Crestwood sits at the northeastern edge of Kentucky, nestled between the Ohio River and the Bluegrass Region at approximately 810 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers averaging 85°F and mild winters around 45°F, creating ideal spring and fall camping conditions. Local campgrounds span across two states with many options located within a 30-mile radius of Crestwood.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Several trails wind through Charlestown State Park offering different difficulty levels. "Spent 5 nights and had a wonderful time. Enjoyed trails, big lots and lots of stuff for the kids to do," shares one camper. The park's historical features provide educational opportunities along the paths.
Fishing local waters: Guist Creek Marina & Campground offers direct lake access with fishing opportunities. A visitor notes, "The fish were biting the weekend I was there!" The lake supports multiple fish species and allows both shoreline and boat fishing with proper licensing available at the marina store.
Wildlife observation: The wetland areas near Crestwood attract diverse bird species. According to one camper at Lake Shelby, "Great space for wildlife for a park within the city: herons, geese (except for poop), ducks, turtles, beavers. We didn't see the coons but put food away every night as they visited our camp on a nightly basis."
What campers like
Secluded natural settings: Despite proximity to urban areas, Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground provides unexpected seclusion. One reviewer shared, "You are literally ten minutes from anything you want or need. Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living." The 6,500-acre forest creates a buffer from city sounds.
Clean facilities: Follow The River RV Resort maintains high cleanliness standards. "The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice," reports a visitor. The resort also includes amenities like pool, volleyball courts and a designated dog park.
Unique yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping in Crestwood, Kentucky isn't widely available, several campgrounds offer alternative glamping structures. A camper staying at a nearby campground noted, "The camping spaces aren't real close together, and the restrooms are clean. It's quiet and it's close to home."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same experience. At Lake Shelby Campground, a camper warns, "Very weird at first as the sites are 20 feet long, but they allow front ends to stick out." Understanding site limitations helps match your equipment to appropriate locations.
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases during summer months. One visitor advises, "Take bug spray in the summer!" while another mentions, "Ticks were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends. "We made reservations months ahead," explains one camper. Holiday weekends often fill 3-4 months in advance while weekdays may have availability with shorter notice.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreation areas for convenience. "We stayed in site 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted)," shared a family at O'Bannon Woods.
Water activities: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer," says a repeat visitor. The swimming pool includes a splash pad suitable for various ages.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers with ranger programs. "Great nature center w ranger tours," mentions one visitor. These programs typically run weekends during summer and include hands-on activities for children ages 5-12.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: At General Butler State Park, a reviewer cautions, "We had a big safety issue at our site. At site 11 and a few others, they had no backstops at the back of the blacktop pad. If the site was level, it wouldn't have been as bad." Always check site reviews for specific hazards.
Navigability: Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA offers good access for larger vehicles. "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple," reports one RVer. The campground's layout provides adequate turning radius even for larger setups.
Utility reliability: Power stability varies between campgrounds. One RVer noted at a local site, "Water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC." Carrying a voltage monitor helps identify potential issues before connecting sensitive electronics.
