Top Free Dispersed Camping near Owensboro, KY

Looking for the best Owensboro dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Owensboro, KY (2)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Owensboro

5 Reviews of 2 Owensboro Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    April 7, 2024

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    It’s a very spartan spot

    Spot has a creek and is flat enough for a tent mostly just a single person spot no toilets. Road south coming in was destroyed some time ago have to w yer from east or west road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    July 5, 2023

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Perfect for Invisible Boondocking

    This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities. However, if you are camping in a self-contained SMALL vehicle, this is quiet, secluded, and beautiful. I did not see any pull offs that would accommodate an RV of any size, and nothing large enough to turn a trailer around.One pull off was nearly too small to turn around my small pick up truck. But the thick forest was beautiful. There are rock outcroppings along this road, which follows Mitchell Creek and lots to explore on foot. While I was exploring and camping on this road, only two vehicles passed during the entire 16 hours. VERY quiet. Have a paper map handy, as there is no cell signal and GPS was spotty. The place I camped had a small graveyard behind it, so if you’re superstitious, this may not be for you. There was also a big white building that was all locked up surrounded by open meadow that a larger vehicle might be able to park behind. A circular “drive” was mown around the building. A few of the pull offs I didn’t explore because they were muddy or washed out after several days of rain. I would camp here again for the quiet and it’s proximity to Hemlock Cliffs and Yellow Birch Ravine.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    May 7, 2021

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    There is no camp ground

    There are just a couple of sites along the road. One is at the trail crossing for horses, hikers, and bikers. Its basically a make your own campsite. Ok place if you like to really rough it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    October 23, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Nice but nope

    It took me 20 from route 64 to find this place. If you are solo female traveler don’t even waste your time. After 5 min of driving on the very skinny gravel road y saw what it look like spots but Iam not sure really. 10 min later I got to the coordinates and there was nothing, not seven an opening just more road. Y just keep driving till I got back to 64 and found a Cracker Barrel 17 miles away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed
    July 12, 2020

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Limited dispersed sites

    Mitchell Creek Road in Hoosier National Forest, is just one small section of a road that runs along Mitchell Creek. On the west end, where the road turns right (north), there was a small drive to the right that went down towards the creek bed. There was a small fire ring here, and another fire ring around the back, both set up on the rocks of the dry riverbed. These didn't seem like great camping areas, let alone a "campsite". Towards the middle this road, just east of an intersection for a road to the south, there was a campsite creek side, and a little farther, a campsite on the hillside. The hillside spot was taken, so we took that last spot. Lookout for turtles on the road, we spotted and removed 4 of them.

    The area was rather buggy, and to be honest a little sketchy, so we slept in our van. Only two cars drove by, each time kicking up a big cloud of white dust which covered most of the foliage by the road. It hadn't rained in a while. We went briefly down to the creek, but it was very buggy and not very nice to hike. At night, we heard some loud mysterious crashing in some nearby trees, and what was possibly a large band of coyotes in the distance. Can't imagine I'd ever come back to this area, but it's there as an option for sure!



Guide to Owensboro

Camping near Owensboro, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are great options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Nolin Lake State Park Campground, have trails that lead to stunning views. One visitor mentioned, "We loved that hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park was only 15 min away!"
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Patoka Lake Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, "The boat ramp is within the campsite. Fish cleaning stations are right off the parking lot for the boat ramp, so very convenient."
  • Playgrounds and Family Activities: Campgrounds like Harmonie State Park Campground have playgrounds and picnic areas. One reviewer noted, "In addition to the campground with at least 2 playgrounds, there are trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Indian-Celina Recreation Area said, "The restrooms were spotless and modern, and the shower stalls were spacious and private."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Scales Lake Park remarked, "Everyone I encountered, even park staff, was very friendly."
  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers love the views and natural beauty. A reviewer at Moutardier said, "Camped in D Section right on the point with water on 3 sides of me. Very clean with the cleanest bathrooms and showers I have ever encountered."

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Lake Lincoln Campground mentioned, "The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full, you don't feel like you have much privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores on-site. One visitor at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park noted, "There is no market, but you're just a short drive away from local stores."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph advised, "Make sure to check the weather before your trip, as it can change quickly."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and family-friendly activities. One camper at Sycamore Springs Park said, "There are at least 11 playgrounds for kids and a small 'town' complete with playhouses."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Patoka Lake Campground mentioned, "The camp store was well stocked with an assortment of items from milk and bread to cake mix."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to schedule downtime for younger campers. A parent at Harmonie State Park Campground noted, "The park was quiet, which was great for our little ones."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check before booking. A camper at Indian-Celina Recreation Area advised, "Ensure you have a 25+ ft water hose for some sites."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Lake Lincoln Campground said, "The campground has a camp store, but it’s good to have your own supplies."
  • Use Online Resources: Many RVers recommend checking reviews online. One camper at Moutardier mentioned, "I always check reviews before booking to find the best spots."

Camping around Owensboro, KY, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Owensboro, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Owensboro, KY is Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed with a 2.6-star rating from 5 reviews.