The region surrounding Scottsville, Kentucky sits at an elevation of 600-800 feet with a humid subtropical climate that creates distinct camping seasons. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights regularly drop below freezing. The area's karst topography features numerous springs, caves, and limestone formations that influence camping conditions throughout the region.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Nolin Lake offer excellent bird watching. At Wax - Nolin River Lake, campers can spot diverse woodpecker species. "Right from our camps we could see a trip of Redheaded Woodpeckers playing as well as a mama Northern Flicker feeding her babies. We even saw a giant Pileated Woodpecker!" according to Alison K.
Water activities on Nolin Lake: The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boating options within walking distance of campsites. At Dog Creek Campground, visitors find easy water access. "Awesome campground. Great views of the lake from sites, very clean bathrooms. Lake is perfect for swimming, boating, or kayaking," reports Ellen L.
Explore nearby cave systems: Beyond Mammoth Cave, smaller caves dot the region. Singing Hills RV Park And Campground offers convenient access to multiple cave systems. "Close to Mammoth National Park…we were lucky to book a tour and it was really good, our teenagers liked it. We also rode Alpine slide across the street near the RV park," shared Beth B.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds feature clean, accessible bathrooms and showers. At Cave Country RV Campground, the maintenance stands out. "This RV resort is located conveniently 15-20 minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park. Also there are a lot of places to eat nearby. The staff/owners are all very friendly. I used the laundry room and it was kept very clean," notes Bre B.
Spacious fishing areas: Fishing opportunities with dedicated cleaning stations exist at multiple locations. "Moutardier Campground is a fisherman's paradise. 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," according to Pawsfuradventure T.
Holiday celebrations: Halloween events draw families for safe trick-or-treating. "Family friendly Halloween fun. Has a decorating contest with trick or treat in the campground. Safe and clean with lots of restrooms and lake front sites," Laura O. reports about Moutardier.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines with trains running day and night. "This is a nice campground. Owners are kind operate a great general store. Live music every day and a nice rotating menu for breakfast and lunch. Clean laundry and bathrooms. Only downfall are the trains that operate 24/7 directly adjacent to the grounds. Trains rolling by at 3 am is not how I like to spend my night," says Jeff P. about Grand Ole RV Resort.
Site selection importance: Campground layout varies widely, with significant differences between sites in the same facility. "Site selection is all important at this campsite. Some have wonderful lake access, shade, and a bit of seclusion. Others no trees, no lake, in the middle of everyone. Section C has some of the nicer site, even one with a little lagoon perfect to launch your yaks from," advises Casey C. about Dog Creek Campground.
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels fluctuate throughout the year, changing shoreline access and swimming areas. "I had been here only once in 2018. The water was up high so it made it an amazing waterfront campsite the grounds and the bathrooms were incredibly clean," Brian W. notes about Wax Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Moutardier features three separate play areas for different age groups. "Friendly quiet clean and family friendly! Great for tents or trailers and everything in between. 3 playgrounds with safe clean equipment. Plant of lake view sites and positioned to provide a semi private experience," Laura O. explains.
Fishing opportunities for kids: Some locations provide equipment for young anglers. "The little catch-and-release pond is well-stocked and there is a catfish pay lake across the street, so our boys had plenty of fishing to keep them busy," Sarah shares about Singing Hills RV Park.
Entertainment options: Grand Ole RV Resort & Market offers regular entertainment suitable for all ages. "The entertainment for NYE was seriously the most fun we've had out in a while. Nothing says Nashville like live country music! We will definitely be staying here again," reports Jen O.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful setup and blocking. "Some sites has short concrete pads in between gravel while others are just gravel. I would not recommend the concrete pads as most of them are too short for most rigs and will make it challenging to level (and to leave without scraping)," warns Jason F. about Diamond Caverns.
Water hookup placement: Position can vary significantly between campsites. "Our parking area was level with gravel. Our water hookup was weird…it ended up under our back bumper were we had to crawl under to connect. And we had issue with 50 amp…the plug needs attention…it turned off at 0430 and we switched to 30amp," Beth B. mentions.
Site reservations strategy: For larger rigs, requesting specific sites may require additional fees. "Even though you pick a spot on their map they will change you to a different spot unless you pay the $35 extra to 'lock in' a specific spot," cautions Sarah about Jellystone Park.
