Pine Ridge, Kentucky sits at 978 feet elevation in the Daniel Boone National Forest region, an area known for its sandstone cliffs and forested valleys. The camping season extends from March through November, with fall bringing vibrant foliage and larger crowds. Winter camping options are limited but available at select year-round facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Ole Cornfield campground offers direct access to the Licking River where "the grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," according to Karen P.
Hiking natural formations: Middle Fork Campground provides access to the unique geological features of Natural Bridge State Park. "The natural bridge area is a must see. Its super unique for the area and worth the hike to it," notes Daniel S.
Kayaking adventures: The Ole Cornfield offers kayak rentals and shuttle service. "They shuttle you up to the dam and it takes a couple of hours to get back down to their campground. Justin pulls your kayaks out and takes them up the hill for you," shares a reviewer.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature water access for cooling off. Callie's Lake and Campground has "a small lake (I'd call it a pond) for swimming and fishing" that costs "$5 for an adult to fish, and catch and release only," according to David C.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Nocomas Pass receives praise for its riverside location where campers enjoy "a beautiful stay next to the creek" as mentioned by Christine G. The campground features "secluded, spacious sites full of remnants from the old oil wells."
Clean facilities: Reviewers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms at campgrounds near Pine Ridge. At The Ole Cornfield, Karen notes the "bath/shower house is really clean and with heat/air."
Family-friendly amenities: 4 Guys RV Park offers "a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground," making it a hit with families according to Christy W. The rv sites near Pine Ridge, Kentucky often include recreational facilities for children.
Staff hospitality: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for exceptional service. At Callie's Lake and Campground, visitors feel "like family. Callie and her family are incredible hosts," says Greg M.
What you should know
Cell service and WiFi: Connectivity varies widely across rv camping options near Pine Ridge, Kentucky. At Callie's Lake, one camper reported, "We have Verizon and had 3 bars of LTE, but sometimes struggled to load rich content. As a remote worker I purchased 72 hours of WiFi for $20."
Site levelness: Some campers report challenges with uneven sites. At one campground, a reviewer spent "over an hour" trying to level their RV on "a very unlevel lot."
Seasonal crowds: Outpost Campground & RV Park can get busy during peak seasons. One visitor noted it was "very full this weekend" but still found it "very clean and well laid out."
Reservation needs: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during fall. According to Anne D., 4 Guys RV Park is a "commercial campground, so sites are close without trees to separate."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: The shallow waters at The Ole Cornfield are perfect for children. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such."
Playground access: Callie's Lake and Campground offers a playground and small lake for swimming and fishing. "This is a great family campground," notes David C., making it one of the more family-oriented rv parks near Pine Ridge, Kentucky.
Educational opportunities: Middle Fork Campground provides nature programs. "They offer all kinds of wonderful things there especially for kids, there is even a cave tour every week day!" says Brittany S.
Privacy considerations: For families seeking more seclusion, consider tent-only areas. At Middle Fork Campground, Mary B. advises, "You can stay in the tent site only area which I recommend if you want to be away from the noise and lights of a campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins, Brad L. notes the "sites are a little tight but overall very nice and kept up to date." This matters when positioning larger rigs.
Hookup quality: RVers should verify utility details when booking. The Ole Cornfield provides "water and electric at each site," according to reviewers, with level sites for easier setup.
Accessibility: For big rigs, Outpost Campground offers well-maintained sites. "The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins," reports Jason G.
Seasonal considerations: Many rv sites near Pine Ridge remain open year-round, including Outpost Campground & RV Park in Salt Lick. However, some limit services during winter months, so call ahead to confirm availability.
