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Camping near Laurel River Lake

546 Reviews

Several good campgrounds sit close to Laurel River Lake in Kentucky. Renfro Valley KOA has full hookups and a swimming pool that kids enjoy during hot weather. The Farm RV Resort keeps their sites level and roomy, which works well for bigger RVs and longer stays. If you want to camp near water, Indian Mountain State Park Campground has waterfront sites and maintains clean bathrooms. Blue Heron Campground sits near a fishing pond and has nice views of the surrounding hills. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather around the lake. Summers get pretty hot, though swimming in the lake helps cool things off. Winter camping is quieter, with cooler temperatures that make hiking more comfortable. Some campsites give you more privacy than others - it varies by campground. Most sites have decent tree cover, which helps when the sun gets strong. While staying at the lake, you can hike trails, fish, or just hang out by the water. Check ahead about any closed areas or rules that might change with the seasons. The lake area has good options whether you want to fish, hike, or just relax outside.

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Best Camping Sites Near Laurel River Lake (131)

    1. Ridgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    38 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    9 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $26 - $34 / night

    "Sadly, there is a massive amount of trash at the bottom (as you can see in the pictures posted here) which takes away from the natural appearance of the falls."

    "It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."

    2. Holly Bay

    16 Reviews
    Keavy, KY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    $38 - $92 / night

    "Clean bathrooms with showers in walking distance. Helpful staff. Stunning views. Great hiking paths. Bring you boats, bikes, kayaks, fishing poles and bathing suits. The water is fantastic!"

    "Swim next to show, bring your pets, tie up you're boat, be around friendly people or private, primitive to big pull thru, clean, great staff, prettiest lake in KY, best camp sites with poles, shady, level"

    3. Bee Rock Rec Area

    10 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    $8 - $12 / night

    "Visiting Daniel Boone is like stepping back in time. A lot of history from the origins as well as the structures built."

    "You can still walk across the bridge to get to Bee Rock and the hiking trail to the top, just can't camp over there."

    4. Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA

    10 Reviews
    Corbin, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-1534

    "Corbin n/Laurel Lake KOA

    First! Do not trust your navigation. Once you get off the interstate look for the KOA signs."

    "Being April, it was still a little cool and we had a rain day, their are several places to go around Corbin. Take a quiet peaceful walk down the back trail to Laurel River Dam."

    5. Laurel Lake Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 526-7876

    "Nice campground surrounded by forest. They have a pond for fishing and another pond for swimming with nice Sandy beach. They also put out bouncy houses for the kids at no extra cost."

    "Drive in camper spots, drive up to tent spots. Two ponds. Close to laurel lake. Gated and safe. Store for all your needs."

    6. Grove

    6 Reviews
    Keavy, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    $32 - $92 / night

    "Primitive camping if you like to really rough it with nice trails to each spot. The camp hosts comes by nightly to see if you need wood or ice."

    "Close to laurel lake and close to the marina. Corbin is nearby also, where the original KFC is by the way! Also check out Cumberland falls in the area!!"

    7. Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort

    8 Reviews
    Rockholds, KY
    9 miles
    Website

    $25 - $174 / night

    "This campground is conveniently located near Corbin, KY. It sits right off the main road on the way to Cumberland Falls. There are plenty of signs and it is well marked, easy to find."

    "Family owned with a great general store, clean facilities and close to Cumberland Falls state park and Laurel lake."

    8. Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    London, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 330-2130

    "Many activities at the park and it is also close to the birth place of Kentucky Fried Chicken. They have nice sites for larger campers and some for small units that are more shaded."

    "Decent WIFI which was a big plus and, while we stayed in a full hook up site, the dump station was well positioned and easy to navigate."

    9. Grove Boat-In Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "It was dark once I set up but an awesome could helped me with fire wood and had a nice talk around their campfire. Beautiful area. Very busy on labor day weekend!!"

    10. Little Lick Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    $2 - $15 / night

    "Take an awesome little ferry across the river (or drive around). Tent sites vary in privacy. Great simple site, clean. No trails on site but we did a pretty one nearby (forget the name)."

    "Bring your horse, bring your trail bike, bring your dogs. You might want to bring a generator too."

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Recent Camping Photos near Laurel River Lake

188 Photos of 131 Laurel River Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laurel River Lake

546 Reviews of 131 Laurel River Lake Campgrounds

  • Kody Bear A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Redbird Boat Ramp

    It's nice and private

    Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025

  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Wilderness Road Campground

    Nice National Park Campground

    Pretty park. Sites are wooded and not too close together. Most sites need leveling blocks. The bath house is small. 2 stalls and sinks in the bathroom . 2 individual shower rooms. There appeared to be only 2 bathrooms/bath houses for the entire campground. Water pump at bathroom area. No dish washing station. Some sites had electricity, but not all of them. There are lots of hiking trails and a great visitor center. I hope to go back when I can spend more time in the park. Three star rating mainly due to the inadequate number of showers/bathrooms.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    3 Stars, because no Camp Host, No staffing, Elec Had Reverse Polarity

    Want to give this 5 stars, because it was an awesome base for exploring Big South Fork. However, it is not staffed with a Camp Host, nor is there anyone at the entrance shack. My electrical post at Site 001 showed reverse polarity, so I had to move to site 004. 

    Don't let that discourage you. Great campground.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Kendall Campground

    Army Corps of Eng Sites Are Excellent

    Stopped by Aug 11 for one day after being down in TN. Clean, well maintained, spacious sites. Excellent staff. On the other side of Wolf Creek Dam from Lake Cumberland. There is a snack bar/bait shop on site. The National Fish Hatchery is beside the campground, along with the Trout Stream, which is a really neat man-made stream and wetland from the hatchery down to the Cumberland River.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • K
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Cumberland Falls RV Resort

    WOW!! A Hidden Gem for RV Enthusiasts!

    My son and I recently had the pleasure of staying at this brand new RV park, and I can’t say enough good things about it! Just opening in July 2025, Every site comes with full hookups, making it super convenient for all your RV needs. The entire park is laid out with beautiful asphalt, which not only looks great but also provides a smooth surface for parking.

    What truly sets this place apart are the owners. They were on-site and incredibly welcoming, helping us get settled into our site with ease. We even received a delightful goodie bag as a thank-you for choosing to stay there! 🥰 It was such a thoughtful touch that made our experience even more special.

    We were lucky enough to be the first guests in our site, and I can confidently say it won’t be our last visit. We’re already planning to return this fall! We’re so glad we missed the state park and stumbled upon this little gem 💎. If you’re looking for a fantastic RV park with amazing hospitality, look no further!

Guide to Laurel River Lake

Camping near Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. One visitor noted, "The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome," highlighting the park's stunning natural beauty.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Holly Bay. A camper mentioned, "Lots of riverfront locations where you can fish off the bank," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Horseback Riding: Take a scenic ride at Blue Heron Campground. One reviewer said, "A 45-minute horse ride for $25 is an absolute steal," showcasing the affordable outdoor experiences available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Indian Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathhouse was nice and clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy at Holly Bay. One camper shared, "Nice secluded sites. A little hard to get to but peaceful once you settle in," emphasizing the tranquility of the area.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Renfro Valley KOA is noted for its family-friendly atmosphere. A reviewer said, "The pool, miniature golf, and bounce pad were a huge hit with our granddaughter," making it a great choice for families.

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: If you're planning to camp at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, be aware that "the campsites are exactly the length as indicated. Not an inch more!" This is important for those with larger rigs.
  • Limited Cell Service: Campers at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park reported, "We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
  • Old Facilities: Some campers found the facilities at Pulaski County Park lacking. One review stated, "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barely cleaned," which might be a concern for some.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Renfro Valley KOA is a great option. A camper noted, "Super staff and lots to do for kids," making it ideal for family trips.
  • Plan for Activities: At Indian Mountain State Park Campground, families can enjoy "two playgrounds, a Disc golf course, and a beautiful lake," ensuring there's something for everyone.
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. One camper at Waitsboro Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse was very clean and the showers were hot," which is a plus for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Level Sites: RVers at Indian Mountain State Park Campground appreciated the "full hook up with good cell service," making it a solid choice for RV camping.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: If you're heading to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, remember that "the majority of the sites do not have so much as a weed between them," so plan your setup accordingly.
  • Check Accessibility: At Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA, one reviewer noted, "Lead-in off of the interstate was easy. Access is good," which is helpful for RVers looking for convenience.

Camping near Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds at Laurel River Lake in Kentucky?

Laurel River Lake offers several excellent camping options. White Oak Boat-In Campground is a local favorite within Daniel Boone National Forest, accessible by small boat, canoe, or biking in on a dirt service road for a more secluded experience. Grove provides convenient drive-in access with water and toilet facilities, making it perfect for families and larger RVs. For those seeking waterfront camping with modern amenities, consider Holly Bay with its large, private wooded sites that include electric and water hookups, clean bathrooms with showers, and stunning lake views. These campgrounds offer varying levels of accessibility and amenities, letting you choose between more primitive experiences or comfortable camping with conveniences.

How much does it cost to stay at Laurel Lake Camping Resort?

Camping fees at Laurel River Lake vary by campground and amenities. At Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA, expect to pay between $40-65 per night for sites with full hookups. For more budget-friendly options, Holly Bay offers electric and water sites for approximately $25-35 per night. Most public campgrounds operated by the Forest Service charge between $15-30 per night depending on amenities. Boat-in campgrounds like White Oak typically have lower fees around $10-15 per night. For the most accurate pricing, check recreation.gov for public campgrounds or contact private resorts directly as rates may change seasonally and can increase during peak summer months.

What amenities are available at Laurel River Lake beach areas?

Laurel River Lake beach areas provide a variety of amenities for day-use visitors. The main beaches feature designated swimming areas with sandy shorelines, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Most beach areas have vault toilets or restroom facilities, though not all have running water. Grove Boat-In Campground offers beach access with basic facilities, while beaches near Bee Rock Rec Area provide more developed amenities. Visitors will find parking areas, trash receptacles, and some shaded picnic spots at most beach locations. Be aware that lifeguards are not typically present, and some beaches may charge a small day-use fee during peak season. Boat ramps are available near most beach areas for those wanting to launch watercraft.

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