Mount Eden offers tent and RV camping across various terrain, with most options located within a 15-25 mile radius. The region experiences humid summers with average temperatures around 85-90°F from June through August, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with temperatures in the 60-75°F range. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Cummins Ferry RV Park, campers have direct access to the Kentucky River. "Beautiful river front campground that is peaceful. There is a boat ramp (perfect for my kayak), docks to go fishing off of, lots of nature and trails," notes one visitor. The campground provides boat ramps suitable for small watercraft.
Farm animal interaction: Wildcat Creek Farm offers a unique camping experience with friendly farm animals. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" reports one camper. Children particularly enjoy feeding and petting the animals, which roam freely throughout certain areas of the property.
Historical sites exploration: Bardstown's historical attractions are easily accessible from White Acres Campground. A visitor mentions, "It's just a few miles away from the scenic parts of town." The campground sits approximately 5 minutes from downtown Bardstown, providing convenient access to historical buildings and museums.
What campers like
Shaded tent sites: Campers at Guist Creek Marina & Campground appreciate the natural canopy. "There are trees along this row so you're not in full sun all day," explains one tent camper. Many sites include mature trees that provide relief from summer heat while maintaining visibility of the lake.
Clean bathroom facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions across several campgrounds. At Elkhorn Campground, one visitor specifically noted the "great pool and bathhouse with full bath suites in beautiful tile. Very clean." Another camper commented on the "very nice showerhouse with modern colors and tile."
Waterfront camping: Riverside camping offers peaceful natural sounds and views. One camper at Wildcat Creek Farm described their experience: "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." Many riverside sites feature stairs or paths leading directly to water access points.
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy concerns: Site spacing varies significantly across campgrounds, with many reporting close quarters. At Lake Shelby Campground, a visitor notes that "RV spots were really tight." Another camper at Guist Creek observed they were "literally on top of each other. They put a huge RV with huge jeeps and trailers backed up a foot from our car and tiny tent."
Seasonal staffing limitations: Some campgrounds operate with minimal staff during certain seasons. A camper at Taylorsville Lake State Park reported: "The guard house is only manned for a short period of time. We wanted to get ice and wood when we arrived, but it was closed." Another mentioned: "As of about noon, there still wasn't any staff anywhere in the park that we saw."
Campsite leveling challenges: Uneven sites require preparation with leveling equipment. One camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park observed: "Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description." Another at Taylorsville noted that their primitive site "was far from flat, and the space provided for the picnic table was pretty much unusable."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Lake Shelby Campground, a visitor mentioned, "There was an awesome play area for the kids and the shower facilities were clean." Most playgrounds are centrally located within the campgrounds, making them accessible from multiple camping loops.
Group camping areas: Families camping together can request group sites at certain locations. At Taylorsville Lake State Park, one camper noted: "The group tent sites looked nice and had shade and open areas." These designated group areas typically include multiple picnic tables and larger common spaces.
Water activities for kids: Many campgrounds offer water-based recreation options. At Cummins Ferry, one visitor highlighted that "kids fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night!" Water activities vary seasonally, with most rental operations running from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Many campgrounds have electrical hookups positioned at significant distances from parking pads. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a visitor observed: "Water and electric is about 40 feet away. Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches." RVers should pack extension cords of at least 50 feet to ensure proper connections.
Dump station accessibility: Dump station locations and access can present challenges. One RVer at Lake Shelby reported: "To dump afterward was OK to get in but it is a tighter fit... It would be nice if you could pull through to dump but you have to back in." Most campgrounds limit dump station use to registered guests or charge a fee for non-registered users.
