Near Adams, Kentucky, camping options are scattered among the Appalachian foothills at elevations ranging from 600-900 feet. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cool nights in the 60s. Camping facilities near Adams vary widely in development level, from primitive riverside sites to full-hookup RV parks with separate equestrian accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, visitors can fish the well-stocked 225-acre lake. "Very nice and quite campground with an awesome lake to kayak," notes Wyatt H., highlighting the dual water activities available.
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers guided cave tours approximately 35 miles from Adams. "Various levels of cabing experience at a reasonable cost. Lots of hiking, fairly well marked. Almost every hike is relatively short with an arch or natural bridge as a feature," explains Bryan G.
Horseback riding: While bringing your own horse is necessary, the area provides multiple trail options. The German Bridge - Dewey Lake area accommodates equestrian campers. "For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn," reports Stephanie T., indicating limited but available horse boarding facilities.
What campers like
River access: The Ole Cornfield campground sits directly alongside the Licking River, offering water recreation. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," states Karen P., describing the family-friendly water features.
Secluded sites: Twin Knobs Recreation Area provides well-separated camping spaces. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites," notes STEPHEN H., highlighting the privacy that many campers value.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. According to Paige B., The Ole Cornfield has "Bath houses are extremely clean and the camp ground is meticulous, with level spots," a sentiment echoed about other area campgrounds.
What you should know
Uneven hookup access: At Ashland Huntington West KOA, electrical connections can be problematic. "We stayed for an overnight. Site was NOT very level. On gravel. Picnic tables and fire ring," reports Felicia H., highlighting a common issue at several area campgrounds.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly across the region. At Twin Knobs, reception can be spotty: "Internet service is spotty there– our Verizon hotspot worked ok, but the Sprint was super slow," mentions Bounding Around.
Weather considerations: The region experiences occasional heavy rainfall, particularly in spring. "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well," notes Karen P. about Twin Knobs, indicating the importance of choosing well-draining sites.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers activities beyond standard camping. "This Recreation Area offers hiking trails, picnic opportunities, along with shelter house rentals for those family get togethers," mentions Lisa S., pointing out the family-friendly amenities.
Water activities: Multiple locations provide safe water access for children. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee," shares Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer structured wildlife observation. "There's a small wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation," describes Jennifer B. about Chief Logan State Park Campground, just over an hour from Adams.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with adequate space for extensions. "Campsites feature huge sites for plenty of recreational activities and still have space left over," notes Lisa S. about Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.
Hookup challenges: Bring extra hose and electrical cord length. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Park.
Leveling requirements: Many sites in the region require additional equipment. "Beautiful place to camp. Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others," says Wendi L. about Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius, highlighting the importance of bringing leveling blocks.
