Tent camping near Parksville, Kentucky centers around established campgrounds along water bodies rather than dispersed sites. This area, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 750-1,000 feet, experiences moderate seasonal variation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Fall camping offers cooler nights in the 40s with colorful forest canopy changes typically peaking in mid-October.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Pulaski County Park offers multiple mountain biking and hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. A camper noted, "The trails twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops. They're not easy to navigate but doable if you pay attention to the names and direction you're going."
Water recreation: Pulaski County Park provides lake access with two boat ramps on either side of the campground. According to reviews, "You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground."
Farm animal interaction: At Wildcat Creek Farm, campers can interact with friendly farm animals. One visitor shared, "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!"
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Wildcat Creek Farm's riverside location allows for peaceful water views. A camper mentioned, "The 'island' site is a nice little shaded area above the riverside. Off to the right corner of the site is a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water."
Spacious sites: Hidden Ridge Camping - Tents offers three tent sites spread across 53 acres of wooded land. Reviews highlight the spacious and secluded nature of these sites, making them "perfect for your next family adventure."
Night sky viewing: Rural Kentucky camping provides excellent stargazing opportunities. One Wildcat Creek Farm visitor reported, "On a clear night it was super relaxing listening to nature and looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river."
What you should know
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Pulaski County Park, one camper warned, "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barely cleaned and just gross, water source is old and campground manager didn't follow up with me."
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds operate seasonally. Pulaski County Park is open "Apr 1 - Oct 31" while HomeGrown HideAways notes that they are "open year-round, but some amenities are limited during winter months."
Weekend noise levels: Weekends can bring increased activity and noise to campgrounds. At Pulaski County Park, a review mentioned the campground has "really good primitive sites. If they are really busy it can be a little crowded especially down by the water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pulaski County Park offers multiple play areas for children. A long-time camper noted, "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play."
Beach areas: Lake swimming is available at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Pulaski County Park mentioned it has "great beach access" while another highlighted "a small beach area" among the park's family-friendly features.
Diverse accommodation options: Families can choose between various camping styles. At HomeGrown HideAways, one family reported, "We stayed at the Yome, and it was perfect for our family of four. Instead of sleeping in it, which would have been perfectly comfortable, we actually used it as more of an extra shelter and we pitched our tents in the field in front of the Yome."
Tips from RVers
Site improvements: Pulaski County Park has undergone renovations to accommodate more RVs. A longtime visitor observed, "I have camped at this campground for over 58 years. It has been improved over the years and still needs work. More RV sites have been added. More are needed."
Hilltop options: For RVers seeking easier access, certain areas of campgrounds may be more suitable. At Pulaski County Park, a camper described "the hilltop 'parking lot' pull throughs" as part of the campground's layout options.
Supply access: When tent camping near Parksville, Kentucky, proximity to provisions can be important. Pulaski County Park's location was noted as convenient by a camper who mentioned it's "only a 10 minute drive from Somerset, the 'big' city, for supplies & food."