Best Campgrounds near Russellville, KY

Camping near Russellville, Kentucky includes a mix of RV parks, state parks, and lakeside campgrounds within a short drive of town. Russellville RV Park provides 28 sites with full hookups for recreational vehicles, while Lake Malone State Park Campground, about 20 miles northeast, accommodates both tent and RV campers with lakeside sites open from April through October. Barren River Lake recreation areas, including Baileys Point and Barren River Tailwater, offer additional camping options within 30-40 miles of Russellville. The region's campgrounds typically feature water access for fishing, boating, and swimming, with many sites positioned along Kentucky's numerous lakes and rivers.

Most campgrounds in the Russellville area are accessible via paved roads, though some lakeside sites may require navigating gravel or dirt roads. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is limited, with many state park facilities closing between November and March. Fire restrictions are uncommon except during occasional drought conditions. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays.

The camping experience varies considerably between facilities. RV-focused parks like Bowling Green KOA (about 25 miles east) provide amenities such as swimming pools, mini-golf, and full hookups, while state park campgrounds offer more natural settings with boat ramps and hiking trails. According to reviews, Nolin Lake State Park Campground features "dramatic bluffs, trees surrounding the lake, and fantastic birdwatching spots nearby." Many campgrounds in the region are managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, known for well-maintained facilities with clean bathhouses and manicured grounds. Fishing is particularly popular, with several campgrounds offering dedicated fish cleaning stations and easy lake access for anglers.

Best Camping Sites Near Russellville, Kentucky (78)

    1. RJourney Clarksville RV Resort

    25 Reviews
    Clarksville, TN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 774-7901

    $49 - $75 / night

    "If only Clarksville wasn’t so close to the highway... great location, much shade, good distance between rigs, level gravel pads... great public areas, very hospitable staff.... just a bit noisy from the"

    "This campground is located real close to I24. You can see & hear it. Know that before you book. That aside, it’s a nice campground."

    2. Bowling Green KOA

    19 Reviews
    Bowling Green, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 843-1919

    "The Bowling Green KOA, Ky is located on the outskirts of Bowling Green near the I65 and Natcher interchange. You can actually see the back end of the campground from the ramp that connects the two."

    "Had higher expectations for KOA based on other experiences but should have researched to know how close the highway was.

    Convenient to stores and restaurants. Laundry open 24/7 ($2.50)."

    3. Lake Malone State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Dunmor, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 657-2111

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Nice lake, boat ramp very accessible, somewhat limited parking. Out of the way (as in not close to the interstate) , nice clean areas, picturesque:)"

    "While we haven't camped overnight yet, my husband and I frequent Lake Malone State Park to hike the trails."

    4. Dad's Bluegrass Campground

    6 Reviews
    Franklin, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 253-5191

    $30 - $45 / night

    "While visiting family in Scottsville we were in need of a close by RV park for our 40’ rig. This was the perfect spot for us."

    "A lot of people pull in for the night since it's right off the highway and behind a Pilot/Flying J, but it was still quiet."

    5. Russellville RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Russellville, KY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (270) 438-2411

    $35 - $45 / night

    6. Red River Valley

    1 Review
    Adams, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 696-2768

    $10 - $50 / night

    "You can pick any spot throughout the property, close to the restroom and facilities, or far. It's super laid back."

    7. Spring Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Clarksville, TN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 648-0280

    $26 - $44 / night

    "Cozy little place next to a creek."

    "Hear a little bit of highway noise but the beauty and peace far outweighed that."

    8. Nashville KOA Resort

    38 Reviews
    Nashville, TN
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 889-0282

    "Nashville north koa was a nice campground with a proximity to Nashville but away from the bustle. We stayed for a week and enjoyed ourselves."

    "The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo."

    9. Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Castalian Springs, TN
    44 miles
    Website

    "There is a flat trail next to the lake that my two year old loves to run up and down, playgrounds, and a story trail."

    "Easy hiking trails with little to moderate inclines and terrain. Around 5-7 miles of trails, plenty of camping sites. I always see wildlife when i visit this park."

    10. Baileys Point

    34 Reviews
    Lucas, KY
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 622-6959

    $22 - $50 / night

    "Campground Review: Roughly 20 miles from the Bowling Green, Ky I65 exit Baileys Point is a well laid out large campground."

    "This campground is a favorite spot of ours that is close to home. it is only a 40 minute drive from Bowling Green. it has nice bathroom and shower facilities."

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Recent Reviews near Russellville, KY

494 Reviews of 78 Russellville Campgrounds


  • Sergio S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Fletcher's Fork Campground and Cabins

    Great price, clean sites, strict rules.

    Sites are in great condition from asphalt site, concrete pad, picnic table, to hookups. They are however very strict on their rules. MUST BE A DODID OR VA ID CARD HOLDER.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Two Rivers Campground

    Nashville

    Two rivers is a nice park friendly people clean and well maintained.

  • Michele R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Morning View Farms

    Weekend getaway

    I could not say enough enough wonderful things about our stay. Our host was amazing, the nature was peaceful, serene, and everything we needed for a relaxing time away from home.

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Very nice remote campground

    This is a very nice and clean campground with about 10 sites. It is part of Mammoth Cave National park. That means I could use my lifetime pass and it only cost $10 per night. Ranger came by twice a day. Very clean port a pottys that are maintained well. Dumpster for trash and each site has a fire ring. Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow. These sites are listed as "Tent Only" but I got my Dodge van in no problem. In my 3 days here I saw many tents, a small pop up camper, and 2 vans. Anything larger would be a problem I think. Reservation only and pay online. Not much cell signal here, maybe 1 bar on Visible. (Verizon) Decent signal on Starlink mini at site 1. Sites are right along the side of the Green River and the temperature here was a consistent 3 degrees F lower than in town. Lot of shade, not good for solar.

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    The Narrows

    Very clean campground.

    This is a very nice, clean campground. Bathrooms are clean as well. Very nice view of Barren River lake too. I did not use it but there is a nice sand beach for swimming. Camphost is very nice.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Nashville KOA Resort

    Walk to the Opry!

    The proximity to the Opry and surrounding sites is fantastic. Top that off with front desk, event and maintenance staff that were all super nice and you’ve got a great combo. Tidy sites, tons of them, something for everyone and then some. Paved roads the kids loved scootering on. Would definitely stay again

  • R
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Cedar Creek (TN)

    Close to Nashville

    Nice campground consisting of heavily wooded multiple wagon wheel style areas. Sites 1 thru 6 full sun, remainder of sites have partial to full shade. Tight fit for my 43’ motorhome, especially maneuvering dump station. Campground host take their job very seriously.

  • Randi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Grand Ole RV Resort & Market

    Peaceful, Well-Run RV Park with Great Location

    We really enjoyed our stay at The Grand O RV Resort! The staff was super friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. A man even led us to our site in a golf cart and helped my fiancé back in and park our trailer, which was a huge help.

    The campground had a small store with supplies, a restaurant with a menu available (though we cooked our own food), and live music each night while we were there during the summer — a nice touch! There’s a train that passes by on the nearby track a couple of times a day, but it was never super early or late and didn’t bother us at all.

    We stayed in the center of the park, which didn’t have much shade, but the outer edge sites seemed more wooded. The roads and campsites are made of small pebbles, which made it easy to drive and back in. It was overall very quiet, and the location is great — just off the interstate, about 10 miles north of Nashville, and roughly 45 minutes from Bowling Green. We visited the National Corvette Museum and Lost River Cave while we were there.

    Our site had full hookups (water, sewer, and electric). The bathhouse was clean, air-conditioned, and accessed with a key code — two toilet stalls and three showers for women, all very well maintained. We didn’t use the laundry facility (if there was one), but the Wi-Fi was decent, and T-Mobile cell service worked well, even for using our hotspot. It’s a pet-friendly park (though we didn’t bring pets), and while there’s no pool or playground, there were some nice wooden swings to enjoy.

    They also have firewood for sale and a propane filling station on site. Overall, we had a great stay and would definitely recommend The Grand O to anyone looking for a quiet, clean, and well-located RV park near Nashville!

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Barren River Tailwater

    Very nice campground

    I have camped here many time over the 2 years I have been on the road full time in my van. I mostly stayed here in the winter. No power or water, except for a comnunity spigot. But cheap, like $8 with the lifetime pass. Staying here in July of 2025, there is electric and water at each site. My cost is $15.


Guide to Russellville

Camping options near Russellville, Kentucky range from established RV parks to recreation areas along nearby lakes and rivers. Located in the western part of the state at approximately 590 feet elevation, the region features rolling hills and farmland with summer temperatures frequently reaching the 90s with high humidity. Spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate temperatures, typically between 60-80°F during the day with cooler evenings that can drop into the 40s.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Most campgrounds near Russellville provide access to fishing in lakes and rivers. At Baileys Point, campers can easily access Barren River Lake, where "our boat can be moored into a cove very near site" according to one visitor who enjoyed "finding fossils on the rocky beach" while there.

Swimming and water activities: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas during summer months. At Bledsoe Creek State Park Campground, visitors have lake access though one camper notes that "the only bad things were that there was no swimming in the lake and there was no pool."

Hiking trails: Many campgrounds feature walking paths and nature trails for day hiking. Lake Malone State Park offers the Twisted Tree trail, while Bledsoe Creek provides several miles of hiking with abundant wildlife where "deer would just walk up near you and just say hello."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Reviews frequently mention well-maintained bathhouses and grounds. At RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, campers appreciate that "the shower and bathroom was clean" and "the grounds were clean and the sites were level."

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. One camper at Dad's Bluegrass Campground noted it was "a very well maintained" property where "the sites were large and level."

Quiet environment: Despite proximity to highways, many campgrounds maintain a peaceful atmosphere. At Spring Creek Campground, one visitor described it as a "wonderful little peaceful spot" adding that you can "hear a little bit of highway noise but the beauty and peace far outweighed that."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Many state park campgrounds close between November and March. Lake Malone State Park Campground operates from April through October, and Baileys Point is open "April 18 to October 25" according to their listing.

Road access: While most campgrounds have paved access roads, interior roads may vary. At Spring Creek Campground, campers note it's "only about 3 miles from the hwy so quick in and out" making it convenient for overnight stays.

Wildlife awareness: Ticks can be problematic in warmer months. One camper at Bledsoe Creek warned, "Our dogs picked up ticks every day, and we had a few as well. Watch out for lyme and other tick born illnesses."

Tips for camping with families

Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Nashville KOA Resort, families enjoy "paved roads the kids loved scootering on" and numerous amenities for children.

Pet policies: Check pet restrictions before booking. At Spring Creek Campground, one visitor advised to "make sure to ask about what breeds of dogs they allow. Couldn't stay due to my German Shepherd mix."

Swimming options: Not all campgrounds allow swimming in their lakes. For guaranteed swimming access, choose locations with pools. Bowling Green KOA, about 25 miles east of Russellville, features a swimming pool and additional activities for children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Consider highway noise when choosing a site. At Clarksville RV Resort, an RVer recommended to "request a site as far as possible from the road" because "the beeping and metallic booming started at 6 AM sharp" from nearby construction.

Hookup location: Pay attention to utility placement when setting up. At Red River Valley, campers appreciate that "you can pick any spot throughout the property, close to the restroom and facilities, or far. It's super laid back."

Dump station timing: At popular campgrounds, plan for potential wait times. One camper at Baileys Point noted it "gets a little crowded at the dump station on the weekends at check out time."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping near Russellville?

Several excellent camping options exist within driving distance of Russellville. Lake Malone State Park Campground near Dunmor offers drive-in camping with reservable sites, water access, and toilets. It's particularly appealing for those who enjoy fishing and water activities. For a national park experience, Mammoth Cave National Park is within reasonable driving distance, providing primitive camping in a unique natural setting. Other nearby options include Barren River Tailwater, perfect for weekend getaways with spacious sites that can accommodate larger camping groups.

What RV parks are available in Russellville?

Russellville RV Park offers drive-in access with reservable sites specifically designed for RVs. For those willing to venture a bit further, Hopewell RV Park is just a short drive away, located 5 miles south of Western Kentucky Parkway on US Highway 431. This park provides full hookups at every site and is known for being a hassle-free stop while traveling. It's family-operated with friendly hosts and conveniently situated for those passing through the area.

What camping is available near Russellville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Russellville, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Russellville, KY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Russellville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Russellville, KY is RJourney Clarksville RV Resort with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Russellville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Russellville, KY.

What parks are near Russellville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Russellville, KY that allow camping, notably Old Hickory Lake and Barren River Lake.