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Best Campgrounds near Manchester, KY

571 Reviews

Manchester, Kentucky serves as a central base for exploring multiple campgrounds in southeastern Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest region. Camping options range from established sites with full amenities to more primitive locations. Nearby campgrounds like Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park offer diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and glamping options. Holly Bay Campground provides waterfront camping with boat access on Laurel Lake, while Turkey Foot Campground offers a more rustic experience with basic facilities. Cross Mountain and Westgate RV campgrounds cater specifically to RV travelers with electric and water hookups.

Seasonal considerations play a significant role in camping experiences throughout the region. Many campgrounds like Buckhorn Dam operate seasonally from May through September, while others such as Levi Jackson remain open year-round. Roads to some locations can present challenges, particularly after rain events or during winter months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with stronger coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote locations. The terrain includes both mountaintop campsites and waterfront locations along lakes and rivers. As one camper noted about Turkey Foot Campground, it's "perfect for campers who like to rough it, but also likes to have a laboratory near by."

Several campgrounds in the area feature lake or river access, making them popular destinations for fishing and water recreation. Holly Bay on Laurel Lake receives positive reviews for its "large, private and very wooded lots" with electric and water hookups. Kingdom Come State Park offers a more secluded experience with just seven tent sites and free firewood provided by rangers. Reviews indicate that campgrounds near Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Red River Gorge provide excellent access to hiking trails, with one visitor describing the region as "one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region." Campers should be prepared for varying site sizes across campgrounds, with some locations better suited for smaller setups and others accommodating larger RVs with spacious sites.

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Detours Nearby

Rockcastle Riverside

Rockcastle Riverside

29 min away

Grove Drive-in Campground

Grove Drive-in Campground

49 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Manchester, Kentucky (103)

    1. Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    London, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 330-2130

    "Many activities at the park and it is also close to the birth place of Kentucky Fried Chicken. They have nice sites for larger campers and some for small units that are more shaded."

    "Decent WIFI which was a big plus and, while we stayed in a full hook up site, the dump station was well positioned and easy to navigate."

    2. Cross Mountain Campground

    1 Review
    Manchester, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 312-2286

    $25 - $40 / night

    "The drive up from the main road is 85% paved with nice new asphalt.  Just a short section that's gravel. "

    3. Turkey Foot Campground

    12 Reviews
    McKee, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "There’s a privy near the campsites and a creek the runs nearby. All sites have fire rings and lamp post along with picnic tables."

    "Beautiful remote location. Great moderate hiking trails. Clean 🚻."

    4. Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA

    10 Reviews
    Corbin, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-1534

    "Corbin n/Laurel Lake KOA

    First! Do not trust your navigation. Once you get off the interstate look for the KOA signs."

    "Being April, it was still a little cool and we had a rain day, their are several places to go around Corbin. Take a quiet peaceful walk down the back trail to Laurel River Dam."

    5. Buckhorn Dam Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 398-7220

    $14 - $60 / night

    "Nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, this campground has all the things your family could want to do in nature.

    Check in was super easy and the staff was great."

    "This is a small campground near Buckhorn Lake. It is close to the water for boating and swimming, there is a playground, but for much else you will need to travel outside the area.  "

    6. The Farm RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    London, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 588-3276

    $49 - $89 / night

    "The resort has a rustic charm that makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all, yet it still provides modern amenities. One of the highlights of our stay was the peaceful atmosphere."

    "We loved the nearby walking trails, community fire pit, and quiet evenings surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for a serene, well-run RV resort, The Farm RV Resort is an excellent choice!"

    7. Westgate RV Campground

    4 Reviews
    London, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 878-7330

    $34 - $41 / night

    "The only problem right now is construction going on behind it, they are clearing out land to build something and they started work today at 5 in the morning."

    "They have complete full utility hook ups, Wi-Fi and you can walk to several restaurants and mini mart.  The mini mart also has diesel.  Easy on and off to and from I-75 at Exit 41 at London KY."

    8. Lago Linda Hideaway

    23 Reviews
    Beattyville, KY
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 464-2876

    $12 - $115 / night

    "This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."

    "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."

    9. Ridgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    38 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    38 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $28 - $37 / night

    "Sadly, there is a massive amount of trash at the bottom (as you can see in the pictures posted here) which takes away from the natural appearance of the falls."

    "It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."

    10. Holly Bay

    16 Reviews
    Keavy, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    $38 - $92 / night

    "Clean bathrooms with showers in walking distance. Helpful staff. Stunning views. Great hiking paths. Bring you boats, bikes, kayaks, fishing poles and bathing suits. The water is fantastic!"

    "Swim next to show, bring your pets, tie up you're boat, be around friendly people or private, primitive to big pull thru, clean, great staff, prettiest lake in KY, best camp sites with poles, shady, level"

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Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, KY

218 Photos of 103 Manchester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Manchester, KY

571 Reviews of 103 Manchester Campgrounds

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • K
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Cumberland Falls RV Resort

    WOW!! A Hidden Gem for RV Enthusiasts!

    My son and I recently had the pleasure of staying at this brand new RV park, and I can’t say enough good things about it! Just opening in July 2025, Every site comes with full hookups, making it super convenient for all your RV needs. The entire park is laid out with beautiful asphalt, which not only looks great but also provides a smooth surface for parking.

    What truly sets this place apart are the owners. They were on-site and incredibly welcoming, helping us get settled into our site with ease. We even received a delightful goodie bag as a thank-you for choosing to stay there! 🥰 It was such a thoughtful touch that made our experience even more special.

    We were lucky enough to be the first guests in our site, and I can confidently say it won’t be our last visit. We’re already planning to return this fall! We’re so glad we missed the state park and stumbled upon this little gem 💎. If you’re looking for a fantastic RV park with amazing hospitality, look no further!

  • Jackie S.
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort

    Terrible service and sketchy

    We were told the river float would last 1.5 to 2 hours, but it ended up being less than an hour. The life jackets smelled terrible and were clearly dirty, and the rafts weren’t much better. To even get to the river, we had to walk through tall, uncut weeds— a serious problem for someone like me who is highly allergic to poison ivy. The path down to the water was muddy, slippery, and unsafe. Both my mom and I almost fell just trying to get in. The entrance was located behind a sketchy, run-down mall, which felt completely inappropriate and unprofessional. It honestly seemed more like we were sneaking into a forgotten alleyway than starting a paid river float. While the dirty water isn’t something they can control, the poor condition of their gear made everything worse. When we called to complain, they basically brushed us off and said,“Well, you already did the float.” What were we supposed to do— stop halfway and hike out of the river? They did offer us another trip, but why would we want to go through that experience again? This was an extremely poorly run operation with zero concern for safety, cleanliness, or customer experience. I absolutely would not recommend this to anyone.

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Westgate RV Campground

    It'll do

    It'll do for a quick stay. Staff was very friendly. Sites are literally mom and pop developed land. Grounds weren't filthy. But the bathrooms are curtain closed the shower is small and meh. Cops frequently circle do either high crime suspected (very possible) or they like the area. Either way I felt safe.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

    Nice camp ground

    It’s well maintained and the staff are friendly. It’s easy to get to and set up. The sites are a bit too close together. And not perfectly level.

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Wilderness Road Campground

    Very nice campground.

    This campground is very clean and well maintained. I am in my van and stayed in loop B. I don't normally get dites with electric but with my lifetime interagency pass, my site with electric cost $12. I have a constant 3 bars with Visible which is Verizon. They have signs up that warn bears are very active in the campground right now so I have not walked around much, but it is beautiful here.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Good free camping

    This place takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful! We fit with our 21 foot camper and truck. Large spots, river alongside campground. Sad to see people left a lot of trash. Free is free!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Grove Drive-in Campground

    I absolutely love this place

    Grove campground is a must for people who like the peaceful nature. It is more expensive than advertised. We paid $46 per night no reservation.

Guide to Manchester

Camping near Manchester, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest rave about the "several trails that start from the campground," making it easy to get out and enjoy nature.
  • Fishing: The nearby lakes and rivers provide great fishing spots. One visitor at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park mentioned, "The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Sightseeing: Don't miss the stunning views at Red River Gorge Campground. A camper shared, "The views were amazing," making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park noted, "The bathhouse was clean," which is a big plus for families.
  • Spacious sites: Campers at Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground enjoy the roomy sites. One visitor mentioned, "The sites were clean, although offered little shade," indicating that while space is ample, some may want to bring extra shade options.
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Lago Linda Hideaway said, "The staff in the store were super sweet and helpful," making for a welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know

  • No hookups at some sites: If you're planning to camp in an RV, be aware that not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A reviewer at Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area mentioned, "The bearproof lockers on each site were a great addition," but noted that some sites may not have sewer hookups.
  • Traffic noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Middle Fork Campground pointed out, "The biggest downside is the noise from the big trucks going up and down the hill," which could be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Limited cell service: Many areas have spotty cell reception. Campers at Red River Gorge Campground noted, "Cell service is very spotty," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. Campers at Indian Mountain State Park Campground enjoyed the "two playgrounds" and "a beautiful lake," making it a great spot for families.
  • Pack extra snacks: Some campgrounds are far from stores. A visitor at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park advised, "Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Loyston Point Campground mentioned, "There are some fun mountain biking and hiking trails," which can be great for family bonding.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground noted, "The park appears to get pretty soggy following any rains," which can affect site accessibility.
  • Bring leveling blocks: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Blue Heron Campground mentioned, "Leveling can be a challenge," so be prepared.
  • Utilize the camp store: Many campgrounds have stores for essentials. A visitor at Lago Linda Hideaway appreciated that "they even sell firewood and ice after hours on the honor system," which can be super convenient.

Camping near Manchester, KY, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Manchester, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Manchester, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Manchester, KY and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Manchester, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manchester, KY is Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Manchester, KY.

What parks are near Manchester, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Manchester, KY that allow camping, notably Buckhorn Lake and Laurel River Lake.

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