63 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Nicholasville, Kentucky primarily concentrate along the Kentucky River with several established facilities offering both tent and RV accommodations. Camp Nelson RV Park and Cummins Ferry RV Park provide riverfront camping experiences approximately 10-15 miles from Nicholasville, with full hookup options for recreational vehicles and designated areas for tent campers. Most locations maintain year-round operations, though seasonal campgrounds like Elkhorn Campground (30 miles northwest near Frankfort) operate from April through October, featuring electric hookups, water access, and centralized amenities for mixed camping styles.
Road access to Kentucky River campgrounds often involves narrow, winding routes that can challenge larger RVs and trailers, particularly at Camp Nelson and Cummins Ferry where steep terrain meets riverbanks. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Full-hookup RV sites typically range from $30-50 per night, while tent sites at many facilities start around $17-25. Cell service varies significantly by location, with riverside campgrounds experiencing limited connectivity due to their positions in river valleys. According to one camper, "The one lane road coming in might give you the willies but it is worth it. They have 5 WiFi connections making this some of the best campground WiFi I have ever had."
Kentucky River access represents a defining feature of camping in the Nicholasville area, with multiple facilities offering boat ramps, docks, and fishing opportunities. The best campgrounds near Nicholasville provide scenic views and direct access to water recreation, making them popular destinations throughout the warmer months. Campers consistently mention the peaceful riverside settings as highlights, though several reviews note significant elevation differences between campsites and the actual water access points. The area's campgrounds accommodate varied camping preferences, from spacious pull-through sites for large rigs to more intimate tent camping areas with river views. Visitors frequently comment on the family-friendly atmosphere at most locations. One review noted, "The river and waterfall makes it feel like a tranquil place. The walking trail by the river is nice, we walked it almost every day." Seasonal events including live music and food trucks enhance the camping experience at several properties, particularly during summer weekends when activity levels peak.
"I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"
"Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"
from $45 - $48 / night
Check Availability"We really liked this campground and kayaking on the Kentucky River is great. Tons of activities for the kids and even adults."
"Fort Boonesborough SP is near I64 and I75 Between Lexington and Richmond , Ky. The Kentucky River is adjacent. I remember watching Daniel Boone in black and white when I was a kid."
from $41 - $47 / night
Check Availability"It's situated high up on the Kentucky river bank which is nice but there's little access to the riverbank except from the floating dock and boat ramp."
"They take you to your sight assist you with backing in the rest rooms are very clean the pool is very clean they have a boat ramp into the Kentucky river a covered dock to fish off."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Off the beaten path, quiet, and friendly....what more could you ask for???"
"The pool is nice although they do sell memberships to it for outside folks to use which means there can be a lot of people there on a holiday or very warm day."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Surrounded by rivers and open green fields. Very nicely maintained. Lots of campers even this early in the season! Looks like kids and fishing folk would be in heaven."
"It was a short walk to the beautiful Elkhorn Creek (at the back of the campground). Perfect little spot for fishing (you will need a fishing license to fish, as it’s public water). "
"Very close to lake and close to town for supplies. We will go back again in 2021."
"Nice little lodge area to sit outside or go inside with snacks, food, pool tables, and fireplace."
from $17 - $40 / night
"It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kentucky.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
"Be sure to take the turn near CR-1329(second going east or first one if coming in from the west) that took us about a half mile to the LockRidge Park."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability"A campsite settled upon the bank of the Kentucky River with a friendly farm cat, goats, horses and cow we delighted in a campfire as the sun set and the stars came out."
from $32 - $82 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here for 5 nights while attending an equestrian event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The staff at the park are really helpful & friendly. "
"About 30 minutes away from the Ark. Easy trip on I75, about 30 minutes. Some level sites, but most seem to have a slope."
from $36 - $46 / night
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GuideA lot of permanent rundown trailers parked haphazard as the sites are not laid out nicely. Stray cats running around. Muddy at the sites. Saving grace was clean bathhouse but who ever heard of automatic showers? Wasting a lot of water.
GuideStarting with the good, it is reasonably close to the freeway yet far enough away not to be bothered by road noise. Wi fi was mostly usable. Electrical power was stable. Estimate , if the park was probably half full of campers , some long term , some transit. Was quiet. On the other hand, the place was unmowed with grass 6 to 8 inches high throughout the entire facility. A zero turn mower set unused vext to the office. Some of the water spigots were broken and hoses were strewn about so that people could get it water from different spigots to different sites. What's the worst was the bathroom in showers. A couple of people here and said they were clean , but either there definition of clean was different , or they've been a significant lack of labor to keep them up. In the men's side, there was mold all along the floors at the caulking edges.There was wadded up wet toilet paper smashed on the wall of 2 of them.The ceilings were covered in old cobwebs and fresh spider nests. The floors were quite dirty. Over half of the sites aren't level, so if you use this place bring leveling chocks/plates for your tires if not hydraulically leveled. This facility has a great deal of potential with a bit of money and some elbow grease.
ScoutI would highly NOT recommend staying at Still Waters Campground based on my experience with management. Today I rolled through a stop sign in the campground. I understand that was my mistake, and I accepted being told not to do it again. However, what happened afterward was completely unnecessary. Instead of simply speaking with me later at the office or sending a text, management chose to chase me down in a vehicle. I was driving around the campground speed limit, yet I was accused of speeding because they claimed they had to drive 30 mph to catch me—even though they had to turn around before following me. What made it even more frustrating was that I was told to“lead by example” while the manager herself admitted to driving around 30 mph in a 10 mph campground just to catch up to me. That felt incredibly hypocritical. What bothered me most was the way the situation was handled. I tried to walk away to avoid escalating the confrontation, but the manager continued arguing with me. She even told me to“go get my boyfriend,” as if I couldn’t speak for myself. I’m a grown woman and didn’t appreciate being dismissed like that. Later, after I had calmed down, my boyfriend and I went to the office so I could apologize for raising my voice and explain my side of the situation. Unfortunately, management wasn’t interested in having a productive conversation and came across as condescending and unwilling to listen. It also seems like the rules are enforced inconsistently. We have watched plenty of other people roll through that same stop sign without being stopped or chased down. If safety is truly the concern, the rules should apply EQUALLY to everyone instead of selectively enforcing them. Overall, this experience left a VERY bad impression. A simple warning then walking away could have resolved everything, but instead it turned into an unnecessarily confrontational situation. Customer service and professionalism from management were extremely disappointing.
TravelerLockRidge Park is a beautiful hidden gem with stunning views, unique accommodations, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kentucky.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GuideAn awesome, secluded spot! Each site includes a picnic table, tent section, lantern post, and a ringed in fire pit with a rotatable grill. They are all mostly graveled in too. The creek is close and fun to explore and there is nice shade throughout. The fellow campers we had were great and not loud, however, the space does echo quite a bit, so if you were to good some rude campers, you would almost definitely hear them. There is also no cell service (which for me is kind of a plus).
Free is free, so it’s that’s also a great plus. If you choose to visit just make sure to keep it clean!
GuidePros: natural setting, clean bathrooms Cons: unlevel campsites, no sewer hookups, self-check in, outdated, non-air conditioned bathrooms, no laundry facilities
ScoutWe didn’t have reservations but Tammy and Billy were wonderful. The bathrooms are nice and clean. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot this is it.
ScoutI stayed here from May 11-16, 2026. I was backed up to the creek (I will say, the first few sites that back up, you can’t actually see the creek from your spot because of bushes). The first 4 nights I could see the creek and it was lovely. Each spot has a fire pit and picnic table which was very nice. They direct you to your spot and help you back in and the bathrooms are cleaned daily. I thought it was extremely affordable and I would definitely stay there again.
RangerThis is my “go to” campground when I need to get away for a few days and reset in nature. Hosts are great! You can pay via Venmo when you arrive / super easy. There is tons of primitive camping and quite a few sites with electric and water. There are plenty of bathrooms and showers. Love this place!! Will be back!!
The Kentucky River valley defines camping spots near Nicholasville, Kentucky with significant elevation changes between campsites and water access. Most locations sit at 500-700 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F during peak camping months. River-based campgrounds typically require navigation of winding roads with 8-12% grades leading to waterfront areas.
Horseback riding opportunities: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground offers extensive trails just 20 minutes north of Nicholasville. "Taking the horses out here was a wonderful experience, it was great having so many different trails to go on in order to not only train the new horses how to trail ride, but also take the more experienced horses on tougher trails," notes one equestrian camper.
Living history explorations: Visit reconstructed settlements at Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground to learn about Kentucky's pioneer history. Located 30 minutes east, the park maintains active interpretive programs. A visitor mentioned, "We go there a lot with friends and family. A lot of sightseeing."
River fishing access: The area's campgrounds provide various fishing opportunities on the Kentucky River. Many sites offer dedicated fishing areas with docks and riverside access. At Elkhorn Campground, roughly 30 miles northwest of Nicholasville, anglers appreciate the fishing conditions. One camper simply stated, "From the kayaking, to the fishing, great place!"
Riverfront locations: Campers consistently praise the waterfront settings at Cummins Ferry RV Park, located about 15 miles west of Nicholasville. The combination of water views and natural surroundings creates a peaceful atmosphere. "The river and waterfall makes it feel like a tranquil place. The walking trail by the river is nice, we walked it almost every day," writes one reviewer.
On-site recreational facilities: Swimming pools and organized activities enhance the camping experience at many locations. The facilities at Whispering Hills RV Park receive particular praise. "Swimming pool with small water slide, fishing pond, jumping pillow, events at picnic shelter. Campground is very busy. Lots of people coming and going," reports a visitor.
Clean bathing facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bath houses, a significant factor for many campers. At Fort Boonesborough State Park, the amenities receive special attention. One reviewer appreciated the "AC in very clean bath house was a big plus. We were close to the river in a reasonably secluded spot."
Campsite spacing varies dramatically: Site proximity differs significantly between campgrounds. While some offer spacious settings, others place units much closer together. A visitor to Fort Boonesborough noted, "I did feel a little closer to my neighbor than I would have liked. I can only imagine the feeling to an RV camper would be even more suffocating."
Seasonal traffic patterns: Summer weekends create significantly higher occupancy levels, especially at waterfront locations. Weekday visits often provide a quieter experience. One camper at Fort Boonesborough advised, "If I did return it would be during the week and potentially not during summer to avoid the crowd."
Road challenges: Access to riverside campgrounds requires careful driving, particularly for larger vehicles. The terrain creates navigation difficulties that campers should prepare for. A Camp Nelson RV Park visitor shared, "A bit tight for larger rigs (ours is a 40' DP). The campground has a very nice pool and is very quiet."
Playground availability: Many campgrounds maintain play areas for children of various ages. At Elkhorn Campground, "There is a great deal of things to do with the kids (water wars and different events for them to participate in)," according to one parent.
Scheduled activities: Family-oriented events occur regularly at several locations, particularly during summer months. Fort Boonesborough offers numerous options: "This is a very nice park. There were lots of activities going on the weekend we were there. Playground was really good."
Animal experiences: Wildcat Creek Farm provides unique opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" reports one visitor. This smaller campground offers a different experience from larger facilities.
Leveling considerations: Many sites throughout the region require significant leveling equipment due to terrain. At Whispering Hills RV Park, "The sites are gravel and most are not level, but not too bad. There is all manner of leveling going on!"
Water pressure variations: Several campgrounds report unusually high water pressure that requires regulation. A camper warned, "The water pressure was quite high (70 psi) according to the worker at the campground so make sure to have a water pressure regulator."
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers when booking, as quality varies significantly even within the same campground. "We had the place pretty much to ourselves especially on the rainy days. Outstanding features for me were the 4 pull thrus, one of which I scored," noted an experienced RVer at Fort Boonesborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks with full hookups in Nicholasville, Kentucky?
Yes, there are several RV parks with full hookups near Nicholasville. Cummins Ferry RV Park offers full hookup sites situated on a high bank of the Kentucky River, with a floating dock and boat ramp for river access. Though the terrain can get muddy after floods, it's a popular destination for RVers. Another option is Camp Nelson RV Park near Lancaster, which provides water and full hookup sites that can accommodate big rigs. Most sites at these parks offer electric, water, and sewer connections.
What campgrounds with swimming pools are available near Nicholasville?
My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground near Bardstown has a swimming pool and is within driving distance from Nicholasville. This small but popular campground fills up quickly and is conveniently located near many bourbon distilleries. Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park also features a swimming pool and is accessible from Nicholasville. The park offers beautiful Kentucky countryside views and comfortable camping facilities, making it an excellent option for families wanting swimming amenities during warm weather months.
What are the best campgrounds near Nicholasville, KY?
For campers near Nicholasville, Kentucky Horse Park Campground is a standout option with over 250 sites, spacious grounds, and excellent shade from beautiful trees. Just a short drive from Nicholasville, this campground offers well-maintained roads and convenient interstate access. Another excellent option is Still Waters Campground, located at the confluence of Elkhorn Creek and Kentucky River. This local favorite is perfect for water enthusiasts and offers easy access to creek floating activities, with a 3-4 hour float trip option down to the Kentucky River.
How far is Nicholasville, Kentucky from major cities and attractions?
Nicholasville is strategically located near several major attractions. Lexington is just 15 minutes north, offering quick access to the famous Kentucky Horse Park. The Bourbon Trail is easily accessible, with Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground providing a good base for exploring. For outdoor enthusiasts, the stunning Red River Gorge and Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park are about 1 hour east, offering world-class hiking and climbing. Louisville is approximately 1 hour northwest, while Mammoth Cave National Park is about 2 hours southwest, making Nicholasville an excellent central location for exploring Kentucky's attractions.
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