Lake Shelby Campground sits at an elevation of 722 feet with a small 52-acre lake that offers seasonal water activities. Cabin camping near Shelbyville provides direct access to the rolling hills of north-central Kentucky where summer temperatures average 85°F and winter lows reach the mid-20s. Shelbyville serves as a convenient base for exploring both Louisville attractions and Kentucky's bourbon country while staying in rustic or modern cabin accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Charlestown State Park features several challenging trails with elevation changes. "Trails look very nice. We hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge," notes one visitor to Charlestown State Park.
Paddling: Several lakes offer no-wake zones perfect for beginners. At Deam Lake State Recreation Area, one camper shared: "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone also the cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing spots available for all skill levels. A visitor at Lake Shelby mentioned: "You can fish both in the lake and on the stream below the dam. A couple of docks on the lake side. They also rent paddle boats."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Awesome wildlife for a park within the city: herons, geese (except for poop), ducks, turtles, beavers. We didn't see the coons but put food away every night as they visited our camp on a nightly basis," reports a camper.
What campers like
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. At General Butler State Resort Park, a visitor noted: "The campground is very large and very well kept. All the sites are pretty much the same with good spacing between them."
Clean facilities: Many cabins provide access to well-maintained shower houses. "The bathhouse is four units, each with sink, toilet and shower. Could have been a lot cleaner. In our five day stay, no deep clean, but always had TP," shares one Lake Shelby camper.
Evening ambiance: Cabin sites often provide excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Three Springs Campground noted: "I chose a spot at the end of the lot past the RV Loop and I could see a ton of stars and let the sounds of the night lull me to sleep."
Convenience to attractions: Many cabin locations offer easy access to regional points of interest. According to a camper at Three Springs Campground: "Really nice for off-site attractions (Creation Museum, Ark Encounter)."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some cabin amenities change throughout the year. A camper at Deam Lake reported: "Being the first weekend in April, the water wasn't turned on so there were no modern restrooms/shower houses available."
Cabin bedding requirements: Most cabins require guests to bring their own sleeping gear. At Deam Lake, a visitor advised: "The cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress."
Site selection: Research cabin locations before booking. A visitor at White Acres Campground shared: "It's a country setting on the outskirts of Bardstown, KY. It's just a few miles away from the scenic parts of town... my one and only complaint/suggestion is the area where my camper was set had grass in desperate need of attention."
Noise factors: Some cabin locations experience periodic noise. According to a visitor: "We heard the train, it's super close and loud, but of course it only runs at midnight and 2 am."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations include play equipment. A visitor to Follow The River RV Resort mentioned: "There is pool access, a tree for shade at every lot, a picnic table at every lot and water access as well... There is also a kids playground."
Swimming options: Multiple cabin locations offer swimming. "The beach was fun to swim and water was clean. They have boats for rent which are fun and paddle around the lake," reports a visitor at Deam Lake.
Wildlife education: Cabin stays provide learning opportunities about local ecosystems. A camper at Lake Shelby observed: "We didn't see the coons but put food away every night as they visited our camp on a nightly basis."
Entertainment access: Some cabin locations provide additional recreational amenities. At General Butler, a visitor noted: "Lots of green space, playground area for kids and putt putt. The lodge lets campers use the pool 4-7 pm for free which is nice."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some cabin and RV sites require adjustment. At Three Springs, a camper shared: "I stayed in 4A and leveled with ease. It's a back in Only but they are there with you to guide."
Hookup variations: Utilities differ between locations. A visitor noted: "All sites have 50 amp despite the website stating only 30 amps as recent update."
Site spacing: Cabins and RV sites vary in proximity. At Louisville South KOA, a camper observed: "Sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig. Many were longer than other KOAs, which enabled the tow vehicle and TT to be parked."
