Camping along the Kentucky River provides access to several fishing spots with Elkhorn Creek offering particularly productive waterways. The region sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with limestone terrain creating scenic river valleys. Most campsites in the Harrodsburg area operate from April through October when daytime temperatures range from 60-90°F depending on season.
What to do
Kayak the Kentucky River: At Cummins Ferry RV Park, water activities are a primary draw. "If you love water and nature this is the place for you! Beautiful river front campground that is peaceful. There is a boat ramp (perfect for my kayak), docks to go fishing off of, lots of nature and trails," notes reviewer Jenn N.
Visit bourbon distilleries: Located within 30 minutes of several Kentucky Bourbon Trail stops. "Nice campground with great access to KY Bourbon," shares Barbara F. about Elkhorn Campground, making it a convenient base for distillery tours.
Attend summer theater: The historic outdoor theater at Pioneer Playhouse Campground offers unique entertainment options. "There is a theatre insight which is 70 years old and full of history. Amazing people, close to town and very inexpensive," explains Kara A.
What campers like
Riverfront views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites that offer constant scenery. "Our sites overlooked the river and we loved the walking trails along the river! We had kids that fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night," reports Maison H. about their stay at Cummins Ferry.
Family-friendly amenities: Taylorsville Lake State Park receives praise for its facilities. "We camped there in July for my son's birthday party. We were near the restroom facilities which were very clean. The camping area was recently mowed. Plenty of parking for guests and tents," says Heather K.
Farm animal interactions: Unique camping experiences with animal encounters stand out. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" shares Elizabeth R. about her stay at Wildcat Creek Farm, which offers a different type of pet-friendly camping near Harrodsburg.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Some riverfront campgrounds have connectivity challenges. "Limited cell reception at some properties means researching nearby veterinary services in advance is advisable," particularly if traveling with pets.
Site leveling challenges: Not all sites are perfectly flat. "The sites here are not level. We used our normal 2x green blocks for the Jack, but needed all 10 of our leveling blocks, plus 8 paving stones to get the appropriate height," warns Whistle P. about their experience at Cummins Ferry.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate April through October, with limited winter camping options. "Our season is April 1 to October 31," notes Elkhorn Campground, typical of many sites in the area.
Site selection matters: At smaller campgrounds, specific site features vary significantly. "The majority of the sites are spaced out and private but unfortunately I couldn't find any pictures online of the sites so the one we got was not private," reports Justin S. about Taylorsville Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Plan river-based recreation during hot summer months. "We spent 2 nights at Cummins Ferry with 2 other families! We absolutely LOVED it! The staff was friendly and the scenery was amazing! Our kids fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night!" shares Maison H.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play," notes Heather K. about Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, making it ideal for families seeking pet-friendly camping options near Harrodsburg.
Creek exploration opportunities: Children enjoy wading in smaller waterways. "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek!" reports Katelyn W. about Wildcat Creek Farm, where shallow water access provides safer water play than river areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Campgrounds vary in their accommodation of big rigs. "Plenty of pull through spots, large and small back in sites. The owners take great time and care of the place," notes Matthew M. about Cummins Ferry, which can handle larger RVs.
Electric options: Check amperage availability when booking. "30/50 amp full hook ups with a number of pull throughs. The sites next to the river are level and easy to back into," explains Stacey about Cummins Ferry RV Park.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "We camped here for three days in early August and used it as a 'home base' while we explored Louisville, bourbon country, etc.," shares Sara U. about Taylorsville Lake, noting campers should plan accordingly for sanitation needs.
