Tent campsites near Lebanon, Kentucky range from peaceful riverside locations to established park settings with varying levels of development. The area sits in the rolling hills of central Kentucky with elevations between 700-900 feet, creating diverse camping terrain. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offer milder conditions with overnight temperatures often dropping into the 40s-50s.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Pulaski County Park offers extensive trail systems for day hiking from your campsite. One visitor noted, "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops. I won't say their easy to navigate but it's doable if you pay attention to the names and direction your going."
Water recreation options: Halcombs Landing provides both fishing and boating access points. A visitor described it as "a nice, picturesque stop off on your travels through the area. Halcombs Landing is across from Kendall Recreation Area. Above the dam this Boatramp has a pavilion area and single picnic tables out along a break wall that offer some nice scenery with your picnic lunch."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting at Wildcat Creek Farm creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper described, "On a clear night it was super relaxing listening to nature and looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river. Pretty damn cool especially if you have never seen country sky at night."
What campers like
Farm animal interactions: At Wildcat Creek Farm, campers can interact with resident animals. One review states, "A campsite settled upon the bank of the Kentucky River with a friendly farm cat, goats, horses and cow we delighted in a campfire as the sun set and the stars came out."
Secluded tent sites: Hidden Ridge Camping provides spacious tent camping across 53 wooded acres. A reviewer mentioned, "These sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure."
Riverside relaxation spots: Several tent camping areas near Lebanon offer direct water access. At Wildcat Creek Farm, one camper described, "The 'island' site is a nice little shaded area above the riverside. Off to the right corner of the site is a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water."
What you should know
Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom cleanliness can be inconsistent at some locations. One camper at Pulaski County Park reported, "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross, water source is old and campground manager didn't follow up with me."
Campground navigation challenges: Some larger campgrounds have complex layouts. A Pulaski County Park visitor noted, "The layout of the park is also confusing at times. I've been there several times and just recently found another parking area and trailhead."
Seasonal water level changes: Lake Cumberland water levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. Campers have observed that during certain periods "the water is WAY down," which can impact waterfront tent sites and water recreation access.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Families camping near Lebanon have access to various play areas. One Pulaski County Park camper shared, "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play. You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground."
Noise consideration for peaceful spots: At busier campgrounds, noise levels can impact family camping experiences. A visitor warned, "If they are really busy it can be a little crowded especially down by the water but over all a really good camping spot."
Kid-friendly animal encounters: Bourbon Trail Campground and other area farms offer children opportunities to interact with animals. At nearby sites, parents report, "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek! Great hospitality."
Tips from RVers
Campsite availability challenges: RV campers should book well in advance as limited spaces fill quickly. A long-time visitor to Pulaski County Park observed, "I have camped at this campground for over 58 years. It has been improved over the years and still needs work. More RV sites have been added. More are needed."
Bathhouse facilities: When selecting tent campsites near Lebanon with RV amenities, check recent reviews about facility conditions. One RVer advised, "Only one bathhouse open and I don't think they cleaned it once all week. Stay elsewhere! Brown nasty water and so much garbage."
Water and utility access: Many tent camping areas provide limited RV hookups. Ensure your camping style matches available amenities as campers note that while many sites are "priced well," services vary significantly between primitive tent areas and developed sections.
