Best Glamping near Fort Knox, KY

Recent Glamping Reviews near Fort Knox, Kentucky

360 Reviews of 19 Fort Knox Campgrounds

• 

  Jill R.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 18, 2016

  Louisville South KOA

  Dirty Derby

  WE went to this KOA during the kentucky derby weekend, so of course you can expect it to be packed, we made reservations months ahead. When we got there is was not only packed, but there was no one enforcing the quiet hours, and it seemed like the cleaning staff could not keep up. There were loud people all through the night, and trash was overflowing everywhere. I'm not sure what it's like during other weeks of the year, but during the kentucky derby week it is a hot mess.

• 

  Jim C.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 3, 2018

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Great Public Camp Site

  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.

  It is an older campsite with the facilities in need of an upgrade, but serviceable. Used to be owned by the city of Louisville Parks and Recreation, then set dormant and unused for several years before the State of Kentucky took over.

• R

  Robert P.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 21, 2022

  Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

  $15/night; Jefferson Memorial Forest Family Campgrounds

  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. The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Due to fall, the sites seem much closer than they are due to the thinning foliage. Friendly neighbors, standard picnic table/fire pit/port-a-potties/potable water. Roomy campsite and room for my son to visit in his car with my van parked inside the campsite. Lots of trees for hammocking. Lots of downed wood for easy collecting, lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods.

• 

  Daniel S.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2017

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Mammoth caves rules

  This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves. You will find a clean campground as well clean facilities. The sites are relatively close but plenty of space for familiy party's.

  Theres many activities to be had here but obviously mammoth cave is what it's all about. After driving past mammoth caves for years we finally decided to stop camp and explore. It was worth every penny. The cave, although geared to tourist is still rediculous. Apparently one of the biggest cave systems in the word. You will enjoy your time here. It's crazy to think your in Kentucky when you in there...we'll except for the accents.

  Cheers!

• 

  Beth F.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 11, 2021

  Nolin Lake State Park Campground

  Star gazers delight

  One of my absolute favorite spots to camp!! We had a blast this past September. A lovely time to camp and still warm enough to swim at their sandy beach. We enjoyed fishing and caught a variety of fish like catfish, bluegill and bass. The bath houses are well maintained and quite clean. Super nice playground which the kids fully enjoyed! Extremely helpful park staff and plenty of firewood and extras available to purchase. Before we arrived it flooded and our site was under water but they were kind enough to move our site back and accommodate our reservation. The sky was so clear and bright. Almost zero light pollution allowed us to see many constellations, the milk way, falling stars and the brightest, most breath taking view of the night sky. This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!

• 

  Bethany W.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 11, 2020

  Horse Cave KOA

  Great bath house, some nice sites

  They have recently built a new bath house and it’s awesome. It has rooms that each have a toilet, sink and shower. Total privacy! Nice and clean as well. Big points for this amenity.

  We had a new site, 6, totally paved and great view of the conestoga wagons and pastures. Came with a movable fire pit and nice picnic table. I think it’s the best site.

  Our main issue was the dump station, horrible layout. What takes us maybe 10 minutes took over 25. Plan ahead or decide to dump elsewhere.

  The area around the KOA is a bit suspect. You can see an adult store, pass a confederate store on the way into the KOA and have business that are abandoned . While the KOA cannot prevent these things it’s worth noting for travelers. The KoA is a 4 star, if I factored in the area it would be a 3.

  Easy trip down to Mammoth Cave. Very close to Hidden River and Kentucky Down Under.

• 

  Cynthia K.

  Legend

  

  May. 19, 2023

  Horse Cave KOA

  Very nice campground

      We stayed at this KOA many years ago on our way home. I again needed an overnight stop on our way home & booked here again. WOW! things have changed.

   We got a fabulous patio site that was twice the size of our camper. It had a gorgeous view of the Kentucky hills. Full hook up.

  The sites all looked very nice. They had teepees, covered wagons & a couple of treehouses. A nice area for tents as well.

  The pond is catch & release. 

  The pool wasn't open yet.

   The bathrooms were outstanding! Recently remodeled? Clean as well.

  They had a nice camp store I really didn't get to explore. 

  So many activities for kids.

   The worst thing I can say about it is there is highway noise from I-65, but really I feel we've had worse.

   Looks like a nice base camp for the surrounding area.

   Thanks office ladies for the Derby pie!

• 

  Sarah J.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  Marengo Cave Campgrounds

  Relaxing Setting

  Overall this truly was a cute little spot to camp out on our way to Kentucky! One of the benefits of this site is that the cave and gift shop are right there, so you have a cool Opportunity to take a tour and then stay in the same area. The campgrounds are all equipped with a nice fire pit, picnic table, lean to, and the availability of electric hookup. The campgrounds also has a couple newer cabins that look really cute. The camper and tent spots are right along a cute little creek so it was very pleasant. They have a small shed attached to the gift shop that has firewood for sale. They have a small cafe that sells the usual hot dogs, chips, soda and the sort. They also have a larger open air pavilion that they provide yard games like, cornhole, horseshoes, and other games, so pretty nice. I would definitely recommend this as it is small and intimate, but if you are looking for private seclusion this is not for you.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Not just for bat lovers

  I went to Mammoth Cave National Park the first time as a child with my family in the 70’s. I took my children to Mammoth in the 90’s. And I have lived within 45 minutes of Mammoth for the last 10 years. The only time during the last 10 years I was not at the Park at least monthly was during my deployment and when the government shutdown in 2013.

  In all that time I have visited the cave maybe 10 times. Spelunking was the most exhilarating visit. Make sure you check out the tour offerings online https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/gocavetours.htm well before your visit and reserve a place. If you wait until your visit you will probably have a hard time getting past the cathedral.

  All the other visits were spent enjoying all the other things there are to do at Mammoth.

  First and foremost is the camping. Mammoth has a campground adjacent to the Visitors Center which is basic except for two sites. There are reservable as well as walk up sites. A store, showerhouse, laundry and post office are co-located at the front of the campground and there are toilet facilities in the campground. I used the access points in the campground to hike some of the trails and walk to the visitors center.

  An aspect that I have just recently started exploring are the several dispersed camp sites throughout the park. These are free but you must check in at the Lodge before hiking to them. A good , waterproof map is key.

  In addition at Maple Springs on the far side of the Green River Ferry ( yes, there is a cool little two car ferry) is the Maple Springs horse and group site camping area. Nice basic, shaded area with trailheads in the area.

  Now that you have found your home for your stay what to do?

  Kayaking/watercraft, fishing: several companies work the Green River. If you brought your own craft they will usually meet you at the Green River Ferry parking area and transport you up river for a nominal fee. Check ahead at least a day so they are tracking you and can coordinate.

  Hiking, Trail Running, dirtbiking, , horse, Geocaching: My favorite trail run is from the main picnic area to the ferry, with several connectors. Just technical enough to keep you on your toes, definitely not a mountain but the hills and valleys give you good work out.

  The Maple Springs Trailhead is the major access point for all things backpacking and horse back riding. It even has a handicap accessible horse “loading” area which is wheelchairs friendly.

  If your going to geocache pre-save your coordinates and instructions cause there is no signal in the park. If you visit the restaurant at the lodge they have WiFi but it’s slloooowwwww. When we stay over I always try to do my site surfing first thing in the morning.

  If you are dirt biking check your trails, some are limited access.

  On our most recent visit we explored the new construction on the ferry trailhead. Pictures included.

  Not Mammoth related or affiliated but a few things you may want to try while in the area:

  http://www.kentuckywine.com/cave-valley-winery-at-park-mammoth-resort/

  Guns and wine, can’t get much more Kentucky then that!

  https://dinosaurworld.com/kentucky/

  Dogs allowed ;)

  http://kentuckydownunder.com/

  Educational and fun, who knew!

  http://mammothcave-adventures.com/

  You will drop some green here but it is a lot of fun!

  And there’s more ;) Happy Camping

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 5, 2018

  Celina Recreation Area

  Peace and quiet

  Celina Recreation Area is located in Hoosier National Forest near Branchville, IN off IN37. My drive in took me first through the rolling hills of upper Kentucky farmland, than across the Ohio River into Cannelton, IN where I found a sweet Winery named Blue Heron with excellent views and an awesome host/owner. There is a wine trail through the lower Indiana area that might interest you (Hoosier Wine Trail) if that’s your kinda sightseeing . 

  Tell City is where you might want to stop and get your supplies, there’s the usual fast food, gas stations and Wally World. The area Ranger Station is also in Tell City but it is closed on the weekends.

  We took IN37 which runs down the middle more or less of Hoosier NF. There is a zip-line “Eagles Wings” and a Citgo fuel stop enroute to the Celina RA.

  Once you turn into the Recreation Area Celina Lake and the two campgrounds (North Face Loop and South Slope Loop) are to the left, Indian Lake is straight. 

  Indian Lake is accessed by a basic boat ramp with parking only. I liked the fact that there are several parking pull offs along the road to the ramp to park and access the Two Lakes Trail which meanders around both lakes covering about 15 miles in all. The trail is moderate, technical but not too steep, a good workout. You can disperse camp for 5$ a night as long as you are 300 ft off the trail. 

  Celina Lake boat ramp has more to offer. There is a pit toilet and small picnic area in a small shaded grassy area between the parking area and boat ramp access road. 

  The parking area is handicap accessible with a small fishing pier that can be reached directly from the handicap parking spot. 

  The Rickenbaugh Historic family home and cemetery are located in the far side of the boat ramp with a kiosk and 1 mile Interpretive trail that tells the story of the area.

  We enjoyed the trails which is where we spent most of our time, sight seeing and communing with the crazy number of ticks present and hitching rides. 

  The boat dock was pretty busy though quiet due to the electric motor restriction. 

  The lake is good size, you could paddle to an area and disperse camp to fish or just enjoy the area. 

  The two campgrounds were well maintained with helpful live in hosts. North is Basic and South is RV with electric hook up. The dump station is south on IN37 near Tipsaw Lake. Both offer good shade and privacy. They were very peaceful . I liked North more then South the North sites were further apart offering the most privacy and quiet.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 9, 2018

  Nolin Lake State Park Campground

  Yaking on the Nolin

  Ranger Review of Boost Oxygen at Nolin River State Park

  Campground Review: Nolin River SP is one of our area favorites. Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two.

  This is not a huge State Park but it sits on Nolin River Lake and offers plenty of water sports to keep you entertained. The campgrounds were crowded when we visited.

  The RV campground sits behind a gated entry and has sites that have direct lake access. Very clean and well maintained, not a lot of shade or privacy though. The primitive/basic area is crowded. The sites are walk in and placed pretty close together under cedar trees. There is a fresh water point and the beach is a short distance away. There are some sites on a small hill lakeside that give an excellent view and have picnic tables.

  Obviously the main attraction is the lake, there is a lot of traffic on the lake. I kayak so at times it can be a little stressful when your wondering if that speedboat flying at you over the water sees you. I stayed close to the shoreline and did not attempt to cross the main thoroughfare. There are inlets that are less busy , you will usually see fishermen in those areas and travel is safer.

  In addition to the water Kentucky Mountain Bike Assiciation(KYMBA) has built a very nice trail system in the woods. I’ve never hiked the longest loop but the two shorter ones are challenging and fun to hike. Mountain bikers would find them very technical.

  On this visit we saw a new privately owned campground being built in front of the park entrance. It will be opening this season , graveled RV sites and a smal basic area for tents.

  Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I had the opportunity to use and review Boost Oxygen https://www.boostoxygen.com/ last summer. I recently received the smaller version of Boost Oxygen to take with me adventuring. Boost comes in three sizes and the one I reviewed is the mid-size version.

  I took Boost along with me on a vigorous hike in humid weather. It was more beneficial due to the humidity then the level of excercise.

  Pro: smaller size fit in one of my hydration packs front pockets

  Pro: easy to use

  Con: filling up those land fills

  Pro: it does make recovery faster

  Con: for amateur athletes/ sports enthusiasts not really sure it’s cost effective

  In conclusion if you are an extreme, high altitudes, low drag kinda adventurer this would be a worthwhile investment into your performance. For me, I can just as easily sit down and take a break, I’m in no hurry;)

• 

  Erin H.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 9, 2017

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Ranger Review: CRKT Birler Axe at Mammoth Cave Campground, KY

  Never a Dull Moment at Mammoth!

  Campground/Park Review:

  We first entered the park via the "secret" entrance, byway of a narrow road at the very north of the park, in which we had to take a single car automated ferry across the green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!

  The Campground itself's best feature is its proximity to the main park attractions. It's a few minute walk to the visitor's center, from which you can catch daily tours of all types ranging from themed cave tours to botony forest walks and guided history walks. Our normally restless kids were so taken by the 2 hr cave tour that they remained in near total silence and awe as we tunneled through this slow moving guided cave walk. You've got to make a reservation for tours - be warned, they fill up quickly. I recommend making a reservation at least a week before in the busy season (March-Sept), although up to a couple days before, you can usually get in, albeit not at your ideal time, most likely. Adjoining the campground is a more than adequate camp store, with all the common items and a few groceries you may need while there. Across a short walkway from the visitors center is also 2 restaurants, if roasting dogs on the fire isn't you thing, one cafe style with an ice cream shop, and another more formal table service in the historical Lodge.

  We went in April, one of the area's wetter months, and found the campsites to be well maintained, drained and free from debris. While no one enjoys wet camping, the great thing about this park is that the main attraction is always the same comforatable temp and weather year round - and you can spend a dry several hours while you avoid the rain spurts outside. The camping was quiet although crowded for spring break, sites were averagely spread apart (those near the front and the store had a bit more room) and included hook ups for campers. There's even a place to park your horse if horsecamping is something that interests you, very Kentucky, indeed. Bath houses are average but well maintained as all the park is.

  Product Review:

  Being a Dyrt Ranger, I sometimes have the chance to try out new products on our adventures. This time I was able to test out the Birler Axe by #CRTK.

  As anyone who's ever had to camp in moist conditions will tell you, it's no fun having to cut through a damp piece of kindling or wood. While we could purchase dry firewood at the campground, we had to chop our own kindling, which we found dry on the inside and wet on the bark...the Birler cut threw it like butter.

  It's compact size was easy to pack, and while I'd guess it weighs in at about just over a pound, and wouldn't be ideal for most backpackers, it was perfect for some average campsite wear. The quality was high, and it split a log like no body's business. There's enough heft behind it to make chopping easy, yet a short enough handle to maneuver. Balance was great. A leather sheath is sold separately, and while the axe comes with a rubber blade guard, is highly recommend a sheath for it as it's extremely sharp, unlike our old axe which had a hard time cutting through a carrot. We were the envy of the campground.

• 

  Ella L.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 24, 2023

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Good hikes with river views. Not a lot of solitude.

  My husband and I camped here in the May to escape Derby in Louisville. It's close enough to the city that it makes for an easy get-away. Even if you're not camping the hiking is pretty incredible and none of the trails are really to strenuous for an experienced hiker compared to other trails in the region. 

  This isn't the most quite campground you're going to find. There is an RV area and a loop for tent camping, the sites are fairly close together with some only having as little as a few saplings or briars between sites. The loop itself is a bulky gravel road that is VERY NOISY when campers drive on it, or in our case... a child drives their Barbie Power Wheels up and down the road until 10pm in the dark. 

  That being said.... it's close to the city. It's inexpensive and the firewood bundles are sizable. Our site didn't have a picnic bench, just a fire ring but the ground was mostly grassy and very level. It was a comfortable site and the majority of them looked pretty similar so it's hard to say there's a "best site" for privacy on the loop.  Our site was on the road leading up to the loop and those sites seem best since a few don't have campers across from them and they are spaced out slightly more than the sites on the actual loop... although you're further from water.  

  *This campground does allow you to make reservations

• J

  Jennifer C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 4, 2020

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Nice Quiet Spot

  Folks taking the reservation not have been nicer. Thank you Alice! We were the only tent campers!

• 

  Amber S.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 11, 2020

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Easy, Fun campsite

  We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun! My only complaint is it's very close to Field of Screams, the haunted park and it gets noisy at night.

• 

  Melissa M.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2021

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Nice campground

  We are on a cross country road trip and just stopped for the night. Very nice campsite. The area we were in was nice and private. Campgrounds has showers with good hot water pressure. Definitely recommend this campsite.

• J

  Jessica G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 31, 2018

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  There are a ton of primitive sites! It is first come, first serve though, which is scary if you like to plan. Most sites are spaced out, but some are wide open. There isn’t too much privacy, so you really have to choose your site well.

  A ton of sites to choose from

• 

  Melissa A.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 12, 2021

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Great Park

  One of our favorite spots to camp. Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville.

• 

  Alexia S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 4, 2019

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Love it

  Love going camping here it’s a great place for both tent and camper I’ve been camping here for years.

• 

  Hannah L.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 6, 2019

  Otter Creek Park Campground

  Good for a quick trip

  Good for a quick trip out of the city.

• 

  Chip

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 24, 2020

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Good spot in a pinch

  Spent 2 nights here while passing through on our way to Mississippi. We had full hook ups on a pretty level pull through site. Wifi and cable was good and we had decent Verizon service. Although our spot didn't have leveling challenges, I noticed some did. One class C I saw had his front wheels 6 inches off the ground. The people in the office were friendly and accommodating.

• J

  Jerry W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 14, 2022

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Last Minute

  Very helpful got a spot at last minute Not the most level spot but adequate

• T

  Trinda B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2022

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Very Accommodating

  Very nice campground the tent sites even have electric and water but my advice is try not to setup tent near the little pond they have, it stinks. Showers are great, if your tall like me, your gonna have to bend a knee to get underneath the shower head. LOL bathroom water pressure could be better. Very affordable!

• 

  Melissa H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 21, 2021

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  First time with our camper

  The people here are friendly. It's nice and clean would come back here anytime they have a nice pond and pull it's nice all around

• 

  Brandon B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 4, 2021

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Nice getaway

  Nice shady relaxing camp ground.

• P

  Phoebe M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2020

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  In a pinch

  If you need to make a one night stop en route to somewhere along I-65, this park is less than 2 minutes from the highway. It’s old school and a little creepy, but convenient.

• 

  Emily C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2021

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Great spot to rest

  The bathrooms were beautiful and air conditioned! They were very clean and smelled like a swimming pool. They were nice and cool after a hot sweaty day and tent camping.