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Jennifer M.
Traveler
TravelerGrandma's RV Park
Perfect Spot!
Right off the interstate and super easy to pull in. Very friendly staff!
Camping near Crestwood, KY
76 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Crestwood, Kentucky range from state parks to privately-owned facilities, with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. The area includes Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Crestwood, which provides electric hookups and water access. Lake Shelby Campground offers similar amenities within 20 miles of Crestwood. Several facilities in the region accommodate various camping styles with Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground providing tent sites and glamping options for those seeking more rustic experiences.
Most campgrounds in the Crestwood area remain open seasonally, with many operating from April through December. Taylorsville Lake State Park specifically operates from April 1 to December 15, while other facilities like Louisville South KOA maintain year-round accessibility. Travelers should note that some Kentucky state parks have utilities positioned at considerable distances from campsites, requiring extension cords and longer water hoses. Cell service varies by carrier and location, with Verizon typically providing the most reliable coverage throughout the region. As one visitor noted, "Like most Kentucky state parks, be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses because with exception of a couple of sites everything is at least 30 to 36 feet away from your hook up."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several developed campgrounds situated along lakes and rivers. Campers particularly appreciate sites along Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River where fishing and water recreation opportunities abound. The proximity to Louisville and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail makes these campgrounds popular bases for regional exploration. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with cleanliness varying considerably. According to one camper, "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." Visitors should be aware that playground noise can carry throughout smaller campgrounds, potentially affecting the tranquility of nearby campsites.
Best Campgrounds near Crestwood (76)
1. Charlestown State Park Campground
"We liked that the park had small walk trails within the campground with direct routes to the comfort station, and lights at the start of the path to identify it."
"The spots were decently spaced out, the bathrooms are clean, and there are some hiking trails from the campground."
from $43 - $54 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Shelby Campground
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability3. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
"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."
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability4. Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground
"Great sites close to the lake"
"There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well. The bath house in our area was older but fairly clean."
from $43 - $74 / night
Check Availability5. Clifty Falls State Park Campground
"Most of the sites border wooded areas, so they are in the open. Great access to the hiking trails, and the nice lodge for those who may want to check-in to a room or enjoy the indoor pool."
"If you live outside of Indiana you have to pay a $9 entrance fee on top of the campground reservation fee, which makes for a pricey weekend trip for those on a budget."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Hones Pointe Campground
"Offering beautiful scenery, this is a great place to get away from it all."
"Great location. Very very friendly staff with special giveaways lol. Will return if in the area."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability7. Louisville North Campground
"If you are looking to be close to downtown Louisville, this is the campground for you. The staff was super nice and the location is very convenient for getting downtown."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
"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."
"Tent sites have so many trees surrounding them. If you're looking for more privacy anything off of the loop will do just fine."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Lake Jericho Recreation Area
"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."
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability10. Add-More Campground
"Close to shopping and restaurants. We will stay here again when back in the Louisville area."
Drive Time
- 15 min from Louisville, KY
- 56 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 1 hr 12 min from Columbus, IN
- 1 hr 13 min from Lexington, KY
Recent Camping Photos near Crestwood, KY
118 Photos of 76 Crestwood Campgrounds
Kelsey R.
Charlestown State Park Campground
Heather K.
Lake Shelby Campground
Kevin T.
Guist Creek Marina & Campground
Dave E.
Knobstone Trail
Dana S.
Brooks RV Park - full hookup The safest park in Louisville!
Marilynn K.
Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Laura H.
Louisville South KOA
Heather K.
Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
Seanna M.
Camp Escape
Regina W.
Madison City Park
Recent Reviews near Crestwood, KY
546 Reviews of 76 Crestwood Campgrounds
- AA B.
ScoutStill Waters Campground
Unprofessional management, Junkie sites, Not a welcoming environment
I would highly NOT recommend staying at Still Waters Campground based on my experience with management. Today I rolled through a stop sign in the campground. I understand that was my mistake, and I accepted being told not to do it again. However, what happened afterward was completely unnecessary. Instead of simply speaking with me later at the office or sending a text, management chose to chase me down in a vehicle. I was driving around the campground speed limit, yet I was accused of speeding because they claimed they had to drive 30 mph to catch me—even though they had to turn around before following me. What made it even more frustrating was that I was told to“lead by example” while the manager herself admitted to driving around 30 mph in a 10 mph campground just to catch up to me. That felt incredibly hypocritical. What bothered me most was the way the situation was handled. I tried to walk away to avoid escalating the confrontation, but the manager continued arguing with me. She even told me to“go get my boyfriend,” as if I couldn’t speak for myself. I’m a grown woman and didn’t appreciate being dismissed like that. Later, after I had calmed down, my boyfriend and I went to the office so I could apologize for raising my voice and explain my side of the situation. Unfortunately, management wasn’t interested in having a productive conversation and came across as condescending and unwilling to listen. It also seems like the rules are enforced inconsistently. We have watched plenty of other people roll through that same stop sign without being stopped or chased down. If safety is truly the concern, the rules should apply EQUALLY to everyone instead of selectively enforcing them. Overall, this experience left a VERY bad impression. A simple warning then walking away could have resolved everything, but instead it turned into an unnecessarily confrontational situation. Customer service and professionalism from management were extremely disappointing.
Buford C.TravelerHones Pointe Campground
A bit off the beaten trail, but nice and quiet along the banks of the Kentucky river
It’s a nice campground. There’s room for about eight or nine RVs and lock the tent camping. The trees are all small so you’re out in the kind of a area with a lot of sun. I can’t speak to the Wi-Fi here because I’m using Starlink. The only caution is if we get heavy, heavy rains in the spring, some bits of this campground blood so be careful picking a site avoid the fourth from the road.
Tina L S.TravelerGrandma's RV Park
A NICE PLACE!
I really enjoyed my stay here! It's quiet but not too quiet if ya know what I mean. The bathrooms and laundry room are always clean, if something breaks they make it right and it's close to almost everything! Very understanding people with the exception of 1 (which I felt like he didn't like me from the jump) but it's ok. Gina (my fav) and Darlene made up for it. Tim was nice, just quiet! Great bunch of people! So go check it out and tell them Tina said hi 😉
Christina W.ScoutElkhorn Campground
Very Nice Spot
I stayed here from May 11-16, 2026. I was backed up to the creek (I will say, the first few sites that back up, you can’t actually see the creek from your spot because of bushes). The first 4 nights I could see the creek and it was lovely. Each spot has a fire pit and picnic table which was very nice. They direct you to your spot and help you back in and the bathrooms are cleaned daily. I thought it was extremely affordable and I would definitely stay there again.
Britney R.ScoutLouisville South KOA
Sexual abuse overlooked
The managers, James and Kate, are extremely unprofessional. They kicked out my family because they preferred another family better. My son was sexually abused TWICE at this campground. When I mentioned contacting corporate, James got irrate and said they will only send you back to me so go ahead and try. James falsely accused my children of making messes in the bathrooms and I quote,"Smearing sh** on the walls." He also told me that no one wanted us at the park even though we have never been informed of breaking any rules. These people are sorry excuses of management and should be replaced with more competent employees
Randi R.
GuideO'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
If you want camping in the woods
I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, the trees are beautiful, you can camp here and it feels like forest camping, most lots have spots for hammocks, electric but no water hook up, the bath house is ok, clean but concrete showers with a curtain and takes a while to get hot water. Lots of trails and a cute nature center. They only have two playgrounds, but a big pool for summer fun. I love it here, it’s usually not crowded and super peaceful. We prefer most lots on the outer edge of the campground. A lot of the picnic tables are old and require covers.
- BBrad R.Scout
Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
Nice overall campground
We happened across this place and couldn’t have found a more friendly place to camp. Owner introduce himself right away and told us all about the area and history of campground. Pool wasn’t open yet but nice safe place to camp.
Jim B.TravelerLake Jericho Recreation Area
Good people
They are currently closed for renovation. We showed up needing some rest and the owner found us a place to park for the night. Will definitely come back when they reopen. It's a beautiful area.
Guide to Crestwood
Camping near Crestwood, Kentucky spans elevations from 440 to 900 feet in the Ohio Valley region, with moderate temperatures ranging from 25-40°F in winter to 75-90°F in summer. The area receives approximately 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush forest environments with mixed hardwoods dominating the terrain. Spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions with fewer crowds than summer months.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: At Charlestown State Park Campground, located 30 minutes from Crestwood, campers can explore Rose Island, a former amusement park with fascinating history. "Rose Island is very cool- Haunting but sublime. The paved trail to see Rose Island is about 1/2 mile long hill that is very steep in parts," notes Greg S. The park also features multiple waterfalls accessible via trail.
Fishing opportunities: Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers a no-wake lake perfect for beginners. "The lake doesn't allow non electric motors so waters were calm. Caught some bluegills," reports John G., who appreciated the peaceful fishing environment. The lake is stocked regularly and permits are required.
Water recreation: Paddleboats and canoes are available for rental at many area campgrounds for $5-15 per hour. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone," mentions Brandy A. about Deam Lake, noting its calm waters make it ideal for first-time paddlers. Life jackets are typically provided with rentals.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers praise the site layout at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, located 25 miles southeast of Crestwood. "Plenty of room for camper and car, big grass area and nice bathhouse," according to Joe B., who stayed for five days. Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings.
Clean facilities: Shower houses receive particular attention from reviewers. "The bathhouse is four units, each with sink, toilet and shower," notes Pj F. at Lake Shelby Campground, adding that while facilities "could have been a lot cleaner," they "always had TP" during their five-day stay. Most campgrounds clean bathhouses daily.
Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to Louisville, many campsites offer unexpected privacy. "The camp sites were shaded by nice trees and were located right next to the lake," writes Heather K. about Lake Shelby. Sites along the outer loops of campgrounds typically provide more privacy than interior locations.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the region operate from April through October or December. "The guard house is only manned for a short period of time. We wanted to get ice and wood when we arrived, but it was closed," reports Joe B. about Taylorsville Lake State Park. Call ahead during shoulder seasons to confirm staffing hours.
Wildlife encounters: Expect raccoons, deer, and various small mammals at campgrounds. "We didn't see the coons but put food away every night as they visited our camp on a nightly basis," warns Pj F., emphasizing the importance of secure food storage at Lake Shelby Campground. Most sites include fire rings with cooking grates.
Airplane noise: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground sits beneath Louisville International Airport flight paths. "This is a great little well-kept campground. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs," cautions Derek P., noting that "UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am." Consider bringing earplugs if sensitive to noise.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play," mentions Heather K. about her experience at Taylorsville Lake State Park. Most playgrounds are centrally located within a short walk from campsites.
Swimming areas: Several locations offer designated swimming zones with gradual entry points. "The beach looked very nice and there was a lot of activity on it," notes Justin S. at Taylorsville Lake. Beach access is typically included with camping fees; however, lifeguards are rarely present.
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. "Great wildlife for a park within the city: herons, geese (except for poop), ducks, turtles, beavers," observes Pj F. about Lake Shelby. Morning and evening hours offer the best viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: At Clifty Falls State Park Campground, approximately 45 minutes from Crestwood, RVers should note potential site limitations. "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work. Site needed gravel, it was mostly sticky dirt that got tracked into our travel trailer," warns Beverly J. Contact campgrounds directly for precise site measurements and leveling requirements.
Extension cords needed: Many electric hookups are positioned far from parking pads. "Sites are small in length so be aware of that when it mentions it on the website," advises Martin M. about Lake Shelby Campground. Bring at least 30 feet of electrical cord and water hose for most sites.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with hookups offer on-site dump stations. "To dump afterward was OK to get in but it is a tighter fit... It would be nice if you could pull through to dump but you have to back in," notes Amber C. about Louisville South KOA. Some locations charge additional fees for dump station use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the closest tent camping sites to Crestwood?
Where are the closest tent camping sites to Crestwood?
Several tent camping options are available near Crestwood. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground offers spacious tent sites with picnic tables and access to hiking trails and boat rentals. The park is a short drive from Crestwood and provides a scenic lakeside camping experience. Another nearby option is Otter Creek Park Campground, which features tent sites alongside Otter Creek and includes fishing opportunities in a small stocked lake. Both parks provide basic amenities like bathrooms, though cleanliness may vary by season.
Where can I find camper van rentals in Crestwood?
Where can I find camper van rentals in Crestwood?
While there aren't dedicated camper van rental services directly in Crestwood, you can find rentals in the greater Louisville area, approximately 20-30 minutes away. The Louisville South area near Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville has RV rental options that sometimes include camper vans. Another option is to check near Two Rivers Campground, as this area by the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers attracts RV enthusiasts who may know of local rental services. Call ahead to confirm availability and arrange pick-up options closest to Crestwood.
What types of camper rentals are available in Crestwood?
What types of camper rentals are available in Crestwood?
In the Crestwood area, you can find various camper rental options including travel trailers, fifth wheels, and pop-up campers. Near My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground in Bardstown, several rental services offer campers suitable for the park's sites, though you'll need extensions for power and water hookups. Another option is checking near Cummins Ferry RV Park, which accommodates different camper sizes along the Kentucky River. Most rentals require advance reservation, especially during bourbon trail season when demand increases around Bardstown distilleries.
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