Best Tent Camping near Shelbyville, KY

Looking for the best Shelbyville tent camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Shelbyville campgrounds for you and your tent. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Shelbyville, Kentucky's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Shelbyville, KY (7)

    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    1. Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest

    17 Reviews
    92 Photos
    110 Saves
    Fairdale, Kentucky

    Jefferson Memorial Forest features a campground for tent camping and can accommodate both families and groups. Although the Forest is only minutes from Metro Louisville, camping here seems like a much more remote camping experience. Located within the Horine Reservation, the campground is in the uplands of the Forest and has good separation between individual campsites. Seven family campsites and four group campsites are available. Latrines and water are near to all the sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $15 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area

    2. Deam Lake State Rec Area

    18 Reviews
    29 Photos
    69 Saves
    Borden, Indiana
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm

    3. Wildcat Creek Farm

    3 Reviews
    36 Photos
    24 Saves
    Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

    Our farm is located on the property where the ferry brought individuals across the KY River from Versailles, KY. We are a private farm and live here for the pleasure of the land, the quiet from the city, and the outdoor activities. We want to share this with our guests.

    Come and enjoy bourbon country on the Kentucky River. We are located next door to the Wild Turkey Distillery, and within miles of a few others. Our 35-acre property offers immediate access to the KY River, and is within 5 minutes of an quaint downtown area, should you decide to go to town for a meal. Plenty of restaurants for your choosing! 7 minutes away is a Walmart should you forget anything. Come and relax in our peaceful surroundings. Horses, mini horses, goats, mini mules, all on site and loving attention. Bring your frisbees, cornhole, and yard games.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $32 - $82 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle
    Camper-submitted photo from Birdsell Castle

    4. Birdsell Castle

    Be the first to review!
    4 Photos
    4 Saves
    Goshen, Kentucky

    Stop and camp at Birdsell Castle. Camping includes: Sit around the campfire with other enthusiast and enjoy a Castle lifestyle. Axe throwing and archery.

    The castle has several shops with a variety of items and is actively looking for additional consignments from artistians world wide. Some wholesale items available for vendors as well. Vacation rental rooms are being constructed and hope to be available this fall

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $75 / night

    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
        Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
        Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
        Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat
        Camper-submitted photo from Tree Line Retreat

        7. Tree Line Retreat

        Be the first to review!
        5 Photos
        15 Saves
        Williamstown, Kentucky

        Tree Line Retreat is the ideal spot for some well deserved R&R! Nestled on a 40 acre working farmstead, the primitive camp sites are natural grass areas under a tree canopy of large oaks, cherries and other species. You are welcome to hike around and explore the 40 acres, plenty of backroads for beautiful biking, nearby lake with public access for fishing, swimming& picnicking. Located between Cincinnati OH and Lexington KY, the retreat is a short 20 minute drive to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown KY, 45 minutes to Lexington KY, 50 minutes to Cincinnati. An abundance of wildlife roam the area from many species of birds, deer, turkeys along with possible visits from our free range barn cats!

        Bartlett Farm proudly raises California, New Zealand & mini Rex rabbits, Embden geese, Muscovy ducks, pasture raised chicken and pasture raised eggs. There are some fenced farm dogs to make noise to keep predators away and some barn cats. All tent sites are brush hogged and the access road is as well. Firewood and water by the gallon available for purchase.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Firewood Available

        $20 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews in Shelbyville

      403 Reviews of 7 Shelbyville Campgrounds


      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River
        Nov. 10, 2024

        Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

        Excellent first time!

        We spent 2 nights at Cummins Ferry with 2 other families! We absolutely LOVED it! The staff was friendly and the scenery was amazing! Our sites overlooked the river and we loved the walking trails along the river! We had kids that fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night! We will absolutely return!

      • Kelsey R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Deam Lake State Rec Area
        Oct. 29, 2024

        Deam Lake State Rec Area

        Nice

        This is a nice campground. We went on a weekend in July and it was as pretty busy, as to be expected. Because of that, we didn’t visit the beach area, however my in laws did and they said it was nice. They swam and kayaked. Staff is friendly. Facilities are pretty clean, nothing to write home about. Didn’t use the showers. My sons enjoyed the nature center. This is the closest state park to us, so I’m sure we will be back. Be sure to stop in town for ice cream.

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
        Oct. 6, 2024

        Still Waters Campground

        Great for long term or seasonal

        Lots of run down RV’s and shanty town in the back of the park. More long term renters than weekend warriors. One dump station, no sewage on the sites. One bathroom, for the whole Park. lots of tents sites (that were busy) makes for poor bathrooms. Not to mention its outhouse style with no climate control. 1/3 men’s bathrooms were out of order and 1/3 urinals were too. 2/3 showers where out of order and the two useable toilets, the door locks were broken. No wifi. Fires are allowed. Fire pits are run down so be mindful. 2/5 bars for ATT services. Sites aren’t labeled or labeled extremely bad. Electrical seems very out dated. Make sure you have protection. Over priced at $60 + tax for the night. Scattered shade. Pull through sites mainly. Picnic tables have seen better days (years more like it). Good space between sites and access to the river for water sports. Little lake for fishing. No pet area and strict leash laws. I wanna give this a 2/5 because they were pleasant. They encouraged me to review on multiple sites but I think that would be bad for them so I’ll stick to my main review site. 1/5, if the price was better like 30-40/night maybe 2/5 but for the price of a motel 6 and only electrical and that is sketchy. Save your money book elsewhere or avoid.

      • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from White Acres Campground
        Sep. 26, 2024

        White Acres Campground

        Love this place!

        Great hosts, quiet camping location, 5 minute drive into town. No, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but we don’t need all that stuff. I’d rather pay a cheaper price than to stay at a place with activities going on all the time and so much noise you can’t enjoy the countryside.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Three Springs Campground
        Sep. 22, 2024

        Three Springs Campground

        Three Springs Campground

        Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together. Gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through. Sites are not particularly level. Bathrooms are clean and the hosts are attentive. The only trash bin is near the office by the out of service pool.

      • Benjamin A.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Wildcat Creek Farm

        Nice spot on riverside

        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. Even though we had an accidental mishap. Kevin was super cool. Would definitely recommend. Will be coming back for sure. 

        The "island" site is a nice little shaded area above the riverside. Off to the right corner of the site is a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water. 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. The animals are a few donkeys, chickens, and a farm cat all are very friendly and won't get into your stuff but occasionally will stop by and say hi. Overall....great experience. If you get a chance to book this spot. Don't think about it just do it. THANKS KEVEN! keep the bottle caps going!!!

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Elkhorn Creek RV Park
        Sep. 9, 2024

        Elkhorn Creek RV Park

        Great Family Spot

        We last minute booked this spot as a family getaway and we are so happy we did. It was perfect for our kids and dogs. Kids were none stop walking the dogs, and scootering up and down the road. Everyone was so kind, there was even live music! And can I take a moment to say the restroom/shower was the cleanest I have EVER used. Huge thanks to the staff, you can tell they truly take pride in their work. We had a site next to the creek and it was beautiful! We are already talking about coming back!

      • Kristen S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Still Waters Campground
        Aug. 27, 2024

        Still Waters Campground

        Excellent weekend trip

        Campsites are shady and flat, bathhouse is clean and well maintained. Office staff are friendly and helpful. We had a blast spending the day in the creek! Thanks for an A+ weekend campout!

      • Randy P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Follow The River RV Resort
        Aug. 25, 2024

        Follow The River RV Resort

        Great campground

        We absolutely love this campground, very friendly staff and well kept and clean!! They are pet friendly and allow portable fences.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisville South KOA
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Louisville South KOA

        Clean and fun. Nice location.

        My family visited Louisville South at the beginning of June for an extended family trip.

        Pros- Lots of activities for kids. Nice pool, great playground, bounce pad. Bike rental. Decent (not spectacular) hiking trails. The RV sites with patio were very nice, but could be bigger.

        Cons- some (not all) of the staff. One lady in particular was always rude, and didn’t like answering questions. There was a security light for the bounce pad that was on all night long, and thoroughly illuminated the adjacent tent sites. My brother’s family of 6 did not sleep well. This is something that is easily corrected by installing a shade over one edge of the light, but the staff didn’t seem to care.

      • JASON L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

        Great place to stay and close to Pure Kentucky

        Excellent campground. Clean and quiet. Can get busy but sites are not tight but spread out and plenty of space. Fine gravel sites with well kept grounds, shower house, and attentive host. We want to return and visit more Bourbon Trail Distilleries.

      • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground
        Jul. 6, 2024

        Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

        Great stay!

        The campground is easy to navigate. The ranger met us on the way in and was super-friendly. Our site was small bit not cramped, and there was a picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of space between each site. Neighbors were quiet and friendly. Will camp here again!

      • Ima C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
        May. 14, 2024

        Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

        Repeat Visit

        This was a repeat visit. Just as perfect as the first time. Lake was beautiful and staff are always so helpful. They even have an on-site RV Tech that works for them who helped us fix our hot water heater. Very professional young man. We also enjoyed live music at the pavilion, and PIZZA from their new café, it was fabulous. They even have Boba tea.

      • Elizabeth R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
        Apr. 26, 2024

        Wildcat Creek Farm

        Quiet and social animals!

        Such a quiet place. The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!

      • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from White Acres Campground
        Apr. 17, 2024

        White Acres Campground

        Good quiet place to stay

        If you’re looking for a quiet campground in a semi-rural setting, this is the place for you. No frills, full hookups for 50 amp. No laundry on site and only one local laundromat. Super Walmart and Kroger within 5 or so miles. There’s a lake on-site but requires a medium sized hike downhill and through undergrowth. Shade is at a premium as there aren’t many trees.

      • Makada L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Charlestown State Park Campground
        Apr. 14, 2024

        Charlestown State Park Campground

        Great Adventures in Charlestown

        First time in RV sites, loved it! Great hiking opportunities and cool exploration of historic Rose Island Theme Park. It's definitely a new favorite!

      • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisville South KOA
        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.

      • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Horse Park Campground
        Apr. 7, 2024

        Kentucky Horse Park Campground

        Quiet offseason stay

        Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country. Slightly rolling hills in campground but mostly level sites. We chose site 13 because it looked level in pics and had some open green space behind for our dog (neighboring site did as well). Able to set up with no boards or leveling blocks.

        Lots of trees in campground (leaves hadn’t started back yet) and medium size lots with water and electric only. Two dump stations available. 2 laundromats, a pool (closed when we were here), and large camp store.

      • Kelsey R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Charlestown State Park Campground
        Mar. 14, 2024

        Charlestown State Park Campground

        Very nice

        We stayed in the off season and it was lovely. Area is clean, outhouses were well maintained. My children loved all the playgrounds around the state park, great trails. Highly recommend.

      • Ima C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
        Jan. 21, 2024

        Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

        High speed Wifi

        This campground  offers, high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works!  the new owners upgraded last year and it’s fabulous !

      • Ima C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA
        Jan. 21, 2024

        Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

        Family Owned KOA!

        This campground became a KOA in late fall 2022. Since the new owners took over they have made wonderful improvements. Added a new saltwater pool, deluxe cabins, deluxe camping sites. All sites have 50/30 AMP. Most with lake views or select a site right nearest the lake. They added a New Cafe with pizza, coffees and Boba tea. Super clean park & restrooms

      • Kurt B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Creek Farm
        Dec. 11, 2023

        Wildcat Creek Farm

        Wonderful Hospitality and Beautiful Location

        A campsite settled upon the bank of the Kentucky River with a friendly farm cat, goats, horses and cow we delighted in a campfire as the sun set and the stars came out. Our host had guided us into our weekend home and delivered a wagon load of firewood for a night of warmth and comfort. The night sky of stars and quiet stillness brought a calm and peace from our busy week. 

        We look forward to another weekend excursion to the farm next year.

      • Zach T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Horse Park Campground
        Dec. 3, 2023

        Kentucky Horse Park Campground

        Quick Trip

        Came for just one night. It was decorated beautifully for Christmas. Site wasn’t the easiest to back in. Obviously no sewer hookup which isn’t a huge problem. Hooked up to water and nothing came out. We got here at 9pm and left at 7:15am. Just an inconvenience but other than that it’s a beautiful park



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shelbyville, KY?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shelbyville, KY is Horine Reservation Camping at Jefferson County Memorial Forest with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Shelbyville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.