Louisville South KOA Holiday offers a variety of camping accommodations including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups just 25 miles south of Louisville in Shepherdsville. The property sits within the Ohio River valley at an elevation of around 460 feet, experiencing humid summers and mild winters. Several accommodations feature electric hookups and access to shower facilities, while primitive sites cater to those seeking a more rustic experience.
What to do
Explore scenic trails: The Jefferson Memorial Forest offers 6,500 acres with hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 13 miles through mixed hardwood forests. "Lots of trails ranging from easy to difficult. The forest affords us the ability to enjoy the city and then kick back at a nice scenic spot," notes one camper at Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest. The trails showcase native Kentucky plant life and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Visit historic sites: The area surrounding Shepherdsville contains significant historical attractions within short driving distance. Near Charlestown State Park Campground, campers can explore Rose Island, an abandoned 1920s amusement park. "Enjoyed Rose Island trail lots of cool history to learn. Also enjoyed trail 6 with the waterfalls," reports a visitor. The area features remnants of structures and interpretive signage explaining the site's history.
Enjoy water activities: Multiple lakes and rivers provide water recreation options. Lake Shelby Campground offers paddle boat and canoe rentals from April through October. A reviewer mentions, "You can rent a paddle boat or canoe. However, there has to be an adult in the canoe for rental. There are several docks and a boat ramp."
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Beyond the jumping pillow mentioned in existing reviews, families appreciate the various recreational facilities at area campgrounds. Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA offers "fishing, mini golf, bowling, chess, volleyball. Dog park, playground was nicely done," according to a recent camper. The campground recently added "a new saltwater pool, deluxe cabins, deluxe camping sites."
Proximity to Louisville: The central location provides convenience for urban excursions while maintaining a natural setting. A camper at Horine Reservation notes, "You are literally ten minutes from anything you want or need. Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living." This makes the area ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds in the region organize special events throughout the year. At Otter Creek Park Campground, a family notes, "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!"
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. At Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, "A large beach is available for swimming from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers, and food concessions are available to visitors." Planning visits around these schedules ensures access to desired amenities.
Site specifications: Many campgrounds have specific limitations regarding equipment size and setup. At Louisville South KOA, "sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig. Many were longer than other KOAs, which enabled the tow vehicle and TT to be parked."
Reservation requirements: Booking policies vary significantly across properties. Jefferson Memorial Forest campsites are first-come, first-served. A camper notes this can be "scary if you like to plan," suggesting arriving early, especially on weekends. Yurt camping near Wellington, Kentucky requires advance planning as these specialized accommodations are limited.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Facilities for visitors with mobility requirements exist throughout the region's campgrounds. At Starve Hollow, "wheelchair ramps allow access to beach and concession area," and specific sites are designated as wheelchair accessible. Families requiring these accommodations should call ahead to ensure availability.
Kid-friendly recreation: O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground provides diverse activities for children of all ages. "The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer," reports one regular visitor. The park also features a nature center with ranger-led programs appropriate for families.
Site selection: When yurt camping Wellington, Kentucky area with children, choosing the right location impacts the experience. At Lake Shelby, "The tent sites were shaded by nice trees and were located right next to the lake. The group tent sites looked nice and had shade and open areas," providing natural play areas and comfort in hot weather.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Guist Creek Marina & Campground, a visitor noted that "all sites have 50/30 AMP. Most with lake views or select a site right nearest the lake." This information helps RVers prepare appropriate adapters.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require adjustments for comfortable parking. A visitor to Starve Hollow mentioned, "All the campsites I saw were pretty level," which is valuable information for larger rigs. Some campgrounds have gravel sites while others feature concrete pads, affecting stabilization requirements.
Length restrictions: RV owners should verify site dimensions before booking. At Lake Shelby, "sites are 20 feet long, but they allow front ends to stick out," creating workable solutions for larger vehicles despite the technical limitations. Specialized yurt camping in Wellington, Kentucky area may better accommodate those who prefer not to navigate tight camping spaces.
