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Best Campgrounds near Elizabethtown, KY

652 Reviews

Just a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park, Elizabethtown makes a good base camp for Kentucky adventures. The national park's campground has basic restrooms and picnic tables, but fills quickly in summer months - you'll want to book ahead. Nolin Lake State Park Campground sits by the water and works well for swimming and boating trips. Watch for fire bans during dry weather, which happen fairly often in late summer. Spring and fall camping brings better temperatures and colorful trees without the crowds. Local mountain bike trails built by the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association run through several nearby areas. History buffs can camp and then visit Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace National Historical Park in the same day. Most local campgrounds limit stays to 14 days, which gives you enough time to see the main attractions. Check the specific permit rules before you go, as they vary between county, state and federal lands. Elizabethtown's central location puts you within reach of hiking paths, fishing spots, and quiet camping areas throughout this part of Kentucky.

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Best Camping Sites Near Elizabethtown, Kentucky (74)

    1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    137 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave, KY
    38 miles
    +1 (270) 758-2424

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves."

    "green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!"

    2. Cecilia Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, KY
    7 miles
    +1 (270) 723-4124

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful country farm setting old dairy farm located near Cecilia. There are several mowed areas one is near a fishing pond. Firewood purchasable from the host!"

    3. Glendale Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hodgenville, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 369-7755

    "The people were very nice and the lake was beautiful"

    4. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    New Haven, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 348-3502

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Located very close to Bardstown and a lot of distilleries on the bourbon trail, the campground is great, very small fills up fast."

    "My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is a small campground, clean, and friendly staff. There is a golf course on site. Plenty to see, including My Old Kentucky Home, the tour was amazing."

    5. Longview RV Park

    1 Review
    Radcliff, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 982-3526

    $38 / night

    "Nice RV resort off of I65 in Elizabeth Town KY. Stayed a week and it was a quiet park and the staff was helpful and friendly."

    6. Louisville South KOA

    22 Reviews
    Shepherdsville, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 543-2041

    "Will absolutely come back again especially with the proximity to the city but having peace and quiet to the south. The walking trail was much longer than expected and really nice."

    "There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers."

    7. Otter Creek Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Garrett, KY
    19 miles
    Website

    $12 - $22 / night

    "Very popular campsite for the surrounding area. Otter Creek runs through the Outdoor recreation area. Lots of hiking, biking and horse trails. Great opportunities for fishing also abound."

    "Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville."

    8. Camp Carlson Army RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Fort Knox, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 624-4836

    $5 - $19 / night

    "Newer facilities on Fort Knox, Kentucky.

    Very clean and pleasant stay.

    Quiet and peaceful.

    Located conveniently near Louisville, Fort Knox, and central Kentucky area."

    9. White Acres Campground

    12 Reviews
    New Haven, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 348-9677

    "Bardstown Kentucky"

    "Well I really have nothing bad to say, it’s a country setting on the outskirts of Bardstown, KY. It’s just a few miles away from the scenic parts of town."

    10. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    18 Reviews
    Fairdale, KY
    26 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Having lived 62 years in Kentucky, less than twenty minutes from the Jeff. Forest, leaving to explore USA, then returning to my home state allows me a unique point of view."

    "Tent sites have so many trees surrounding them. If you're looking for more privacy anything off of the loop will do just fine."

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Recent Camping Photos near Elizabethtown, KY

162 Photos of 74 Elizabethtown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elizabethtown, KY

652 Reviews of 74 Elizabethtown Campgrounds

  • dereck R.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tree Tops RV Park

    Nice quiet place

    Nice quiet place. Very level. He takes very good care of the lot with gravel. The owner also runs an RV repair so you can get on-site repairs. Very useful. The shower house and bathroom are for emergency use only. Laundry room has a four-digit security code to get in. Most of the people staying here are long-term or semi-long-term. Lots of pipeline inspectors currently. Everyone has really nice rigs. Rate discount rates for 6 months or longer. Everything included except electric. Meters red monthly. Accepts mail delivery and package delivery.

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Very nice remote campground

    This is a very nice and clean campground with about 10 sites. It is part of Mammoth Cave National park. That means I could use my lifetime pass and it only cost $10 per night. Ranger came by twice a day. Very clean port a pottys that are maintained well. Dumpster for trash and each site has a fire ring. Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow. These sites are listed as "Tent Only" but I got my Dodge van in no problem. In my 3 days here I saw many tents, a small pop up camper, and 2 vans. Anything larger would be a problem I think. Reservation only and pay online. Not much cell signal here, maybe 1 bar on Visible. (Verizon) Decent signal on Starlink mini at site 1. Sites are right along the side of the Green River and the temperature here was a consistent 3 degrees F lower than in town. Lot of shade, not good for solar.

  • Becca M.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Grand Trails RV Park

    Not for rv stsys

    This place could be nice but it is full of permanent trailer occupants, which is fine but .  It shouldn’t be advertised as a RV park.  There were 3 empty spaces, we chose  one and we couldn’t hook the sewer up because the pipe is too high off the ground.  They charged us 45.95 which is too high for the amenities offered.  The spaces are very close, no table, no place to set up a bbq.  We should have left but we were very tired.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Singing Hills RV Park And Campground

    Super nice staff, great location

    Staff is very nice and informative.

    Close to Mammoth National Park…we were lucky to book a tour and it was really good, our teenagers liked it. We also rode Alpine slide across the street near the RV park.

    Campground had small catch and release pond. Lots of nibbles, one catch…sunfish. No laundry here…laundry mat 10 mins away, Wash n Fold? Super clean but expensive with nice machines. No bathroom there! Connected to car wash if you need. Bath house at Campground has everything you need but dated.

    Our site had issues, no fire ring,,,other sites had one, we didn’t ask about getting one…it probably wouldn’t have been a big deal to grab one from another site. Our parking area was level with gravel. Our water hookup was weird…it ended up under our back bumper were we had to crawl under to connect. And we had issue with 50 amp…the plug needs attention…it turned off at 0430 and we switched to 30amp. No big deal with any of it, but all together we will pick a different site next time.

  • B
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Louisville South KOA

    Avoid Louisville South KOA

    My family of 5 has camped at KOAs across the country with our professionally converted 12’x6’ RV trailer (electrical, but no AC/septic). Upon arrival at Louisville South KOA, I checked in and was escorted to our site by staff. Moments later, we were approached by the campground owners who told us we could not stay because our trailer did not come from a factory with AC or septic.

    I confirmed with KOA Corporate that no such rule exists, and this KOA’s justification was based on “KY Health Codes” which they could not show me in writing. Despite offering to tent-camp with our trailer in storage, we had to leave and pay $100 more to stay at a private campground over an hour away.

    Nowhere on the Louisville South KOA website is this “rule” disclosed. This was a clearly discriminatory and arbitrary. If you travel in a custom trailer or unique camper, avoid this location.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Jellystone Park at Mamoth Cave

    Well maintained, easy access sites

    Kid friendly park, no mature trees in new section but concrete pad with grill and fire pit. Pool with splash pad, pools, pillow pads, multiple playgrounds, dog parks and kennels are available. Also, lots of golf carts to rent.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground

    Nice State Park

    nice state park. several shaded sites w electric and water hookups. clean restrooms. great nature center w ranger tours. several hiking trails w various difficulties

    lots of caving activity in area

    several local restaurants to visit. overlook and 1816

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Quiet. Clean. Beautiful. It’s a winner

    This campsite is beautiful. We rolled in for the night in the return leg of an epic roadtrip. The site looked out on the small lake. It was level and required no adjustments. The bathrooms are dated but very clean. Overall, this was a great spot.

Guide to Elizabethtown

Camping near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive from Elizabethtown, this park is famous for its extensive cave system. One visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground said, "We really enjoyed the four days we spent at the Mammoth Caves Campground, right in the national park."
  • Enjoy water activities at Nolin Lake: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle around the scenic waters. A reviewer at Nolin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental."
  • Fishing and swimming: Many campgrounds, like Baileys Point, offer fishing spots and swimming areas. One camper noted, "We loved fishing and swimming in the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park said, "The bath house was very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Louisville South KOA shared, "The staff are super helpful."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A guest at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space."

What you should know:

  • Limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Mammoth Cave Campground, do not have electric hookups at the sites. A camper pointed out, "There are no electric hookups."
  • Busy during peak season: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during summer. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground noted, "The campground is great, very small fills up fast."
  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Louisville South KOA mentioned, "You WILL be up all night with the barking chihuahua on the next site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave said, "There is so much to do, that 5 days doesn’t seem long at all."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park mentioned, "The sites are level with water and electricity."
  • Pack outdoor games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Baileys Point shared, "Our highlight is definitely the fall because we participate in the Halloween festivities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kentucky Taylorsville Lake State Park noted, "The sites are not tight but spread out."
  • Bring extension cords: Some sites may require longer cords for hookups. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. A visitor at Kentucky Moutardier said, "The campground is clean with good amenities."

Camping near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Elizabethtown, KY?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of Elizabethtown. Longview RV Park is situated directly in Elizabethtown, offering a quiet stay with helpful, friendly staff. For those willing to venture slightly further, Nolin Lake State Park Campground is a fantastic option with beautiful lake views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Other quality options in the region include Camp Carlson Army RV Park on Fort Knox, Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park near Bardstown, which is especially popular for visitors exploring Kentucky's Bourbon Trail.

Are there tent camping options available in Elizabethtown, Kentucky?

Tent camping is available near Elizabethtown at several locations. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground offers spacious tent sites with nice picnic tables and access to hiking trails and boat rentals. Dog Creek Campground on Nolin River Lake provides tent sites in a well-maintained setting with access to water activities. Glendale Campground also accommodates tent campers with basic amenities including water and toilets. For tent campers seeking additional options, Mammoth Cave National Park is within driving distance and features established tent sites close to the visitor center with clean facilities.

Can I rent a camper in Elizabethtown for my trip?

While there aren't dedicated camper rental services specifically in Elizabethtown mentioned in reviews, several options exist in the broader region. Louisville South KOA, about 25 miles north, may offer cabin rentals as an alternative to bringing your own camper. Many visitors to the area bring their own RVs or arrange rentals through nationwide services like RVshare or Outdoorsy, which connect travelers with private RV owners. For those seeking a rental, check with My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground to see if they offer seasonal cabin options. Louisville, about an hour away, has several dedicated RV rental businesses that service the Elizabethtown area.

What RV parks and facilities are available in Elizabethtown, KY?

Longview RV Park is directly off I-65 in Elizabethtown, offering a quiet atmosphere with helpful staff. Camp Carlson Army RV Park at nearby Fort Knox features newer, clean facilities with access to Otter Creek and a stocked fishing lake. For those willing to drive a short distance, Cave Country RV Campground offers well-maintained sites with beautiful landscaping, and Louisville South KOA provides pull-through gravel sites and back-in spots with nearby amenities. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups, though specific amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally good throughout the region, with both AT&T and Verizon providing reliable coverage.

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