Dispersed camping options and yurt camping near Morganfield, Kentucky offer outdoor experiences across the Ohio River Valley region at elevations ranging from 350 to 500 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers that typically reach the mid-80s and mild winters where temperatures average in the 40s. Several campgrounds provide alternatives to traditional tent and RV camping with primitive sites and water access.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Glendale: Oak Point Campground offers fishing spots along its shoreline with electric motors only allowed on the water. "There is a boat ramp area with parking, electric motors only. Makes for a quiet lake experience," notes Shelly S. The site includes hiking trails connecting to various lake access points.
Horseback riding trails: Little Lusk Trail Lodge provides equestrian camping with dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. "Little Lusk is the most spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL. Bring your horses, or just come and camp and stay in the lodge. Ride or hike in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest," says dana W. Visitors can access multiple trail heads directly from the campground.
Water activities: Scales Lake Park offers swimming and boating opportunities with a beach area. "There's a beach area with small fee. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites," explains Jessica D. The park maintains multiple water access points and offers swimming during summer months.
Fall photography: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park hosts seasonal photography events. "I was there for a fall photography contest it was a little too soon and there was very little color. You can camp in tents or campers you can ride horses or enjoy the lake and many miles of walking trails," reports J K. The park's varied terrain creates opportunities for nature photography throughout the seasons.
What campers like
Affordable rates: Pine Ridge at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area provides economical camping options for budget-conscious travelers. "Great 10$ campsite. Headed here after garden of the gods was full. This place is very close to where you need to be. Outpost in between sells food, firewood, ice etc," writes Brennan M. The campground offers primitive sites at lower rates than more developed parks.
Spacious sites: Harmonie State Park Campground features well-designed camping areas with room to spread out. "Campsites are spacious. May places for large groups to camp when they put multiple sites together," says Dave C. The park includes paved roads suitable for biking and hiking trails.
Wildlife viewing: Yurt camping near Morganfield provides opportunities to observe local species. "A week of Paradise. Spent a week here and had a blast! Camp sites are fairly well spaced, though not private. A great, centralized location for quite a few natural wonders," Brian E. notes about Pine Ridge. Many campgrounds maintain habitat areas where wildlife sightings are common.
Full amenities: Miles Landing Campground offers comprehensive services for visitors seeking comfort. "We recently stayed here for the Labor Day weekend. It was a smaller camp ground but that made it very quiet. The sites were very spacious and far enough apart that you had room to spread out. The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground," writes Jacinda L.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted operating schedules. "Pennyrile Forest State Park was a pleasant surprise, especially compared to the many state parks I visited in my earlier years in North Carolina. However, when you reserve your site make sure you ask about the specific site's terrain," advises Myron C. Check individual park websites before planning fall and winter stays.
Site leveling challenges: Cave-in-Rock State Park and other locations may require equipment for leveling. "Sites are very sloped. Worst I've ever seen. Major drawback to this campground," John R. explains about Pennyrile Forest. Bringing leveling blocks or selecting sites carefully helps ensure comfortable camping.
Wildlife awareness: Local campgrounds contain natural hazards visitors should prepare for. "The only negative thing I might be able to point out is that there seems to be poison ivy just about everywhere," warns Moe H. about Pounds Hollow. Ticks are also reported at several locations, particularly during warmer months.
Ferry access: Some sites require water transportation. "If you're coming from the Kentucky side first there is Amish country to visit. Check in Marion for what's available and where (fill your gas tank up!) Next there is the ferry ride across," explains Shelly S. about accessing Cave-in-Rock. Plan extra travel time for ferry schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Oak Point Campground offers child-friendly areas within walking distance of campsites. "A playground located in the electric area for the kiddos to play in and around," mentions Claudia L. The electric sites provide convenient access to both facilities and recreation areas.
Halloween events: Harmonie State Park hosts special seasonal activities for children. "We stayed the weekend before Halloween. We missed reserving the weekend they have the campground trick or treating, which was the weekend before, but this was just as fun. They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating," shares Nichole M.
Animal encounters: Warrick County Park at Scales Lake features a petting zoo experience. "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique," explains Keith P. This provides educational opportunities for children camping in the area.
Beach swimming: Shawnee National Forest locations offer water recreation for various ages. "We could easily walk to the trails and we went fishing in the lake. It was mild and quiet the days we went in Mid-May 2020. Beautiful scenery," says Madison K. about Oak Point. Many sites feature designated swimming areas with supervision during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Holiday Hills Resort accommodates specific RV sizes with limitations. "Been here a few times it's a great place to visit they have a pool and do activities almost daily. Not for the big campers I think 35 is the biggest they allow," notes Tc W. Measuring your rig before reserving helps ensure proper fit.
Hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer electric and water connections with varying amperage. "Sites are hard to back in with a camper, we had to buy longer extension cables and a longer water hose, sites are very close together," Erin R. explains about Pennyrile Forest. Bringing extension cords and additional hose lengths helps address hookup distance issues.
Road access: Some locations present challenges for larger vehicles. "The streets in the town are extremely narrow, making it hard to get into the park," observes Olivia S. regarding Scales Lake. Planning arrival during daylight hours and researching approach routes improves navigation.
Wagon wheel configurations: Harmonie State Park features distinctive site arrangements requiring coordination. "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels'. It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out," explains Dan H. These specialized sites work well for group camping but require planning for arrival and departure sequencing.
