Best Tent Camping near Cynthiana, KY

Looking for tent camping near Cynthiana? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Cynthiana, KY (11)

    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 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

    2. 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 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

    • No image available
      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

      5. 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
        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
        • No image available

          8. Eagle Creek Marina

          Be the first to review!
          1 Save
          Maysville, Kentucky

          This recreation area is part of Ohio River - Meldahl Pool

          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem
          Camper-submitted photo from Mimsey's Mayhem

          9. Mimsey's Mayhem

          Be the first to review!
          9 Photos
          3 Saves
          Union, Kentucky

          Presently only offering tent primitive camping. What is Mimsey's Mayhem? Site with large swings, obstacle course and zip line for KIDS. I know adults like to play but sometimes that get out of control. There are hiking trails and a fishing lake. We are one mile from BIG BONE PARK. This is still a new development. Limting camping until we get this down right. Access to Adaire Wildlife Refuge 800 acres. Kayaking access at Big Bone Landing 2 miles away.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Firewood Available

          $28 / night

          • No image available

            10. Free Spirit Homestead

            Be the first to review!
            2 Saves
            Morehead, Kentucky

            Hey y'all,

            Here at the Free Spirit Homestead we encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves into the homestead lifestyle. However, if you are just looking for a beautiful spot to camp for a night and just relax, we're that spot too.

            Hang by the firepit, hike trails through our beautiful woods, & don't forget to pet Gemma the goat!

            We have a couple primitive sites around a large communal firepit in our lower field, on on top of our "mountain ", which is about a 3/4 mile hike in the woods. It is beautiful! We have backpacking/hammock sites throughout 44acres of woods.

            We also have optional foraging hikes/plant medicine hikes we put on for anyone interested in learning! Let us know.

            • Pets
            • Fires
            • Phone Service
            • Reservable
            • Tents
            • Trash

            $15 / night

          Show More
          Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in Cynthiana

          521 Reviews of 11 Cynthiana 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
            Nov. 7, 2024

            Fort Boonesborough State Park

            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.

          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from East Fork State Park Campground
            Oct. 26, 2024

            East Fork State Park Campground

            HUGE state park with many activities

            General: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. 

            Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.

            Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.

            Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.

            When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!

            I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around. 

            One final note: for a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G.

          • 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.

          • NThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oak Creek Campground
            Sep. 28, 2024

            Oak Creek Campground

            Fine choice for quick stays

            We stayed one night— fine for the quick in and out. Did NOT have sewer hookups as advertised, so plan to dump before you park if you’ve been traveling. Spaces are narrow— though we were able to navigate the area, I wouldn’t necessarily call it “Big Rig Friendly” Road behind is loud but the campground itself was quiet.

          • 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.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from East Fork State Park Campground
            Sep. 19, 2024

            East Fork State Park Campground

            Just my luck

            When you check out, Eastfork, you should look at it personally instead of just online. My mistake was I did it online and I ended up with My Family being in the middle of the rich snob class of loop I lol.? We did have a very nice neighbor across from us the last couple days. The bathrooms were clean . Our lot was full of acorns very very dry and very very small lot. They say you’re supposed to camp or park your tent from the electric box over.

          • 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.

          • jThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from A.J. Jolly Park & Campground
            Sep. 12, 2024

            A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

            AJ Jolly campground

            Expensive for what it has to offer. At 48.00 bucks a night yes they do have WIFI in the RV section. They do have concrete pads. It’s a shame they are worthless they are to small to park the average RV on an are on the wrong side of most rigs unless you pull in 1/2 the sites the electric is on the wrong side. The sites are gravel and not level the rest rooms are new and nice. The horse stalks are very nice. If you have a large horse trailer type camper your screwed the sites are small so that only leaves you with the RV sites that are a few 100 feet away from the stables If you want to walk threw the drainage ditch add about 300 ft if you don’t want to walk threw the muck. It’s a shame when they paved the entry road they didn’t spend a little more. “Grant money “ or tax money an do it properly. The main play ground is extremely nice. About 1/3 Mile walk. They do have a small playground in the rv section. For horses again they have a nice setup for big RVs it Sux they have a dump station. Situated in between the entry road to the Fkatwood rv section and equestrian area The main lake is nice you can rent kayaks canoes. Or use your own boat. The boat ramp is nice the other end of the lake at the flat wood rv section. Is t really a lake it’s a back water shallow mud hole depending on the time of the year. Mosquitoes the size of jet fighters. Will rather eat you alive or carry you off. “Lol sorry could t resist “ it gets bad the park is clean and well maintained Except for the camp sites

          • 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!

          • Randy P.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Follow The River RV Resort
            Aug. 25, 2024

            Follow The River RV Resort

            Great campground

            We absolutely love this campground, very friendly staff and well kept and clean!! They are pet friendly and allow portable fences.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from East Fork State Park Campground
            Aug. 24, 2024

            East Fork State Park Campground

            Decent spot to tent camp (while working on my “itty bitt” camper

            Lot372 sits in a little into the woods. Makes it cool for camping. Real camping without a camper. lol shade some sun but watch out for the yellow jackets!

          • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from East Fork State Park Campground
            Jul. 21, 2024

            East Fork State Park Campground

            Spacious site

            We enjoyed this site a lot. Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another. There was a tree for shade and plenty of space and grass to walk our dogs. Shower house was great!

          • 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.

          • 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!

          • steven B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Big Bone Lick State Park Campground
            Apr. 27, 2024

            Big Bone Lick State Park Campground

            Nice state Park

            We stopped at the park for 2 nights (Sun, Mon). The park was peaceful and relaxing. We were able to pick up provisions and enjoy dinner in Walton. Site had electric and water. The dump station has 2 stations. One requires circling back through the campground after use.

          • Elizabeth R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
            Apr. 26, 2024

            Wildcat Creek Farm

            Quiet and social animals!

            Such a quiet place. The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!

          • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Horse Park Campground
            Apr. 7, 2024

            Kentucky Horse Park Campground

            Quiet offseason stay

            Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country. Slightly rolling hills in campground but mostly level sites. We chose site 13 because it looked level in pics and had some open green space behind for our dog (neighboring site did as well). Able to set up with no boards or leveling blocks.

            Lots of trees in campground (leaves hadn’t started back yet) and medium size lots with water and electric only. Two dump stations available. 2 laundromats, a pool (closed when we were here), and large camp store.

          • Jess S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Callie’s Lake and Campground
            Mar. 9, 2024

            Callie’s Lake and Campground

            Simple and Well Done

            Our first outing in our pop up. Camped in early March and Thursday we were the only ones at the water+electric sites, but many more came in on Friday.

            Straightforward facilities but well done with the bath house, roads, signage, and hookups. A quaint lake, good store, and wonderful pizza!

            We have Verizon and had 3 bars of LTE, but sometimes struggled to load rich content. As a remote worker I purchased 72 hours of WiFi for $20, which was great but only worked for 1 device.

            It’s not like some parks that is basically a parking lot, but I imagine it would feel crowded in peak season. We’d definitely come back and would aim for the lakeside spots.

          • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Oak Creek Campground
            Jan. 14, 2024

            Oak Creek Campground

            Oak Creek Campground KY

            Good enough spot to stay for the night in a van/RV. Sites were a bit cramped, but level. Bathrooms and showers available.

          • Kurt B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
            Dec. 11, 2023

            Wildcat Creek Farm

            Wonderful Hospitality and Beautiful Location

            A campsite settled upon the bank of the Kentucky River with a friendly farm cat, goats, horses and cow we delighted in a campfire as the sun set and the stars came out. Our host had guided us into our weekend home and delivered a wagon load of firewood for a night of warmth and comfort. The night sky of stars and quiet stillness brought a calm and peace from our busy week. 

            We look forward to another weekend excursion to the farm next year.


          Drive Time


          Guide to Cynthiana

          Cynthiana, Kentucky, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With beautiful landscapes and unique amenities, these campgrounds provide a perfect escape into the great outdoors.

          Local Activities for Tent Campers

          • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at the scenic The Ole Cornfield, where the Licking River provides ample opportunities for water activities.
          • Explore the trails and rock formations at the Red River Gorge Campground, a well-reviewed spot known for its stunning views and hiking options.
          • Experience the charm of farm life at Wildcat Creek Farm, where you can interact with friendly animals and enjoy a peaceful riverside setting.

          Tent Camping Prices

          • Tent camping at Tree Line Retreat typically ranges from $20 to $30 per night, making it an affordable option for families and solo adventurers.
          • At Free Spirit Homestead, expect to pay around $25 for a night under the stars, with a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
          • For a unique experience, Mimsey's Mayhem offers tent camping for approximately $30 per night, perfect for those looking for a cozy getaway.

          Tent Camping Amenities

          Frequently Asked Questions

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

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cynthiana, 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 Cynthiana, KY?

            TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Cynthiana, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.