Camping sites near Shepherdsville, Kentucky range from full-service RV parks to primitive tent camping areas, all within 30 miles of this central Kentucky location. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with seasonal temperatures typically ranging from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs in the upper 80s. Access to most campgrounds remains consistent year-round due to the region's temperate climate, though some sites close seasonally.
What to do
Hiking trails: 2+ miles available at Jefferson Memorial Forest, where campers can explore mixed hardwood forests. "There is a nice lake on-site but requires a medium sized hike downhill and through undergrowth," notes one visitor to White Acres Campground, highlighting the natural features available to campers.
Bourbon distillery tours: multiple options within 30 minutes of camping areas in Bardstown. "The campground is in a beautiful part of Kentucky. The town of Bardstown has a lot to do and a number of great restaurants," observed a visitor to My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, making it an excellent base for exploring.
Fishing: stocked lakes and streams throughout the region provide opportunities for anglers. A Jefferson Memorial Forest camper mentioned, "Fishing at a stocked public lake is a short drive" from the campground, adding another recreational option for visitors.
Golf: 18-hole course at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. "There is a golf course on site," confirms a camper, noting this additional activity option for those looking to break up their camping trip with other recreation.
What campers like
Privacy at primitive sites: Jefferson Memorial Forest offers secluded camping experiences. "The privacy here and the closeness to nature is a grand slam! Due to fall, the sites seem much closer than they are due to the thinning foliage," noted one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Full hookup options: Brooks RV Park provides comprehensive RV services. "Nice sized sites, reasonable priced compared to the KOA, all good full hookups, nicely kept, and most importantly it is in a safe country setting surrounded by large trees and on a dead end road," reported one camper.
Family-friendly amenities: Louisville South KOA features activities for children. "Our son loved the jump pillow... We would definitely stay again," shared one family, though another noted during Derby weekend that "there were loud people all through the night, and trash was overflowing everywhere."
Convenient resupply: Multiple camping locations offer nearby shopping. "The location is easy to find off the exit of 65, which also has a Walmart and other stores nearby to resupply," mentioned a camper at Louisville South KOA, highlighting the practical advantages of the location.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significantly varied site quality. At Taylorsville Lake State Park, a camper advised, "Choose your site wisely. I took several pictures of each site to help others in the future," after discovering site #4 had no picnic table and little privacy.
Train noise affects some locations: Brooks RV Park has periodic train disruptions. "There's train tracks real close and a few trains go by at night. But that didn't bother us. Otherwise this place was quiet," reported one camper who stayed for a week.
Airport noise impacts certain campgrounds: Jefferson Memorial Forest sits under flight paths. "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," explained one camper.
Seasonal staffing varies: Some parks have limited personnel outside peak seasons. At Taylorsville Lake, a camper noted, "The main overall issue is the lack of staffing... we got in shortly after 7PM and there was no ranger or staff to be found to get firewood. No honor system or anything."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Otter Creek Park Campground offers dedicated play areas. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat," shared one visitor, describing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Site spacing considerations: Select larger sites when camping with children. "Very spacious campground. Friendly staff. Clean showers," reported a tent camper at Louisville South KOA, though site proximity varies considerably across campgrounds in the region.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report raccoon activity. A camper at Taylorsville Lake State Park advised, "Lots of raccoons in the area, so make sure your food is secure," highlighting the importance of proper food storage.
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds host special October activities. "There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" noted an Otter Creek Park camper, though they cautioned, "My only complaint is it's very close to Field of Screams, the haunted park and it gets noisy at night."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at several campgrounds. "Sites are a bit uneven and water and electric is about 40 feet away. Make sure to have levelers to handle 7+ inches," advised a camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Varying hookup placement: Bring extension cords and hoses to some locations. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park, a visitor noted utilities could be "about 40 feet away" from optimal parking positions.
Pull-through availability: Limited at most campgrounds except Louisville South KOA. "The campground has both pull through gravel sites, back-in, and tent sites. The sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig," reported one RVer.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and Wi-Fi vary significantly. "The wifi was strong and it is very convenient to sightseeing around Nashville, especially for the price of $54 per night," noted a Louisville South KOA visitor, while others reported connectivity issues at other locations.
