Campers visiting Somerset have access to several recreation areas along Lake Cumberland's 1,255 miles of shoreline. The region sits at elevations between 723-1,280 feet in the eastern part of Kentucky's Pennyroyal region, with the lake created by damming the Cumberland River in 1952. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with average temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Hiking trails at Laurel Lake: Holly Bay Campground offers numerous hiking opportunities in Daniel Boone National Forest. "There are several bathhouses and some include large sinks to wash supplies. There is a boat ramp and parking space for trailers," notes Carissa D. about Holly Bay.
Beach access for swimming: Lake Cumberland offers swimming areas at multiple campgrounds. One camper at Pulaski County Park shares, "There's many places for kids to play, a basketball court, volleyball court, disk golf, and a small beach area." Lee-Ann R. adds that the park has "Great beach access. Quite and very clean."
Disc golf courses: Several parks in the Somerset area feature disc golf courses for all skill levels. According to Bubby N., Pulaski County Park has "Great Lake views. A lot of hiking and mountain bike trails." Shelly S. mentions, "The disc golf will take you on quite a hike and to another parking lot and trailhead totally outside the park."
Mountain biking opportunities: The trail systems around Somerset include options for mountain biking enthusiasts. "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops... They are all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging," reports Shelly S. about trails at Pulaski County Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many of the best places to camp near Somerset, Kentucky feature secluded spots. At Holly Bay, Marlene V. notes, "Awesome campsite. Large, private and very wooded lots. We got a double lot." Travis W. agrees: "This is a fantastic campground. Literally the only thing it lacks is sewer hookups but the dump station is convenient... it is level, secluded, completely shaded and very large."
Lake views and water access: Campers consistently praise the lake views at Somerset area campgrounds. At Fall Creek Campground, Karen P. reports, "This campground has 10 sites on a hill. It is quiet and away from towns... Being on the hill, to get to the lake is a steep walk. They have a set of steps going down the back side of the hill if you want to leave your boat in the water down there."
Boat ramps and fishing: Many campgrounds offer direct boat access. At Fishing Creek, Justin Y. mentions, "My family and I spend several weeks here each summer." Gary S. adds that it's the "best camping on lake cumberland..right on the water in the summer..can walk around the shore at winter pool."
Affordable pricing: Somerset camping options provide good value. At Pulaski County Park, Steven S. reports, "Good primitive sites. If they are really busy it can be a little crowded especially down by the water but over all a really good camping spot." Terry S. notes the park is "a great place to go camping and priced well."
What you should know
Shower and bathroom facilities vary: Not all campgrounds offer full shower facilities. At Waitsboro Campground, Laura E. reports, "The bath house was very clean and the showers were hot. Our site was all gravel and level. I think every site has electric and water."
Campsite sizes and configurations: Pay attention to the size restrictions for RVs and trailers. At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park's Ridgeline Campground, Amy J. warns, "This small campground is good only for small campers(20ft or smaller). The spots are uneven and many backup to a large hill."
Seasonal concerns: The water level changes significantly throughout the year. Benjamin M. notes about Fall Creek Campground: "We went after labor day in September n it was closed from road we put in at boat ramp landed here n late afternoon had sandy beaches like n Florida but hidden n small."
Limited cell service: Some remote campgrounds have spotty connectivity. Consider downloading offline maps before arriving and bringing paper maps as backup for navigation around the Daniel Boone National Forest area.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers organized events for children. Michael R. shares, "Staff was great - lots of activities for the kids to do through the State Park - Archery (free), Swimming Pool (free), and more free activities, horseback riding ($20pp). Camp host led scavenger hunts, lazer tag, capture the flag, etc in the campground in the evenings."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming beaches. Katie M. says about Pulaski County Park, "There are several playground areas close by for the kids to play. You can bring your boats along and put them in right there they have 2 different ramps on either side of the camp ground."
Best sites for families: Consider proximity to facilities when camping with children. Devon B. reports about Waitsboro Campground: "Nice place, close to amenities but still feels like you're somewhere very far... tranquil, beautiful, waterfalls at several locations on site, views of the lake from every location and I mean every location, clean, flushing toilets."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers chances to observe local wildlife. At Pulaski County Park, Shelly S. notes, "I visited Pulaski County Park several years ago and it was okay. They have made several improvements since then and it is a lot better."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Some of the top camping spots near Somerset offer full hookups for RVs. At General Burnside Island State Park, Austin B. notes, "The spots are very large and paved. They have full hookup available with a gravel side lot that comes with a fire ring."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven campsites at some locations. According to Whistle P., "Sites are big but not level. We put one side of the RV on the pad and the other in the gravel just to be level. Sites are also awkwardly diagonal in places so the back ends get pretty close."
Dump station access: Check whether your campground has on-site dump stations. Karen P. warns about Fall Creek Campground: "The only drawback would be that the dump station. The switchback turn at the top of the hill to get to it was too daunting for me to try. We started to try and backup the hill, but the shoulders were drop offs and narrow road."
Extension cord requirements: Some sites have inconveniently placed hookups. At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Denise notes, "the water and electric hookup for this site is very far away from the actual site - we had to use a regular 110 extension cord to get the hookup to our van and we couldn't use the water at all because we only had a standard length hose."
