Best Campgrounds near Owensboro, KY

Camping options around Owensboro, Kentucky include established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and services. Diamond Lake Resort Campground provides year-round access for tent camping, RVs, and cabins with full hookups. Windy Hollow Camp and Recreation Area, located approximately 5 miles south of Owensboro, operates seasonally from April through October with basic facilities for tent and RV campers. Several facilities in the region feature water recreation opportunities at nearby lakes and rivers, creating popular destinations during warmer months.

Road conditions throughout the area generally accommodate standard vehicles, with many campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Weather patterns make summer and early fall the most popular camping seasons, though some locations like Diamond Lake Resort remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day when occupancy rates increase significantly. Electric hookups are common at established campgrounds, with many offering 50-amp service for larger RVs. Cell service varies by location but tends to be reliable near larger campgrounds closer to Owensboro. As one camper noted about Scales Lake Park, "This is a small campground. Campsites are tight but all centered around a decent sized bath house. There is a lot to do at this park, playgrounds, bike and walking trails and a good sized lake with a beach, all within walking distance."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with multiple sites offering fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Scales Lake Park features both standard RV sites and more secluded primitive camping options with direct lake access. Camp Safe Haven by Earthbound Lodging provides a more private experience with cabin accommodations. Facilities vary considerably between locations, with some offering showers, flush toilets, and sanitary dump stations while others provide more basic amenities. Campers traveling with pets will find most areas pet-friendly, though specific restrictions may apply at beach areas. A visitor to the area explained, "The primitive site number 109, though the ground was a little rocky, the lake views were spectacular. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too."

Best Camping Sites Near Owensboro, Kentucky (63)

    1. Diamond Lake Resort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, KY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 229-4900

    $34 - $38 / night

    "This is a resort not a get away from it all camping. It is well maintained, friendly staff, lots to do for kids. Sites are close, as in any resort style campground."

    "It was also nice to ride the golf cart around the park to get around. We brought ours but you can also rent. The swimming pool stays pretty full but is nice."

    2. Scales Lake Park

    17 Reviews
    Boonville, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 897-6200

    $17 - $140 / night

    "Campsites are tight but all centered around a decent sized bath house."

    "Scales Lake Park is right outside Boonville, In on South Parklane Dr. I drove through the RV park, it was okay."

    3. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    33 Reviews
    Santa Claus, IN
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4458

    $45 - $101 / night

    "This is a fun family Campground located adjacent to holiday world and Splashin Safari. There are golf carts for rent, nice camp stores, pools, playground, putt putt golf course, arcade and more."

    "Great anemities and close proximity to attractions. Visit during the Halloween season for tons of family fun."

    4. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    22 Reviews
    Lincoln City, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4710

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The RV/camping area was well laid out and the sites were nestled in quite close to one another."

    "My kids love Lincoln especially around Halloween when they do their trick or treating. Great bathrooms, great sites, lots of walking trails, close to Holiday World, so much to do with kids."

    5. Windy Hollow Camp and Recreation

    3 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 785-4150

    "Tucked in and away a beautiful holler, this is what modern day camping is at its finest. The staff are amazing, and friendly."

    7. Oakridge Campground

    1 Review
    Chrisney, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 686-0018

    $35 / night

    8. Vastwood Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Hawesville, KY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 927-8778

    $8 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."

    "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."

    9. Livermore RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Vernon, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 278-2854

    "These sites are right off the green river, there is a boat ramp adjacent. Good people all around , and the monthly is amazingly low. You can opt to pay for 50 or 30 amp service."

    10. Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park

    3 Reviews
    Boonville, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 897-6200

    "The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before. Firewood is $8 a bundle and parking is $3 a day."

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Recent Reviews near Owensboro, KY

299 Reviews of 63 Owensboro Campgrounds


  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    John James Audubon State Park Campground

    Last Time

    This is the 3rd or 4th time. Usually last stop before home. 3pm on Saturday and not one staff on site when we arrived. Car on loop area making it hard to get trailer into site, just missing the car with my truck. No picnic table at site so unable to get grill out. 15-20 trailers resting on blocks and above ground dump at each site. Large propane tanks. Looks like permanent sites and most didn't have anyone there. A bit disappointed

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Vanderburgh 4H Campground

    Convenient to Evansville

    This is our Favorite campground in Evansville we have stayed here multiple times when in town to visit our son. Level pull through FHU clean nice afternoon shade. The sites are nearby but feels more roomy than it is. We stay here everytime we can.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hoosier National Forest Goldenrod Loop Campground

    Nice, small, remote campground

    Beautiful, heavily wooded, quiet campground. We are in a big rig but most people here are tent camping. Lake is small. Very peaceful, helpful attendant at gate checked in on us first day. We have electricity and water but no sewer hookups. Dump station available. If you just want to to get away and relax for a few days this is nice. But if you’re looking for lots of recreation opportunities you want to find a larger lake. There are a few trails but they are short.

  • Krystal E.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Burdette Park

    Not for recreational camping

    This was the weirdest place I've ever camped. The sites are in these very tight spaces with narrow roads. There are no campfires allowed, and your camper door opens right to the road. Check in is 2 pm SHARP (if you are arriving any later than that, the office is closed and it is a big inconvenience to the campground warden to assist you). And let me tell you, check out is SHARPLY 1:00pm. If you are not off their property at 1:01pm you WILL be charged another night. Strangest and least welcoming camping trip of my life!!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    Small pull off on the side of a gravel road.

    This is a bare bones location. There was evidence of a homemade fire pit and a small cleared area. No cell service at the site but there was a bar or two on the road just a few feet away. With a weboost there was att and tmobile service. Very quiet, only 2 vehicles passed by in the 36 hours I was there. 38.515995, -85.870726, 871 ft

  • Fred R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    Cross country trip

    First stop and a Natl park. This place was crazy packed due to concert and drone show. We missed both. It was tight to get into but made it work. Shade trees are plenty with hiking trails all around.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Hoosier National Forest

    Good spot out of the way and close to the Ohio River

    Big spot for almost any type of camper. Deep woods


Guide to Owensboro

Camping sites near Owensboro, Kentucky range from lakefront properties to family-friendly parks with various recreational activities. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows in the 20s. Most campgrounds in the area are situated along the Green River watershed, creating opportunities for water-based recreation throughout the camping season.

What to Do

Fishing opportunities: Vastwood County Park offers lakeside camping with non-motorized boating and fishing. "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station," notes camper Chelsea B.

Water activities: The Green River provides additional recreation options at Livermore RV Park. "These sites are right off the green river, there is a boat ramp adjacent," according to Brandon R., making it convenient for campers with boats or kayaks.

Family attractions: Holiday World theme park is located approximately 30 miles east of Owensboro, making Lincoln State Park a strategic base. "Lincoln State Park is usually packed. It's less than 10 miles away from Holiday World. I think a lot of theme park visitors camp here," shares Danielle M.

What Campers Like

Privacy options: Camp Safe Haven provides a more secluded camping experience with limited sites. "Very private and quite less than 10 sites on property! Owners are very friendly! Does have above ground pool along with swing set, trampoline for kiddos," reports Jessica D.

Kid-friendly amenities: Warrick County Park offers unique features beyond standard campground facilities. "There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented," notes Fox S., adding that the park is "Well priced and serene."

Clean facilities: Regular maintenance is a highlight at many campgrounds in the region. Keith P. comments that at Scales Lake Park, "Bathhouse was extremely clean and well taken care of," though he mentions "the electrical hookups could probably be updated."

What You Should Know

Site spacing: Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph receives mixed reviews regarding site proximity. "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because the others were sold out. Many of the other spots were on hills and right on top of each other," reports Megan.

Cash-only policies: Some campgrounds in the area have limited payment options. At Livermore RV Park, "Only cash or check accepted," according to Brandon R., while Windy Hollow Camp similarly requires cash payment.

Seasonal considerations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Vastwood County Park generally operates from early April through late October, requiring advance planning for off-season travelers.

Tips for Camping with Families

Holiday activities: Lincoln State Park offers special seasonal events. "My kids love Lincoln especially around Halloween when they do their trick or treating. Great bathrooms, great sites, lots of walking trails," shares MISTY P.

Entertainment options: Several campgrounds feature additional activities beyond standard camping. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph offers "Halloweekends" where, as Ashley D. describes, "They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!"

Food convenience: Some parks offer food service for families who don't want to cook. "Galaxy Pizza is conveniently located within the park - they will even deliver to your campsite!" notes Chelsea B. about Vastwood County Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Diamond Lake Resort Campground requires careful site selection according to campers. "This is a resort not a get away from it all camping. It is well maintained, friendly staff, lots to do for kids. Sites are close, as in any resort style campground. Full hook ups, good cell service, WiFi is an additional cost," advises Dave B.

Space considerations: RVers should research site dimensions before booking. "I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out," explains Dan H. about the "wagon wheel" configuration at some parks.

Utility options: Electrical service varies by campground and site. Some locations offer 50-amp service, while others are limited to 30-amp or less. Dave B. notes that at Diamond Lake Resort, there are "Full hook ups, good cell service, WiFi is an additional cost."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best family-friendly campgrounds for kids in Owensboro?

Scales Lake Park near Boonville is excellent for families, featuring playgrounds, bike and walking trails, and a good-sized lake with a beach—all within walking distance of the campground. The campsites are centered around a decent bath house. Another great option is Burdette Park on the outskirts of Evansville, which offers many weekend activities and nearby attractions. The park has primitive tent sites and RV sites with electric and water (some with sewer). Both locations provide plenty of recreational opportunities to keep children entertained throughout your stay.

Are there electric camping sites available in Owensboro?

Yes, there are electric camping sites available near Owensboro. Hopewell RV Park offers full hookups at each site and is conveniently located just 5 miles south of Western Kentucky Parkway on US highway 431. For those willing to venture a bit further, Tipsaw Lake in southern Indiana offers water and electric (50A) hookups on hard-packed sites. The campground is located in beautiful rolling hills not far from I-64. Most RV parks and established campgrounds in the area provide electric options, though availability may vary seasonally.

What campgrounds are available in Owensboro, KY?

Several campgrounds are available in and around Owensboro. Diamond Lake Resort Campground offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those seeking a quieter experience, Cave Creek - Rough River Lake provides a scenic setting, though the access road is narrow and winding. Within driving distance, you'll also find several quality options in nearby Indiana, including Scales Lake Park and Burdette Park. Most campgrounds in the area offer a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive camping to full hookups.

Is Diamond Lake Resort a good place to camp in Owensboro, Kentucky?

Diamond Lake Resort Campground is considered a good camping option near Owensboro. The resort offers water, toilet facilities, and is accommodating to big rigs. Sites are reservable, which is helpful during peak seasons. For those seeking alternatives with similar amenities, Lincoln State Park is within driving distance and offers well-laid out RV/camping areas, though sites are nestled quite close to one another. The park is conveniently located near attractions like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana, making it a good base for exploring the region.