Tent campsites near Jamestown, Kentucky sit within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows often reaching 25°F. Lake Cumberland's presence creates a unique microclimate that can bring unexpected afternoon showers during summer camping trips, especially at waterfront sites.
What to do
Boat access camping: Grove Boat-In Campground offers a unique experience for paddlers. "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites. This was a pretty decent paddle away," notes Emilee B.
Hiking trails: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park provides numerous trail options with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the Wildflower Loop Trail (1.5 miles) in a drizzle and although wet it was safe. When the rain stopped we hiked Eagle Falls Trail and it was very muddy but the views were worth it," shares Ella L., who camped at Clifty Campground.
Stargazing: For astronomy enthusiasts, Tuscarora Glade offers exceptional dark sky conditions. "Pickett County Tennessee is one of the few places in the world with a Dark Sky rating, meaning there is little to no light pollution. Tuscarora Glade is so dark at night and the stars are just so brilliant looking up through the opening in the Glade," explains Ralph M.
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more room than others. At Pulaski County Park, Steven S. notes, "Good primitive sites. If they are really busy it can be a little crowded especially down by the water but over all a really good camping spot."
Privacy options: Hidden Ridge Camping stands out for secluded camping. "These sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure," according to Ashley F., who appreciated the 53 acres of wooded property.
Water access: Many tent campers value proximity to Lake Cumberland. Lee-Ann R. from Pulaski County Park simply states, "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," highlighting the appeal of waterfront camping in the region.
What you should know
Bathhouse conditions vary: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. Julie B. warns about Pulaski County Park: "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross, water source is old and campground manager didn't follow up with me."
Site selection matters: At Clifty Campground, site differences can be substantial. "The sites are inconsistent between their sizes on the Clifty campground. We had two small tents and one car. If we had any more gear or people it would have been uncomfortable," reports one camper.
Primitive options: For those seeking true tent camping near Jamestown, backcountry options exist in nearby areas. Tim H. shares about Backcountry Camping: "We parked at the Twin Arches Loop National Recreation Trail head, then made our way down into the valley... As the sun was setting, we found a good place to set up our hammock gear a little ways off of the trail."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pulaski County Park offers multiple play areas. Katie M. notes, "There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins. There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play."
Swimming options: Pool access can be valuable during hot summer months. One reviewer explains, "The perk about the Clifty campsites is that they are close to the pool. You can easily walk to the pool with your family when it opens. The pool is free for campers."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with tent-only sections may offer a better family experience. Anna C. cautions about Pulaski County Park: "Beautiful, but crowded and the crowd isn't usually child friendly... Despite the no alcohol rule, there's still a lot of partying at night. No one really enforces that."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: At Ryan's Camp Ramp, the terrain presents challenges. Shelly S. observes, "The camper sites are stacked up a hillside off the side of the road with the storage buildings opposite. So if your not looking for a view and don't plan on doing much on land it works."
Boat ramp access: For RVers with boats, proximity to launch points matters. Angie B. mentions about Pulaski County Park, "This campground has boat ramp very accessible. The shower house has both showers and stalls but are not kept clean during very busy times."
Water level awareness: Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campground conditions. "Not crowded right now and the water is WAY down," reports Shelly S. about Pulaski County Park in fall months, noting that water levels affect access to waterfront campsites.
