Best Campgrounds near Louisville, KY

The camping landscape around Louisville, Kentucky encompasses a range of options from established campgrounds to recreational areas with various amenities. The Dyrt lists campground options across the Louisville, Kentucky area that include Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground, Louisville South KOA, and Charlestown State Park Campground. These locations accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals, with some offering glamping experiences. Most developed campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive from downtown Louisville, providing convenient access for weekend getaways or longer stays while exploring the city and surrounding attractions.

Campground availability varies seasonally, with many sites requiring advance reservations, especially during summer months and weekends. While some campgrounds like Louisville South KOA operate year-round, others such as Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground are open from April through mid-December. Full hookup RV sites are common at commercial campgrounds, while state parks typically offer electric sites with water access. Road conditions are generally good with paved access to most established campgrounds. Cell service is reliable near the city but may be spotty in more remote areas. As one camper noted, "Great weekend trip from Louisville. Lots of raccoons in the area, so make sure your food is secure."

Campers report mixed experiences with noise levels at campgrounds near Louisville. Several visitors mentioned that Louisville North Campground provides convenient access to downtown attractions but suffers from train noise throughout the night. Jefferson Memorial Forest receives praise for its hiking trails and natural setting but sits under flight paths from Louisville's airport. Water recreation opportunities are abundant, with Taylorsville Lake and Deam Lake offering popular boating and fishing access. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campgrounds with full hookups like Brooks RV Park are described as "safe and lovely" with amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Most developed campgrounds provide shower facilities and restrooms, though quality and cleanliness vary by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Louisville, Kentucky (68)

    1. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    18 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

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

    $30 - $40 / 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

    22 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 Recreation Area Campground

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

    $30 - $69 / night

    "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

505 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 4.3-star rating from 18 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.