Campgrounds near Brooks, Kentucky offer various accommodations from rustic tent sites to full-service RV hookups along the Ohio River valley. The area sits in Kentucky's rolling hills with elevations averaging 500-700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperatures between 50-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails: At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, trails range from easy to difficult with various terrain features. A camper noted, "O'Bannon woods has just about everything in one little nook, from fishing swimming and kayaking on blue River, a beach at the park. Swimming, horse trails and lodging, electric campgrounds, you name it."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Shelby Campground offers multiple fishing locations including the main lake and the stream below the dam. As one visitor mentioned, "You can fish both in the lake and on the stream below the dam. A couple of docks on the lake side. They also rent paddle boats."
Cave exploration: The region features notable cave systems perfect for day trips. Marengo Cave Campgrounds provides direct access to underground tours. A camper shared, "The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern. There are extra activities for the kids such as mining and a nice gift shop for any rock lover out there."
Water recreation: Multiple lakes and rivers allow for boating, swimming, and paddling. An Indian-Celina Recreation Area visitor mentioned, "Two lakes within the recreation area to fish and boat in. During mid August, Celine lake has freshwater Jellyfish that you can catch."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer sites with good spacing and natural buffers. At Otter Creek Park Campground, a reviewer stated, "The area we were in was nice and private. Campgrounds has showers with good hot water pressure. Definitely recommend this campsite."
Proximity to Louisville: Charlestown State Park Campground provides convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor explained, "From here as a base we also spent half a day in Madison Indiana, (shopping, dining & winery) and biked the Ohio River Greenway path - nice 7 mile one way bike path from Jeffersonville to New Albany."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. One camper at Guist Creek Marina & Campground observed, "This campground is nicely maintained. Has a nice bathroom and shower facility. The playground is nice and has a pavilion right next to it."
Wildlife viewing: The mixed forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. According to a visitor at O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, "several hiking trails w various difficulties" make it easier to spot wildlife in different habitats throughout the day.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping near Brooks varies significantly by season. Summer brings high humidity and temperatures, while spring features moderate temperatures with occasional storms. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but cooler nights.
Site specifications: Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA has "concrete pads and full hookups" according to one camper, but they also noted the "Campground was not heavily shaded, but we didn't mind that at all."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. A visitor to Guist Creek Marina & Campground mentioned, "Staff was very courteous. I was given very clear directions to the site and couldn't miss it."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. As one camper at Charlestown State Park Campground observed, "Campground is a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. A Lake Shelby Campground visitor shared, "We ended up with a beautiful, quiet place, right on the lake, and we set up camp as the sun was setting. It was beautiful! There was an awesome play area for the kids."
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature nature centers with interpretive programs. At O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground, a camper noted, "great nature center w ranger tours. several hiking trails w various difficulties" making it ideal for families with children of different ages.
Kid-friendly activities: Louisville South KOA provides structured activities for children. One visitor mentioned, "They did a great job with other things like tie dye T-shirts and movie nights" during their stay.
Safety considerations: Most campgrounds feature gated or monitored access. A visitor to Otter Creek Park Campground remarked, "We were happy to spend the night and know we were safe."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require some leveling adjustments. At Guist Creek Marina & Campground, a camper noted, "I have a small trailer which is easy to level up but most of the sites are not very level."
Hookup variations: Electrical amperage and water/sewer availability varies between campgrounds. An Indian-Celina Recreation Area visitor shared, "Gravel platform for pitching a tent. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks which were nice."
Maneuvering space: Access roads and site dimensions can impact larger rigs. A Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA camper mentioned, "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple."
Seasonal facilities: Some campground amenities operate seasonally. At Marengo Cave Campgrounds, a camper observed, "Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00. No security or staff at all after hours."
