Best Campgrounds near Nicholasville, KY

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. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Nicholasville, Kentucky (62)

    1. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $40 - $43 / night

    "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!"

    2. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Winchester, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 527-3454

    $41 - $47 / night

    "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."

    3. Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    18 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 865-2003

    $30 - $55 / night

    "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."

    4. Camp Nelson RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Bryantsville, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 548-2113

    $30 / night

    "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."

    5. Elkhorn Campground

    19 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    "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). "

    6. Chimney Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Burgin, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 748-5252

    "Very close to lake and close to town for supplies. We will go back again in 2021."

    7. Camp on the Kentucky

    3 Reviews
    Wilmore, KY
    12 miles
    +1 (859) 879-6402

    $17 - $40 / night

    "Nice little lodge area to sit outside or go inside with snacks, food, pool tables, and fireplace."

    8. Wildcat Creek Farm

    4 Reviews
    Lawrenceburg, KY
    17 miles

    $32 - $82 / night

    "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."

    9. Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    25 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 863-2552

    $36 - $46 / night

    "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."

    10. LockRidge Park

    3 Reviews
    Bryantsville, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 695-2134

    $55 - $85 / night

    "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."

    "Kind of a steam-punk vibe with funky lighting along the paths made from rebar in the shape of people doing yoga poses. Putting green, good Dix river views, and a super nice events space."

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Recent Reviews near Nicholasville, KY

509 Reviews of 62 Nicholasville Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Relode BaseCamp

    Perfect small campground

    Bathhouse is immaculate! Super clean facilities! Also laundry available for a small fee, picnic pavilion for all guest with starlink internet FREE! Cheap and affordable place great for families or just a trip for 1! Pet friendly, and beautiful pond! Quiet, off the beaten path, affordable!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Renfro Valley RV Park

    Basic but accommodating

    We came mid week, with no concerts. The place was almost empty! Looks like it would be a really cool place to camp at for a show

  • Sam C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Well maintained and quiet.

    This is a nice place. I've got about two bars 4G through verizon via xfinity. I don't know if there's usually a fee, but there's not one right now. It's got gravel lots with picnic tables and fire pits.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Beautifuly kept and right next to the amazing horse park

    We spent two nights here and were pleasantly surprised that most of the campsites had probably at least 50 to 60 feet between each one and lots of grass and trees. The campsite we stayed in, 140, was a pull through so that was bonus. Most of the campsites look like they had at least water and electric and I think there might have been some sites that had sewer as well. Right next-door to the Kentucky Horse Park, which is a must see. Very interesting museum and lots of barn with different types of horses in them to visit. If you buy your ticket at the campground, you would get five dollars off the admission fee.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Wonderful place to stay with easy access to the Bourbon Trail and Frankfort

    We stayed for several days so that we could visit distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. Frankfort is almost close enough to bicycle to. Lexington is less than an hour away. It was a great base for visiting many interesting places.

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park was fantastic. The sites were clean and everything worked. The staff was super friendly. We stayed in a creekside site so we had a little bit of scenery. It is a pretty urban place, not a state park, so we didn't expect it to be as pretty as it turned out to be.

    The pool was plenty warm. The bathroom was clean. The classic rock singer who came in and sang in the pavilion on Saturday night was fun.

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Quiet & friendly

    I stayed here for 2 weeks while visiting family in the area. Very safe & quiet campground with very friendly staff.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Nice place

    Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington.

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Nice location, friendly staff

    Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek. Convenient to Frankfort, Georgetown & Lexington. Waterfront sites available, many concrete sites & some gravel sites. From what I hear, they have made many improvements and continue to do so. I believe most sites are full hookup & they are building cute little pergolas on several sites. I had a long, gravel pull thru site. Barely any room on the camp side but both ends were roomy. Cute little general store & a very clean little laundry building w/a change machine. Fire rings on all sites that I saw. I believe there are 2 play areas for kids & a pool. There is a dog park w/a side for large dogs & small dogs. It was shaded and had seating. Convenient to several distilleries including Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve. There’s a place nearby that rents kayaks and canoes. They have entertainment & a food truck on weekends.


Guide to Nicholasville

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.

What to Do

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!"

What Campers Like

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."

What You Should Know

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."

Tips for Camping with Families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.