Camping options near Elizabethtown, Kentucky, span across several counties within a 40-mile radius of the city. Located in Kentucky's Heartland region at approximately 725 feet above sea level, the area features rolling hills, limestone bedrock, and moderate temperatures that typically range from 40-88°F throughout camping season. The surrounding waterways include three major lakes: Green River Lake, Nolin River Lake, and Rough River Lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Green River Lake offers excellent bank fishing access at Holmes Bend where multiple species are active. "Great campground with over 100+ sites. Some are primitive sites but most have water. The best are the hiking trails. It's a short drive or walk thru the woods to trail head. Fishers bend has over 5 miles of trails," notes one camper.
Water activities: Nolin River Lake provides warm water swimming from late spring through early fall at Wax - Nolin River Lake. A camper shared: "The water was very warm and calm. It is off the beaten path and you are about 30 min from a grocery store, so make sure you stock up before you go."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound near many campgrounds in the region. "Right from our camps we could see a trip of Redheaded Woodpeckers playing as well as a mama Northern Flicker feeding her babies. We even saw a giant Pileated Woodpecker! There were also herons, mourning doves, ravens, and more!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the cleanliness of Moutardier campground facilities. "The campground was very well manicured and clean. Many of the sites were right on the lake. They were close together but did not seem it as they were on different levels and angles. Everyone was quiet and courteous. Bathrooms were very clean and well lit."
Spacious sites: Visitors appreciate the roominess at many campsites. "At first look even the empty campground appears congested and close together. But it's the long site entrances and the site itself all framed with synthetic timbers with white chat fill. Simply beautiful. Sites were well spaced and spacious with a fire ring and table."
Water views: Many campsites offer direct lake access or views. "This place is amazing with direct view and access to the lake, it was spacious, leveled, had a fire pit, picnic table and small cooking table. Tip: pick a site with trees so you can get some shade as it gets really hot during the day."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity. "Very humid and virtually no shade at our site. Would go back!" says one camper about Dog Creek Campground. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Practically no cell service with Verizon or AT&T," reports one camper. Another mentions: "No cell signal so it's rustic camping which is good for some but not so much when alone."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from May through September. "Our agenda was one night, but it was so nice we spent two. Other campground should aspire to use the park as a model. We were in loop C and the other loops seemed just as nice."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds specifically for children. "The little catch-and-release pond is well-stocked and there is a catfish pay lake across the street, so our boys had plenty of fishing to keep them busy," says a visitor at Singing Hills RV Park And Campground.
Beach access: Many sites offer swimming beaches. "Paved roadways great for biking and walking. Some spaces and turns would be tight for larger rigs. Playground has red clay dirt, so that was a bit messy."
Halloween events: For fall camping, look for special activities. "Family friendly Halloween fun. Has a decorating contest with trick or treat in the campground. Safe and clean with lots of restrooms and lake front sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV parks Elizabethtown, Kentucky visitors recommend researching site specifics. At Smith Ridge - Green River Lake, "sites 1-30 are wooded and semi private. 31-80 are set more in a park complete with playground and street lights near the bath house."
Power concerns: Check electrical reliability when booking. "Location was excellent, close to the water. They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances."
Road navigation: Some Elizabethtown area rv parks have challenging access roads. "The road in/out is very narrow, very tight and not easily navigated with a 40' 5th wheel. Also, be very careful about sites, many are extremely undeveloped and while we booked a 70' pull thru, it was actually down on the side of the hill with an almost 90° curve."
