Best Tent Camping near New Haven, KY

Recent Tent Reviews near New Haven, Kentucky

587 Reviews of 6 New Haven Campgrounds

• D

  Darren S.

  Scout

  

  May. 25, 2019

  My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground — My Old Kentucky Home State Park

  Works in a pinch

  Has tent and RV camping. I tent camped this trip and stopped by for one night as I was passing through. Cost was about $16ish. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Tent sites are at the front of the property with the RVs to the back. Tent campsites are not defined - just an open area for all to share with picnic tables and grills scattered around. Kids playground next to it. Couldn't find the potable water for the tent area. The RVs had electric & water hookups. Showers and bathrooms available. Right next to a side road with a bit of traffic the night I stayed.

• L

  Laura O.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 29, 2018

  Moutardier

  Great tent sites!

  Absolutely loved tent camping here! Several modern bath houses with showers, toilets and sinks. Tent sites are spacious enough for multiple tents/ canopy's to be set up. Waterfront and has stairs to walk down to the water.

• 

  Hannah F.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 15, 2024

  Nolin Lake State Park Campground

  Proximity to Mammoth Cave

  Pros: very well maintained facilities, toddlers enjoyed playground, able to walk along lake shore, could hear small waterfall behind our campsite, within 20 minutes of Mammoth Cave NP via Green River Ferry Con: sites nothing special for tent camping (probably great if in RV). Very sunny, out in open so windy. But nice to have electric and water when camping with toddlers so worth it. Would agree with previous review that the 1 tent site among all the electric sites looked beautiful- right on the water. If you don’t need electric, go with that one!

• C

  Chris R.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2018

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave

  Great family Car camp and RV

  Been several times at different times of the year. The summer months fill up quick. Great place to visit on its own or with day trips to Mammoth Cave. Water slide, 2 pools, and other things for the kids to do during the hot summers. Karaoke, and games at night at the shelter. Food in the lodge is acceptable snacks for the pool but dont expect 4 star club food. Cabin Rentals, RV Site and Tent sites. All have a fire ring. Cabin came with a golf cart. Cabins are decent. group showers and restrooms are not that great. If I had one down side. If tent camping on the weekend bring earplugs. Durring the summer the adult beverages flow in the evening and into the night and the gas powered golf carts at 2am get annoying. Over all a great place in the summer for a close family retreat.

• 

  Christina M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 28, 2021

  Nolin Lake State Park Campground

  Overall good with a few drawbacks

  I was tent camping with my family Thursday-Saturday while visiting Mammoth Cave.

  The good: 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. A few sites had trees suitable for hanging hammocks if you enjoy that. There are toilets and sinks in the park office near the primitive campsites. There is a swimming beach and boat ramp on Nolin Lake nearby. Convenient to Mammoth Cave NP and fishing and hiking opportunities abound.

  The bad: 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. There were few shower stalls and they were not kept clean. The park staff were very friendly but just overworked. Thursday night we were kept awake by loud campers and campground staff weren’t around to enforce quiet hours. Quiet hours do not start until 11 PM which is not ideal for campers with young children. The park started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a "party spot" for locals. 

  We might return here but perhaps would choose to camp during the week or during a less busy time of year.

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 31, 2018

  Camp on the Kentucky

  Seasonal Campground With Great Pricing

  Something that sets this place apart from others in the area is long term tent camping!! Yes you read that right, LONG TERM TENT CAMPING! For most of those who travel you know they often offer long term services for those in RVs which provides a discount for staying more than a night or two, but at this campground you as a tent camper can find a location that suits your Kentucky home needs on the road for a day, a week or even a month!

  But what does that entail exactly?

  This site is really nice, with level sites for RVs or tents, padded grass which is well maintained, nice gravel roads around camp and a river frontage with views which will make you just want to stop and take in the scenery.

  When I visited I noticed a lot of people staying here near the weekend were visiting to launch their boats and troll the river fishing for what looked like some pretty large fish. It was pretty cool to see some of the people setting up their campground fish fry, and they were even friendly enough to invite me to join, though I don't eat fish so it didn't really work out that way.

  The tent sites were shaded and had several different options, you could choose primitive which is only $17 or for a few dollars more you could have electricity. All sites come with a picnic table and fire ring and a pull in to keep you and your things closely together.

  There was a playground and volleyball, but I didn't see anyone using these when I was there. A small camp store has a lot of the essentials in case your forgot something or just needed to pick up a snack. There was also firewood available, a big plus!!

  This place is a bit older looking in appearance but it is charming and the owner is very cool. I didn't meet a single person there that wasn't just enjoying life.

  TIPS:

  • If you are trying to check in the office has kind of strange hours. They are only open until 2 Sunday through Tuesday, not sure why but call in advance if you are running later than this time and want to check in.
  • Check their online event schedule! This campground host tailgating for UK so you can find a good tailgate party if you plan in advance, right at your campground!!
  • This is nearby the Bourbon Trail as well as so many other places where you will find activities. I was here to check out the Castle (I have attached a few photos) Can't miss this stop!!!
• 

  Mary H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 26, 2019

  Louisville South KOA

  Disappointed

  We have a tent which attaches to our truck— no hook ups. Everywhere we go we get a tent site. This campground would not let us get a tent site because we “sleep in the bed of our truck.” We reluctantly rented a cabin because we needed a place to stay for the night. We told them our set-up & that we’ve never been denied a tent site, but they still refused. WiFi was fickle. Got on then would get bumped off.

• 

  Stephanie F.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2018

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave

  Tent Campers stay alert

  We went during Wet N Wild week and the kids absolutely loved all of the activities there were... The excitement of the Witbit the first day left us sore for a couple days after... ALOT to do at the campground and around... However this is not geared for tent camping... there are minimal shade spots and 95% of the sites are gravel...water and electric are setup for campers not tents... also the whole not being able to squirt water from or too the golf carts is a bummer and killed the excitement. we will definitely be back if a better suited area for tent camping is developed...

• 

  Shiella N.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 24, 2022

  Dog Creek Campground

  Long haul

  I have been camping here since early 90's, my experience has always been a. Good one, I have mostly camped in a tent right on the water. I used to take my kids by myself and as a lady, my first priority was, safety. I always felt safe. I've taken my boat and kept on water with no worries of anyone taking or messing with any of my belongings. Since then, they have added some things n I'm looking forward for my next stay

• 

  Brent C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2020

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Huge and lots of people

  Imagine a giant parking lot with trees. That’s your campground. RV and tent camping are mixed. Restrooms were rough, but useable, when you’re done waiting.

• s

  stephen

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 1, 2022

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Clean with Activities

  Went for an extended weekend tent camp. Facilities were very clean and kept up. Tons of tours (paid) if you're interested. We had a wonderful time.

• 

  Emily C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 7, 2021

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Great spot to rest

  The bathrooms were beautiful and air conditioned! They were very clean and smelled like a swimming pool. They were nice and cool after a hot sweaty day and tent camping.

• J

  Jason M.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 15, 2022

  Louisville South KOA

  Tent sites stink here, $50+, very expensive

  Tent sites: steep hill with rodents living there. Gravel driveway leading to tent sites: a trench sure to rip the exhaust off your car. The RVers and workers: they make it obvious you are beneath them. Pets allowed: you WILL be up all night with the barking chihuaua on the next site. Airplanes flying over head as you are getting ready to sleep. Traverse the lawn to the faraway bathroom to ruin your shoes at 2am. Laundry on-site but the workers will scowl while you use it. Catch all this ire for the grand old price of $50+ per night.

• 

  Heather K.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 8, 2019

  Lake Shelby Campground

  Not the worst place, but close...

  First, the good: Lake Shelby was easy to find. The signs were easy to see and tent sites are well marked. The office, RV area and restrooms were easy to find and also well marked. The tent sites were shaded by nice trees and were located right next to the lake. The group tent sites looked nice and had shade and open areas. You can rent a paddle boat or canoe. However, there has to be an adult in the canoe for rental. There are several docks and a boat ramp. You have to pay to launch and there is an honor box for that. The campsite itself, was mostly flat and partially shaded. The fire pit was nice as well. Now, the bad: The lake was brown and had an oily film across the top. It smelled of dead fish and something else that I couldn't identify. I saw people fishing, but I never saw anyone actually catch anything. The tent sites were down a dead end road, however the amount of cars that went past our site made me feel like there was a parade that lasted almost the entire time we were there. The paddle boat lost steering when we were halfway around the lake. The only thing we could do was go in a circle. It took 20 minutes for them to send someone to assist us. There was a trash can next to our site, however, it was nearly full when we arrived and no one ever emptied it. The restrooms are located at the RV parking area, so we had to drive to use them. In my opinion, the restrooms should have been built in between the RV sites and tent sites to make them easier to access by walking. Overall, I didn't hate my time at Lake Shelby, but there was nothing great enough to make me return or recommend it to friends.

• 

  Katrina R.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2016

  Nolin Lake State Park Campground

  Family trip

  Nolin lake was very beautiful and peaceful. The campground had two tent camping locations and a rv area. The scenery was amazing. Highly recommend campsite 23 by the beach, it has the best view....

• 

  Kevin T.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 18, 2020

  Guist Creek Marina & Campground

  Had a nice evening

  The staff were very friendly and accommodating. I asked for the most remote location to set up my tent. It’s still pretty close (across the gravel road about 100’ from RV/trailer campers). The row of tent sites backed up to a fence line. There are trees along this row so you’re not in full sun all day. I wish the tent sites were along the edge of the lake, but this is safer for small children. I’d camp here again possibly. There is a shower house but I did not use this facility. A Rural King store and other retail businesses are less than 5 miles from the location if you happen to forget something.

• 

  Scott K.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 16, 2024

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Easy access/ clean spot

  Got in on a Sunday evening for tent camping. Nice woman working the entrance let us switch campsites without any hassle.

  The site was well maintained and had a nice fire pit. Concrete picnic table in the space.

• 

  Aleta C.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Horse Cave KOA

  great for rvs/ campers but not tents

  their tent sites kinda suck barely had room for my tent. the camper and rv sites looked good for what they are. had a nice playground for the children but there is a lot of hills.

• 

  Rachelle W.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 5, 2018

  My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground — My Old Kentucky Home State Park

  Primitive tent camping at My Old Kentucky Home

  The primitive tent camping is located in a grove of beautiful, mature trees. Fire rings & picnic tables are dotted throughout the trees. There is a highway right beside the campsite so you will best cars, but it is not a high traffic area.

• J

  Jason M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 3, 2022

  Grandma's RV Park

  Zero grass here... no attendant, no one answers phone

  I don't see how there could be tent camping here, there's no grass. But I wouldn't be able to verify anyway because there was no attendant in the office at 10 am on a Monday morning. No one answers the phone. Doesn't seem like much of a business.

• 

  Leandra P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 3, 2017

  Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

  Delightful stay

  Nice hiking trails, nice tent site, bathrooms were clean. The shower is coin operated. Three campground is on the grounds with the national park so you can walk to your tour. The ranger was friendly and helpful.

• 

  Heather K.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 30, 2019

  COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground

  Ranger Review Red Ledge Thunderlight jacket at Axtel Campground

  Campground Review: I have stayed at and reviewed this campground before, however this time I am reviewing our experience at site I158 over Labor Day Weekend while using the Red Ledge Thunderlight jacket. Site I158 has no electric or water. It is a fairly small tent site that is very close to other sites. There is only enough room for 1 tent and 1 vehicle. The fire ring is nice and has a grill attached. There is a large picnic table and a prep table with a tall hook, which we hung our trash on. The site is gravel but I was able to put in my tent stakes with minimal effort. The site is completely wooded, so if you don't like tent camping near trees, this site is not for you. The upside is there are plenty of sticks for kindling. I did however get hit with a few falling acorns, and that did not feel good at all. The quiet time at this campground is respected and followed. The beach is great for hanging out and swimming in the lake. The beach had previously been damaged by flooding but was beautiful for Labor Day Weekend. 

  Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt www.thedyrt.com, I get products to test from time to time and today I am reviewing the Men& Women's Thunderlight Jacket from Red Ledge https://www.redledge.com/products/mens-and-womens-thunderlight-jacket?variant=7068462153788. I made a video folding the jacket into the carrying bag after I returned home from camping. 

  1. What I liked about this product: The jacket fits great. Using the size guidelines on Red Ledge's website, I ordered the appropriate sized jacket and it fits perfectly. I like the sealed edges that kept any water from getting to my clothes underneath. This jacket is lightweight. It is a great jacket to use anywhere, but this would be great for back country camping. Because it's lightweight and breathable, I also used it for sun protection while sitting on Rough River Lake beach. The hood hangs over a little bit keeping the sun and rain out of your eyes. The cuffs and the bottom of the jacket are adjustable, which I love. Red Ledge offers this jacket in 13 different colors, but I chose Mercury(gray). The price of the jacket is a little higher than I expected, however, I believe this jacket will hold up over time and be completely worth it. As a tent camper, I have learned to spend a little more money on better quality products than to buy cheap stuff and have to keep replacing them. 

  2. What I didn't like about this product: I didn't quite understand how the hood adjust worked and it took me a little bit of figuring it out. However, once I understood what I was doing, it worked great. 

  Overall, I would recommend this jacket. My son has the youth version of The Thunderlight and he loves it. I think Red Ledge has made a good quality product that anyone can use and appreciate.

• D

  Dennis G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Dog Creek Campground

  Nice campground

  Good camping, although sites are somewhat close. Very few with shade, especially if you want "water front". Gravel pads are typically fairly level; water and electric at all but tent sites. Grass way overdue for cutting making it extra buggy.

• J

  Jason M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2022

  Lake Shelby Campground

  Fun campground

  Fun little place. RV sites and tent sites lakeside. Fishing, ducks. $5 swimming pool nearby. $20/night tents. Showers and restrooms. Nice parks nearby for equestrian, playground, disk golf course. Huge mall nearby in Simpsonville KY. Drivable to Louisville. Stop at Wings n Rings, yum. Highly recommend. Closes for winter Oct 31 to tents.

• 

  Hannah B.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 9, 2023

  Lake Shelby Campground

  Our childhood camping location

  Loved this campground growing up! We tent camped and our relatives RV camped. However they have cut down most of the trees, the facilities aren’t maintained very well and the campground/park looks more run down than ever. It’s sad but I hope they update and maintain it more in the future.

• T

  Trinda B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2022

  Elizabethtown Crossroads Campground

  Very Accommodating

  Very nice campground the tent sites even have electric and water but my advice is try not to setup tent near the little pond they have, it stinks. Showers are great, if your tall like me, your gonna have to bend a knee to get underneath the shower head. LOL bathroom water pressure could be better. Very affordable!

• 

  Brandon E.

  Scout

  

  May. 8, 2021

  Guist Creek Marina & Campground

  Courteous staff, not best site itself

  Staff was very courteous. I was given very clear directions to the site and couldn't miss it. The lake is beautiful. Dog and I took a little canoe ride. My only issue was that the primitive tent sites were so close to the camper sites which likely couldn't be helped.