Best Campgrounds near Independence, KY

We camped 2 nights and 3 days here.  The campground was pretty nice.  We had a non-electric site (159). It had extra space and was next to the bathhouse.  There were some trees there that my kids could put up their hammocks during the day.  Nice and level and had a large tree there as well.  Was also right next to the camp host site, if that's something that's important to you. 

The bathhouse was really, really nice.  Very clean and spacious.  However, there was no hot water.  I think this was just a fluke, the camp host said they had just had issues with the hot water heater.  We just walked to another bathhouse for a hot shower (those weren't as nice but, hot water so...).  

The park itself is just okay.  The Trail 7 hike was a little disappointing.  You could see the falls but not super well.  It's one that you need to do to see the falls but not my favorite hike there.  The best hike, in my opinion, was Trail 6 to 5, then down to 2, and back up to 5, finishing on Trail 4 at Hoffman Falls.  Lots to see on that hike and not very crowded.

What a wonderful experience, Teri and Mike have a beautiful area tucked away in Northern KY. Plenty of space between campsites! We stayed at Henry's Holler. It's a 4x4 only site. There is a steep hill that you may need 4wd to get up. That being said there are a few more spots to reserve that this is not a requirement. It is so peaceful here. You would never know you were so close to busy areas. Rabbit hash is right down the road as well as Lawerenceburg Indiana. Just a short distance is also Big Bone Lick State Park. If you just want to get away this is the spot for you. The log cabin on site is so cool. Plenty of walking can be done as you meander along some easy trails.

The "outhouse" on site is cute. It is the only bathroom on property. Well stocked and not your typical "outhouse". '. It's adorable. You will have to see it to appreciate it. This is a great alternative to camping at a campground. Note: there is no electric or water. Also pack out what you pack in. You will be greeted with a "welcome" kit that includes a citronella candle, some paper and fire starting accessories. Firewood is available for purchase by the barn. I will definitely be back! Teri communicates very well to make sure all is going well. Don't be afraid to explore this great slice of heaven.

General: Huge state park with over 400 sites. All are pet-friendly and electric. About 20 are FHU. While tent camping is permitted, certain sites are not recommended for it as there would be no place to pitch a tent. One loop is for equestrian camping but when we were there, I only saw one horse trailer, and the rest were occupied by RV campers. 

Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and most appeared level or just very slightly sloped. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Some sites have more trees to provide privacy while others are closer together with little separation.

Bath/Shower House: Not all loops have their own bath house and the I loop where we stayed was one of them. We used the one in the H Loop. The bathhouses were clean, and the shower had nice hot water, however, it doesn’t seem like there were sufficient facilities for how large the campground was (H Loop had two showers, two toilets, and three sinks). Hooks or shelves would have been appreciated.

Activities/Amenities: Many activities can be enjoyed here including mini golf (small nine-hole course), soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, corn hole, boating, and bicycling. Playgrounds are in several loops (I saw them in C and G). Rentals are available but most are only in season (ended September 30). There is a nature center and several hiking or paved biking/walking trails. There is also a camper beach for boating and swimming.

When we reserved months earlier, we knew that our first night (a Saturday) was 100% full as we got the very last site. What we did not know is that there was a HUGE Halloween celebration complete with 30-40 decorated golf carts parading through the campground. The road was closed until 6:45 pm (we arrived around 7 pm) and cars lined both sides of the approximately two-mile road! If that's your thing, great but it wasn't necessarily ours!

I appreciate that this park encourages so much outdoor activity, but it is not very pedestrian-friendly. I walked the road from one end to the other and there was no shoulder and, in many spots, no place to safely step off into the grass. I’m guessing it is assumed you will either have a car or golf cart to get around. 

One final note: for a park so close to a large city (Cincinnati), I was surprised the cell service was so lacking (on Verizon). We eked out one and occasionally two bars of 4G.