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Best Campgrounds near Ashland, KY

373 Reviews

Zilpo Campground sits within Daniel Boone National Forest near Ashland, Kentucky, with good sites for kayakers and people who like to fish. Carter Caves State Resort Park has many trails where you can walk among the area's cave systems. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park works well for families with its clean bathrooms and lots to do outside. You'll see plenty of wildlife around these campgrounds, so keep your food locked up tight. Zilpo doesn't have showers, but some campsites come with their own beach areas that make up for it. You should probably make reservations ahead of time, particularly in busy months when spots fill quickly. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather and colorful trees. The summer gets crowded, so plan ahead if you're coming then. The Ashland area has campgrounds that fit different camping styles, whether you're staying for a few days or longer.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ashland, Kentucky (92)

    1. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."

    2. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $21 - $46 / night

    "* Beautiful area of Kentucky Nice trails and great kayaking"

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    3. Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

    8 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "The hiking trails are scenic and pretty and the lake while not overly big, is clean and great for swimming(there's a beach) , kayaking, and fishing."

    "Great campground with super easy access to the trail and lake. The sites are spread apart enough so you aren’t right beside someone - and shaded."

    4. Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake

    5 Reviews
    Ashland, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 928-0139

    "Our site was very level, maybe 1/2" low on the camp side. There is a good size lake for swimming, they have stand up paddle boards and kayaks."

    "Quiet spot next to an industrial area. Nice view of man-made lake with a number of fishing huts for catch-and-release fishing. Pets allowed leashed, with no tie-outs permitted."

    5. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $35 - $52 / night

    "If you're a tent person using Vesuvius as a home base for trail hiking, stick with Iron Ridge."

    "Great location to earn some backpacking miles. Feels quite remote, but along the trails there are shelters, bathrooms, trash reciprocals, and other useful hookups."

    6. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $25 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    7. Blacks Camper Lots

    3 Reviews
    Ashland, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 922-2805

    $50 / night

    "All around probably the best camper lots in the area. Very quiet and tucked away but still close enough to run into town. Ms. Cindy is very nice and more than willing to help with anything."

    8. Virginia Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ashland, WV
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 453-3121

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Maybe include some hike/bike trails. Dreamland public pool is on the road that leads to the park, and also a small railroad museum (unsure if it is operational at present)."

    9. Oak Hill - Lake Vesuvius

    3 Reviews
    Pedro, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "Nice view and close to the lake as well! There is a beach about a 10 minute drive away from the camp. Very nice showers and bathrooms!"

    "The restrooms are clean, the sites are well maintained and the lake is close by for some good kayaking and fishing."

    10. Four Coves Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    12 Reviews
    Beech Fork Lake, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757

    "This place is so pretty its positively photogenic! Monday - Wednesday we had our loop all to ourselves. We were visited by geese, ducks and deer."

    "The spots on the lake are our favorites, but are usually first to fill up. You won't be far from the lake wherever your spot is. The full hookup spots are in my opinion most crowded."

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Recent Camping Photos near Ashland, KY

89 Photos of 92 Ashland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ashland, KY

373 Reviews of 92 Ashland Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Jay T.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Attractive campground with variety of sites and amenities

    Unlike many Ohio State parks I've visited, the Shawnee campground has a variety of great tent sites.   Several of these are hidden in the trees at the top of some steps and up a short path.  We stayed in 12.  If you don't mind hauling your gear a short distance from your car, sites like this are perfect as they're  for tent campers only.  The campground had fun amenities for kids, like a very small mini golf course and an outdoor screen for movie nights.  The shower houses were clean and the small camp store convenient.  All the Shawnee State Park staff I met were super friendly and helpful.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • A
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Saint Albans Roadside Park

    Sweet spot!

    Wonderful overnight stop. Free electricity (30 amp). 3 spots available, first come first serve, no reservation. 2 nights max.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.

    Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.

  • Bob B.
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oak Hill Campground

    One-Night Adventure: Our Shakedown Trip in the New Travel Trailer

    Campsite Review for Site 6 – Gateway to Wayne National Forest

    Our recent camping trip at this campground was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of Wayne National Forest. The serene forest setting provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing outdoor adventure, with the campground offering all the basics needed for a comfortable stay.

    We stayed at Site 6 in our travel trailer, enjoying the ease of a pull-through site. Although the water and electric hookups are on the opposite side unless you drive through the loop the wrong way, this setup has an unexpected benefit—it faces directly toward the woods. This orientation allowed us to savor the tranquility of the forest, adding a layer of privacy and a more intimate connection with nature.

    While the sites are decently sized, they are closely positioned with minimal separation, which might limit privacy in other areas. However, the majestic surroundings of Wayne National Forest more than make up for this. The proximity to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the peaceful ambiance of the trees create an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.

    All in all, this campground is a fantastic base for exploring Wayne National Forest. The combination of basic amenities, convenient access, and the enchanting forest environment makes it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Farver Acres

    A Hidden Gem

    Our stay at this incredible campground was nothing short of magical. With three spacious gravel sites nestled in a quiet, serene setting, it truly felt like our own private escape from the world. We didn’t see another person for four full days — it was such a rare and welcome break from traditional campgrounds.

    The wildlife here is abundant and delightful. The natural surroundings are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

    The water pressure at the site was excellent — just be sure to bring a water pressure regulator to ensure a comfortable experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast campsite internet.

    This site would be ideal for a three-family group — plenty of space for everyone to set up comfortably. Site 1 seems to be the biggest.

Guide to Ashland

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

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the water activities available at Zilpo Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Carter Caves State Resort Park. A visitor noted, "There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds."
  • Nature Activities: At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, you can enjoy the mature trees and trails around the lake. One camper said, "We always make sure this is our #1 spot to go; it's our home base campground."

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Zilpo Campground. A reviewer shared, "Stay 6 nights, very peaceful and quiet place, this time of year!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms at Carter Caves State Resort Park. One visitor mentioned, "Staff cleans the bathhouse every hour."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff at Twin Knobs Recreation Area. A review stated, "Camp hosts very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zilpo Campground, do not have showers. A camper noted, "There is a bathhouse, but it is not regularly maintained."
  • Site Conditions: At Carter Caves State Resort Park, some sites can be challenging for larger rigs. One visitor mentioned, "Navigating into some of the spots with a large rig can be challenging."
  • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of ticks and bugs, especially in warmer months. A review from Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "Lot’s of bugs in May, but huge amount of ticks."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for sites that offer enough room for kids to play. At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, one camper said, "Good level spots. Quiet the first week of April."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "Great facilities, hiking, caving, etc."
  • Supervise Children: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One camper at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park noted, "A lot of unsupervised children running around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a site that is level for your RV. A reviewer at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "Sites aren’t very level side to side or front to back."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Be prepared with extra electric cords and hoses, as some sites at Grayson Lake State Park have hookups far from the site. One camper noted, "The hookups are very far from the site."
  • Watch for Traffic Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider the location of your site. A visitor at Huntington / Fox Fire KOA mentioned, "There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too."

Camping around Ashland, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Ashland, KY?

The Ashland area offers several excellent camping options. Grayson Lake State Park Campground is a standout choice about 20 miles from Ashland, featuring stunning lake views, hiking trails, and a golf course. The park spans over 1,500 acres with spectacular rock formations and water recreation opportunities. For nature enthusiasts, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park provides beautiful trails and excellent kayaking in a picturesque Kentucky setting. Other solid options include Carter Caves State Resort Park for its unique cave features, and Oak Hill Campground as a gateway to Wayne National Forest for those willing to cross into Ohio.

Are there any private camping options available in Ashland, Kentucky?

Blacks Camper Lots is one of the best private camping options near Ashland. This quiet, tucked-away location offers amazing views while still being close enough to town for convenience. The management is known for being helpful and accommodating. Another excellent private option is Huntington / Fox Fire KOA, located just across the state line. While close to the interstate, this KOA features clean facilities, well-maintained sites with good drainage, and exceptionally friendly staff who help guests get situated. The proximity to Ashland makes it convenient for visitors to the area despite being just over the state border.

What amenities are available at Ashland, KY campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Ashland offer varied amenities to suit different camping styles. Sandy Springs Campground provides spacious spots in a neat, clean setting with the peaceful sounds of the Ohio River as background. For those seeking more developed facilities, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers electric hookups (though shared power poles can be challenging), access to cave tours, and hiking trails with friendly staff. Many area campgrounds provide basic amenities like water access, restroom facilities, and picnic areas. Some locations offer recreational amenities including boat ramps, fishing access, golf courses, and swimming areas. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some remote campgrounds having limited or no coverage.

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