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Best Campgrounds near Lexington, KY

548 Reviews

Camping near Lexington, Kentucky encompasses a mix of state parks, private RV resorts, and unique horse farm campgrounds that showcase the region's equestrian heritage. The Kentucky Horse Park Campground, located just north of Lexington, serves as a central hub with over 250 sites for both RVs and tent campers. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground, situated along the Kentucky River about 25 miles southeast of Lexington, offers historical camping experiences near a reconstructed frontier fort. Several private options like Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown and Cummins Ferry RV Park on the Kentucky River provide additional accommodations within 30-45 minutes of downtown Lexington. Specialty sites like Queenslake Horse Farm offer campers the opportunity to stay on working horse farms with views of grazing horses.

Most campgrounds in the Lexington area are accessible year-round, though some private facilities like Elkhorn Campground operate seasonally from April through October. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 90s and mild winters that occasionally drop below freezing. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during horse racing events at Keeneland (April and October) and during the Kentucky Derby season (early May). Most established campgrounds have reliable cell service, with Verizon typically providing the best coverage throughout the area.

The camping options around Lexington cater to different preferences and needs. State park campgrounds provide more natural settings with moderate amenities, while private RV parks offer full hookups and additional facilities like swimming pools and laundry services. According to reviews, the Kentucky Horse Park Campground features "spacious sites with good shade from beautiful trees," though some sites require careful leveling. The Legacy Trail, a 12-mile paved path connecting the Horse Park to downtown Lexington, provides excellent biking opportunities for campers. Visitors note that riverside sites at Fort Boonesborough offer pleasant views but can be noisy due to a nearby quarry. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the smaller horse farm campgrounds provide a quintessential Kentucky countryside setting with fewer amenities but unique proximity to horses and farm life.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lexington, Kentucky (71)

    1. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $40 - $43 / night

    "Not far from Lexington."

    "I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"

    2. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Winchester, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 527-3454

    $37 - $43 / night

    "Fort Boonesborough SP is near I64 and I75 Between Lexington and Richmond , Ky. The Kentucky River is adjacent. I remember watching Daniel Boone in black and white when I was a kid."

    "Pros: museum & fort, pool, boat launch, birding, modern campground facilities, great spot not far from highways 64 & 75 (Lexington)."

    3. Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    18 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 865-2003

    $30 - $55 / night

    "This is a small well maintained campground right on the Kentucky river. It is down in a hollow which makes it secluded and quiet. There is a dock and a boat ramp."

    "It's situated high up on the Kentucky river bank which is nice but there's little access to the riverbank except from the floating dock and boat ramp."

    4. Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    25 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 863-2552

    $36 - $46 / night

    "Convenient to Lexington, Georgetown, and tons of attractions, with enough amenities to satisfy - great place!"

    "Not too far from downtown Georgetown and Lexington"

    5. Elkhorn Campground

    18 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    "highly recommended, close to Lexington and the Ark encounter."

    "Surrounded by rivers and open green fields. Very nicely maintained. Lots of campers even this early in the season! Looks like kids and fishing folk would be in heaven."

    6. Camp Nelson RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Bryantsville, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 548-2113

    $30 / night

    "Off the beaten path, quiet, and friendly....what more could you ask for???"

    "The pool is nice although they do sell memberships to it for outside folks to use which means there can be a lot of people there on a holiday or very warm day."

    7. Wildcat Creek Farm

    4 Reviews
    Lawrenceburg, KY
    19 miles

    $32 - $82 / night

    "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."

    8. Hidden Lake Farm Camp

    4 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    21 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "If I recall correctly, pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times since there's farmland nearby."

    9. Camp on the Kentucky

    3 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    18 miles
    +1 (859) 879-6402

    $17 - $40 / night

    "Nice little lodge area to sit outside or go inside with snacks, food, pool tables, and fireplace."

    10. Queenslake Horse Farm

    1 Review
    Stamping Ground, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 388-2225

    $100 - $150 / night

    "My wife and I were travelling through Lexington in our camper van and were searching for a unique place to camp for an evening.  We found Queenslake and booked one of their lakeside camp sites. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Lexington, KY

156 Photos of 71 Lexington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lexington, KY

548 Reviews of 71 Lexington Campgrounds

Guide to Lexington

Camping near Lexington, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Zilpo Campground, visitors enjoy kayaking and fishing on Cave Run Lake. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Koomer Ridge Campground. A camper noted, "There are several trails that start from the campground."
  • Horseback Riding: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground is surrounded by horse country, making it a great spot for horseback riding. One visitor said, "Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Twin Knobs Recreation Area stated, "Bath houses/restrooms were very clean and nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A visitor at Kincaid Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is up high, so it’s peaceful. We heard nice birdsongs and felt like we had a lot of space between us and the other campers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground noted, "This state park is well maintained and staffed by very friendly people."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Koomer Ridge Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper mentioned, "No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A review for Middle Fork Campground pointed out, "Biggest downside is the noise from the big trucks going up and down the hill on the highway."
  • Site Size Variability: Sites can vary in size and levelness. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground noted, "Not a level site to be found in this small park."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, which has playgrounds and a pool. A camper shared, "Great park, big sites!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One family at Lago Linda Hideaway enjoyed the lake area, saying, "The lake area is beautiful and I was able to walk it on crutches."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor at Kentucky Horse Park Campground mentioned, "We chose site 13 because it looked level in pics and had some open green space behind for our dog."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if the campground has the necessary hookups. A review for Kincaid Lake State Park Campground noted, "Only bad on RV site no have a sewer connection but public bath very close."
  • Arrive Early: Arriving early can help secure a good spot. A camper at Twin Knobs Recreation Area said, "Campsites are close together, but the camp hosts are very friendly and helpful."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Many sites require longer cords for power and water. A visitor at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."

Camping around Lexington, Kentucky, has something for everyone. From beautiful lakes to friendly campgrounds, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Lexington, KY?

Kentucky Horse Park Campground ranks among the top choices with over 250 full hookup sites, spacious lots, and a convenient location off the interstate. The campground features clean facilities, a game room, and is situated right next to the working horse farm. Another excellent option is Elkhorn Creek RV Park, a family-owned campground offering waterfront sites, both concrete and gravel pads, and a convenient location for exploring Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington. Both campgrounds provide good access to local attractions and maintain well-kept grounds with various amenities to enhance your camping experience.

Are there any free camping options near Lexington, Kentucky?

Free camping options near Lexington are limited, as most established campgrounds in the area charge fees. However, Whittleton Campground at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, while not free, offers more affordable primitive camping options about an hour from Lexington. For truly free camping, consider Camp Nelson RV Park near Lancaster, which occasionally has special promotions or discounted stays. Your best bet for free camping would be exploring dispersed camping options in the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest, though these will be more primitive without amenities and typically require a bit more driving distance from Lexington.

Where can I find tent camping near Lexington, KY?

Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping options near Lexington, with a convenient location between Lexington and Richmond adjacent to the Kentucky River. Its proximity to I-64 and I-75 makes it easily accessible for weekend getaways. For a more unique experience, Cummins Ferry RV Park provides tent camping in a secluded hollow along the Kentucky River. This well-maintained campground features exceptional customer service, a dock, and boat ramp access. Both locations offer the natural surroundings tent campers typically seek while remaining within reasonable driving distance to Lexington's amenities.

What activities are available when camping near Lexington, KY?

The Lexington area offers diverse outdoor activities for campers. At Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking trails, boat rentals, and lake access for fishing and water recreation. The park features spacious camping spots with nice picnic tables. History enthusiasts will appreciate Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, which combines beautiful Kentucky countryside views with historical significance and hiking opportunities. Many campgrounds in the region provide easy access to Lexington's attractions, horse farms, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Biking is popular too, with some areas offering trails connecting directly to Lexington.

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