Best Tent Camping near Nancy, KY

Tent campers visiting Nancy, Kentucky can find several established campgrounds within a short drive, including Pulaski County Park on Lake Cumberland and Hidden Ridge Camping, which offers secluded tent sites on 53 acres of wooded land. The Daniel Boone National Forest provides additional tent camping options at Rockcastle Campground near London and White Oak Boat-In Campground, which is accessible only by water or a 3-mile mountain bike ride on a dirt service road.

Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Pulaski County Park offers both developed and primitive tent camping areas with access to bathhouses, while more remote options like White Oak provide only pit toilets and no showers. Seasonal operation affects availability, with many campgrounds open from April through October. Campers at Hidden Ridge enjoy spacious, secluded sites with access to drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables, though the campground has only three designated tent sites.

The tent camping experience near Nancy provides excellent access to water recreation, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park's Clifty Campground includes tent-specific sites (particularly sites 48-50) that offer more privacy than the main campground area. According to one visitor, "Clifty was smaller and quieter. It felt like it had more trees and only tents on this row of campsites." Backcountry tent camping is available in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, where permits are required but campers can find secluded spots with minimal light pollution. A camper noted that White Oak Boat-In Campground has "wonderful atmosphere here, potable water provided, pit toilets" and is "definitely the can't miss campground in this area."

Best Tent Sites Near Nancy, Kentucky (22)

    1. Pulaski County Park

    11 Reviews
    Nancy, KY
    3 miles
    Website

    "It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses.. There are several cabins on site. Great  lake views and beach.  Lots to do at PCP."

    "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins."

    2. Hidden Ridge Camping - Tents

    1 Review
    Lake Cumberland, KY
    10 miles
    Website

    $50 - $160 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform. These sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure. Check out the hiking trails close by!"

    3. Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    5 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    28 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $30 - $33 / night

    "Each site had a water hook up, standard lantern/trash pole, fire ring, electric box, and was a short walk from the Clifty campground bathroom."

    "We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being"

    4. Rockcastle

    2 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-5225

    "The site are well spread out for the most part, the view is very nice if you get to camp on the water, and we were able to find space on a major holiday which was very welcome."

    5. Halcombs Landing

    1 Review
    Jamestown, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Halcombs Landing Recreation area and Boatramp on Rt 127, is past Lake Cumberland State Park outside Jamestown, Ky.

    A nice, picturesque stop off on your travels through the area."

    6. Grove Boat-In Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "It was dark once I set up but an awesome could helped me with fire wood and had a nice talk around their campfire. Beautiful area. Very busy on labor day weekend!!"

    7. White Oak Boat-In Campground

    1 Review
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    "It’s within the Daniel Boone National Forest on Laurel River lake and is not actually an island. It can’t be accessed by car but you can bike in on a dirt service road."

    8. Ryans Camp Ramp

    1 Review
    Albany, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    9. Backcountry Camping

    1 Review
    Oneida, TN
    37 miles
    Website

    $5 - $25 / night

    "We parked at the Twin Arches Loop National Recreation Trail head, then made our way down into the valley to view the two gorgeous and huge arches there."

    10. Tranquility Creek

    1 Review
    Williamsburg, KY
    38 miles
    +1 (772) 501-5012

    $60 - $100 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Nancy, KY

489 Reviews of 22 Nancy Campgrounds


  • Rebecca J.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Pure gold for such an inexpensive price

    I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. It is about a 20 minute drive to a local store or a save a lot when we forgot some groceries. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot. We are on a paved site surrounded by gravel picnic table light post and fire ring also with a food storage bin to keep out the bears! It gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable. :-)

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    Listen for banjos

    You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    What are you here for?

    Alum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.

    I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.

    If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.

    The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.

    The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.

    The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.

    Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.

    This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)

  • I
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Barren Fork Horse Camp

    Litter Ruins Great Spot

    We needed a spot for Labor Day weekend and discovered Barren Fork Horse Camp in Daniel Boone National Forest near Whitley, KY. There are lots of great hikes and natural bridges in the area to check out. We had no problem finding a site. The biggest negative is the amount of trash that was left in the fire rings and the litter strewn throughout the woods. This is a beautiful campground, but the litter was the worst we’ve ever seen. There is potable water available near the vault toilet buildings, but no electricity or dump station. There are no rules on generator use, so beware that your neighbor may run the generator all day and night. The price of the campground was $8 for one night/$12 for two nights. With just a little TLC, this could be a great place to camp.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful Night Sky, Quiet Camping

    Pickett State Park is a great spot to camp if you like peace and quiet, but don’t want to have to backpack in to a spot. Despite the small campground, it was pretty much empty on the first weekend in August when we stayed. It is near the Big South Fork, and Scott State Forest, so there’s lots of great hiking, horseback riding, river recreation, etc. nearby. From other reviews on The Dyrt, I learned the park is excellent for stargazing, and it is true, you will have amazing views at night, we slept in a tent without a rain fly, just so we could see the stars!

    The campground has several sites with electric and some without. We stayed in B1, which did not have electric. All the sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the ones on the outside of the loops back up to the woods and trails. All the sites are spacious.

    The restrooms were clean, but they must be pretty old. There were some areas in need of tile repair, but it was just a cosmetic issue, so it didn’t bother me. The showers were nice, and everything was clean.

    The campground also has cabins, and those seemed to have more guests than the campground. They have a set of cabins that were connected, like apartments, and they have some larger, freestanding cabins too. They had a group site as well, but I did not go to it.

    The park has a lake with swimming area, and canoe/kayak/paddle board rentals, a swinging bridge, playground, tennis courts, a gigantic picnic area, and several great trails.

    This was a very pleasant find, and we will definitely return!

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2020

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Very Nice Campground

    We camped two nights last week in Loop A, the tent only, nonelectric section. Being mid-week, there were not many people, meaning it was also nice and quiet. The sites are roomy, with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, lantern hook, and a food storage locker. Yes, this is bear country, but we didn't see any during our visit. The bath houses are as nice as you're likely to find in a national park, with flush toilets, hot showers, and an outside sink for dish washing, etc. There is also a large, wheelchair accessible bathroom with roll-in shower. A water hydrant is available to fill jugs and tanks.

    We drove through the other loops to see what they look like, because Loop A isn't open in winter. Should we decide to camp here in winter, Loop B is the only section open. But, that will let us use an electric heater. 

    Be aware that some things are not open in 2020 due to Covid-19. The park visitors centers are still closed, the swimming pool wasn't open mid-week, and the check-in building was unstaffed when we arrived. There was a sign at the check-in point telling us to reserve and pay for our site using Recreation.gov. We had cell service there, so no problem. It you don't have service, drive across the road to the Camp Store (which is not always open) to use WiFi there. There is a note on the front door with the password. 

    There are so many things to do in Big South Fork and surrounding areas that you really need to just visit the park website and make a list of things to do. Some are easy and roadside, others not so much. For example, to hike the Twin Arches Loop Trail, you'll drive several miles of dirt roads to reach the trailhead and end up hiking about 6 - 6.5 miles. The description says the loop is 4.6 miles, which is true, but you have to add another 1.4 miles for the out-and-back from the parking lot to the start of the loop. The loop trail isn't bad, but the access trail has steep stairs. Anyway, find something you like and enjoy the Cumberland Plateau.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: GCI Freestyle Rocker Pro at Bandy Creek Campground

    Bandy Creek Campground is located in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area on The Cumberland Plateau. Big South Fork is a great place for outdoor adventure. Some activities include hiking, horseback riding, rick climbing, tubing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and just about anything else! The area is never overcrowded, even in the middle of summer. There are many scenic views throughout the area, so bring a camera!

    Campground review: Bandy Creek Campground is a great place! The sites are all spacious, and wooded for the most part, so you have plenty of space and some privacy. The campground seemed quite large, and was fairly empty for a Weekend in August. Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there’s wildlife around for sure!

    There is tent loop, and a group camp area, and I believe the campground hosts several retreats.

    There’s riding stables at the camp store too. The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards.

    The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I’ve seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too.

    This campground is really nice, and quiet, but also has so much to do, I highly recommend it!

    Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to try out products sometimes, and today I’m trying out the GCI Freestyle Rocket Pro! https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/freestyle-rocker-pro/

    The Freestyle Rocker Pro is one of the best chairs I’ve used! It is actually much lighter than I expected, and is still extremely sturdy. Lightweight gear is a must when camping, or attending events!
    It has a carry handle so you don’t need to try to fit it in a case to have a strap like other chairs I’ve used. The Rocker was smooth on natural surface, pea gravel, and concrete. It is very comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. It folds up super easy with just a pull of the handle. One feature that I especially love is the cup holder and side pocket. It will actually hold a drink without spilling, and you can fit a phone, keys or other small items in the pocket. This chair is awesome! Two thumbs up!!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Alum Ford Campground — Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

    Put it on the Pad

    Ranger Review: Mountain House Meals at Alum Ford Campground ,Big South Fork, Ky

    Campground Review: Near Yahoo Falls Alum Ford this small (6 sites) primitive campground is a good place to set up base camp for activities your planning in the area. 

    Not much to the actual campground: 

    • Picnic table, bear box, tent pad ,fire ring

    • Pit toilets

    • Co-located with a boat-ramp (Cumberland River)

    • A trail that meanders along the cliff face behind the campsites that takes you down to the boat-ramp

    • Trailhead in the very back to Yamacraw Bridge and the Sheltowee Trace

    The campground is quiet aside from loading and unloading boats (which went on until after midnight) There were only two occupied sites when we arrived on a Saturday. No reservations and $5 per site. There is credit card information on the pay envelope but I prefer to use cash and not have my info floating around. 

    The campground was clean and well maintained but obviously old and in need of some restoration, no surprise with all the cuts in Park positions. I like this type of campground but not so much the noise from the boat-ramp. There is no direct put in from the sites. I doubt I would leave my watercraft tied off overnight either.

     This would be an excellent and cheap spot to do some extensive hiking from or even backpacking/dispersed camping from. Due to there being no through traffic you could leave your vehicle and odds and ends and not have to worry about anything wandering off while your gone. We camped here after hiking some of the Tennessee end of the Sheltowee Trace. Sunday we hiked some more and visited Yahoo Falls. 

    Product Review: Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals are surprisingly very good....https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/abus.html

    Now I say this from a background of years of MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat....in someone’s opinion) and T-rations. So it should only be improvement, BUT some of the other products I’ve tried were not that great. 

    I first tried Mountain House a few years ago on a backpacking trip and thought it was okay, but not great. I tried Mountain House again last year and enjoyed it a lot more. I don’t know if they changed anything or maybe I read and followed the directions ;)

    So when given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to review Mountain House I was like absolutely!

    I selected breakfast items, Granola and Egg mixtures( not together;) because that’s the time of day I like quick and easy so we can get on the move.

    I read the directions and boiled my water, poured a cup in, waited 3 minutes and Had Some Scrumptious Eggs and Bacon! Just that easy, quick AND filled me up. 

    I’m trying to think of any cons but right off hand the only problem I ever had was not reconstituting it correctly. Eggs needed some salt and pepper but that would go back to preference. 

    Mountain House comes in pro-paks for backpackers and high altitudes, which are packed to save space. They have cans for crowds and kits for preppers or just emergency preparedness.

    Definitely good for at the house, in the camper and the car just in case.


Guide to Nancy

Tent campsites near Nancy, Kentucky offer unique opportunities for lakeside recreation in the Cumberland Plateau region at around 900-1,200 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder conditions and colorful landscapes. The area features multiple interconnected watersheds including Lake Cumberland and Laurel River Lake.

What to do

Boat-in camping access: Grove Boat-In Campground provides sites accessible by kayak or small watercraft. "My first experience to a boat in and did it all on my own! My boat was my kayak. I parked at the Grove marina and packed all I could on my kayak and headed to the sites. This was a pretty decent paddle away," reports Emilee B.

Mountain biking to remote sites: Some campsites require alternative transportation methods. Tranquility Creek has 15 primitive sites that can be accessed via hiking trails. "Quiet, clean place to rest. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints," notes Maurice N.

Disc golf course: Pulaski County Park features an extensive disc golf course that doubles as a hiking experience. "The disc golf will take you on quite a hike and to another parking lot and trailhead totally outside the park," explains Shelly S., who adds that "the trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops."

What campers like

Lake views and beach access: Pulaski County Park offers direct waterfront camping with boat ramps on both sides of the campground. "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," says Lee-Ann R. The park provides "RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses. There are several cabins on site. Great lake views and beach," according to Terry S.

Privacy in designated tent areas: Certain campsites at Clifty Campground provide more seclusion for tent campers. "Best site for privacy is 49 plus it's pretty big. Sites 40-47 have electric and water. Sites 48-50 do not but all sites are close to the bath house," writes lydia. Another camper confirms: "I loved site 48 at Clifty Campground. It was the most secluded spot we could find."

Multi-use recreational facilities: Many campgrounds offer additional amenities beyond camping. "There's a very large walking trail, and archery area. You can put a boat right in at their little dock as well. The lake view is gorgeous. There's many places for kids to play, a basketball court, volleyball court, disc golf, and a small beach area," reports Anna C. about Pulaski County Park.

What you should know

Seasonal facility limitations: Not all campgrounds maintain consistent service levels throughout the season. Pulaski County Park operates from April 1 to October 31, with varying amenity availability. "Bathhouse; showers are so outdated and barley cleaned and just gross, water source is old and campground manager didn't follow up with me," reports Julie B., adding "Only one bathhouse open and I don't think they cleaned it once all week."

Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can change dramatically throughout the season, affecting waterfront sites. "Not crowded right now and the water is WAY down," noted Shelly S. during her visit to Pulaski County Park.

Weekend crowds: Popular camping areas fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Hidden Ridge Camping has only three designated tent sites on its 53-acre property. These "sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure," according to Ashley F., but the limited number means advance booking is essential.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Choose sites near recreational facilities for families with children. "There are hiking trails close by! Book your stay today and leave them some love," suggests a reviewer about Hidden Ridge Camping. At Pulaski County Park, "There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play," notes Katie M.

Camp layout considerations: Ryans Camp Ramp has a different configuration than most area campgrounds. "The camper sites are stacked up a hillside off the side of the road with the storage buildings opposite. So if your not looking for a view and don't plan on doing much on land it works," explains Shelly S., making it less ideal for families wanting play space.

Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas ideal for families. "The perk about the Clifty campsites is that they are close to the pool. You can easily walk to the pool with your family when it opens. The pool is free for campers," explains Kenpocentaur K.

Tips from RVers

Site selection importance: For RVers, carefully research individual sites before booking. "I wouldn't travel from across the country to visit this park, however it is a nice local place to spend a family week/end or just relax," advises Shelly S. about Pulaski County Park.

Hookup limitations: Backcountry Camping areas around Nancy provide no hookups, making them suitable only for self-contained rigs or those prepared for primitive camping. "Make sure you have your permit with you while camping and have a wonderful time in this beautiful valley," advises Tim H.

Campsite spacing variations: RVers should note that some campgrounds have inconsistent site dimensions. "The campsites are close together, so perhaps we just got unlucky with our 'neighbors'," shares Anna C. about her experience at Pulaski County Park, while at Clifty Campground, "The sites are inconsistent between their sizes on the Clifty campground," warns Kenpocentaur K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nancy, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nancy, KY is Pulaski County Park with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nancy, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Nancy, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.