Escape into nature and disconnect from daily life with glamping near Green River Lake. Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Green River Lake, KY glamping is a new and unique way to do it. You're sure to find glamping for your Kentucky camping adventure.
Mammoth Cave Campground puts campers in a prime spot to explore the depths and overland treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is an underground passageway containing more than 400 miles of naturally sculpted limestone and sandstone. It is the longest recorded cave system in the world. The grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways were the inspiration behind the park's name. The campground doubles as an entry point to 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. It's also a five minute walk to the visitor center, where cave tours begin.
A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.
The campground is tucked inside Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts scenic valleys along the Green River. The river is within walking distance of the camp, and the hilly Kentucky countryside expands beyond the valley. Deer and turkeys commonly stroll around the campground, so visitors are likely to see them grazing in the early morning and at dusk.
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment.Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions.
For local information, please call (270) 758-2424 or call (270) 758-2180 for general information.
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
$25 - $50 / night
Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, Smith Ridge Campground is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Click here for the Green River Lake Virtual Tour.
With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake. Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region.
Green River Lake encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors.
Between 05/12/2023 and 09/10/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (270) 789-2743 to speak with local staff. From 12/15/2022 to 05/11/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (270) 465-4463 for general information.
The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Historical Civil War Atkinson-Griffin Log Cabin are located only a short 13.5 miles from Smith Ridge near the Green River Lake Dam . Several historical attractions and National Parks are located within an hour of Green River Lake, including the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Mammoth Cave National Park.
Customers who change their dates outside the original reservation date (i.e., different week or month) will incur a $10 change fee. No-Shows are charged a $20.00 plus the first nights use fee.
$20 - $36 / night
Kendall Campground is located at 80 Kendall Road, south of Jamestown, Kentucky, just below Wolf Creek Dam, which forms beautiful Lake Cumberland. Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. Kendall Campground offers visitors convenient access to a cold water trout stream, making it a popular fishing destination. The stream is well-stocked with rainbow, brook and brown trout. Whispering Pines Trail, located within the campground, is a non-strenuous trail approximately half a mile long.
The campground overlooks the river, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
Wolf Creek Dam National Fish Hatchery is within walking distance of the campground. It is open year-round and offers free tours to the public and an excellent Environmental Education Center. Click here for more information. Lake Cumberland State Park is just 6.5 miles from the campground. This beautiful park offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mini golf, disc golf and boat rentals. Birders enjoy the park for its exceptional viewing prospects of raptors, songbirds and waterfowl. Grider Hill Marina and Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. Jamestown Marina & Resort is 25 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store. State Dock Marina is 8 miles away, with boat rentals, snack bar and general store.
$16 - $60 / night
This recreation area is part of Green River Lake
Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, Holmes Bend Campground is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Click here for the Green River Lake Virtual Tour.
With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake: Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region.
Green River Lake area encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors on the water and on land.
Between 04/21/2023 and 10/22/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (270) 384-4623 to speak with local staff. From 12/15/2022 to 04/20/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (270) 465-4463 for general information.
The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Historical Civil War Atkinson-Griffin Log Cabin are located only a short 10 miles northwest from Holmes Bend . Several historical attractions and National Parks are located within an hour of Green River Lake, including the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Mammoth Cave National Park.
Customers who change their dates outside the original reservation date (i.e., different week or month) will incur a $10 change fee. No-shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee.
$20 - $36 / night
Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, Pikes Ridge Campground is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Click here for the Green River Lake Virtual Tour.
With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake. Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region.
Green River Lake area encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors on water and on land.
The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Historical Civil War Atkinson-Griffin Log Cabin are located about 24 miles from Pikes Ridge, near the Green River Lake Dam. Several historical attractions and National Parks are located within an hour of Green River Lake, including the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Mammoth Cave National Park.
Between 05/12/2023 and 09/24/2023 this location is staffed. Please call (270) 465-6488 to speak with local staff. From 12/15/2022 to 05/11/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (270) 465-4463 for general information.
Customers who change their dates outside the original reservation date (i.e, different week or month) will incur a $10 change fee. No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee.
$20 - $36 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Cumberland
Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf caters to the vacationing family, offering southern hospitality, 18-hole golf course and a unique family atmosphere. Located at the gateway to Mammoth Cave National Park, the 743-acre year-round RV resort creates the setting for relaxation, exploration and enjoyment. Our Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV Resort offers full hook-up sites, as well as water and electric. Guests can choose from a wide variety of outdoor activities. There are walking, hiking and biking trails available, as well as local attractions. Plus, our pool suits family vacationers or the golfer. Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf is located 6 miles from the longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park. The National Corvette Museum and Corvette Plant are 20 miles south of our RV Resort on I-65, Exit 28. RV Resort, 18-Hole Golf Course & Condos at the Gateway to Mammoth Cave Come visit our RV resort with 70 RV sites (55 full hook-up, 50 amp & 15 full hook-up, 30 amp), water & electric sites & primitive tent camping, a 18-hole golf course, and condos at the Gateway to Mammoth Cave. Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Ranger
Not much to do on site if you don’t have a boat. Swimming on site. Nearby there are historic sites and lots of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking at Green River Lake State Park.
Yay: nice big campsites
Nay: All the RV sites are extremely open so there’s no shade or privacy, but everyone has the same lovely view. Just a few sites are among the trees at the edge of the forest but further from the water.
Surprise: head into town for some adorable diners...forget the name but the caretaker will know.
Ranger
Not much to do on site if you don’t have a boat. Swimming on site. Nearby there are historic sites and lots of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking at Green River Lake State Park.
Yay: nice big campsites
Nay: All the RV sites are extremely open so there’s no shade or privacy, but everyone has the same lovely view. Just a few sites are among the trees at the edge of the forest but further from the water.
Surprise: head into town for some adorable diners...forget the name but the caretaker will know.
Traveler
The campgrounds was exceptional in quite setting , playground for the grandkids, near Green River lake, must have Ky temporary license to fish, boating, cabins rental, natural trails, campground has dumping stations, potable water, 4 shower houses, restrooms, handicap areas throughout, shaded and non-shaded areas, " cell service Verizon & AT&T Service 3 bars " depending above or below hill in camping area, water & electrical hook-up only. Over 200 sites with fire pit and pickneck tables, firewood can be purchase on site. Columbia city 20-30 minutes from campground walmart super-center, restaurants, Mexican and fast food, hardware, ATM'S, Rv repairs, automotive part stores,
Legend
The Narrows
The Narrows at Barren River Resort Park , Kentucky is a nice, well maintained campground. 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. Another nice feature is the campground is off the main road to the marina. Unfortunately there aren’t any hiking trails , however bike riding in the campground is an option and there’s an interesting sunken basketball court.
Legend
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!
Guide
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.
LegendWe 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!
LegendI 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 ;)
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
RangerNever 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.
TravelerBeautiful location. Site on the water, next to the beach. A rustic campground with temperamental electric and no bath house. Nice hiking trail.
TravelerMany of the sites have a view of the water. The sites are well separated leaving a lot of room for the kids and walking the dog as well.
There is a nice beach but no lifeguard. Lots of shade trees as well.
Great place for boaters and kayakers. There are multiple docks to set at and a put in road as well.
Note that not all sites have any hookups. At best, you will get water and electric for 30 and 50amp. Dump station is available. There were no bathhouses. Porta Potties only.
This is a quiet area with some boaters rolling buy but nothing that would disturb a nap.
Best part was that we were at site 18 and the beach was 8 yards away.
ScoutThis is an extremely beautiful campground. Peaceful to watch the flocks of wild Turkey graze, or watch the deer frolicking by the playground.
You can relax here, because you are home.
GuideThe best campground on GRL!!! Only flaw.... no showers!
ScoutStaff as always been very friendly, sites are very spacious, there are trails for hiking, a playground and a beach. Only negatives are no showers and not much shade unless you get a site on the edge of the woods
Ranger
Our primitive site had a view of the river and a single tree for shade. Many of the other campsites had ample shade, so definitely check before you reserve, if possible. Lots of amenities (like newly installed WiFi and a store) that we didn’t use the two days we were there, but had we stayed longer I’m sure we would have appreciated them. There were a lot of RVs and families there, so don’t expect it to be quiet in the campground. That’s what kayaking is for!
We stopped in nearby Greensburg on the way to rent a kayak, as we’d heard the closest marina(s) to the campground only had pontoons and larger craft. The river itself was wonderful to explore via kayak, and we ended up barely hiking.
ScoutThis campground is very clean and the rangers are very effective at keeping the noise down.
TravelerCampground is surrounded by lake. Has a beach for swimming and playgrounds for the kids.
GuideEasy check in and nice level sites close to the water. The newer section has very few trees for shade. The older section had plenty of shade and nice sites.
ScoutWe stayed at this beautiful park in early November. There were only a few other campers so it was peaceful and very pretty. We enjoyed the lake views and fall colors everywhere.
The downside was the store was closed and the wifi we expected wasn’t on. Since this was a working trip, we had to go to town and get wifi at the library (5 stars there!) that meant less time to explore all the trails.
If you go in peak season, the campsites are very close together with few trees, so you may feel a bit crowded.
GuideCheck in was easy and friendly, a fair number of open sites, the lake is really pretty, the showers were pretty decent. Other Campers were well behaved and it was fairly peaceful. 1/2 the park has good shade, the other half has no shade.
ScoutThis review is just about the campground not the lake or area surrounding it. The campground sites are ample but nothing special. I'd call them small to medium. Very few trees. Probably not a place I will visit a second time
ScoutNot the cleanest and privacy could be better in certain areas and you really have to drive out to get to anything like lake activity and fishing
TravelerEasy to get to with loads of appeal. Most sites are spaced apart but close enough to make new friend like we did. Any site is well kept along with all the grounds. Bath houses are cleaned thoroughly every morning. Playgrounds are cleaned everyday. Walking around you will find wildlife. Lots of deer and turtles and birds. The beach is great and right next to the marina. Some sites only have electric at the higher numbers but there is a station to fill your tank with drinkable water. The non water sites are quiet and most are shaded. I will be back in this fall.
GuideNice clean and well maintained campground. Paved roadways great for biking and walking. Some spaces and turns would be tight for larger rigs. Playground has red clay dirt, so that was a bit messy. We did have an issue with our electric pole showing a fault on both the 30 and 50 amp plug. We informed the attendants as soon as we plugged in and were told they didn’t have anyone on call until the next morning. Thankfully we were able to run on battery power for the night (thanks to the solar panel). It was nearly 11am before someone came the next day, but he was able to resolve the issue. The attendants were very nice, but it was a bit frustrating to get there at check in time (late afternoon) and no one be able to resolve a pretty big issue. Decent weekend trip for us despite the issues.
GuideGreat campground with over 100+ sites. Some are primitive sites but most have water. Bathroom,shower house and playground are available. They won’t let you park in the grass so boats have to parked out front of campground. The best are the hiking trails. It’s a short drive or walk thru the woods to trail head. Fishers bend has over 5 miles of trails.
Guide
We stayed in the new section just pass the entrance on the right! It’s a one way loop thru the woods that brings you back out on main campground road. The campground sets on a point with woods all the way around. There is plenty of shade with hiking path and a playground for kids. Only down fall is if you want to swim you’ll have to drive about a mile to the swimming area.
TravelerLoved it! I've been to a couple of CoE campgrounds before but this is now my favorite one. I had Site 31 right beside the Woodland Trail entrance but you're pretty close to the lake (the boat ramp is about a 1/2 mile as the crow flies) and you're close to town (about 3 1/2 miles roughly) if you need to resupply. Each of the sites came with a stack of firewood already in place when you got there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Green River Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Green River Lake is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 136 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Green River Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Green River Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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