Best Tent Camping near Sadieville, KY

The rural landscape surrounding Sadieville, Kentucky offers several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural settings. Wildcat Creek Farm stands out as a highly-rated tent campground with five designated sites situated along the Kentucky River. Other tent-friendly options include Tree Line Retreat and Bourbon Trail Campground, both offering primitive tent camping experiences within driving distance of Sadieville. Big Bone Lick State Park, mentioned in visitor reviews, provides additional tent camping opportunities in the broader region.

Most tent campsites near Sadieville feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Wildcat Creek Farm provides drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, and allows campfires with firewood available on-site. Tree Line Retreat similarly offers drinking water and permits fires with firewood provided. Both locations welcome pets and accept reservations, which are recommended during peak seasons. Bourbon Trail Campground offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with toilet facilities and firewood available for purchase. Campers should note that Boltz Lake and Bullock Pen Lake locations are boat ramps only, not campgrounds, despite being listed in some camping directories.

The tent camping experience at Wildcat Creek Farm receives consistently positive reviews for its riverside location and natural setting. According to visitors, the "island" site features a shaded area above the riverside with stairs leading down to the water, creating an ideal spot for relaxation. One camper noted that "the night sky of stars and quiet stillness brought a calm and peace" to their experience. Several reviews mention the farm animals that occasionally visit the campsites, adding a unique element to the backcountry tent camping experience. The property's proximity to the Kentucky River provides opportunities for water activities, while the clear night skies offer excellent stargazing conditions rarely found in more developed campgrounds. Walk-in tent sites at Bourbon Trail Campground provide additional options for campers seeking more secluded primitive tent camping experiences in the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Sadieville, Kentucky (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sadieville, KY

3 Photos of 8 Sadieville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Sadieville, KY

371 Reviews of 8 Sadieville Campgrounds


  • E
    Jul. 15, 2019

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    Hilly, beautiful and secluded

    My family stayed here because we were visiting the Ark Encounter.  I’m not sure if there are closer campgrounds, but we chose to primitive camp here for our visit.  We arrived with just enough time to set up up our tent and head back towards Alexandria for dinner and supplies at Walmart.  There is not much variety and choices very close.  The RV and tent area is very hilly.  Our tent ground sloped but it didn’t bother us very much.  The campsites are very close to each other but there was only two other tent campers and they were both over 4 sites over from us. The tent area has portable toilets.  I chose to drive to the shower house when I needed to use the restroom.  The shower house is typical of most campgrounds, a few cobwebs but generally clean with shower and toilet stalls.  There are two shower houses for the entire campground.  The lake is very pretty, a few camp grounds are right off the shore.  The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no water spigot in the main tent camp area.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2021

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Hidden Getaway

    This is an awesome quiet campground tucked away in northern KY along the Ohio River. There are 10-12 dispersed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. No electric, no water, porti potti at park entrance. Would need to drive if camping at the top of the hill or bring a camp toilet. Great views and semi secluded.

  • T
    Nov. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great Secluded Spot

    Stayed here two nights. The first night at campsite #10, which didn't really have level ground, so we moved to #8 for night two. Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring. The main road was nice to drive on, but the others were pretty rough. Had spots for hammocks, and the portopotty was well maintained. The spots were all pretty secluded. Great remote location!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Camp on the Kentucky

    Seasonal Campground With Great Pricing

    Something that sets this place apart from others in the area is long term tent camping!! Yes you read that right, LONG TERM TENT CAMPING! For most of those who travel you know they often offer long term services for those in RVs which provides a discount for staying more than a night or two, but at this campground you as a tent camper can find a location that suits your Kentucky home needs on the road for a day, a week or even a month!

    But what does that entail exactly?

    This site is really nice, with level sites for RVs or tents, padded grass which is well maintained, nice gravel roads around camp and a river frontage with views which will make you just want to stop and take in the scenery.

    When I visited I noticed a lot of people staying here near the weekend were visiting to launch their boats and troll the river fishing for what looked like some pretty large fish. It was pretty cool to see some of the people setting up their campground fish fry, and they were even friendly enough to invite me to join, though I don't eat fish so it didn't really work out that way.

    The tent sites were shaded and had several different options, you could choose primitive which is only $17 or for a few dollars more you could have electricity. All sites come with a picnic table and fire ring and a pull in to keep you and your things closely together.

    There was a playground and volleyball, but I didn't see anyone using these when I was there. A small camp store has a lot of the essentials in case your forgot something or just needed to pick up a snack. There was also firewood available, a big plus!!

    This place is a bit older looking in appearance but it is charming and the owner is very cool. I didn't meet a single person there that wasn't just enjoying life.

    TIPS:

    • If you are trying to check in the office has kind of strange hours. They are only open until 2 Sunday through Tuesday, not sure why but call in advance if you are running later than this time and want to check in.
    • Check their online event schedule! This campground host tailgating for UK so you can find a good tailgate party if you plan in advance, right at your campground!!
    • This is nearby the Bourbon Trail as well as so many other places where you will find activities. I was here to check out the Castle (I have attached a few photos) Can't miss this stop!!!
  • Ella L.
    Mar. 23, 2023

    Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    Stellar Staff, great amenities, good for kids and big groups!

    The shower/bath house is on a European level of well-equipped. Reasonably clean(a little bit of boot muck on the floors but you should be wearing shower shoes anyway in a public facility) Self flushing toilets, air dryers for your hands.

    Well thought out for handicap accessibility as far as the toilet and shower stalls. Hand sinks could be a bit lower for folks using a chair but they do have a low hand dryer and no threshold in the doorway to get over.

    There are windows that look into the bathroom and although they are up high, pervs and curious kids will find a way. Campground should def. frost them but if you have the stall door shut to the space you're using you can hide your shame. A+ on the restroom space. Seriously impressed.

    Very well heated on a cold morning and although I didn't use the shower there were plenty of places in the shower stall to keep your things up off of anything wet. Single use stall and there were several. Door shuts and there is also a shower curtain to keep moisture off of your things.

    Outlets by the sinks for hair dryer if you bring one.

    Campground has hit or miss tent spots depending on how much space you need. We had a 3 person tent, 2 hammocks and a dog and we reserved spot 8 on the primitive loop and had more than enough room. There was a fire ring(one at every site) and two picnic tables. This spot, as most of them appeared to have enough room for at least 2 very large tents and a dining fly if that's your thing.

    With the brush cover during May site P10, although small, seemed to be the most private. We were at P8 and couldn't see anything at P10 though the brush.

    If you are looking for privacy, although you are still going to see headlights of cars on the loop road and hear pretty much everyone else on the Primitive loop P10 probably has the most privacy as far as brush shielding you. I would say that everything on the outer part of the Primitive loop towards the back is going to be the furthest away from other people but you are still going to hear everyone else. P6, P7, P8, P10 look the best to me as far as just being chill sites with a bit more space away from others.

     All of the sites on the interior of the loop back into each other and those seemed to be more of the "party sites" the night that we stayed. A lot of competing blue tooth speaker music at very loud volumes well after the quite time of 11pm. Loud music started again at 7:58AM. It was Bollywood music, which was different and honestly kind of fun... we were already awake though.

    Our site itself was fairly even although there were a lot of tree roots. No problem finding a grassy place to set up our tent however. We picked up all the trash, aside from a weird sock, left by previous campers so that aspect was a little sad... campers leaving cigarette butts and plastic water bottle caps laying around. Tree cover would be more than adequate at this site during a hot summer day. Water spigot is next to the dumpster by the shower house btw.

    Bundles of wood were fairly small compared to some other campsites and unfortunately wrapped in plastic but the wood was good quality, dry, and didn't burn overly smoky. There is a nylon strap handle that will be stapled through the plastic wrap into one piece of the wood so if you want to burn that piece you'll need to pry the staples out/cut the strap off.

    The woman working the registration check point, we didn't catch her name, was amazing, pleasant, helpful and gave great directions. She drove by a few times in a golf cart checking on things and didn't hassle anyone. If you ask at the check point for a map you will get a packet of papers with rules and a few different slightly blurry print outs, it's a lot of info and we found it helpful exploring a few of the points of interest in the park that you can drive to. Overall it was a fun experience and although it was louder than I expected when people did quiet down it was VERY quiet and we heard owls all night and what sounded like coyote howling in the distance.

    Super good place for families!

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Kincaid Lake State Park Campground

    VERY much recommend

    My husband and I stayed for 2 weeks in a very large tent back in primitive camping area ... The campground we found to be very well maintained with a very kind and attentive staff who checked on us regularly. The sites were large enough for our liking with each having a picnic table and firepit but no water or electric. Primitive tent camping is back in its own little part of the park near the lake (there are a few lakeside sites if you have a small kayak or raft to use while there) and while we liked the privacy the one set back is this big hill you must climb to get to the bathhouse or anywhere else on the property .. the distance to walk to the bathhouse as well is a good little walk and not anything you want to be doing if you have health issues or limited physically at all .. the bathhouse was always being checked on by staff for cleanliness and stayed pretty fresh our entire stay (they have 2 bathhouses) .. you can't gather or bring your own firewood for whatever reason and the 6$ cost per bundle (as well as the 7$ per bag of ice if u should need it) isn't cheap. Most rv sites are in shade ...nice playground for the kids and just outside the campground is the rest of kincaid lake state park .. the state park area has a beautiful view of lake with Olympic sized pool as well as general store and many different shelter houses and grills to enjoy if you'd like.. they have a nice recreational area offering a big nice basketball court , playground, volleyball court and putt putt golf course .. NICE QUIET PEACEFUL PLACE TO GET AWAY TO FOR SURE. WE WILL DEF BE BACK

  • Steve Z.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

    Great place for passers through or staycationers.

    We have stayed in four sites her during the past couple of month. There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade. [Site 10 is presently inhabited by a large family with a sign that says “Camp Host out front. I have not seen them do anything for campers here, and the site is kept in disgraceful cluttered condition.] we next stayed on Lot 13, which backs up to the primitive campground. Quite nice, but beware: this site as well as about half of the other sites at this campground require the use of electrical and water extensions because the connections are on the “wrong” side of the RV, and quite a distance away. For Lot 13, I needed over 50’ of extensions. We then stayed on walk-in lot 51. I was able to “self permit” at the gate…it’s first come first served, no online reservations. Nice, but no shade. Finally, we’re on Lot 47. Eureka! This is my favorite so far. It’s one of the “premium sites” with wooden deck and nicer picnic table for only $2 additional per night. View is phenomenal, and it’s close enough to dumpsters and gatehouse. Notice that I didn’t mention anything about sewer hookups. That’s because there are none. There is a single, very popular dump station near the entrance/exit.
    There are several miles of decent trails here, a swimming pool, putt putt golf, a pioneer museum, and a lodge with a good restaurant. The campground is easily accessible and is very kid and pet friendly. Nice sites for tent camping. Facilities are a bit dated, but clean and well maintained. All RV sites are back-in, and some are limited length. (Though some campers have rather cleverly managed to pull through a couple of the sites.) Some are quite unlevel.
    Overall good family campground on rich historical site.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    Pricey but interesting

    I was very interested in this area for the living history museum but as a tent camper I had more than a little sticker shock at the $36 price point not to mention the booking fee on Reserve America. That made this one of the most expensive campgrounds I have stayed at including numerous stops in California. 😒

    The sites were well shaded and included the typical set up of fire rings and picnic tables but I did feel a little closer to my neighbor than I would have liked. I can only imagine the feeling to and RV camper would be even more suffocating.

    The campground was noisy and busy as it was a weekend, and while some of that can be expected for the higher price point I would have liked things to have been a bit more accommodating to those times, maybe they should offer a few less sites so there can be a bit more space so if it is busy you don’t feel like you are suffocated by noise.

    With that being said, not all was bad here. The things to do outside of th campground itself were worth some of the inadequacies the camp provided in way of space. The living history museum was one of the best I have seen in the Kentucky or Tennessee area and other amenities such as water access and proximity to hiking was great.

    If I did return it would be during the week and potentially not during summer to avoid the crowd.

  • D
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Hartig Park & Wildlife Reserve - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Perfect offgrid campsite

    It's quiet, and each of the 10 campsites are easy to find.  There is no hookup, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring.    Most smaller rigs won't have a problem, and we saw several cars on the narrow and rough gravel road.    We look forward to exploring the miles of trails on this park.


Guide to Sadieville

Tent camping near Sadieville, Kentucky provides access to the Kentucky River valley and surrounding countryside where elevation ranges from 650 to 900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows around 25°F. Most campgrounds remain open from March through November, with limited winter availability due to freezing conditions.

What to do

River activities: Wildcat Creek Farm gives campers direct access to the Kentucky River. "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek! Great hospitality," notes Katelyn W., highlighting the combination of farm and water experiences available.

Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting around Wildcat Creek Farm offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Camper Benjamin A. describes the experience: "On a clear night it was super relaxing listening to nature and looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river. Pretty damn cool especially if you have never seen country sky at night."

Farm animal interactions: Many campsites in the area feature resident animals that enhance the camping experience. Elizabeth R. comments about her stay: "Such a quiet place. The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!"

What campers like

Riverside relaxation: The riverside settings provide natural entertainment and peaceful environments. At Bourbon Trail Campground, campers appreciate the walk-in tent sites that offer more seclusion than typical drive-in options, creating a more immersive natural experience.

Hospitable hosts: Local campground operators receive consistently positive mentions for their attentiveness. Benjamin A. shares, "First thing first. Keven was awesome! Hands down best stay at a camp area I've ever had. Hospitality awesome. Animals awesome. Neighbors were quiet as well."

Simple amenities: Campers appreciate the basic facilities that maintain the rustic experience. Tree Line Retreat provides drinking water and allows fires with firewood available on-site, maintaining a primitive camping atmosphere while offering essential comforts.

What you should know

Boat ramps vs. campgrounds: Several locations in online listings are actually boat ramps, not camping areas. Carl J. warns about Bullock Pen Lake: "This is just a boat ramp for a local fishing lake sitting near the local water departments pump station. There is no camping here at all."

Reservation requirements: Most tent sites near Sadieville require advance booking, especially during spring and fall. Mimsey's Mayhem offers just one reservable site, making advance planning essential.

Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities. Kurt B. notes about his experience: "Our host had guided us into our weekend home and delivered a wagon load of firewood for a night of warmth and comfort," indicating the importance of arranging necessities in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Animal encounters: Children particularly enjoy the farm animal interactions at several campgrounds. "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek!" shares Katelyn W. about her family's experience at Wildcat Creek Farm.

Water safety precautions: The Kentucky River access points have variable water conditions depending on recent rainfall. Sites at Wildcat Creek Farm feature "a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water," according to Benjamin A., but require supervision for younger children.

Temperature preparation: Spring and fall temperature fluctuations can be significant, with daytime highs and nighttime lows often differing by 30°F or more. Pack additional layers for evening temperature drops, especially during April-May and September-October.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Sadieville lack RV hookups or have very limited electrical connections. The best tent camping near Sadieville, Kentucky generally caters to primitive camping experiences rather than developed RV sites.

Access road conditions: Several campgrounds have gravel or partially maintained access roads that may present challenges for larger vehicles. When planning tent camping near Sadieville, consider bringing a secondary vehicle suitable for rough terrain if arriving in a larger RV.

Alternative locations: For RV campers seeking more amenities while still accessing the Sadieville area, Big Bone Lick State Park offers developed sites within a reasonable driving distance while maintaining access to the region's outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sadieville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sadieville, KY is Tree Line Retreat with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sadieville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Sadieville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.