Near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, glamping options extend into surrounding counties within a 45-mile radius. The region features rolling hills and limestone formations characteristic of Kentucky's Bluegrass Region, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winter conditions with occasional freezing nights. Some glamping sites in the area sit alongside waterways while others are tucked into wooded areas with varying elevation changes between 500-900 feet.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Guist Creek Marina and Campground offers direct access to a lake stocked with various fish species. One visitor noted, "The lake is beautiful. Dog and I took a little canoe ride," highlighting the easy water access for anglers and paddlers.
Hiking trails: Jefferson Memorial Forest provides multiple trail options for nature enthusiasts. A camper shared, "Love this place! Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living. The camp sites are all wooded and primitive, preserving the peaceful serenity of such a beautiful and heavily forested area." The area offers "miles of walking trails ranging from easy to difficult."
Historical exploration: Camp Nelson RV Park serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby historical sites. According to a reviewer, "Off the beaten path, quiet, and friendly....what more could you ask for???" The campground's location makes it suitable for day trips to nearby historical attractions.
What campers like
Weekly entertainment: Saturday evenings at many glamping sites feature special events. At Cummins Ferry RV Park, a reviewer observed, "Live music and food trucks every Saturday are a nice touch!" This provides a social atmosphere after days spent exploring.
Scenic water views: Many campers appreciate riverside camping spots. One camper at Cummins Ferry mentioned, "The river and waterfall makes it feel like a tranquil place. The walking trail by the river is nice, we walked it almost every day."
Privacy features: Several glamping sites have implemented security measures. A visitor to Camp Nelson RV Park noted, "The campground has a very nice pool and is very quiet. A bit tight for larger rigs (ours is a 40' DP). The owner is very friendly and has several younger folks working there that are very friendly and accommodating."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at several locations. A camper at Lake Shelby Campground shared, "Site #11: nice shade tree, lots of roots exposed, set up tent on stone to avoid roots. Great space between the tent sites, but virtually no real privacy as public traffic into park was steady."
Seasonal differences: Winter glamping requires different planning than summer visits. Some sites close seasonally, while others remain open with modified amenities.
Bathroom access: Facilities vary widely between glamping sites. At Lake Shelby, a camper noted, "Long way to a newer bath house, port-a-john almost as far away in opposite direction. Bathhouse is four units, each with sink, toilet and shower. Could have been a lot cleaner."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Guist Creek Marina and Campground offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor mentioned, "This campground is nicely maintained. Has a nice bathroom and shower facility. The playground is nice and has a pavilion right next to it."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals. One camper at Lake Shelby observed, "Awesome wildlife for a park within the city: herons, geese (except for poop), ducks, turtles, beavers. We didn't see the coons but put food away every night as they visited our camp on a nightly basis."
Activity planning: Some glamping sites offer rentals for family activities. A visitor to Three Springs noted, "Very friendly staff who will go out of their way to help you set up. (Was offered hoses and power cords if needed). Dog friendly which is a big bonus. Has some on site cats too."
Tips from RVers
Power supply considerations: Check available electrical hookups before booking. At Three Springs Campground and RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together. Gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through. Sites are not particularly level."
Site selection importance: Research specific site details before booking. One RVer at Charlestown State Park Campground commented, "Campground was nice with concrete pads and full hookups. Campground was not heavily shaded, but we didn't mind that at all. We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge."
Road access considerations: Some glamping areas have challenging approach roads. At Cummins Ferry, a visitor warned, "The one lane road coming in might give you the willies but it is worth it. They have 5 WiFi connections making this some of the best campground WiFi I have ever had."
