118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Franklin, Kentucky provides a mix of camping options within a short drive of town, including established campgrounds like Dad's Bluegrass Campground and Bowling Green KOA. The area features tent and RV sites, as well as cabin rentals and glamping accommodations across south-central Kentucky. Several campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with basic amenities. Dad's Bluegrass Campground, located directly in Franklin, provides multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and even yurts, making it a versatile option for various camping preferences.
Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability and site conditions. Campers should be aware that while some locations offer comprehensive amenities, others provide more basic services. One camper noted, "It was about an 8hr drive from where I live, so we decided to stay here for a long weekend with friends. The attendants working in the front were super nice and helpful." Most campgrounds feature standard facilities like restrooms and fire rings, while more developed locations include amenities such as showers, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations. Proximity to Barren River Lake and Nolin River Lake provides water recreation opportunities during warmer months.
The campground landscape near Franklin includes several highly-rated locations. Campers report particular satisfaction with waterfront sites at nearby lakes. A reviewer described one lakeside campground as having "very level pads and all roads and sites are concrete," noting it was a "peaceful stay." Several campgrounds in the region maintain ratings above 4 stars on The Dyrt, with reviewers frequently mentioning friendly staff, well-maintained facilities, and natural surroundings as positive features. Sites with electric hookups, water access, and sewer connections tend to be more popular with RV campers, while tent campers gravitate toward more secluded, wooded sites. Winter camping is available but with reduced services at some locations, making spring through fall the most popular camping season in the region.
"The Bowling Green KOA, Ky is located on the outskirts of Bowling Green near the I65 and Natcher interchange. You can actually see the back end of the campground from the ramp that connects the two."
"Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was. Convenient to stores and restaurants. Laundry open 24/7 ($2.50)."
"While visiting family in Scottsville we were in need of a close by RV park for our 40’ rig. This was the perfect spot for us."
"A lot of people pull in for the night since it's right off the highway and behind a Pilot/Flying J, but it was still quiet."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability"There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."
"Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."
"This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves."
"green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!"
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: Roughly 20 miles from the Bowling Green, Ky I65 exit Baileys Point is a well laid out large campground."
"This campground is a favorite spot of ours that is close to home. it is only a 40 minute drive from Bowling Green. it has nice bathroom and shower facilities."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nashville north koa was a nice campground with a proximity to Nashville but away from the bustle. We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves."
"The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo."
"This is a great location(right off I-65) to explore all the Nashville area has to offer with convenience to downtown Nashville, the historic Franklin, TN community, and many other attractions...and if"
"There’s a train that passes by on the nearby track a couple of times a day, but it was never super early or late and didn’t bother us at all."
"Bathrooms near to the entrance were a little dated, but the ones near the dump station were nicer. The playground/beach area was nice."
"On Old Hickory Lake. Accomodates both tents and RV’s. Most sites have a lovely view of the lake if not directly along the shore. Swimming beach, playground, and marina both within walking distance."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It has conveinient access to I65 and Highway 31W. They have 30/50amp full service hookups and Cabins.
One of the coolest deals is the local winery deals while staying there."
"For restaurants and grocery runs, take I-65 South to exit 97. Of course, you have the Nashville scene, but check out Mansker’s Station for some rich history of true pioneer spirit."
"Being able to park your boat within walking distance of your camper, load up and go when you please, we loved that!
The park was clean and the neighborhood of the campground was very friendly!""right next to barren river state park lodge and marina. convenient to several stores and the towns of glasgow , scottsville, and bowling green, ky with excellent fishing and boating and viewing of wildlife"
from $33 - $46 / night
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ScoutLet me start off by saying that this Campground is not very ADA friendly and the dog park is atrocious. In fact the dog park is entirely off limits if you have mobility issues as there are no sidewalks and the dog park is unlevel and kind of a nightmare. Good place to stay overall. We did not utilize any of the amenities other than the full hookups at our site. We would stay again.
TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
TravelerSort of a narrow road in. Not well marked, you really just dead end into the campground. We arrived early but were told by attendant that check in was 3 pm and we needed to wait some where else. The other person said go on in. It has to do with cleaning the sites between campers. That I understand. Anyway backing in on 55 was easy and only took one pad to level. Hookups are convenient. Great views of the lake. Verizon worked pretty well. The
ScoutI live within an hour of this campground, and saw a one night opening with good weather, so trying it out. Every site is level concrete, and has a view of the river. Each site (15 total) has power and water. One dump station in campground. Bath house is good and clean. Best part, with my American the beautiful pass, its only $11 night.
TravelerThis place is great! Especially with kids. Swim beach in the campground side so easy to walk to. Clean restrooms and showers. I’ll definitely be coming back!
TravelerNice facility, friendly staff, well kept. Easy drive to the downtown area or to the Grand Ole Opry area.
TravelerGood campground, especially as a staging ground for Mammoth Cave National Park. Lots of people being their boats to camp and launch from the campground if that’s your thing. Showers were clean but do not have AC so it gets pretty humid and hot. Would recommend bringing/buying firewood from somewhere else, the designated firewood sold at the campground was pretty moist like it was freshly cut and did not burn well
ScoutWe were able to put in directly from the campsite. Did have some loud music from boaters who tied up on the shore so sites a little further back would be quieter
TravelerI love 1000 trails but this one is unfortunately in disrepair. The staff is wonderful and it’s pretty. But the free WiFi is only in the common room they have, Which is nice with billiards etc. the WiFi on the campgrounds is slow and costs with a limit of connections. The mini golf is barely usable. The Astro turn is destroyed so you’re playing it on broken concrete. And the props are broken probably that’s to rude guests. The playground is so broken it’s unsafe. Luckily, I was out there with my kids and I could catch them before they try to get on the sides that were broken before they came down and we ended up leaving that area. You can tell it used to be beautiful.
I love this place, but I feel like the WiFi, playground and mini golf should no be advertised.
Franklin, Kentucky sits at an elevation of 709 feet in south-central Kentucky's rolling hills, experiencing humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with higher humidity, making early fall and late spring the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is available at several campgrounds, though water services may be limited due to freezing temperatures.
Fishing opportunities: Barren River Lake State Resort Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with boat ramps near campsites. One camper noted it provides "excellent fishing and boating and viewing of wildlife" with convenient proximity to "the towns of glasgow, scottsville, and bowling green."
Cave exploration: The world-famous Mammoth Cave National Park is approximately 30 miles north of Franklin. A visitor recommends "the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience" and notes to "make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!"
Water recreation: Kayaking and swimming options abound within short drives. At Cedar Creek Campground, campers enjoy "a beach for swimming, clean bathrooms, and a sandy court for volleyball" with sites that have "a lovely view of the lake if not directly along the shore."
Live entertainment: Many campgrounds near Franklin feature regular live music performances. At Grand Ole RV Resort, campers enjoy "live free entertainment nightly and some of the most pleasant staff we have encountered." Another reviewer called their New Year's Eve entertainment "the most fun we've had out in a while. Nothing says Nashville like live country music!"
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to view local wildlife. A camper at Mammoth Cave Campground mentioned that "deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite!" adding that "the wildlife are very friendly!" This provides a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high cleanliness standards. A visitor to Dad's Bluegrass Campground remarked that they offer "a beautiful pool, playground and basketball court for kids" and that "the showers and toilet facilities are very modern and clean."
Seasonal considerations: While many campgrounds remain open year-round, services may change seasonally. A visitor to Bledsoe Creek State Park warned: "Beware of ticks. Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses."
Site selection tips: Choose campsites strategically based on your equipment and preferences. At Barren River Lake State Resort Park, one camper advised: "I recommend only doing pull through sites. They were spaced out enough and did include water and electric hookup."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds are located near highways or railroads. A Grand Ole RV Resort visitor noted: "The location is in between a railroad and a highway" but added that "noise didn't bother us at all from the trains, but we are from the city."
Playground access: Dad's Bluegrass Campground in Franklin offers family-friendly facilities. A reviewer mentioned it has "a huge pavilion for events, nice pool, showers, and very clean restrooms" making it ideal for families with children.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas for safer water recreation. At Cedar Creek, a camper mentioned "right across the lawn was a beach for swimming" which provides a contained area for children to enjoy the water.
Budget considerations: Camping fees vary widely in the area. One camper comparing options noted, "I have a hard time paying $40 for a tent site when I can camp for free or under $20" at Bowling Green KOA, so researching prices beforehand helps manage family vacation costs.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placements when setting up. At Grand Ole RV Resort, a visitor noted their site "wasn't exactly level" and at another campground mentioned "the water was on the opposite side of our camper (more annoying than anything)."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns or obstacles. At Dad's Bluegrass Campground, a camper advised: "Watch the approach since you could head into the truck stop - stay to the right and you will be ok. I used the truck stop to fill up on the way out and it was OK."
Campsite spacing: RV sites vary in spaciousness throughout the region. A visitor to Nashville North KOA mentioned: "The sites are very very close together" while another noted "it is a busy campground but everything quietened down after 10 pm."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an RV in Franklin, Kentucky for camping?
While Franklin itself has limited RV rental options, the nearby Nashville area offers numerous RV rental companies where you can secure a vehicle for your camping adventure. Once you have an RV, consider staying at Cave Country RV Campground, which is well-maintained with beautiful landscaping and conveniently located near the highway for those looking for a quick stop. Another excellent option is Grand Ole RV Resort & Market, a family-run business offering great customer service and convenient access to both Nashville and the historic Franklin, TN community.
How far is Franklin, KY from Nashville, TN for camping day trips?
Franklin, KY is approximately 45 miles (about a 45-minute drive) from Nashville, TN, making it an excellent base for camping day trips to Music City. When staying near Franklin, you can enjoy camping at The Narrows at Barren River Resort Park, which offers well-maintained sites with unique features like fish cleaning tables. Alternatively, Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort provides relaxing lakeside camping with good WiFi and cell service while being close enough to both Franklin and Nashville for convenient day trips to either location.
Are there any KOA campgrounds in Franklin, Kentucky?
There are no KOA campgrounds directly in Franklin, Kentucky. The closest KOA options are located near Nashville, Tennessee, including Nashville KOA Resort and Nashville North, both about an hour's drive from Franklin. These KOAs offer the standard amenities expected from the franchise, including full hookups, cabin rentals, swimming pools, and organized activities. If you're specifically looking for camping within Franklin, consider non-KOA options like Dad's Bluegrass Campground or explore the state parks in the surrounding region.
What campgrounds are available in Franklin, KY?
While Franklin itself has limited camping options, Dad's Bluegrass Campground is located near Franklin and offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. The surrounding area within a reasonable drive offers more options, including Barren River Lake State Resort Park Campground near Lucas, which features beautiful lakeside camping with boat access, hiking trails, and full amenities. Most campgrounds in the region are open from spring through fall, with some offering year-round accessibility depending on weather conditions.
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