Cave Creek Recreation Area and Rough River Lake provide access to various glamping options in Falls of Rough, Kentucky, beyond standard camping accommodations. The area sits at approximately 560 feet above sea level with an average summer temperature of 85°F. Most camping options operate from April through October, with July and August typically seeing the highest occupancy rates and temperatures.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Cave Creek Recreation Area features disc golf directly from camping areas. "The basic sites are at the top of the hill to the left... There is a disc golf course in the area," notes Shelly S. about the Cave Creek - Rough River Lake.
Hiking trails with elevation changes: Trail systems connect various camping areas with lookout points. At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, approximately 45 minutes away, "several hiking trails with various difficulties" are available according to Donald S., who mentions the "great nature center with ranger tours."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region offer fishing without requiring a boat. A visitor at Nolin Lake State Park Campground notes, "Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic," making it ideal for shoreline fishing.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: The Falls of Rough area campgrounds tend to be busier on weekends. Christina M. reports that Nolin Lake "started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a 'party spot' for locals."
Budget-friendly firewood: Compared to other regional parks, Mammoth Cave Campground offers reasonably priced supplies. Deborah C. noted at Cave Creek that hosts "had a massive firewood bundle for $5.00," considerably cheaper than some nearby options.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to see native Kentucky wildlife. Gloria J. shared about Mammoth Cave Campground: "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" mentioning that "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite!"
What you should know
Narrow access roads: Many camping areas around Falls of Rough have limited road access. Shelly S. warned about Cave Creek Recreation Area's approach: "The road is twisty and skinny. I'm not pulling a boat and would be concerned about passing in the curves."
Boat ramp etiquette: Heavy boat traffic requires patience and proper procedures. "Make sure you back as close to one side as possible. Someone will be attempting to back in beside you," advises a reviewer about Rough River Dam State Resort Park.
Tick prevention: The wooded areas require proper insect preparation. A visitor at O'Bannon Woods State Park noted: "Ticks were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."
Site reservation timing: Competition for premium spots requires advance planning. Laura O. reports that Nolin Lake State Park "books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families seeking kid-friendly options, select campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Vastwood Co Park "features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock," according to Chelsea B., who adds it's a "family friendly campground."
Swimming options: Several locations offer designated swimming areas separate from boat traffic. Benjamin W. commented that at Cave Creek, "lake activities were endless" and "there are very decent pontoon rates at the marina."
Entertainment amenities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond standard camping. William C. notes that despite feeling "cramped with the tightly squeezed camp sites," his "friends and family really enjoyed themselves" at Cave Creek.
Pizza delivery service: Vastwood County Park offers a unique convenience for tired families. Chelsea B. mentions, "Galaxy Pizza is conveniently located within the park - they will even deliver to your campsite!"
Tips from RVers
Electrical fluctuations: Some campgrounds experience power issues during peak season. When staying at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Bill B. reported: "The power would spike several times a day to 129-132 volts setting off alarm in coach... Highly recommend Surge Protector at this park."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require adjustment for RVs. At Cave Creek, sites are arranged "across and down the hillside to the lake and boatramp. The sites are in a tiered configuration with big rocks," according to Shelly S., making precise positioning important.
Limited premium sites: The best RV spots book quickly at most locations. "Most of the sites are rather private from each other," reports Debra W., suggesting early reservations for prime locations.
