Frank H., providing a scenic backdrop for trail exploration.
Farm animal interactions: Wildcat Creek Farm offers unique opportunities to interact with farm animals during your stay. "Our kids loved the animals and the creek," reports Katelyn W., while Elizabeth R. adds that "the resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts."
What campers like
Secluded woodlands: Hidden Ridge Camping provides tent sites across 53 acres of wooded land. According to Ashley F., "These sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure," with natural buffers between campsites for added privacy.
Riverside relaxation: Wildcat Creek Farm features camping spots along the Kentucky River with water access. Benjamin A. describes the experience: "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."
Night sky viewing: Clear night skies enhance the camping experience in the Perryville region. At Wildcat Creek Farm, Benjamin A. recalls, "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."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground bathroom amenities and maintenance differ significantly across the region. At Pulaski County Park, Julie B. found that "showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross," while another camper noted, "The shower house has both showers and stalls but are not kept clean during very busy times."
Seasonal crowding: Pulaski County Park experiences significant crowding during peak season. Steven S. mentions, "If they are really busy it can be a little crowded especially down by the water," which affects the camping experience, particularly at waterfront sites.
Noise levels: Despite no-alcohol policies at some campgrounds, enforcement varies. Anna C. reports that at Pulaski County Park, "Despite the no alcohol rule, there's still a lot of partying at night. No one really enforces that. It can get loud."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple play areas: Pulaski County Park offers numerous recreation options for children. Katie M. notes, "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play. You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground."
Animal encounters: Children often enjoy the farm setting at Wildcat Creek Farm. "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," explains Benjamin A., creating memorable experiences for young campers.
Consider campground culture: Anna C. cautions that at Pulaski County Park, the environment is "Beautiful, but crowded and the crowd isn't usually child friendly," adding that despite family amenities like "a basketball court, volleyball court, disk golf, and a small beach area," some nighttime activities might not be suitable for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site improvements: Pulaski County Park has undergone renovations beneficial to RVers. Terry S., who has "camped at this campground for over 58 years," observes it "has been improved over the years and still needs work. More RV sites have been added. More are needed."
Facility distribution: The layout at some campgrounds creates access challenges. Katie M. suggests Pulaski County Park could benefit from "another bath house at the lower end of the camp areas," noting the current distribution requires longer walks from some sites.
Campground navigation: The complex layout of larger properties can be disorienting. Shelly S. found Pulaski County Park's "layout is also confusing at times. I've been there several times and just recently found another parking area and trailhead."