Charlestown State Park campground provides concrete pads for electric and full-hookup sites across several camping loops. The park sits on 5,100 acres along the Ohio River with elevation changes that create challenging hiking conditions on several trails. Winter camping is available year-round with heated water stations and maintained roads even during colder months.
What to do
Explore historic sites: At Clifty Falls State Park Campground, campers can visit the observation tower for views of historic Madison. "The observation tower is my absolute favorite spot in this park. It has a breathtaking view of the Historic Downtown Madison," notes reviewer Shae C.
Kayak on calm waters: Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers a no-wake lake perfect for beginners. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone," writes Brandy A., who adds that it was the "first time I ever kayaked."
Hike challenging trails: The rugged terrain at Knobstone Trail offers serious elevation gains over short distances. "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail and creek beds," explains hiker Maris H.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground sites provide ample room for camping equipment and vehicles. "Plenty of room for camper and car, big grass area and nice bathhouse," reports Joe B., who stayed for five days.
Clean facilities: At Jefferson Memorial Forest, campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds despite its proximity to Louisville. "The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Roomy campsite and room for my son to visit in his car with my van parked inside the campsite," writes Robert P., who paid $15 per night.
Family amenities: Lake Shelby Campground offers activities for children close to camping areas. "They have a playground for the kids, paddleboats and such for rent at a reasonable price, firewood for sale, and the showerhouse is clean," says Dawn B., adding that it's "close to the city but far enough away to exhale."
What you should know
Entrance fees: Some parks charge daily vehicle fees in addition to camping fees. At Clifty Falls State Park, campers should budget accordingly. "If you live outside of Indiana you have to pay a $9 entrance fee on top of the campground reservation fee, which makes for a pricey weekend trip for those on a budget," advises Jessica O.
Airport noise: Dog friendly campgrounds near Prospect may have unexpected noise issues. At Louisville South KOA, campers experience regular air traffic. "Sehr sauber nettes Personal, ein Nachteil der Platz liegt in der Einflugschneise des Flughafens. Auch die ganze Nacht hört man Fluglärm," notes Thomas P. (translating to "Very clean, nice staff, one disadvantage is that the site is in the approach path of the airport. You can hear aircraft noise all night").
Water conditions: Lake quality varies throughout the season at pet-friendly camping areas. "The lake was brown and had an oily film across the top. It smelled of dead fish and something else that I couldn't identify," reports Heather K. about Lake Shelby Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Prospect provide play areas for children. At Taylorsville Lake State Park, "Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play," according to Heather K., who used the group campsite for a birthday party.
Water activities: Deam Lake offers shallow swimming areas suitable for children and pets. "The beach was fun to swim and water was clean. They have boats for rent which are fun and paddle around the lake," shares Angela F., who stayed in the Cardinal Cabin.
Trail difficulty: When hiking with children and pets at Jefferson Memorial Forest, choose trails appropriate for their abilities. "Lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods," notes Robert P.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: At Lake Shelby Campground, RV sites have specific constraints to be aware of. "Very weird at first as the sites are 20 feet long, but they allow front ends to stick out," explains reviewer Never Sitting S., who visited in a 40-foot Class A motorhome. "All new electrical and water, all sites have 50 amp despite the website stating only 30 amps as recent update."
Spacing between sites: Louisville North Campground offers convenient location but tight quarters for RVs with pets. "Wouldn't classify this as a campground at all. We have never stayed in a place that the spaces were this close," reports Never Sitting S., adding, "Great location. We were able to get to Louisville and the surrounding area in no time. Even on bikes."
Leveling requirements: RVers at Clifty Falls State Park report varied site conditions. "Site 22 was so sloped our red levelers barely made it work. Site needed gravel, it was mostly sticky dirt that got tracked into our travel trailer immediately after sweeping," cautions Beverly J.
