Best Campgrounds near Greenup, KY

Campgrounds near Greenup, Kentucky include established facilities like Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and Carter Caves State Resort Park, both offering a range of camping options from April through October. The area features several developed campgrounds with electric hookups, water access, and amenities for both tent and RV camping. Little Bear Island Campground provides waterfront sites along the Little Sandy River, while Ashland Huntington West KOA operates year-round with full-service RV sites, cabins, and tent camping areas. Most campgrounds in the region are situated within 30 miles of Greenup, providing access to lakes, rivers, and forested areas.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with most state park facilities operating from April 1 to October 31. Several private campgrounds remain open year-round, including Ashland Huntington West KOA and Sandy Springs Campground along the Ohio River. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The terrain varies from relatively flat riverside locations to more hilly settings at state parks, which can impact site selection for tent campers. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas. A visitor noted that "Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with campers highlighting fishing opportunities and scenic views. Little Bear Island Campground is described by one visitor as "an actual island surrounded by the Little Sandy River in Greenup, KY. We fished all day and night. Caught a bunch of fish and had a catfish fry. The mountain views are awesome and for once it wasn't another RV parking lot." State park campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, cave systems, and lake activities, though site privacy varies considerably. Several reviewers mentioned that campgrounds like Grayson Lake State Park have sites with significant elevation changes, making some spots challenging for tent camping. Bathroom and shower facilities at most developed campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though quality varies by location and season.

Best Camping Sites Near Greenup, Kentucky (108)

    1. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $21 - $46 / night

    "* Beautiful area of Kentucky Nice trails and great kayaking"

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    2. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $25 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    3. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."

    4. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $15 - $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    5. Sandy Springs Campground

    35 Reviews
    Stout, OH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 640-7858

    $35 - $125 / night

    "The only thing you'll hear are barges running up and down the Ohio River and an occasional train over on the Kentucky side."

    "You get to the point that you pick up that distant sound of a barge or a train on the Kentucky side.

    The time and effort from these fine people, shows their commitment!!

    Well done Sandy Springs."

    6. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    7. Blacks Camper Lots

    3 Reviews
    Ashland, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 922-2805

    $50 / night

    "All around probably the best camper lots in the area. Very quiet and tucked away but still close enough to run into town. Ms. Cindy is very nice and more than willing to help with anything."

    8. Shawnee State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Friendship, OH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 858-6652

    $24 / night

    "Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South.

    Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was."

    "Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12. "

    9. Little Bear Island Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    1 mile
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

    "This little jewel is an actual island surrounded by the Little Sandy River in Greenup, KY.  We fished al day and night.  Caught a bunch of fish and had a catfish fry. "

    10. Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake

    5 Reviews
    Ashland, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 928-0139

    "Our site was very level, maybe 1/2" low on the camp side. There is a good size lake for swimming, they have stand up paddle boards and kayaks."

    "Quiet spot next to an industrial area. Nice view of man-made lake with a number of fishing huts for catch-and-release fishing. Pets allowed leashed, with no tie-outs permitted."

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Recent Reviews near Greenup, KY

449 Reviews of 108 Greenup Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jackson Lake State Park Campground

    A day a life in the office

    I drove an hour and a half to get here because dyrt showed that we had full AT&T service here that is not the trucks we have between one and two bars of AT&T service so we’ll see if we drove here for me to be able to work for a couple days and be out in God’s creation

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • John M.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    A Wonderful Campground!

    We had a wonderful weekend stay at this campground; we were fortunate to get a river view site which was amazing. It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by. The campground is a very nice facility with unique cabins and nice full hook up sites. They have a nice store, restroom and shower facilities and they even have a small menu that they can prepare and bring to your site including a delicious chocolate chip cookie desert!

    The owners are the real gem here; they are so friendly and accommodating and go out of their way to make you feel at home! We had a grandchild visit and we forgot a jacket and Julie(owner) went out of her way to find a hoodie out of her Halloween stock, so he would have something for the weekend. 

    We will be back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.


Guide to Greenup

Camping near Greenup, Kentucky, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Carter Caves State Resort Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Grayson Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, rent boats, and enjoy kayaking. A visitor shared, "You can fish, rent boats and kayaks. Also, the hiking isn’t too bad!"
  • Family Activities: Sandy Springs Campground is great for families. One guest said, "The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family!"

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning views at Sandy Springs Campground. One review states, "Wow, what a peaceful beautiful place."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the welcoming vibe at Twin Knobs Recreation Area. A camper noted, "Camp hosts very friendly and helpful."
  • Quiet and Relaxing: Campers enjoy the tranquility at Zilpo Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Stay 6 nights, very peaceful and quiet place."

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds, like Carter Caves State Resort Park, have sites that are close together. A visitor noted, "The tent sites are close together so we may not have enjoyed it as much if it were busier."
  • Amenities: Facilities can vary. For example, Lake Hope State Park Campground has been described as having "not a lot of privacy, but still great" by one camper.
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have experienced noise issues, especially at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA. One review mentioned, "There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Carter Caves State Resort Park, which offers hiking and caving. A family shared, "Great facilities, hiking, caving etc."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly features. Twin Knobs Recreation Area has been praised for its "quiet, peaceful campground with friendly staff."
  • Choose Off-Peak Times: To avoid crowds, consider camping during the week or in the off-season. One camper at Lake Hope State Park Campground mentioned, "We only had a day there as the next night was booked."

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Selection: Look for level sites, especially at places like Grayson Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Many spots slant down and cannot level."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. At Zilpo Campground, one camper mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and showers, large spacious spots."
  • Be Prepared for Traffic: If you choose Huntington / Fox Fire KOA, be aware of the highway noise. One visitor said, "The campground is right next to a major highway."

Camping near Greenup, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds, you're sure to find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Greenup, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Greenup, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Greenup, KY and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Greenup, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Greenup, KY is Greenbo Lake State Resort Park with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Greenup, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Greenup, KY.

What parks are near Greenup, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Greenup, KY that allow camping, notably Grayson Lake and Beech Fork Lake.