Camping sites near Shepherdsville, Kentucky sit within the Ohio Valley region, where summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity. The area's terrain features a mix of rolling hills and river valleys with elevations ranging from 400-700 feet. Most campgrounds in the region experience seasonal crowds during Kentucky Derby week and summer holidays when reservation lead times can extend to 3-4 weeks.
What to do
Hiking trails with history: At Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground, trails range from 1.5 to 13 miles through diverse woodland terrain. As one camper notes, "Lots of trails ranging from 1.5 to 13.0 miles through gorgeous mixed forest of old and new growth deciduous and coniferous hardwoods."
Bourbon trail access: White Acres Campground provides a convenient base for exploring Kentucky's famous distilleries. "Being minutes away from all the Bardstown brewery's this is a MUST SEE PLACE!" mentions one visitor who appreciated the proximity to bourbon tourism.
Golf course access: My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground offers direct access to an 18-hole course. "There is a huge golf course that sits within the entire area. Three separate entrances. One for the amphitheater, one for the welcome center and one for camping," explains a reviewer detailing the layout.
River activities: Otter Creek Park Campground offers water recreation along the creek. "Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville," shares a camper who found multiple ways to enjoy the natural water features.
What campers like
Affordable rates with privacy: Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground offers budget-friendly camping with natural separation between sites. According to a camper, "The seclusion 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."
Well-maintained facilities: Charlestown State Park Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Campground was nice with concrete pads and full hookups. Campground was not heavily shaded, but we didn't mind that at all," reports a visitor who stayed five nights.
Convenient supply access: Most campgrounds in the area have nearby shopping options. At Louisville South KOA, one reviewer mentioned, "The location is easy to find off the exit of 65 (which also has a Walmart and other stores nearby to resupply)."
Historical attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to historical sites. At My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, a visitor appreciated the "Beautiful mansion to tour. Amphitheater open during the summer. A great family-friendly place to visit."
What you should know
Airport noise impacts: Many Shepherdsville area campgrounds experience aircraft noise. At Jefferson Memorial Forest, a visitor warns, "The campsite rests below the route to Louisville's international airport. For a hour or two in the morning and in the afternoon huge jets fly right over the campgrounds."
Limited shade in some areas: Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground has varying sun exposure levels. "We camped here for three days in early August...wish the campsites were closer to the lake!" notes a visitor, highlighting both the distance from water and limited tree cover.
Weekend crowding: Pet friendly campgrounds near Shepherdsville can become busy during peak periods. At Otter Creek Park, "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," shares a visitor, describing the popular seasonal events that fill the park.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Camp Escape, a visitor mentioned, "There was a train that was loud as it went by but other than that this spot is great!"
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Otter Creek Park Campground offers special seasonal activities. "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. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" shares an enthusiastic family camper.
Playground access: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Shepherdsville feature play areas for children. At Taylorsville Lake State Park, a visitor noted, "We camped there in July for my son's birthday party. We were near the restroom facilities which were very clean. The camping area was recently mowed. 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."
Recreation amenities: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly activities. One visitor to Louisville South KOA mentioned, "There is a pool (no hot tub-filled in with stones), play/game area, bounce pillow, and 2 miles of hiking trails around the campground."
Off-season quieter stays: Family campers report more peaceful experiences during non-peak times. One Taylorsville Lake State Park camper shared, "We stayed for 5 days and will definitely be coming back. Plenty of places to visit while here. We did parts of the bourbon trail and just enjoyed our time at the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Brooks RV Park, site quality and spacing are consistent. A visitor noted, "This is a hard to find gem in Louisville, KY! 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."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for uneven terrain. At White Acres, "Very sauber nettes Personal, ein Nachteil der Platz liegt in der Einflugschneise des Flughafens. Auch die ganze Nacht hört man Fluglärm." This German reviewer mentions both noise issues and uneven ground requiring leveling blocks.
Varying hookup options: Sites offer different utility configurations. 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."
Weather considerations: RV campers should prepare for seasonal conditions. A Charlestown State Park visitor explained, "We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge," highlighting the need for proper equipment when traveling with an RV during warmer months.
