Tent camping options near London, Kentucky include several boat-in sites on Laurel River Lake at elevations between 700-1000 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with high humidity in summer months. Fall brings temperatures between 50-70°F with colorful foliage, creating ideal conditions for tent campers seeking cooler weather.
What to do
Boat access camping: Grove Boat-In Campground offers unique camping accessible primarily by water. One camper described their experience: "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites." Another noted it can get "very busy on labor day weekend" despite the boat-only access requirement.
Hiking trails: Pulaski County Park features an extensive trail system ideal for day hikes. A camper observed that "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."
Mountain biking: The same park offers mountain biking opportunities on designated trails. A reviewer mentioned that trails are "all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging," making them suitable for intermediate riders seeking technical terrain.
Archery practice: Facilities for bow hunters and archery enthusiasts are available at Pulaski County Park. A visitor noted "There's a very large walking trail, and archery area. You can put a boat right in at their little dock as well."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Clifty Campground receives praise for specific tent-only sites away from RVs. A camper recommended: "I loved site 48 at Cliffy Campground. It was the most secluded spot we could find. Definitely book ahead of time if you can."
Access to swimming: During summer months, Clifty Campground provides pool access for registered campers. A visitor noted: "The perk about the Clifty campsites is that they are close to the pool. You can easily walk to the pool with your family when it opens. The pool is free for campers."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area provide fishing access, with some campgrounds located directly on the water. At Rockcastle Campground, a camper reported: "The site are well spread out for the most part, the view is very nice if you get to camp on the water."
Clean facilities: Tranquility Creek campground maintains high cleanliness standards according to reviewers. One camper simply stated: "Quiet, clean place to rest. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage can be inconsistent throughout the London area depending on carrier. A camper at Clifty Campground reported: "We did have cell phone service (Verizon) at the campground. My friend that was T-Mobile did not have cell service."
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities at some campgrounds may be basic or aged. At HomeGrown HideAways, a camper noted: "The outhouse was perfectly clean, but there were flush toilets available if you took a little walk."
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons are active in the area, particularly around trash receptacles. A camper at Clifty observed: "There are a lot of raccoons that visit the dumpster area so expect it to be a little messy if your fellow campers aren't shutting the dumpster lids."
Firewood challenges: The region's humidity can make finding dry firewood difficult. A camper at Clifty advised: "Don't buy wood anywhere near the park because it's mostly wet due to condensation from the falls."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. At Pulaski County Park, a visitor noted: "There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins. There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play."
Beach swimming: For the best tent camping near London, Kentucky with water recreation, consider Pulaski County Park. A camper mentioned: "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," making it suitable for families with children who enjoy swimming.
Site selection for privacy: When camping with families, choose sites carefully for adequate space. At Clifty Campground, a camper advised: "The sites are inconsistent between their sizes on the Clifty campground. We had two small tents and one car. If we had any more gear or people it would have been uncomfortable."
Educational opportunities: Grove Boat-In Campground provides opportunities to teach children about water safety and boat navigation. A reviewer stated: "This is a great place for the family. The hike have great views, the facilities are clean and well kept."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should research specific site sizes before booking. A camper at Clifty Campground noted: "Look closely as each site is rated for a different RV length and they had one pull in site."
Limited hookups: Many primitive campgrounds near London lack RV amenities. A reviewer at Clifty Campground observed: "Sites 40-47 have electric and water. Sites 48-50 do not but all sites are close to the bath house."
Parking challenges: Some sites have tight clearances that make parking larger vehicles difficult. A camper explained: "I had to be careful when parking as I had to avoid the water supply, 2 trees, a safety pole for the water supply (painted brown), electricity box, and then the drop off on the other side of the road."
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