The Horse Cave area in Kentucky sits between Mammoth Cave National Park and Nolin River Lake, with campgrounds situated in karst topography featuring limestone formations and rolling hills. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers more moderate conditions between 45-75°F. The area receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually, making waterproof gear essential during camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking at Green River Lake: Smith Ridge Campground provides access to walking paths with wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," notes one visitor to Holmes Bend.
Fishing opportunities: Bank fishing is accessible at multiple locations around Nolin River Lake. "Love this campground. Have not found a bad spot yet. Family and pet friendly," mentions a camper about the fishing at lakefront sites.
Kayaking and boating: The blue-green waters of Nolin Lake are ideal for paddling. "We chose to camp in a primitive site and ended up right on the lake. We are here during the week so it's really nice and quiet!!" shares a visitor at Dog Creek Campground.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer lake swimming during summer months. "Awesome campground. Great views of the lake from sites, very clean bathrooms... Lake is perfect for swimming, boating, or kayaking," reports a camper.
What campers like
Lakefront camping views: Many sites around Nolin Lake offer direct water access. "Seems all sites have a lake view. Less than half full sun-Tuesday. Stayed at a006. Very close to beach, but that means you hear everything at the beach," explains a visitor at Wax Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathhouses. "First time at Wax and we will be back! Some of the nicest shower houses, cleanest sites and nice shade. Even when the campground was full over the holiday week, you didn't know you had neighbors!" shares a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded areas support diverse bird populations. "We value nature and privacy and we loved this campground! Sunset over the lake was spectacular and we loved watching all the birds here. Right from our camps we could see a trip of Redheaded Woodpeckers playing as well as a mama Northern Flicker feeding her babies."
Off-season quiet: Visiting outside peak summer months provides a more peaceful experience. "Wilson Creek is a hidden gem. We've camped here multiple times. There are only about 6 or 7 campsites for primitive camping, so it's very quiet," notes a visitor to Wilson Creek Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. "The campground only had about 5 or so RVs in it and we thought we would have a few days of quiet. It sits right on Nolin Lake which is supposed to be infamous for it's blue-green waters," explains a visitor to Moutardier.
Limited shade at some sites: Many waterfront locations lack mature trees. "Good camping, although sites are somewhat close. Very few with shade, especially if you want 'water front'. Gravel pads are typically fairly level; water and electric at all but tent sites."
Railroad noise: Some campgrounds experience train disturbances. "Off the freeway and very convenient. Very clean. Great dog park. Do not camp close to the railroad tracks. Loud horns in the middle of the night. Not much shade. Close to Mammoth Caves."
Electrical system limitations: Some campgrounds have power constraints. "Location was excellent, close to the water. They have a known power issue, 30amp service went out several times at the pole. Their solution was to use less appliances."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play equipment for children. "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."
Halloween events: Singing Hills RV Park offers special seasonal activities. "Family friendly Halloween fun. Has a decorating contest with trick or treat in the campground. Safe and clean with lots of restrooms and lake front sites."
Fishing for kids: Some locations provide easy fishing access for beginners. "We stayed at Singing Hills last weekend to celebrate my mother and father in law's birthday's and Easter. My son caught his first fish that weekend and has been begging to go back already."
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas near camping sites. "You're also only a short walk from the beach which is nice. The area is also patrolled at random hours throughout the night to make you feel a little safer, which is nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Choose sites carefully when bringing larger RVs near Horse Cave. "Site selection is all important at this campsite. Some have wonderful lake access, shade, and a bit of seclusion. others no trees, no lake, in the middle of everyone. section C has some of the nicer site," advises a camper at Dog Creek.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some rv sites near Horse Cave, Kentucky. "Sites in row B are 30 amp hookups. Some sites has short concrete pads in between gravel while others are just gravel. I would not recommend the concrete pads as most of them are too short for most rigs and will make it challenging to level."
Water pressure considerations: Shared water hookups can affect pressure. "Water spigots are also shared, which means you'll have low water pressure if you're both using water simultaneously."
Seasonal water availability: Winter camping may require self-contained water supply. "Temperature had been below freezing for several days so water was off at the sites but they had a hose to fill tanks at the office and on the day we departed, turned on water at the sites to assist with dumping and to fill fresh water."
