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If you enjoy nature, try taking a hike-in camping trip in Kentucky. These remote campgrounds can be reached by hiking in and offer the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a way you've never experienced before. Find the best information on hike-in camping in Kentucky, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Kentucky

The Best Hike-In Camping in Kentucky

Are you planning a hike-in camping trip to Meads? We've got you covered. Plan your hike-in camping trip, pack light, and use Leave No Trace principles to build fire rings at your next campsite. Find the best information on walk-in camping in Kentucky, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Meads

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Meads, Kentucky

## Overview

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, named for the old Vesuvius iron furnace, is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site. The 143-acre lake and 1,200-acre complex provides the perfect spot for a getaway.

## Recreation

Lake Vesuvius is a popular location for swimming and fishing. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A boat ramp is located on-site. A swimming beach is located at Big Bend.   
  
A large playing field and multiple hiking trails are available within the recreation area. The accessible 1/3-mile boardwalk along the southwest edge of the lake provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the area, and the slightly longer 1/2-mile Longbow Archery Trail, accesses at least 25 field targets for shooting practice. The area boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails and more than 45 miles of horseback riding trails.

## Facilities

The recreation area offers two developed family campgrounds, a group camp and group picnic shelters. The group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people for tent camping. It is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets, showers and drinking water are provided.   
  
Group shelters can accommodate up to 150 people. Picnic tables, campfire rings and grills are provided, as well as accessible flush toilets and drinking water. One shelter provides electricity, while the other does not. Each has access to an amphitheater.

## Natural Features

The lake sits on Storms Creek, which was dammed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The rugged hills and rock outcroppings offer a scenic backdrop for this beautiful recreation area. The historic Vesuvius iron furnace is located at the base of the dam. 

## Nearby Attractions

The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

## Overview

Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.

## Recreation

Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill.   
  
More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter.

## Facilities

The campground offers multiple sites for RV camping, many of which have electric hookups. Some first-come, first-serve sites are also available. Each campsite can accommodate up to eight individuals.   
  
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground has accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water. A dump station is located on-site.

## Natural Features

Iron Ridge Campground is located on a wooded ridge above 143-acre Lake Vesuvius. A scenic forest of mature eastern hardwoods covers the area. 

## Nearby Attractions

The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Ashland Huntington West KOA

The Wayne National Forest have been working to repair a major waterline break at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. This will affect the timely opening of all campgrounds at Lake Vesuvius. At this time, campgrounds are scheduled to reopen Friday, May 22nd, unless repairs are completed sooner. All affected customers’ reservations prior to 5/22/2020 will be fully refunded.

Pine Knob Loop Campground

This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground. The Lake Vesuvius horse trails wind through some of the most striking landscapes in Ohio. They will lead you through a variety of vegetation where many species of wildlife live. You will ride along rock cliffs, water falls, streams and along ridge tops. Expect to see open fields, brushland, mature forest, and young forests. Along the way, you will notice man's influence and land management activities.

Sand Hill Trailhead

Yatesville Lake State Park

Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers.   

The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. 

The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake. 


Carter Caves State Resort Park

Pappy's Creekside Camp

Lazy Village Campground & RV Park

Shawnee State Park

Are you in need of a campground near Louisville, KY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Louisville

The Best Camping Near Louisville, Kentucky

Lexington-Fayette is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Lexington-Fayette, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Lexington-Fayette

The Best Camping Near Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

Searching for the best camping near Ironville, KY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Ironville, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Ironville

The Best Camping Near Ironville, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Meads, KY? Meads is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Meads, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Lexington, KY has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Lexington campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Lexington, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Lexington

The Best Camping Near Lexington, Kentucky

Bowling Green, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bowling Green campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bowling Green camping trip.

Bowling Green

The Best Camping Near Bowling Green, Kentucky

Owensboro is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Owensboro is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Owensboro, reviewed by campers like you.

Owensboro

The Best Camping Near Owensboro, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Hopkinsville, KY? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Hopkinsville, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Hopkinsville and user-submitted reviews.

Hopkinsville

The Best Camping Near Hopkinsville, Kentucky

Looking for the best campgrounds near Pleasure Ridge Park, KY? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Pleasure Ridge Park campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Pleasure Ridge Park, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pleasure Ridge Park

The Best Camping Near Pleasure Ridge Park, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Paducah. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Paducah. Find the best campgrounds near Paducah, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Paducah

The Best Camping Near Paducah, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY has a lot to offer. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky

Daniel Boone National Forest, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Daniel Boone National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Daniel Boone National Forest

The Best Camping Near Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kentucky camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky

Of the six parks in the Bluegrass State, Mammoth Cave is the only true national park. This area of southwestern Kentucky holds the best outdoor activities to be found in the state.

There are a large number of campsites across a few campgrounds, and Mammoth Cave Campground holds most of them. Both Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs Campgrounds are accessible for RVs. Backcountry camping is also available for interested hikers. The caves are, of course, the big draw, and no matter where you stay, you should take a cave tour. Since there are no nearby forests or BLM land, the best camping near Mammoth Cave National Park is fairly far away at the Green River Lake Wildlife Management Area. If you can’t get a spot in the park, staying in nearby Park City or Brownsville, KY, is the best choice.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Mammoth Cave National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Mammoth Cave National Park, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Grayson Lake, KY has a lot to offer. Grayson Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Grayson Lake, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Grayson Lake

The Best Camping Near Grayson Lake, Kentucky

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lake Cumberland. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Lake Cumberland

The Best Camping Near Lake Cumberland, Kentucky

Barkley Lake, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Barkley Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Barkley Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Barkley Lake

The Best Camping Near Barkley Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Buckhorn Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kentucky camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Buckhorn Lake camping trip.

Buckhorn Lake

The Best Camping Near Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Dale Hollow Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Dale Hollow Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dale Hollow Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dale Hollow Lake

The Best Camping Near Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky

Join the fun near Carr Creek Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Carr Creek Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Carr Creek Lake, KY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

THE BEST Hike-In CAMPING NEARMeads, Kentucky

Top Meads Hike-In Campgrounds

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Iron Ridge - Lake Vesuvius

Ashland Huntington West KOA

Pine Knob Loop Campground

Sand Hill Trailhead

Yatesville Lake State Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

Pappy's Creekside Camp

Lazy Village Campground & RV Park

Shawnee State Park

About Meads Hike-In Camping

Hike-In Campgrounds in Meads, Kentucky

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