Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground offers primitive camping with trails nearby, located just 20 minutes from Louisville. The campground features five campsites set at varying elevations between 500-900 feet. Sites include basic amenities with good shade coverage from the mixed hardwood forest. The ground is notably soft due to layers of pine needles, making tent setup more comfortable than at many other area campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking the Orange Trail: Take the interior trail near Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground for a quieter hiking experience. "The interior trail called the orange trail is shorter but great to not run into anyone," notes Jessica G., who recommends this option for those seeking solitude.
Bourbon Trail access: Use your campsite as a home base for distillery tours. "Loved hitting the bourbon trail and being able to head back into nature! This place afforded us the ability to enjoy the city and then kick back at a nice scenic spot," says Molly G. about camping at Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Fishing nearby: Otter Creek Park Campground offers creek access and fishing opportunities. "Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville," according to Melissa A., who recommends the park for water activities.
What campers like
Convenient urban escape: Campers appreciate the quick transition from city to forest. "From the time you pull onto the entrance, shared with the golf entrance, you feel right at home. Campsites are a great size, plenty of shade, beautiful trees," notes Lisa S. at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Natural setting: The wooded environment provides authentic camping ambiance. "The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Due to fall, the sites seem much closer than they are due to the thinning foliage," writes Robert P. about Jefferson Memorial Forest Family Campgrounds.
Fire rings and firewood: Camp Escape offers excellent fire pits. "I stayed here two nights and loved it! There was a train that was loud as it went by but other than that this spot is great!" notes Seanna M., who enjoyed the primitive camping setup.
What you should know
Airport noise patterns: Be aware of flight schedules. "This is a great little well-kept campground. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures. UPS releases about 100 planes from around 3-5am," warns Derek P.
Train noise at some sites: Several campgrounds have railroad proximity. "Very nice campsite. Unfortunately it's in the departure path of Louisville's airport, so be prepared for once-a-minute takeoffs if the airport is using its southbound runways for departures," explains Derek P. about Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Tick prevention needed: Charlestown State Park requires tick awareness. "Great camping prices went up just a little bit from $13 to $18 but it is primitive no electric and I'm being told that they are building horse Stables. A lot of ticks out this year," mentions Stacy B.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween activities: Otter Creek Park offers special seasonal events. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" shares Amber S.
Playground access: Some campgrounds have child-friendly facilities. "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," notes Darren S. about My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Space for multiple tents: Family groups need adequate site size. "We stayed in spot 22 which is large and spacious. Seven of us camped (two families) with three tents, three hammicks and two cars. We had plenty of room," explains Colette M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Choose carefully at Brooks RV Park for the best experience. "This is a hard to find gem in Louisville, KY! I highly recommend this park. Nice sized sites, reasonable priced comparied to the KOA, all good full hookups, nicely kept, and most importantly it is in a safe country setting surrounded by large trees and on a dead end road," advises Scott C.
Full hookup options: Dog friendly campgrounds near Fairdale vary in amenity levels. "Clean park. Decent location. We stayed for a week over Christmas. The park manager Annie was very helpful. There's train tracks real close and a few trains go by at night. But that didn't bother us," notes David S. about Brooks RV Park.
RV accessibility: Some campgrounds have specific site restrictions. "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description," warns M&P M. about My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
