Best Campgrounds near Frankfort, KY

Frankfort, Kentucky provides a range of camping experiences along the Kentucky River and nearby waterways. Elkhorn Campground and Kentucky River Campground offer established sites with various amenities, while Still Waters Campground provides access to both Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering full hookup sites. The region includes a mix of privately owned campgrounds and state park facilities, with many located within a 30-minute drive of downtown Frankfort.

Camping in the Frankfort area operates primarily from April through October, with some facilities like Kentucky Horse Park Campground remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. "We stayed at Elkhorn for 6 nights; it is a great place to use as a home base for the sites in Frankfort, as well as multiple distilleries. It is just 5-miles or 8-9 minutes to Buffalo Trace," noted one visitor. Cell service can be limited at certain locations, with one review mentioning that "due to the location, only Verizon and Visible cell phone users have service" at Still Waters Campground. Water levels on the Kentucky River and Elkhorn Creek can affect camping conditions, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Frankfort area. Several campgrounds provide direct access to the Kentucky River or Elkhorn Creek, popular for fishing, kayaking, and tubing. A review of Still Waters Campground described it as "extremely popular among locals who want to sit in an tube float and float down the creek to the Kentucky River, a trip that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours." Developed campgrounds typically feature amenities such as shower facilities, dump stations, and camp stores. Many sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and grassy areas. The proximity to bourbon distilleries, including Buffalo Trace in Frankfort and others within driving distance, makes these campgrounds convenient bases for exploring Kentucky's bourbon heritage while enjoying outdoor recreation.

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Best Camping Sites Near Frankfort, Kentucky (63)

    1. Elkhorn Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    "We stayed at Elkhorn for 6 nights; it is a great place to use as a home base for the sites in Frankfort, as well as multiple distilleries.  It is just 5-miles or 8-9 minutes to Buffalo Trace."

    "Surrounded by rivers and open green fields. Very nicely maintained. Lots of campers even this early in the season! Looks like kids and fishing folk would be in heaven."

    2. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $45 - $48 / night

    "I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"

    "Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"

    3. Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    25 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 863-2552

    $36 - $46 / night

    "Stayed here for 5 nights while attending an equestrian event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The staff at the park are really helpful & friendly.  "

    "About 30 minutes away from the Ark. Easy trip on I75, about 30 minutes. Some level sites, but most seem to have a slope."

    4. Kentucky River Campground

    5 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 227-2465

    $45 - $55 / night

    "The campground was a decent size, although we didn't drive around the entire loop. We were lucky enough to get a spot close to the river, so at night we could hear the river rushing next to us."

    "Close to: Castle and Key, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and West Sixth Brewery. Perfect location for some Bourbon Trail and beer hoping! I will definitely go back."

    5. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Mount Eden, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 477-8713

    $24 - $50 / night

    "We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake."

    "Better if you have a boat ( or rent one at the marina across the lake) good access to the lake, gets busy in the summer. Stores in decent proximity off property. Can get loud at times."

    6. Still Waters Campground

    4 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 223-8896

    $35 - $71 / night

    "This campground is located at the mouth of the Elkhorn Creek and Kentucky River."

    "Much less crowded out side of this event."

    7. Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    $50 - $65 / night

    "Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek."

    "Kids were none stop walking the dogs, and scootering up and down the road. Everyone was so kind, there was even live music!"

    8. Wildcat Creek Farm

    4 Reviews
    Lawrenceburg, KY
    12 miles

    $32 - $82 / night

    "A campsite settled upon the bank of the Kentucky River with a friendly farm cat, goats, horses and cow we delighted in a campfire as the sun set and the stars came out."

    9. Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    18 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 865-2003

    $30 - $55 / night

    "It's situated high up on the Kentucky river bank which is nice but there's little access to the riverbank except from the floating dock and boat ramp."

    "They take you to your sight assist you with backing in the rest rooms are very clean the pool is very clean they have a boat ramp into the Kentucky river a covered dock to fish off."

    10. Lake Shelby Campground

    14 Reviews
    Shelbyville, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 633-5069

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Lots of mud still around the camp sites. A nice parking lot in front of sites to back your rig up. Pads are small in length so be aware of that when it mentions it on the website."

    "RV sites and tent sites lakeside. Fishing, ducks. $5 swimming pool nearby. $20/night tents. Showers and restrooms. Nice parks nearby for equestrian, playground, disk golf course."

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Recent Reviews near Frankfort, KY

567 Reviews of 63 Frankfort Campgrounds


  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Nice place

    Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington.

  • Robert H.
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Northern Kentucky RV Park

    Nice place to stay on the way price is priced accordingly on the high side

    Very nice attendant helpful even tried to help me find a lower priced campground but the others were full

  • Kyle J.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clifty Falls State Park Campground

    High quality state park

    My only few gripes with this place. One all though the dnr staff is friendly I got pointed in the wrong direction 2 times about where to check in for camping. It is a very clean park. Just be sure if tent camping to hide your trash as wildlife is very brave to get up close and personal with your things

  • A
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Nice location, friendly staff

    Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek. Convenient to Frankfort, Georgetown & Lexington. Waterfront sites available, many concrete sites & some gravel sites. From what I hear, they have made many improvements and continue to do so. I believe most sites are full hookup & they are building cute little pergolas on several sites. I had a long, gravel pull thru site. Barely any room on the camp side but both ends were roomy. Cute little general store & a very clean little laundry building w/a change machine. Fire rings on all sites that I saw. I believe there are 2 play areas for kids & a pool. There is a dog park w/a side for large dogs & small dogs. It was shaded and had seating. Convenient to several distilleries including Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve. There’s a place nearby that rents kayaks and canoes. They have entertainment & a food truck on weekends.

  • 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.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    General Butler State Resort Park

    Been going there for years. Sites are tight, but well ran park.

    Clean, professional campground. Sites loops are tight but people with big fifth wheels were able to manage just fine. The fish were biting the weekend I was there!

  • Crystal R.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Lake Jericho Recreation Area

    Local, serene, family-oriented facility

    My family and I enjoyed this peaceful, nature spot in Henry Co to celebrate our 4th of July holiday weekend. The hubby and kids enjoyed easily accessible bank fishing while I was able to kick back and read a book by the beautiful, serene lake. The residents in the campground were extremely welcoming and invited us to their campground Independence Day festivities. The staff was very nice and took pride in their establishment. We will definitely be back to this local gem!!


Guide to Frankfort

Camping near Frankfort, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore the Kentucky Horse Park: This park is not just for horse lovers; it has trails and beautiful scenery. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country," highlighting the picturesque views.
  • Visit Big Bone Lick State Park: Known for its historical significance, this park offers hiking trails and a museum. A visitor shared, "A well-groomed and cared-for campground surrounded by a museum, bison prairie, hiking trails & other outdoor activities."
  • Hike at Clifty Falls State Park: The trails here are great for all skill levels. One reviewer noted, "The trails were really great! It was hot, and the wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Kentucky Horse Park Campground stated, "Very nice grounds, clean restrooms, and quiet."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of room between sites. A camper at Big Bone Lick State Park mentioned, "The park was peaceful and relaxing," which speaks to the spaciousness.
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Charlestown State Park have playgrounds and trails that kids love. One parent said, "My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park."

What you should know:

  • Limited sewer hookups: Many campgrounds, like Fort Boonesborough State Park, do not have sewer connections. A visitor noted, "No septic which we knew going in."
  • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Kincaid Lake State Park advised, "Most tent sites are not very level, it can be a bit tough with larger tents."
  • Busy during peak seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during summer. One camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park mentioned, "The campground is great, very small fills up fast."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Whispering Hills RV Park that offer playgrounds and pools. A parent said, "This park is great for kids. From the inflatables to the pool to the weekend activities."
  • Pack extra supplies: Bring along extension cords for power and water hookups, as many sites require them. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park warned, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Some campgrounds have noise restrictions. A visitor at Louisville South KOA noted, "Loud music started again at 7:58 AM," so be ready for early risers.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Taylorsville Lake State Park mentioned, "The sites were large enough for our liking."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Whispering Hills RV Park said, "Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk."
  • Be prepared for tight spots: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Louisville South KOA mentioned, "Spots were a smidge tight but totally do-able."

Camping around Frankfort, Kentucky, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks or RV-friendly campgrounds in Frankfort, Kentucky?

Yes, Frankfort and its surrounding area offer several excellent options for RV camping. Elkhorn Creek RV Park is a family-owned campground conveniently located near Frankfort with waterfront sites available, featuring both concrete and gravel pads. When visiting, follow their directions rather than GPS to avoid back roads. Elkhorn Campground is another great choice just minutes from downtown Frankfort and about 5 miles from Buffalo Trace Distillery, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The campground features well-maintained facilities including an exceptionally clean bathhouse and full hookup sites for RVs.

What amenities are available at Wildcat Creek Farm camping area near Frankfort?

Wildcat Creek Farm offers basic amenities that cater to campers seeking a more rustic experience near Frankfort. The site provides potable water access and toilet facilities for campers. Sites are drive-in accessible, making it convenient to set up camp. The campground operates on a reservation system, allowing guests to secure their spot ahead of time rather than relying on first-come, first-served availability. While not as developed as some state parks in the area, Wildcat Creek Farm provides the essential amenities needed for a comfortable outdoor experience in a more intimate setting.

What are the best campgrounds near Frankfort, KY for tent camping?

For excellent tent camping near Frankfort, Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites with nice picnic tables and access to hiking trails that lead down to the lake where boat rentals are available. Another great option is Two Rivers Campground, a peaceful campground where the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers meet. The grounds remain quiet even when full, and campers can enjoy pretty walks to the Kentucky River. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities and natural settings that make them ideal for tent campers looking to enjoy the outdoors within a reasonable drive from Frankfort.