Richmond, Kentucky sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. This transitional zone between the Bluegrass region and the mountains creates diverse camping terrain within a 40-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 50-70°F range.
What to do
Hiking to natural arches: At Red River Gorge Campground, visitors can access numerous geological formations. "Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop. There are bathrooms and trash bins at the parking loop," explains one camper who recommends getting your parking pass at the Shell station in Stanton.
Kayaking the Licking River: The Ole Cornfield offers river access with rental options. "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, which is great for this old woman," shares a regular visitor who appreciates the service.
Mountain biking: Trails around Pulaski County Park offer varied terrain for cyclists. "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops. I won't say they're easy to navigate but it's doable if you pay attention to the names and direction you're going. They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging," notes a returning visitor.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Tent campers near Richmond enjoy waterfront sites at Wildcat Creek Farm. "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," writes one visitor who appreciated the night sky views.
Farm animals: Some campgrounds offer unique interactions with animals. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" mentions a Wildcat Creek Farm camper. Another adds, "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek!"
Clean facilities: Many tent camping areas near Richmond maintain good standards. "Their bath/shower house is really clean and with heat/air. They provide fire rings, tables, and wood. There is water and electric at each site," notes a camper at The Ole Cornfield, highlighting amenities not typically found at more primitive sites.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping requires proper documentation. For Hanson's Point at Red River Gorge Adventures, "You'll have to earn it by hiking for about 2.5 miles, but trust me when I say it's worth it. The campsites at Hanson's Point are primitive campsites, so make sure you bring EVERYTHING you need for your stay."
Cell service limitations: Most primitive camping areas have spotty connectivity. At Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp, "There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent."
Water levels fluctuate: Lake and river conditions change seasonally. "Not crowded right now and the water is WAY down," notes a Pulaski County Park visitor during a dry period, affecting both water activities and campsite selection.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: Kids enjoy shallow water areas. "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," reports a regular at The Ole Cornfield.
Recreation options: HomeGrown HideAways offers family-friendly structures. "We stayed at the Yome, and it was perfect for our family of four. Instead of sleeping in it, which would have been perfectly comfortable, we actually used it as more of an extra shelter and we pitched out tents in the field in front of the Yome," explains one family.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas. "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There are several play ground areas close by for the kids to play," mentions a lifelong visitor to Pulaski County Park.
Tips from RVers
Level sites with hookups: RVers appreciate the infrastructure at some locations. "The sites are level and pull through with 50 amp service. There is city water available and a dump station," reports a camper about The Ole Cornfield.
Space considerations: Some campgrounds offer generous spacing. "We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run," notes an RVer who appreciated the roominess at The Ole Cornfield.
Multiple camping styles: Many areas near Richmond accommodate various setups. "This campground has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses. There are several cabins on site," writes a reviewer about the diverse options at Pulaski County Park.
