Camping options near Glasgow, Kentucky center around Barren River Lake and Mammoth Cave National Park. The area sits at approximately 600-750 feet above sea level in the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, with limestone geology creating extensive cave systems. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while spring and fall offer moderate 60-75°F days, making April-October the primary camping season with limited winter facilities.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Mammoth Cave National Park offers multiple tour options beyond the standard routes. "Do the twilight tour! It is also a dry county, so the only alcohol are some $5 beers near the visitor center," notes a visitor to Mammoth Cave Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points around Barren River Lake provide excellent fishing. "If you are a fisher person this is a campground for you. Within walking distance of the Marina, nice shaded sites and room to spread out. A cool feature in the sites is a fish cleaning table as well as fire ring and picnic table," shares a camper at The Narrows.
Water recreation: Barren River Lake offers swimming, boating, and paddling options. "We stayed at site A23 in my opinion! It was opening weekend and to spite the weather there were quite a few campers there. The sites are sit up so there is a view of the lake from most of the sites," explains a visitor to Baileys Point.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature abundant wildlife. "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite! Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" reports a camper who stayed at Mammoth Cave Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Most campgrounds provide convenient access to major attractions. "This park is located on the entrance road to Mammoth Caves NP, and it is a spectacular way to stay and enjoy the hiking in the caves!" notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort.
Family activities: Organized activities keep children engaged. "Tons of space. Tons of things to do. Everyone has been so nice. Lots of things for the children to do. Awesome playgrounds. Will be back," shares a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave.
Lake views: Waterfront campsites remain particularly popular. "This is our second time here and we love it as much as the first. Will probably be a yearly visit for us. We love all the sites, it's quiet, near the lake, everyone is friendly," reports a visitor to Nolin Lake State Park Campground.
Smaller camping options: Boutique glamping in Glasgow, Kentucky offers alternatives to larger resorts. "The owners are a great couple. Very friendly and helpful. There is a lodging style for everyone: small cabin, family cabin, tent, or R.V. Very close to mammoth cave and a few others, plus lots of hiking," mentions a visitor to Rock Cabin Camping.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This campground books 6 months out. Very hard to get a spot, but so worth it! Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic. Quiet park with great gravel spots," advises a camper at Nolin Lake State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Ticks become problematic during warmer months. "Really nothing bad to say at all (except for all the ticks....spray up)!!!" warns a visitor at Nolin Lake State Park Campground.
Shower facilities: Shower availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "The shower house is in the RV campground and too far away to be a convenient walk. You have to drive there which is a pain with kids. There were few shower stalls and they were not kept clean," notes a camper at Nolin Lake State Park.
Site selection: Different sections of campgrounds offer varied experiences. "We've stayed several times and in different sites. The newer section (200's are the site numbers) have paved roads and new playgrounds. Downfall is zero shade. It's really hot there in the summer," explains a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly glamping options: Some facilities cater specifically to families with children. "This is the kind of campground you can take your kids, never leave the campground, and have fun for days. We went over a long weekend in October, with the point of the trip being to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground had activities for the kids all day Friday and Sunday," shares a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds provide swimming opportunities. "This is a very nice, clean campground. Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming," reports a camper at The Narrows.
Animal encounters: Farm animals entertain younger campers. "This is a super cute campground. Easily accessible and very clean sites! There is a small barn with animals penned up so you can just walk up to the fence and pet them. My wife and daughter loved that!" explains a visitor to Horse Cave KOA.
Cave tour selection: Choose appropriate cave tours based on children's ages. "Never a Dull Moment at Mammoth! 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," notes a camper at Mammoth Cave Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. "For the price it's great to have all the hookups but it's not level at all. I parked at an angle, propped up the front and our full slide gives it a wonky tilt so got it pretty good," advises an RVer at Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave.
Power considerations: Electrical systems can experience issues. "Would have got 5 stars but the power would spike several times a day to 129-132 volts setting off alarm in coach. We moved spots and same issue but fewer times a day. Highly recommend Surge Protector at this park," warns a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential delays during busy periods. "50 amp & sites not too far from Barren River boat ramp. Sights are close to one another. Dump station is not ideal with long campers," notes a camper at The Narrows.
Golf cart rentals: Consider renting golf carts at larger resorts. "Golf carts were playing music at midnight. This place does not sleep. And if you bring dogs, you must physically show them the rabies tag, they don't check their email," shares a visitor to Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave.
