Camping sites near Leitchfield, Kentucky cluster around two main waterways—Nolin Lake and Rough River Lake—with most campgrounds situated between 800-900 feet elevation. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F in July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Many campsites feature limestone outcroppings and native hardwood forests that provide varying degrees of shade depending on campground location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, campers can access excellent fishing directly from their sites. "Family trip for spring break 2019. Kids loved it. Decent showers. Good sites with shade," notes one visitor who enjoyed the fishing access.
Mountain biking trails: Near Maple Springs Campground, cyclists can access technical single-track trails straight from the campground. As one reviewer explains, "We stayed on the Maple Springs side of the Green River to be closer to the mountain bike trails and are glad we did. The trails were great for both of us and we could ride straight from the campground."
Disc golf course: Cave Creek Recreation Area offers a disc golf course adjacent to their basic camping area, making it an ideal spot for campers looking to include this activity in their outdoor experience. The course winds through shaded areas and provides a recreational option beyond water activities.
Kayaking launch points: Several sites at Wax - Nolin River Lake feature direct lake access ideal for launching kayaks. "Loved paddle boarding in the early morning before the boat traffic got going. Water was very warm," writes one camper who appreciated the calm morning conditions.
What campers like
Lake water clarity: Nolin Lake draws visitors with its distinctive colored water. "It sits right on Nolin Lake which is supposed to be infamous for its blue-green waters," explains one reviewer at Moutardier, highlighting why many choose this location over other regional lakes.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. At Maple Springs Campground, bird watchers reported seeing "a trip of Redheaded Woodpeckers playing as well as a mama Northern Flicker feeding her babies. We even saw a giant Pileated Woodpecker!"
Site privacy levels: Dog Creek Campground receives praise for its layout. "Site selection is all important at this campsite. Some have wonderful lake access, shade, and a bit of seclusion," notes one camper, indicating the value of carefully selecting your specific site.
Well-maintained facilities: The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds consistently receive positive feedback for upkeep. One camper at Wax Campground observed, "The Army Corps of Engineers do a good job of using all the designated space for campsites but still keep it picturesque and clean."
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout camping season, affecting site availability. At COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground, "While we were here, several of the sites along the lake were flooded," reported one camper in their review.
Site differences within campgrounds: At Dog Creek Campground, "section C has some of the nicer site, even one with a little lagoon perfect to launch your yaks from," while other areas have "no trees, no lake, in the middle of everyone."
Access limitations: Some campgrounds require special consideration for access. For Maple Springs Campground, one reviewer warned: "If you are in a RV note that you can't go across the ferry with your rig!!! You have to go around the park to access this campground."
Tick prevalence: Hikers and campers should prepare for ticks, particularly in spring and early summer. One camper at Maple Springs noted, "The park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween camping events: Moutardier offers special seasonal activities. "Family friendly Halloween fun. Has a decorating contest with trick or treat in the campground. Safe and clean with lots of restrooms and lake front sites," shares a reviewer who enjoyed this festive experience.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. Dog Creek Campground includes "3 playgrounds with safe clean equipment" according to one reviewer who found it "family friendly."
Beach activities for kids: The beaches at several locations offer more than swimming. At Axtel Campground, "If you dig down just a couple of inches on the beach, you'll find clay. My kids loved this and made a couple of clay pots," reports one creative family.
Midweek visits for quieter experience: For families sensitive to noise or crowds, timing matters. As one camper at Dog Creek observed, "We are here during the week so it's really nice and quiet!! Would definitely come back!"
Tips from RVers
Electric service reliability: Some RV sites have power limitations. At North Fork Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Only issue we have come across was that the electric service on our site kept tripping the breaker. Only running AC and a CPAP machine and the breaker would not hold."
Site selection for larger rigs: Wax Campground requires careful planning for bigger RVs. "The road in/out is very narrow, very tight and not easily navigated with a 40' 5th wheel. Also, be very careful about sites, many are extremely undeveloped."
Campground approach routes: When heading to Cave Creek Campground, be aware that "The road is twisty and skinny. I'm not pulling a boat and would be concerned about passing in the curves."
Supply planning: Wax Campground's remote location means "you are about 30 min from a grocery store, so make sure you stock up before you go. There are several road side veggie stands where you can get fresh from the ground veggies."
