Campgrounds near Lexington, Kentucky offer variety in elevation from riverside locations at around 500 feet to higher-elevation sites at nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. The camping season extends beyond summer with many campgrounds seeing peak visitation during Kentucky's fall color season from mid-October through early November. Water levels at riverside campsites can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting both access and activities.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Kentucky Horse Park Campground provides extensive riding opportunities with numerous trails of varying difficulty. "Taking the horses out here was a wonderful experience, it was great having so many different trails to go on in order to not only train the new horses how to trail ride, but also take the more experienced horses on tougher trails," shares Jill R.
Fishing at multiple locations: Cummins Ferry RV Park offers riverside fishing with dock access. "This campground sites next to a boat dock. Nice staff. Nothing to do here unless you have a boat," notes Sarah F., highlighting the water-focused nature of the site. The Kentucky River provides catfish, bass and crappie fishing opportunities.
Historical exploration: Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground features a living history museum recreating frontier life. "There is a walking trail through the woods to Ft Boonesboro (a recreation of the original fort). Unfortunately it was a wet rainy weekend when we went, so we didn't get to tour the fort," explains Crystal H.
What campers like
Spacious sites with good separation: Whispering Hills RV Park offers campsites that don't feel cramped. "Nice place and hospitality as soon as we drove up. Escort to our site #55 with Full Hookups. Close sites but very well organized, clean private baths/bathrooms, laundry and pool," shares Harold M.
Unique horse farm experiences: Queenslake Horse Farm provides camping with direct access to horses. "Our site was located between the lake and a small horse enclosure with several horses in it. The owner of the horses was there visiting and left us some treats to feed the horses during our stay," describes John R., highlighting the distinctive Kentucky horse country experience.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campsites near Lexington, Kentucky prioritize cleanliness and upkeep. "Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington," notes Joshua R. about Kentucky Horse Park Campground, emphasizing the convenient location and condition of facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Some campgrounds operate only part of the year. Elkhorn Campground runs from April 1 to October 31, making advance planning essential for spring and fall visits.
Noise considerations at some locations: Fort Boonesborough State Park has noise issues from nearby industrial operations. "One side of the campground abuts an asphalt plant which was quit noisy at times. The park is on the river at the bottom of a valley. The highway traffic comes down one side with engine brakes bellowing," warns Butch K.
Variable pricing structure: Camping costs vary significantly by amenities and location. "For tent campers I had more than a little sticker shock at the $36 price point not to mention the booking fee on Reserve America. That made this one of the most expensive campgrounds I have stayed at including numerous stops in California," Crystal C. mentions about Fort Boonesborough.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Elkhorn Campground caters to families with multiple activities. "Family friendly, clean, up to date, pool, activities super staff," Tammy highlights, pointing to the range of options for children.
Consider educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences alongside recreation. "Great place to take the family! A lot of Kentucky heritage here!" David O. notes about Kentucky Horse Park Campground, referencing the historical and cultural attractions.
Check for playground quality: Not all playgrounds are created equal. "The playground was very old," mentions Kristen H. about Camp Nelson RV Park, suggesting families might want to verify playground conditions before booking.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure varies significantly: Many RVers note water pressure issues at regional campgrounds. "The water pressure was quite high (70 psi) according to the worker at the campground so make sure to have a water pressure regulator," Martin M. warns about Whispering Hills RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campsites in the region. "The sites are gravel and most are not level, but not too bad. There is all manner of leveling going on!" shares Jill B. about Whispering Hills RV Park, emphasizing the need for leveling equipment.
Plan for limited big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "The standard lots are gravel and basic, the premium spots are much longer with smaller yards and have pull through access. The biggest downside we saw with this park is that there aren't very many standard sites available to big RVs," Laura H. explains about Whispering Hills RV Park.
