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Places to Camp near Columbus, KY

660 Reviews

Columbus is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Columbus. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbus, KY (81)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    1.

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    70 Photos
    154 Saves
    Georgetown, Kentucky

    Come out, relax and enjoy the complete resort atmosphere of the Kentucky Horse Park Campground!

    A full service facility, our campground has many extras for your comfort including a grocery store/gift shop and two bathhouses with modern conveniences. During your stay, be sure to take advantage of our tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, cool off in our junior Olympic-size swimming pool and participate in our planned activities.

    For those seeking to stretch their legs a little more, venture out on the Legacy Trail, a 12-mile-long (8.5 miles is currently finished) paved walking and biking trail leading from the Kentucky Horse Park Campground to downtown Lexington.

    Campers may also visit the world famous Kentucky Horse Park at a discounted rate and receive free parking with the purchase of their admission tickets when purchased at the Campground Store.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 - $45 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    2.

    Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    62 Photos
    91 Saves
    Winchester, Kentucky

    Enjoy camping on the banks of the Kentucky River year-round! The campground offers 166 sites with electricity and water hookups; 18 have full hookups. There are 2 central service buildings and 3 dump stations. An activities building can accommodate 150 people, and central service buildings provide showers, rest rooms, and laundry facilities. WiFi available. There is a small grocery at the check-in area. Open year-round. Restrooms and water fill-up available year-round. Four pull-throughs open year-round. Call 859-527-3454 or email: jack.winburn@ky.gov with inquiries. Primitive campground closed indefinitely.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  3. Camper-submitted photo from Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    3.

    Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    23 Reviews
    56 Photos
    66 Saves
    Georgetown, Kentucky
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $36 - $46 / night

  4. 4.

    Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

    18 Reviews
    133 Photos
    85 Saves
    Wilmore, Kentucky

    Do you like camping in Kentucky? Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River Historic Cummins Ferry RV Park, RV Resort and Campground with a 'tiny' Marina is a gated community that’s all about relaxation and “affordable luxury”. Located less than 30 miles from State Capitol Frankfort and 30 mile from downtown Lexington, KY's favorite City.   There are many Campgrounds in Kentucky - but only a handful of us on the Kentucky River. :-)   check our reviews, we are one of the Best Campgrounds in Kentucky. 

    Our peaceful and quiet RV Park in Kentucky sits high on the Kentucky River bank, with a serene view of the famous KY River Palisades- shear rock formations and Waterfalls. You have to see to believe why people describe us as the friendliest, cleanest and most beautiful RV resort in the area. Kentucky River Palisades Finally there is easy access to one of Kentucky's Best Kept Secrets! 

    The Kentucky River palisades. This area was referred to by early travelers as one of the nation's"natural curiosities". The 300 to 400 foot perpendicular walls of limestone(also known as Kentucky Marble), remain unchanged since Daniel Boone traversed this area. Since the Kentucky River is one of the oldest, most deeply embedded rivers in the world, the Palisades expose limestone deposits of up to 450 million years old. Come and enjoy this undisturbed natural wonder from the gently sloping banks of Cummins Ferry Resort. 

    What's there to do at the Resort? Whether you enjoy camping, boating, fishing, hiking or just relaxing, Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground, RV Resort on the Kentucky River is a great experience. We are located just south of Frankfort and Lexington, Kentucky in the middle of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There is so much to do near Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground, RV Resort is more than just camping, so getting bored is not something that is likely to happen. If you are feeling down from spending too much time inside, like we all have been- don't worry, Cummins Ferry RV Park in Kentucky is a chill place to spend quality time Outdoors. People like to camp here because we are located in Central Kentucky and are within driving distance of many places, such as Shaker Village, all of the Historic Bourbon Distilleries, Old Fort Harrod State Park and a ton of great restaurants, a few Microbreweries- and wineries as well. There are also many local attractions and a variety of outdoor recreation activities close to the resort. 

    Fishing+ Boating! The Kentucky River is a fisherman's paradise, providing the opportunity for anglers to catch their limit of a variety of local species, such as Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, and White Perch. Hiking Trails! Self-guided hiking trails allow explorers to follow the river shoreline and meander from the marina to the swimming pool and into the wooded portion of the campground where one of the most intense concentrations of rare plant species in the Bluegrass Region is on display. Sheltered beneath an incredible natural arbor of Beech and Yellow Poplar, Blue Ash, Chinquapin Oak and Sugar Maples lies an abundance of exquisite botanical wonders such as the Snow Trillium, Big BlueStem, Wild Oates, Riverbank Goldenrod, Saint John's Wort and Tufted Hairgrass.

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

    $30 - $55 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Elkhorn Campground

    5.

    Elkhorn Campground

    18 Reviews
    29 Photos
    132 Saves
    Frankfort, Kentucky

    Since 1987, Elkhorn Campground has been family owned and operated. We are located in the capital city of Frankfort, Kentucky on the banks of the Elkhorn Creek. The park is open from April 1st thru October 31st each year. Limited camping sites are available during the winter months. There are 125 sites in the park of which 109 are paved. Sixty-one sites have full hookup, including cable TV. Extra long pull thru sites are available for big rigs and campers that are towing.

    We are a family oriented campground with amenities to meet each family member's needs. Everyone can cool off at the pool, or perhaps enjoy a quick game of putt-putt. The campground also has horseshoes, volleyball, and basketball courts available for the young and old. Children can enjoy the large playground including swings, slides and other equipment located near the general store. Hand-dipped ice cream is always a treat after a day of fun in the sun. Dinner can be a quick "catch" from the Elkhorn Creek with a relaxing game of shuffleboard as the sun sets.

    A pavillion is available that seats 200 people for camping clubs. A huge fireplace and portable walls help keep the chill off on cool evenings in the fall. A mini-arcade is also available in the pavillion.

    Sites can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. There are limited monthly sites available in the park. Call ahead for reservations for your next family get away.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Koomer Ridge Campground

    6.

    Koomer Ridge Campground

    45 Reviews
    123 Photos
    346 Saves
    Pine Ridge, Kentucky

    Koomer Ridge Campground, located on Cumberland Ranger District in the Red River Gorge, features semi-primitive camping in a tranquil forest setting. The campground provides access to trails in the Red River Gorge. View Koomer Ridge guide & map. The campground amphitheater opens Memorial Day weekend and features a program each Saturday through Labor Day. The programs usually begin at dusk. Check the campground bulletin board or contact the Gladie Visitor Center for more information. Hiking/backpacking trails in the area: Cliff Trail #206 (.5 mile) Koomer Ridge Trail #220 (2.75 miles) Silvermine Arch Trail #225 (1.5 miles) Hidden Arch Trail #208 (1 mile). ACTIVITIES Camping: The Koomer Ridge Campground features semi-primitive camping in a tranquil forest setting. Interpretive Programs: Visitor programs are held on weekends. Recreational Vehicles

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $17 - $30 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Zilpo Campground

    8.

    Zilpo Campground

    47 Reviews
    256 Photos
    264 Saves
    Salt Lick, Kentucky

    Overview

    Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area.

    Recreation

    Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding.

    Facilities

    Electric hookups are provided at some campsites. Drinking water is located centrally within the loops. Flush toilets and showers are spread throughout the campground as well. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. A dump station and concrete boat ramp are also included. Each of the 12 cabins can accommodate up to six guests. They each have a table, two chairs and a sleeping area with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds). A picnic table, lantern post and campfire ring are provided outside. Pets may reside only in cabins 41,120,121 and 123. Cabins 109, 123 and 136 have ramps that can accommodate wheel chairs. A campground store with ice, firewood, camping gear and food is on-site. Roads are paved and level tent pads are gravel.

    Natural Features

    Zilpo sits on a peninsula in the middle portion of Cave Run Lake at an elevation of 800 feet. The lake spans 8,270 acres with soft, sandy beaches. The campground is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods, and campsites have good privacy.

    Nearby Attractions

    The nearest community is 12 miles away.

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

    $85 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    9.

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    40 Reviews
    131 Photos
    225 Saves
    Salt Lick, Kentucky

    Overview

    Nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this camp is part of the larger Twin Knobs Recreation Area. There are more than 200 sites spread out over 10 loops under a dense forest of mixed conifer and deciduous trees. The recreation area includes two reservable group picnic areas. Group camping is also available.

    Recreation

    Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.

    Facilities

    There is a variety of different camp sites that include paved spurs that can accommodate any size RV, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Some sites have electric hookups. Facilities include bathhouses with showers, drinking water and flush toilets. The bathhouses and some picnic areas are accessible.

    Natural Features

    The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region. Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.

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

    $40 - $43 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground

    10.

    Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    124 Photos
    331 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky

    Red River Gorge Campground is known for its picturesque surroundings and range of outdoor activities. The campground is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, a geological wonderland with soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches and deep gorges. The area is popular with hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous trails for all levels of experience, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and fishing. Red River Gorge Campground provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in Kentucky.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 / night


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660 Reviews of 81 Columbus Campgrounds