Best Tent Camping near Dewey Lake in Kentucky

Recent Tent Reviews near Dewey Lake

412 Reviews of 7 Dewey Lake Campgrounds

• 

  Tena G.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2018

  Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

  So-so, "roughing it" at different levels ... but be prepared for anything!

  I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather. If you want to mix up your trip besides going camping or doing any recreational activities: Jenny Wiley Theater, mid June-early August, Outdoor Theater, (kinda like Summer Stock); Theme or special dinners at the Lodge, (mostly on weekends), year round; the community/ state park swimming pool is currently being "refurbished" and will be reopening, (hopefully) in Summer 2019. And, speaking of recreation, you can "hit the links" at the Stone Crest Golf Course, nearby.

  But, as for other recreational activities: there's bike riding, hiking, boating: recreational, travel, kayaking and fishing types. If you want to do any horseback riding, you have to bring your own horse and gear, but contact the JWSP office first on where you can ride your horse. Better yet, you can take about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge to the German Bridge Campground area up Cow Creek, which is also in the Dewey Lake area, Contact the Dewey Lake US Army Corps of Engineers for more details, (in other words, Google it). Plus, there are picnic shelters in different areas of JWSP, some of them right next to Dewey Lake.

  Now, as for camping, you have 3 type choices... #1. reserving a cabin near the Lodge, (and Dewey's, the local "watering hole"), kinda like "glamping", but it's rougher. (BTW, this area and the Lodge are the best places for getting a cell phone signal). #2. RV (Recreational Vehicle) Camping. There is a RV camping site not far from where I used to live, but from my personal experience, call the JWSP office at least 2 weeks in advance before the date you plan to use the site to see if there is going to be anything available on the dates you want, before making your reservation. First come, first served! #3. A. There are tent campsites next to Dewey Lake in various areas around the lake accessible by boat only, which are overseen by the Corps of Engineers, contact them or the JWSP office. Best place in my opinion: Campsite near the Dewey Dam/ Spillway Area. B. Other Outdoor Camping: Contact the Corps of Engineers or the Park Ranger's at JWSP. If you want to see some wildlife also, contact the local KY State Fish & Wildlife office that handles JWSP and Dewey Lake.

  But there's some stuff I've learned over the years living and camping in this area, that I think you must know, some of this you might have run into on other camping trips at other parks...

  1. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER!
  2. FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE! (Personally, I'd go to a pay lake).
  3. FCC LICENCE 2-WAY EMERGENCY RADIO (I prefer the Motorola ones, (white & red, also has a NOAA Weather Radio and FM Radio), you can get a brand new one for between $40-$60. The FCC Licence is currently $70, the feds do a background check on you, if you get the licence, it lasts 10 years).
  4. BEAR MACE - A BIG CAN OF IT! Not only do you have the Black Bears to deal with, you have the Coyotes too!
  5. IF YOU ARE AT A LAKESIDE CAMPING SITE, HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AT ALL TIMES! You might fall into the water by accident or you may have to jump into the lake at night in case of emergency!

  And last, but not least...

  6. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE A MOTORBOAT! NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BOAT! EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks on the recreational boats to see if the rules are being followed... if they aren't following the rules... you may have to pay a fine and/or do some time!

• 

  Melissa W.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 17, 2021

  Grayson Lake State Park Campground

  Good location, ok campground

  Negatives: This campground is pretty hilly. Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle with an open field behind them (but then you won't have any privacy or tree coverage). Even the RV camping on the inside of the loop across from us had its front tires suspended about a foot in the air to make it level though. Considering the flat spots are very limited, I don't think its a great tent campground and geared more towards RVs. One side of the campground runs against a golf course. If you're tent camping over a weekend, be prepared to have golfers tee-ing off next to you beginning at 7am. On Monday morning, be prepared for them to start mowing at 7am. The opposite side of the campground sits against a tree-line and therefore has much better spots. Many of the picnic tables are in pretty rough shape. The ones that have been replaced were done with the metal style that is dipped in plastic and are much sturdier. Likewise, some of the firepits are in pretty bad shape. I'd recommend having a grill grate with you just in case if you cook over the fire like we do. The firewood that is sold at the campground is kept in a shed but it was very wet, there also aren't any options around for buying wood outside the park. The office is supposed to be open until 6pm but one night it was closed earlier and the camp host wasn't on premises all weekend so we were stuck resorting to finding and burning downfall to get dinner cooked. 

  The positives: Its a good location and there are plenty of kayaking spots on Grayson Lake. Going to "The Grotto" aka Clifty Falls is a must (4.5 mile round trip). The same boat ramp has a decent place to get in and swim. Lick Falls Loop hike can be done from the campground and was nice (4.5 miles). We also kayaked the Southern portion of Grayson Lake in Laurel Gorge and that was much quieter than the Clifty Falls area. The campground bathrooms were clean. Most of the campsites were a decent size.

• 

  Clark L.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 13, 2023

  Moxley Branch Campground — Beech Fork State Park

  Campground is nice….. pricing is a rip off!

  TENT camping with a simple firepit…… $63 PER NIGHT!!! it used to be $15. Ridiculous for a bare spot to pitch a TENT

• 

  Tammy G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2018

  Carter Caves State Resort Park

  good campground

  something for everyone ,rv to tent camping...also cabins and a lodge is available for reservations. great dinning at lodge. wonderful hiking trails...And cave tours.

• 

  Rob J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 3, 2018

  Breaks Interstate Park Campground

  Amazing park, decent campground

  Tent camped here a few weeks ago. Been on several day trips to the park. I love the trails, the waterpark and the views. Camp site is nice, but could use some work and an update.

• 

  Sara S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 31, 2016

  Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

  walk in

  This park is so beautiful in autumn! Even if a person comes for a picnic only a couple of hours they will enjoy the scenery. The hike-in tent sites are nice. I did expect a bit more privacy from a walk-in site but it was not busy when we were there, so it wasn’t a great issue. If it was busy, that may have impacted our experience greatly! There is a nice dock area if you have a boat otherwise there isn’t a whole lot to do (no hiking or anything like that). But an okay place to escape for a bit :) (the photo posted by another reviewer is a great view of the tent sites!)

• C

  Cheerio

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2023

  Twin Knobs Recreation Area

  Beautiful Area

  Stayed on the F Loop next to the lake, fire pit, picnic table, level tent site and bathroom showers a short walk. Camp hosts very friendly and helpful. campsite are close together.

• 

  Molly K.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 13, 2023

  Backwoods Camping & RV Park

  Wonderful night

  The staff was awesome. They were kind and helpful. We tent camped and there were only a couple rvs in the park so it was quiet besides the motorcycles and rvs up and down the main road. They have showers and bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic tables.

• S

  Shaun B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2019

  Twin Knobs Recreation Area

  Beautiful!

  Grew up going here and still to this day it is my absolute favorite place to camp. You can tent camp which is what we did growing up or you places for campers. Most of all of the sites are shaded. Close walk to the lake with quite a few walking trails. Nice bathhouse’s.

• 

  Ko L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 28, 2020

  Zilpo Campground

  A feel of wild camping

  The site I m at H37 is perfect site for tent camp which is a step below road level give you a necessary privacy you look and shade while you are camping . Only downside picnic table broken . The shower room is ok to do its job but which might need some maintenance. As two of 3 showers were broken .

• A

  Anne D.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 23, 2020

  Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

  Super!

  Stayed 2 nights mid week and campground wasn’t busy. Many nice tent sites and also good level RV sites. Easy access to hiking. Helpful resident manager. Management by Thousand Trails, although the campground is not associated at all with Thousand Trails. No reservations accepted. Self register and pay at the entrance.

• 

  Wayne H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2019

  Twin Knobs Recreation Area

  Twin Knobs

  This drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind. Twin Knobs is very clean and spacious campsites and most are on the water! This campground has basketball courts, a beach area, restrooms and more. Pet friendly but must stay on a leash.

• m

  marilyn M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 6, 2018

  Breaks Interstate Park Campground

  Beautiful park

  Absolutely beautiful park. Nice sized campsites. Perfect for tent camping. Good white water rafting w/dam openings daily

  Trails: Needs better signage on trail, especially as trails merge. Very steep switchbacks and difficult trails. Trail markers difficult to read or non existent in some spots. Wash outs and downed trees blocking trail common. Seems to be common in VA state parks, most staff had zero knowledge of their trails.

  20 minute drive to grocery, restaurants, etc

• T

  Toni S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2018

  Breaks Interstate Park Campground

  Rugged and Beautiful!!

  One of my favorite places to visit, camp, and hike!! Its gorgeous Appalachia with hikes ranging from casual strolls to very difficult. This park offers all of the amenities, full hookup if you want it or primitive tent sites, a nice lodge and restaurant, horseback riding, and zip lines!!! One of the camp hosts, Teddy, was super friendly and helpful with anything we needed. I LOVE The Breaks Park!!!

• H

  Haley

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2020

  Carter Caves State Resort Park

  Great park

  The park was beautiful and on a Tuesday/ Wednesday the tent sites were practically empty. Some sites are much more level than others, mine(114) wasn’t very level but was ok. The trails are beautiful definitely recommend the 4Cs trail if you have time they also had a cute little gift shop at the entrance. I definitely would bring your own firewood theirs that you can purchase wouldn’t light for anything..

• 

  Chris M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2020

  Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

  Great camping on the lake

  Camping: As far as camping goes there’s a little variety. On top of the hill there is camper sites with full hook ups which is actually quite spacious and spaced out from other sites compared to other campgrounds, but some sites are better than others of course. There is also primitive tent camping on top of the hill, but appeared slightly cramped. In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in. All sites throughout have fine gravel pad, picnic table, a fire ring and access to numerous bathrooms of which have a compost toilet and running water for the sink. Camp staff will deliver ice or firewood to any site if requested. Extras: The main attraction is the lake of course which is quite clean for swimming, boating or fishing, but can be a little busy at times. There are a few hiking trails near by, but I wouldn’t come here for that. There is a golf course and I did notice, but didn’t get to check out, there is a place called The Cove at Yatesville lake that has a beach for swimming with climbable inflatables in the water, kayak rentals and among other things. Conclusion: A great local place to have fun on a lake, but not somewhere I’d travel an extended distance to see.

• 

  Emily M.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 7, 2022

  Carter Caves State Resort Park

  Just okay

  The coolest things about this campground are the access to caves and hikes. Tent sites are closer together than photos made it seem. It wasn’t BAD but it also wasn’t my favorite campground I’ve ever been to. Bathrooms were fine. Firewood was expensive but there isn’t another place to buy that’s close, so prepare for that. $25 for 3 bundles. Best sites are 102 or 100. Campground is patrolled often by security/staff (?)

• N

  Name

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 18, 2021

  Pappy's Creekside Camp

  Family oriented riders paradise

  We have stayed at Pappys multiple times this year and each time is better than the last. We tent camp and always have plenty of room. Campground is located right next to the East Lynn outlaw trails. The owner and staff very friendly and even set us up with a local group to show us around. They also offer parking and you don’t have to worry about any one messing with your stuff because there is alway some one there! Just an absolutely awesome place for kids and adults.

• J

  Justin S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2016

  Carter Caves State Resort Park

  Geology and forests

  Definitely get a tour of the caves while you’re here. Camping is among the trees without much geology to see nearby. Pros: nice tent-only loop, very forested, fairly private tent sites, wildlife, many activities (hiking, cave tours, fishing, kayak rentals, swim, put-put, ranger talks), especially friendly & informed guides/caretakers, horse camp is far enough away to not smell like a farm. Cons: pool was a little too chaotic for us (but that’s typical), campground is bustling during the day but quieted down well at sunset.

• J

  Jeff H.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 4, 2023

  Carter Caves State Resort Park

  Fun fall getaway

  We went with three small kids. Great facilities, hiking, caving etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough to do all the things we wanted to. The tent sites are close together so we may not have enjoyed it as much if it were busier but we were lucky enough to get a site with no immediate neighbors. Pictures online made it appear that tree cover was not as good as it actually was.

• M

  Michael N.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2018

  Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

  Well Established Campground near Red River Gorge

  Is all tent and pop-up camping, so don’t plan on bringing in an RV. Campground is run by the National Park ServIce, so Golden Passes do apply for dIscounts. All sites are well wooded, and some tent sItes do have steps to pack your gear up, which does add privacy. Main bathhouse is fairly well maintained, and outer ones are just okay with some hot water service issues in the past. You can hike out of the campground to see part of Red River Gorge, but it is also nicely located to drive to other trailheads.

• 

  Kelley K.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 20, 2020

  Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

  Beautiful place, easy kayak launch, clean restrooms and showers

  We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in. I was by myself with my son and dog so I felt more comfortable being here near the bathhouse. There are raccoons who like to eat so be sure to put your food up at night. The lake is really calm. There are boats coming in and out but not "traffic" per se, no issues at all kayaking and we went out several times. Fishing was good with rooster tails and panther martin spinners (silver), 1/8 and 1/16 oz. The water was down so there were a lot of places to paddle onto the shore and wade fish. There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water. I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water. We never left the campground during the weekend, so I can't comment on the proximity to restaurants but it was only 5-8 min or so back to town. I had terrible phone service with Sprint here. We did have one new camper come in at 3am on Saturday morning to set up their tent and being so close to the entrance of the hike-in spots, I woke up. That was tough. When we go back, I'll pick a site further back up the hiking path and bring a wagon to tote our stuff. The staff at the gate are amazing and so friendly. The restrooms are clean. Three showers. NO ONE other than the tent campers seemed to use the bath house so I never waited for a shower or anything and there were several families tent camping and the rv sites were completely full. It's a really nice and safe place. I really recommend it and look forward to going back. One thing, the actual tent pad was 11x13 and seemed a bit small but worked fine for us.

• 

  Lucy P.

  Ranger

  

  May. 6, 2024

  Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

  Excellent little campground!

  One of the best forest service campgrounds I’ve stayed in. Beautiful and well maintained, lots of great hiking trails leaving directly from campground.

  A lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV, but amazing for tent camping. If you’re staying in a vehicle I recommend doing first come first serve or extensive research. The more slanted sites also are much more secluded - we couldn’t even see our neighbors most of the time. Unfortunately sound echoes so you can hear everything.

  No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult. Was on Verizon extended network and had hotspot service from at and t and t mobile.

• T

  Taylor W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2020

  Grayson Lake State Park Campground

  Well groomed and clean!

  This is one of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve ever been to! The bathrooms were immaculate and the grass green and trimmed! Our camping spot didn’t have shade which was challenging since we tent camp, but we learned which spot to try and get next time. We only stayed one night and spent the day at Carter Caves so we didn’t explore how to get to the lake but we could hear boats so it had to be close. There was also a playground and basketball court which I thought was great. The town of Grayson is pretty limited in dining out options so it’s best to plan on making most of your meals at the park.

• K

  Karen P.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 23, 2018

  Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

  Quiet and beautiful

  The campground has some really nice sites. Most are pretty level, but bring some blocks just in case. Some of the campsites are shaded and some are directly in the sun (18, 19, 21, 22, & 23). There was one (20) that you parked on beside the road and had to go down stairs to get to your picnic table and fire pit. We stayed on 15 at the end of a loop, kind of secluded. I definitely liked the loop that had sites 1 thru 15. Ours was further from the shower house (which was clean and typical of a state park), but there was a flushing bathroom at the end of the loop for our use. Nice hiking trails and beautiful scenery. There was a boat in campground closer to the lake. The trails led down to the lake at spots. The boat ramp was just a short drive over the hill and easy access. Fishing was great. We caught catfish, bass, bluegill, and crappie. Hosts were wonderful. We camped in a tent, but will return in our camper next summer.

• 

  Laura E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 24, 2021

  Thunder River Campground

  Great location, nice people

  We spent the weekend with several families for the weekend if the Lord of the Fork race. Pros- beautiful setting along the river at the base of the mountains. The owners and host are very nice, they even brought a trailer of firewood for campers to use over the weekend. The campground has wifi. RV sites have electric, water and sewer. A charging station is provided for the tent sites. Cons- the campground is overlit at night. They need to lose some of the lights. There is no bath house, just a couple of porta potties surround by a structure with a handwashing station. The host informed us that a new bath house was in the works and coukd be open in November. The railroad tracks are very close, so there is occasional train noise.

• 

  Daniel S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 12, 2017

  Zilpo Campground

  OVER RATED

  "Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites.  

  Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area."

  We were planning on staying multiple night because of the reviews online but it ended up being a whole lot of families with kids running around like wild beasts for hours on end. it truly annoyed us the entire time we were there and left early in the morning. I'm sure we could have spoke to some one and moved sites. It is advertised as above as fun for the whole family so we felt like dicks haha. whatever. moving along now.