Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shelbyville, KY

Lake Shelby Campground welcomes pets at all sites including RV spots, tent camping, and cabins, providing pet owners with multiple accommodation options near the water. Camping areas feature picnic tables and fire rings with dogs permitted throughout the facility. The campground consists of 10 RV sites with water and electric hookups, plus lakeside tent sites that offer shade trees for protection from summer heat. Many tent sites back up to a fence line with adequate space between sites and reasonable distance from neighboring campers. Bathhouses with showers remain open during camping season, and pets must be leashed at all times while on campground property. Sites are moderately priced at approximately $20-25 per night for tents and slightly more for RV sites with hookups.

Nearby Guist Creek Marina & Campground and Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground also accommodate pets, though both maintain strict leash rules. All three facilities provide water access for dogs, making them suitable for pet owners who enjoy fishing or water activities. The lake trail at Lake Shelby offers opportunities for dog walking, though some reviewers note that public foot traffic passes near certain tent sites. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended due to potential high temperatures. Shaded sites help keep pets comfortable in warmer weather, particularly important since summer temperatures can reach the 90s. Campers should bring portable water bowls, waste bags, and proper identification for pets as amenities specifically for dogs are limited.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Shelbyville, Kentucky (57)

    1. Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Mount Eden, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 477-8713

    $24 - $50 / night

    "We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake."

    "Better if you have a boat ( or rent one at the marina across the lake) good access to the lake, gets busy in the summer. Stores in decent proximity off property. Can get loud at times."

    2. Lake Shelby Campground

    14 Reviews
    Shelbyville, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 633-5069

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Lots of mud still around the camp sites. A nice parking lot in front of sites to back your rig up. Pads are small in length so be aware of that when it mentions it on the website."

    "RV sites and tent sites lakeside. Fishing, ducks. $5 swimming pool nearby. $20/night tents. Showers and restrooms. Nice parks nearby for equestrian, playground, disk golf course."

    3. Guist Creek Marina & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Shelbyville, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 647-5359

    "I asked for the most remote location to set up my tent. It’s still pretty close (across the gravel road about 100’ from RV/trailer campers). The row of tent sites backed up to a fence line."

    "The playground is nice and has a pavilion right next to it. I have a small trailer which is easy to level up but most of the sites are not very level."

    4. Charlestown State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Charlestown, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 256-5600

    $30 - $40 / night

    "The spots were decently spaced out, the bathrooms are clean, and there are some hiking trails from the campground."

    "There is always a bathhouse close by and they are usually very clean. Staff is always super nice."

    5. Elkhorn Campground

    19 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 695-9154

    "Surrounded by rivers and open green fields. Very nicely maintained. Lots of campers even this early in the season! Looks like kids and fishing folk would be in heaven."

    "Pros: If you have an RV, kids and/dogs, this place is for you! It has a pool, mini golf, a playground for the kiddos and other such amenities."

    6. Louisville South KOA

    22 Reviews
    Shepherdsville, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 543-2041

    "There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers."

    "Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville."

    7. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    New Haven, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 348-3502

    $30 - $55 / night

    "Located very close to Bardstown and a lot of distilleries on the bourbon trail, the campground is great, very small fills up fast."

    "My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is a small campground, clean, and friendly staff. There is a golf course on site. Plenty to see, including My Old Kentucky Home, the tour was amazing."

    8. Kentucky River Campground

    5 Reviews
    Frankfort, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 227-2465

    $45 - $55 / night

    "The campground was a decent size, although we didn't drive around the entire loop. We were lucky enough to get a spot close to the river, so at night we could hear the river rushing next to us."

    "You can also bring your dogs to this campsite which was great for us because we have 2 dogs. The river is close which is awesome and great for swimming. No life guards on duty."

    9. Hones Pointe Campground

    6 Reviews
    La Grange, KY
    23 miles
    Website

    $25 - $200 / night

    "Offering beautiful scenery, this is a great place to get away from it all."

    "Great location. Very very friendly staff with special giveaways lol. Will return if in the area."

    10. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    18 Reviews
    Fairdale, KY
    30 miles
    Website

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Tent sites have so many trees surrounding them. If you're looking for more privacy anything off of the loop will do just fine."

    "Having lived 62 years in Kentucky, less than twenty minutes from the Jeff. Forest, leaving to explore USA, then returning to my home state allows me a unique point of view."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shelbyville, KY

549 Reviews of 57 Shelbyville Campgrounds


  • C
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Louisville South KOA

    Nice

    There was lots to do at this KOA. There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers. You could bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or rent a cabin. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. The spots were close together. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The park was clean and well maintained.

  • Tonya D.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet, bathrooms lacking.

    We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake. You can also rent boats there as well. The bathrooms in my opinion needed a major cleaning. They were nice just not very clean. We most likely won’t visit here again but was nice to hit a Kentucky campground. I have found that camping in Kentucky is much cheaper than in Indiana. Definitely worth a checkout.

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Nice location, friendly staff

    Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek. Convenient to Frankfort, Georgetown & Lexington. Waterfront sites available, many concrete sites & some gravel sites. From what I hear, they have made many improvements and continue to do so. I believe most sites are full hookup & they are building cute little pergolas on several sites. I had a long, gravel pull thru site. Barely any room on the camp side but both ends were roomy. Cute little general store & a very clean little laundry building w/a change machine. Fire rings on all sites that I saw. I believe there are 2 play areas for kids & a pool. There is a dog park w/a side for large dogs & small dogs. It was shaded and had seating. Convenient to several distilleries including Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve. There’s a place nearby that rents kayaks and canoes. They have entertainment & a food truck on weekends.

  • Lisa M.
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Louisville South KOA

    Great place to stay

    The staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.

  • Whistle P.
    May. 3, 2023

    Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    Waterfall and trails are nice, but the sites aren’t level

    The sites here are not level. We used our normal 2x green blocks for the Jack, but needed all 10 of our leveling blocks, plus 8 paving stones to get the appropriate height.

    Despite advertising, there is no dog park. There are a ton of dogs, so this would’ve been nice.

    The river and waterfall makes it feel like a tranquil place. The walking trail by the river is nice, we walked it almost every day.

    Live music and food trucks every Saturday are a nice touch!

  • M
    Oct. 21, 2022

    Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    Great place to stay

    Very clean and quiet with all the amenities, including a dog park. The staff are wonderful. Definitely would stay here again.

  • Kelsie E.
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Great lake view

    The sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.

  • J
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Follow The River RV Resort

    Great stay

    Very friendly staff. The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice. There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park. It is hot in June, so bring a canopy if your RV doesn’t have one.

  • s
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Still developing

    Owners are fantastic. They will get to a 5 as they continue their hard work making it an awesome place. New owners took over 4 months ago. They have many activities (was yogi bear till it was sold) put put, bowling, chess, volleyball, fishing. Dog park, Play ground was nicely done. Lake has lots of algae. Pool is brand new. It is by highway however, that did not bother us personally. I will visit again and would consider seasonal. Service id rate them a 5. Wonderful people and the place as much potential.


Guide to Shelbyville

Campers visiting Shelbyville, Kentucky can access several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations between 640-900 feet and receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 50-70°F range, making camping comfortable except during summer heat waves.

What to do

Hiking trails nearby: Taylorsville Lake State Park offers multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. "Gazebo Loop Trail/Pioneer Trail... several spots were overgrown and not marked so you had to guess a little bit until you ran back into a well worn trail," notes Justin S. at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground.

Bourbon Trail excursions: From My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, visitors can explore Kentucky's famous distilleries. "Located near Makers Mark and Jim Beam distilleries. So lots to do around the area and come back to a peaceful, picturesque setting," reports Bethany W. The campground provides a central location for bourbon enthusiasts.

Fishing opportunities: Guist Creek Marina & Campground provides lake access for anglers of all skill levels. "They have fishing licenses available, along with hunting. This is a Marina, if fishing's your deal everything your looking for in the store," explains Nicklaus G. Fishing remains popular throughout the camping season, with spring and fall offering optimal conditions.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural buffers. "The tent sites were down a dead end road... The tent sites were shaded by nice trees and were located right next to the lake," mentions Heather K. about Lake Shelby Campground. Tree coverage provides essential shade during summer months.

Water activities: Paddleboat and canoe rentals available at certain campgrounds enhance the experience. Dawn B. notes about Lake Shelby: "They have paddleboats and such for rent at a reasonable price... If you like to fish this is a spot you'll want to visit." Rental prices generally range from $10-20 per hour depending on watercraft type.

Wildlife viewing: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground offers natural encounters within a preserved woodland. "The seclusion here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam!... Lots of trees for hammocking. Lots of downed wood for easy collecting, lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest," writes Robert P.

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Guist Creek Marina & Campground, a camper observed: "Most of the sites are not very level. I have a small trailer which is easy to level up but most of the sites are not very level." Bring leveling blocks, especially for campers and RVs.

Variable shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies considerably between locations. "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," reports Pj F. about Lake Shelby Campground. Check reviews for recent reports on facility conditions.

Aircraft noise: Campgrounds near Louisville may experience airplane traffic. At Jefferson Memorial Forest, "The campsite rests below the route to Louisville's international airport. For an hour or two in the morning and in the afternoon huge jets fly right over the campgrounds. Really throws me outta my mood," mentions Matt.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "There was an awesome play area for the kids and the shower facilities were clean. We would stay here again!" shares Jenny O. about Lake Shelby. Most playgrounds accommodate ages 3-12 with standard equipment like swings and climbing structures.

Group camping options: Charlestown State Park Campground offers spaces suitable for multiple families. One camper mentioned, "We camped there in July for my son's birthday party... Plenty of parking for guests and tents. We were on the group campsite #7. Playground was close and perfect for everyone to go run and play."

Pet accommodation: Families traveling with dogs will find options throughout the area. "Small but well kept campground... Very friendly staff that works hard to maintain the grounds. Campground is right in the middle of town," reports Chase G. Most pet-friendly campgrounds require leashes no longer than 6 feet and proof of vaccinations.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: RV campers should research length restrictions before booking. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a camper advised, "Very small campground and narrow roads. Many sites were not level and some sites were very short so make sure you review the site description. Also some had sewer hook ups and others did not." Call ahead to confirm your rig will fit.

Hookup variations: Elkhorn Campground provides full-service options for RVs. "Gravel and grass FHU sites mostly level. Great pool and bathhouse with full bath suites in beautiful tile. Very clean," notes Tim F. Most RV sites in the region offer 30/50-amp electrical service with water, while sewer connections may be limited at state parks.

Approach considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Very narrow road paved road going back to the campground. Great for tents, pop-up campers and smaller RV's," reports John S. about Hones Pointe Campground. Larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels should verify access before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Shelbyville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shelbyville, KY is Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Shelbyville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Shelbyville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.