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.
$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."
"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)."
$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."
$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."
$35 - $45 / night
$10 - $50 / night
"You can pick any spot throughout the property, close to the restroom and facilities, or far. It's super laid back."
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
ScoutStaff was wonderful at helping with all needs...booking tours too. Can shuttle a bus to downtown Nashville. Nice pool. Live music every night at the campground. Clean restrooms, laundry and the entire park.
ScoutGreat place to stay when passing through.
ScoutFor a short stay I'd come back again. The RV Park is close to shopping , in case you forgot something or didn't get a chance to stick up. However, the park itself leaves much to be desired. Though there are showers( pressure low and get in early for hot water or sometimes late at night so the propane can heat more) they are relatively clean. It mentioned a dog park, which is more like a run. For noise, there really isn't much in the park, probably due to the long list of rules, but the Kentucky Park Way is rather noisy! The park has lights so you really can't enjoy the night sky especially with lights from the city .The park is maintained and has 24/7 surveillance. Each site has hook up for 30 and 50 along with water and waste hook ups. They do allow for RV's to pull in and empty for a small fee. They have electric as well for .22 a kw. The only other thing I can really say is the manager is super nice and will accommodate you the best she can. Has laundry room for 2.oo a load. Machines are mediocre. So if I had to, or was in a spot of having to stop for either a weekend or a day , it's fine. Most of the campers here are ppl. who are working out of town, so they stay here- which makes perfect sense, otherwise,if you're looking to kick back and enjoy amenities , or for completely no sound of the eternal rat race .. keep searching this ain't the place. Want to add there are no fires allowed on the ground. So no fire pits unless you have your own that is raised.
TravelerFrom the first day, when the person checking us in said she didn't need to see our coggins test, I began to doubt the place. How many horses have come that haven't had testing? After the first day, we only saw one person twice in the week we were there. No-one in the store, you can buy ice or wood on the honor system, which is fine, but shavings and hay were locked up. The barns and areas around them are dirty and run down. The platform by the manure pit has loose and cracking boards that sag when you step on it. Stalls have deep holes, and uneven flooring, with boards missing around the base of the walls. They advertise a "laundry room" which is a coin op washer and dryer crammed into a small hallway, barely wide enough to hold them, that reeks of wet and mold. No change available, so bring enough. Sites are ok, but the campground is not lit, so plan on a flashlight for night check. The obstacle course is run down, with broken features, and rough ground. Manure pits and grounds are not maintained, so the flies are deplorable. The pallets to place feed on are rotting, filled with mold and bugs. Wheelbarrows are held together with baling twine, forks are broken, no shovels provided... but the threat of a $25 fee if stalls aren't cleaned out. The trail system is not their responsibility, but that too is deplorable. It is rough, with severe washouts, and many downed trees that you have to pick your way around. It is overgrown, and narrow. There is little to no signage, they give you a map, but there's nothing to reference. They are not for novice riders, period. There are too many nice places to stay and ride at, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
ScoutStayed on a Thursday night at a pitch a tent spot. Beautiful farm but unfortunately the tent spots are right next to a very noisy 4 lane highway.
GuideThis was a very nice resort camping spot. I loved the not tub with the jets. I tent camped on the mulch and electric/ water site. I just wanted to see what the mulch was like. The big chest , checkers and jumping pillow was pretty cool. And if you want wood you can charge your card on file and they'll bring your wood to your site.... since they don't just have it in the office. It's also very close to town so you can get a Uber or even have food delivered if you actually don't want to cook. Feels very much like glamping.
GuideI've lived close to Cages Bend for over 50 years, but have never camped here until this past weekend. Man I didn't know what i was missing. This little hidden gem is the perfect spot on Old Hickory Lake for camping and taking in an amazing sunrise. You can easily launch your kayak from the shore or catch that big bass you've been trying for. They have a boat launch if you want to bring that or your Jet ski with you. Lots of trees help keep the summer heat from beating down on you and did I mention wildlife? We saw tons of Deer, Ducks, Geese, squirrels, Turtles and snakes, but thankfully the snakes stayed in the water! The camp host, Tanya and Donnie(i hope i got their names right) were amazing from Day 1. Very helpful and kind, blows my mind to see any negative reviews about them, they were truly Amazing! The campground is kept very clean and they take pride in keeping it that way. We stayed in spot 28 the first night, then moved over to 30 for 4 nights. Both of them are great sites. We have verizon phone/internet service and it worked perfectly there. I could go on and on, but i'll finish by saying, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a visit to Cages Bend Campground. We camped at over 50 campgrounds and this is in my top 3!
TravelerOur second overnight here. So convenient to I-65. Friendly and accommodating staff and clean bathrooms. Highly recommend!
ScoutBathrooms and showers are clean. Laundry is cheap! Pool heated!
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.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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 79 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.
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