Best Campgrounds near Louisville, KY

Louisville's camping scene includes several options within driving distance. Patoka Lake Campground has shady sites that help keep you cool during Kentucky summers. Nearby, Whispering Hills RV Park maintains good facilities with full hookups that RV campers appreciate. Wildlife is common around Louisville, so proper food storage is necessary at all campsites. You should reserve spots well ahead of time, particularly if you're planning to visit between June and October. Campgrounds fill quickly during these popular months, especially on weekends. Around Louisville, you can find both open and wooded campsites depending on whether you want sunshine or privacy. The weather stays relatively mild, though summers get hot enough that you'll want to pack sunscreen and plenty of water. Some camping areas remain open year-round, while others shut down during winter. Hikers will find trails connecting to many of the campgrounds, making it easy to stretch your legs while seeing local landscapes. Both tent and RV camping work well in the Louisville area, with facilities supporting different camping styles. Check the rules and available amenities for each specific campground before heading out. Louisville works well as a camping base since you're never far from city conveniences while still enjoying good outdoor spaces.

Best Camping Sites Near Louisville, Kentucky (68)

    1. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    17 Reviews
    Fairdale, KY
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Super cute and tranquil surprise right outside of Louisville (20 minutes). Great little stop over if you are hitting the Bourbon Trail! Clean, quiet and spacious!"

    "Ear plugs are a must as it is in the direct flight path of a major airport. "

    2. Charlestown State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Charlestown, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 256-5600

    $23 - $30 / night

    "Great location close to Louisville. Local hiking in the park is good. Enjoyed just the weekend, likely not a ton to do for more then a weekend."

    "We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge. "

    3. Louisville South KOA

    20 Reviews
    Shepherdsville, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 543-2041

    "Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville."

    "This is a hidden little gem in the bustle of Louisville. We visited in the off season and during COVID. But the staff were friendly, grounds were clean, sites are very close together."

    4. Brooks RV Park - full hookup The safest park in Louisville!

    4 Reviews
    Brooks, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 276-6090

    $45 - $50 / night

    "What a nice RV campground near all Louisville and the surrounding areas have to offer visitors. It is nicely landscaped with fairy lights at night. The Manager Annie is awesome."

    "There are nearly 80 super nice RV sites and only 4 mobiles. It is a safest RV Park in the Louisville, KY area, right off I-65 in the Greater Louisville area."

    5. Louisville North Campground

    5 Reviews
    Clarksville, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 282-4474

    $40 - $45 / night

    "If you are looking to be close to downtown Louisville, this is the campground for you. The staff was super nice and the location is very convenient for getting downtown."

    6. Add-More Campground

    7 Reviews
    Clarksville, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 283-4321

    "Close to shopping and restaurants. We will stay here again when back in the Louisville area."

    7. Deam Lake State Rec Area

    18 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 246-5421

    "Great sites close to the lake"

    "There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well. The bath house in our area was older but fairly clean."

    8. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Mount Eden, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 477-8713

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Good weekend trip from Louisville."

    "We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake."

    9. Grandma's RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Shepherdsville, KY
    15 miles
    +1 (502) 543-7023

    "it was a very nice place to just pull in off the interstate and stay the nice. had a laundromat so you could to your laundry. the owner was very nice person. they have a dog walk also so you can walk your"

    10. Camp Escape

    1 Review
    Fairdale, KY
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Louisville, KY

488 Reviews of 68 Louisville Campgrounds



Guide to Louisville

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Clifty Falls State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The wooded hiking trails helped keep us comfortable," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Patoka Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "The beach of sorts with rocky sand was good enough for a dip."
  • Historical Exploration: Visit the historic Rose Island Theme Park while camping at Charlestown State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Entry Fees: Be prepared for entry fees at some parks. For example, Clifty Falls State Park Campground charges a $9 fee to enter, even if you’ve booked a campsite.
  • Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty in some areas. A camper at Patoka Lake Campground noted, "Cell service was poor," so plan accordingly.
  • Level Sites: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A visitor at Spring Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "It is mostly uneven and the shaded loop is very unlevel."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Louisville South KOA has a nice pool and playground. One family said, "Lots of activities for kids. Nice pool, great playground."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on little ones, especially near water. At Patoka Lake Campground, a reviewer advised, "Parents with small children should be especially vigilant."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area mentioned seeing raccoons, so secure your food.

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Louisville, KY, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Louisville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Louisville, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Louisville, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Louisville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Louisville, KY is Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Louisville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Louisville, KY.

What parks are near Louisville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Louisville, KY that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.