Camping near Rough River Lake

Are you in need of a campground near Rough River Lake, KY? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Rough River Lake, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Rough River Lake (92)

    1. COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground

    14 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 257-2584

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Axtel is a nice COE campground on Rough River Lake. Very family friendly and clean."

    "Axtel is located on the shore of Rough River Lake and has over 150 camp sites. Almost every site has quick access and/or views of the lake. There is a designated swimming and beach area."

    2. Cave Creek - Rough River Lake

    6 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 879-4304

    $20 - $60 / night

    "It was empty, possibly because it has no direct access to the lake? It is a nice shaded area, very open, spread throughout a small hilly area."

    "Cave creek is conveniently close to the water. Setting up was fast easy and convenient."

    3. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    137 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave, KY
    35 miles
    +1 (270) 758-2424

    $25 - $50 / night

    "This campground is a walking distance to the visitors center. It's a well established campground and geared towards folks visiting mammoth caves."

    "green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!"

    4. Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 286-4240

    $27 - $45 / night

    "Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."

    "This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"

    5. Laurel Branch

    3 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 257-8839

    $20 - $60 / night

    "There is a day use area in between the first and second campgrounds with a short nature trail."

    "Close to Litchfield in Grayson county KY. Also has people selling wood along the way. Dollar general within a few miles for supplies."

    6. Rough River Dam State Resort Park

    3 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    2 miles
    Website

    "The Rough River Lodge , Falls of Rough , Ky no longer has a campground co-located, it was closed a few years ago when the dam was renovated."

    "We stay in various places all over the park and the best thing about this is there are no fees to access the public areas of the dam to fish or lake!"

    7. COE Rough River Lake North Fork

    3 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 257-8139

    $20 - $60 / night

    8. Moutardier

    23 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 286-4230

    $18 - $50 / night

    ".**

    Campground Review: Coming from Western Kentucky Parkway W or KY I65 either way you drive in to **Moutardier Campground you will"

    "It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers. "

    9. Peter Cave

    2 Reviews
    Leitchfield, KY
    8 miles

    10. Wax - Nolin River Lake

    15 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 242-7578

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Wax Campground is located on Nolin River Lake, which is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers. Translated; well maintained, picturesque and organized."

    "The area surrounds Lake Nolan, which is an added bonus. The water was warm and calm. It is off the beaten path and you are about 30 min from a grocery store, so make sure you stock up before you go."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 92 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rough River Lake

664 Reviews of 92 Rough River Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Rough River Lake

Camping near Rough River Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers at Nolin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The hike to the waterfall was muddy and there were downed trees from a recent storm - but the park was working on it." This shows that while the trails can be a bit rugged, the park is committed to maintaining them.
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak to paddle around the lake. A visitor at Moutardier shared, "We were able to put kayaks in right at our campsite," highlighting the convenience of water access.
  • Fishing: The lake is great for fishing. One camper at Wax - Nolin River Lake noted, "Clean river lots of fisherman out," which suggests that fishing is a popular activity here.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were cleaned regularly. The showers were hot and free!" This is a big plus for many families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A visitor at Dog Creek Campground mentioned, "Our site was a spacious pull through," which is great for RVs and larger setups.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often feel welcomed. One reviewer at Otter Creek Park Campground said, "Folks taking the reservation not have been nicer," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground noted, "There are no garbage cans/dumpsters located within the campground areas," so be prepared to pack out your trash.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Kentucky Moutardier mentioned, "Sites are very close to each other that you could hear your neighbor burp or fart at any time day or night," so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Weather Considerations: Be ready for changing weather. One camper at Wax - Nolin River Lake said, "We experienced terrible weather so we didn’t explore much," which is a reminder to check forecasts before heading out.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Toddlers enjoyed the playground," making it a great choice for families with young kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Mammoth Cave Campground said, "There are lots of hiking opportunities and canoe and kayak rental," which can keep the kids entertained.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Otter Creek Park Campground noted, "The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat," suggesting that having treats on hand can enhance the camping experience.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground advised, "Do your research before booking a site here," especially if you have a larger rig.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Kentucky Moutardier mentioned, "The road in/out is very narrow, very tight and not easily navigated with a 40' 5th wheel," so take care when driving in.
  • Utilize Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Wax - Nolin River Lake pointed out, "The dump station is also where the CG’s only dumpsters are located," which can save you time during your stay.

Camping near Rough River Lake, Kentucky, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy all the area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds at Rough River Lake?

COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground stands out as one of the best options at Rough River Lake with over 150 campsites, most offering beautiful lake views and water access. This family-friendly campground fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. For a different experience, COE Rough River Lake North Fork provides a drive-in campground with reservable sites. Both are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and offer scenic locations with water recreation opportunities. While Peter Cave is another option on the lake, it has received mixed reviews regarding maintenance.

Is Axtel Campground a good place to camp at Rough River Lake?

COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground is generally considered a good place to camp at Rough River Lake. Campers rate it highly for being clean, family-friendly, and offering excellent lake access with most sites providing views of the water. The campground features approximately 150 sites, many with power and water hookups that have been updated in recent years. Facilities include several restrooms throughout the grounds and a designated swimming beach area. The sites are somewhat closer together than typical Corps of Engineers campgrounds, which works well for groups camping together. Due to its popularity, making reservations is strongly recommended as this campground fills up quickly, especially during peak season.

What amenities are available when camping at Rough River Lake?

Camping at Rough River Lake offers a range of amenities depending on which campground you choose. Rough River Dam State Resort Park provides drive-in sites with water hookups, toilets, and accommodations for big rigs. At Laurel Branch campground, you'll find reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. Many campgrounds around the lake feature designated swimming areas, boat ramps (some with usage fees), fishing access, and basic facilities like restrooms. Electricity and water hookups are available at select sites, particularly at the Corps of Engineers managed campgrounds, though amenities can vary by location.

How do I get to Rough River Lake State Resort Park for camping?

Rough River Lake State Resort Park is located near Falls of Rough, Kentucky. From Louisville, take I-65 South to the Western Kentucky Parkway, then exit onto KY-79 and follow signs to the park. From the Bowling Green area, take I-65 North to the Western Kentucky Parkway, then follow KY-79 to the park entrance. The resort park is approximately 95 miles southwest of Louisville and about 75 miles northeast of Bowling Green. For reference, Nolin Lake State Park Campground is in the same general region, near Brownsville, KY, and makes for an alternative destination if Rough River is booked. Check the Kentucky State Parks website for specific GPS coordinates and current road conditions before traveling.