Camping spots near New Haven, Kentucky offer varied terrain options across central Kentucky's rolling hills, with elevations typically ranging from 400-900 feet. Many campgrounds open seasonally from April through October, though several private facilities maintain year-round operations. The region experiences moderate rainfall during camping seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak months.
What to do
Bourbon heritage exploration: White Acres Campground provides a strategic base for distillery tours. "We we're unable to spend much time at the campground but made our designed trip to see the brewery's! Being minutes away from all the Bardstown brewery's this is a MUST SEE PLACE!" notes camper Justin W.
Lake activities on Nolin Lake: Nolin Lake State Park Campground offers water-based recreation with boat launches and swimming areas. A visitor mentioned, "Water front sites in cove so not a lot of boat traffic. Quiet park with great gravel spots." The lake provides fishing opportunities and relatively calm waters suitable for paddling.
Hiking trails: Wooded paths through Jefferson Memorial Forest provide day hikes ranging from 1.5 to 13 miles. According to Robert P., the area features "lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods." Many trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing campers to start hikes from their sites.
Railroad history: Several campgrounds provide access to regional railroad history sites, with New Haven housing a railroad museum. The small-town setting offers a quieter alternative to busier tourist destinations while still providing cultural attractions.
What campers like
Pine grove camping: The tent camping area at Mammoth Cave Campground receives positive mentions for its natural setting. Christina M. notes, "The tent campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents."
Secluded sites: Campers appreciate the feeling of isolation despite proximity to urban areas. As one Jefferson Memorial Forest visitor observed, "You are literally ten minutes from anything you want or need. Once you get to the top of the hill you are far removed from the noise, hustle and bustle of city/suburb living."
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds support wildlife viewing opportunities. At Mammoth Cave Campground, one camper shared, "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening." Another camper at Taylorsville Lake noted, "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite! Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!"
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers highlight reasonable rates at several campgrounds. Jefferson Memorial Forest offers primitive camping for approximately $15-18 per night, while other state parks maintain competitive rates compared to private facilities.
What you should know
Airport noise considerations: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground sits beneath flight paths from Louisville International Airport. Derek P. warns, "Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures. UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am."
Seasonal operation schedules: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Taylorsville Lake State Park remains open only from April 1 to December 15, while Nolin Lake State Park operates April 1 to October 31. Verify operating dates when planning trips outside summer months.
Shower facility limitations: Some campgrounds have minimal or inconvenient shower facilities. At Nolin Lake State Park, Christina M. observed, "The shower house is in the RV campground and too far away to be a convenient walk. You have to drive there which is a pain with kids."
Weekend crowding: Multiple reviews indicate significant differences between weekday and weekend experiences. A Nolin Lake camper noted, "The park started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a 'party spot' for locals."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground provides play areas for children. Heather K. shared, "Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play. Reservations were easy and staff friendly."
Cave tours for kids: When using area campgrounds as a base for Mammoth Cave exploration, schedule cave tours in advance. Dan X. advises, "Reserve the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience. Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!"
Site selection importance: Review site maps carefully before booking. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, one camper reported, "Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description." Another visitor recommended: "Site 26 is more private, has a wide pad and a little 'yard' to the side. Site 20 is one to avoid."
Historic site access: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to historic attractions suitable for educational family trips. The Stephen Foster Home at My Old Kentucky Home State Park offers regular activities for children and guided tours of the historic home.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Little Patch of Heaven Campground and other area campgrounds may require significant leveling equipment. At My Old Kentucky Home, a camper advised, "Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches."
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds provide varying levels of hookups. At White Acres Campground, Rick G. noted, "Utilities all worked, but this is a no fringe experience. However, if you want easy access to Bardstown and the various Bourbon Distillery Tours this place will work."
Reservation processes: Pay attention to strict reservation requirements. One frustrated camper at Little Patch of Heaven shared a warning about their payment policy: "The emails about payment all ended up in my junk folder, and I can't easily see those on my phone. I monitor that folder while I'm working on my computer, but as it was over the weekend, I didn't see them in time."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on RV length. A Glendale Campground visitor mentioned the campground is "big-rig friendly" but many others in the area have narrow roads and limited turning radiuses. Particularly at state park campgrounds, research specific site dimensions before booking.
