Join the fun near Whitley City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Whitley City is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Whitley City, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Blue Heron Campground is a rustic and spacious campground, situated on the Kentucky side of The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area--a vast and scenic expanse of land that offers visitors countless recreational activities.
Numerous trails snake through the Recreation Area, offering mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding for visitors. The main river of the Big South Fork is also a short drive away, offering fishing opportunities.
The Big South Fork is located in north central Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky in some of the most rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau. The park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres of both rocky gorges and forested plateaus. Numerous pristine streams unite with the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. Over thousands of years, this ceaselessly moving water has carved the sandstone of the plateau into impressive cliffs, arches and chimneys that are found throughout the park.
Just a few miles from the campground is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
The Great Meadows Campground, located on Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, is developed on both sides of the road. Deer Loop is on the right; Raccoon Loop is on the left. Deer Loop is open year round; but the water is shut off during the winter season. Raccoon Loop is April 1 - November 15. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Great Meadows Campground. Learn more... View Great Meadows Guide and Map Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, runs along the Raccoon Loop. Rock Creek is stocked with rainbow trout March - June and September - December.. Campsite availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Trails nearby: Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail - Section 37 and Section 38; Mark Branch Trail # 635 and Gobblers Arch Trail # 636.
$10 - $15 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Cumberland
$38 - $48 / night
Waitsboro Campground is at 500 Waitsboro Road and is situated on beautiful Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky.Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities. The lake has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish and walleye, making it a favorite among anglers. The Black Walnut Nature Trail, located near the lake office, is a self-guided educational trail. The trail is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4pm EST.
The campground overlooks the main body of the lake, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat. Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
General Burnside Island State Park is nearby. It was named after Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who led patrols along the Cumberland River, circling this 400-acre island to keep watch for Confederate soldiers. Visitors come today to enjoy boating, fishing, golfing and picnicking on Kentucky's only island state park. Burnside Marina is 10 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store.
$35 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Cumberland
Traveler
Campsites are spacious with gravel campsites and paved rv parking at campsites. Water and electric at each site. Clean bathrooms with showers.
Traveler
We stayed on the island (walk in spot) and it was quiet and had beautiful views right on the water. There are also toilets and water available on the island if needed.
Legend
Easy to find, well marked. It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores. There are several lodging options…cottages, The Lodge, (which is beautiful) tent and RV camping. There are 2 small campgrounds ~ 1) Ridgeline which accommodates RVs up to 26”, water and 10/30/50 amp hook ups. Sites have a fire ring and picnic table. WiFi is available, and there is a dump station. A small playground, office/campstore, and a bathhouse and laundry next to it. 3 sites are walk-in. Big rigs would have to stay elsewhere. 2) Clifty Campground is tent camping only 7 sites offer electric and water. WiFi is also offered. There is a bathhouse and a playground, and these CG’s are pet friendly. (Falls Creek is a few miles up the road…they have pull through and back ins. For bigger Rvs. They also have tents, wagons, cabin rentals, and primitive sites) We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle. The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome. The horse rides looked amazing, and the Pool was big, with a diving board, and a small fee for campers to use it.
RangerSites are level and pretty spacious, if not some a little tight together. My only complaint was that the restroom wasn’t marked on the map that I could see so I ended up being very far away from it. So more of an issue with recreation.gov than the campground itself. The restroom was nice and clean.
Traveler
After spending a week or so at a commercial campground, it is such a Blessing to be back at a COE campground again! Nestled in the trees near the Cumberland Lake, and dam, this is a beautiful place to relax. We are in spot #71, adjacent to a small field where I saw 7 deer grazing, multiple squirrels near our spot, and beautiful cardinals feeding nearby. This campground provides electric and water at most sites, has two dump stations, level sites with gravel. and the Wolf Creek Fish Hatchery is adjacent to the campground. A great place to visit!
Traveler
Visited in 2020 and the property was extremely rough. Came back in 2021 after hearing about new ownership...TONS of upgrades have been completed in a short amount of time. Group Chalet & Motel upgraded and remodeled. New bathhouse, docks, new marina store/gas pumps/restaurant with an extensive list of craft beers on tap and hand-dipped ice cream. Great food as well. Cornhole boards on the dock outside of the restaurant area, trivia nights on Thursdays. Campground is being upgraded in stages but is clean and family-friendly. The marina also has a number of rental pontoons available. We have come back every summer and had a great experience.
Scout
This is a scam do NOT book with them. Tried to go on a Cumberland River Boat Cruise. Directions given were in accurate, no address was given to use GPS. Google Link given inaccurate Directions. Called several times and even talked to the manager asking for help none was given. River Boat was Gone When we Finally Found the Boat Ramp. Drove to the Office to request a voucher or refund. Would NOT give either one. People were not helpful at all DO NOT waste your money. We lost$120 to them due to the businesses own fault. They did NOT offer options for people with disabilities, We even asked for a 1/2 of a refund and they would NOT even do that as they said we made lunch for you. How much can a sandwich and chips cost. If they were kind people and did what Jesus would do they would have gladly refunded even 1/2 of the money paid Do NOT support a company that doesn’t support people with disabilities nor are they Christian at all. What happened to having manners. If they would refund our money we would delete this entire post.
Ranger
We had a great time there. Some sites can be small so do your research. It was nice and quiet in the area we were in. The bathhouse was nice and clean and all the workers were very friendly.
LegendWe stayed for 6 nights on 2 sites, right next to the bath house. Laundry was free and on the back of the bath house (2 washers, 2 dryers). Bath house was clean. Showers were on a timer (60 seconds at a time, two levels/ pressures, one temperature, you get what you get and don’t pitch a fit). Lots of ticks but that was expected. Sites are good sized.
GuideOther reviewers will do this place more justice than I can. It’s already been said. I’ll just say that a 45 minute horse ride for $25 is an absolute steal. Seeing the falls is free. There is a small on-site store and a playground for the kids.
Traveler
Quiet, easy back in, water and electric hook up. TMobile cell service was very spotty. Short walk to Lake with view of lake from campsite.
Traveler
The campsites are off to thereselfs and make for great camping with privacy. The drive there is a little long and no cell service for the most part but isn't that what camping is about anyway.
GuideI had the only tent site. It was adequate but many stares up and down. No water no electricity. Bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and quite. There is a snack shack outside the gate and they have bait. Good fishing lake and river.
TravelerReview from the perspective of a motorcycle traveler tent camping. Tent sites are along a stream on Racoon side. Got surprised by a bear while gathering firewood nearby. Clean and well maintained although it was a sleepless night because of a group of drunk locals.
Traveler
Site 22 was perfect, and the host was very nice and helpful.
Scout
Quiet, clean place to rest Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints
Traveler
The location of this campground in the app is way off!
Scout
Friends I want to ask you do not use or refer family and friends to Laurel Lake Camping Resort in Corbin.We booked a reservation before their system upgrade per the management we just spoke to. We booked two camp sites for July. At the time of booking my daughter was told she could cancel outside 30 days. I never received an email confirmation and we called back asking for confirmation email. They sent an email with Zero information included. There is a PDF attached which has no information in it. Now that we did not secure a camper for our dates and went to cancel, they referenced a cancellation policy we never saw nor was made aware if through their email process when we made the phone booking. I replied to the email multiple times. My daughter talked to them multiple times, My wife talked to them and I also did trying to find out details of the site, which I never received, only verbally over the phone. They behaved as a small operation, which is fine when you conduct yourself with integrity and provide good customer service. Neither of which they did. Now that we cancelled they informed us they will keep 100% of the deposit and we are more than 60 days before our reservation. Again, The management on the phone admitted their system has been upgraded 5 times by that we just talked to and made the comment of people don't receive or they do not receive emails all the time. Well, I received theirs with no info, so seems like they have practiced their blame of technology on others besides me. While I overpaid for a lesson learned I ask you to avoid them. My large family will for sure. If they miss out only only a couple of bookings because of my experience during their slow season then karma has worked. Stay away from Laurel Lake Camping Resort!!!
GuideSites are big but not level. We put one side of the RV on the pad and the other in the gravel just to be level. Sites are also awkwardly diagonal in places so the back ends get pretty close. (Pic for example)
The bathrooms are clean and laundry is nice. Showers are free and hot.
There are some awesome hikes nearby in Daniel Boone National Forest. Natural Arch, Yazoo Arch and Yazoo Falls are all worth the drive.
Lastly, there’s a racetrack across the highway (Lake Cumberland Raceway) and it is LOUD. The race continued from 6pm-1am. Highly recommend you check their schedule before booking here.
Guide
The facilities are fine. I was in the primitive area and they are OK. But don't come here expecting peace and quiet. There is constant traffic to the water area some blasting music and at night kids are running around on golf carts non-stop. I left a day earlier than planned because I couldn't even here my little radio over the bass blasting from someone several hundred yards away.
GuideStayed in site 8. Nice site. Fishing was good. Nice hiking trails.
GuideThis was my first time to the Niagara of the South. My husband and I left our dog back in Louisville for this trip which was originally an attempt to see the moon bow at Cumberland Falls.
We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being a site that you have to traverse a grassy/rocky area from your car to set up.
We opted for spot 047 because, on the map, it looked set back from the campground road… and it was… sorta. Nothing at this campsite is going to be private. The majority of the sites do not have so much as a weed between them although the sites themselves are very roomy for car camping. Your vehicle will be a presence at the site, which have electric hookups so if, like me, you have an electric car… it's nice to be able to simply plug the car in. This site did not get a lot of shade except for where we had the tent set up, and still… that would've received sun had it not been raining.
Our site had a good picnic bench, a sturdy wooden post for hanging trash etc and the fire pit seemed pretty new. The grill wasn't bent at all, which was a 1st in my years of camping. The view from this site was pretty cool… we set out tent up at the furthest out spot on the small cliff as we could before it turned to mostly rock and faced the door out over the trails. We hung our rain tarp because, instead of a moon bow, we endured a nearly 24 hour torrential downpour. The tarp, which is small, and having the tent faced appropriately gave us a semblance of privacy although we had a camper van family next to us. Site has a lot of gravel so it was reasonably muddy but not dried out quick.
There are a lot of raccoons that visit the dumpster area so expect it to be a little messy if your fellow campers aren't shutting the dumpster lids. Shower facilities reminded me of middle school camp… kind of mildewed… and well… rustic. Everything functioned and it wasn't "gross" just old. Water was hot. Toilet stalls (ladies) were small. I weight 130 and at 5 foot 2 it was a tight squeeze for me.
We hiked the WIldflower Loop Trail (1.5 miles) in a drizzle and although wet it was safe. When the rain stopped we hiked Eagle Falls Trail and it was very muddy but the views were worth it.
Would love to go back but if camping in a tent it's a must to get one of the two more private spots, or at the very least
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to have this property on our platform. This site is secluded from other campers, so you'll be immersed in nature. This is a comfortable site, that doesn't require you to rough it. Check them out and leave them some love!
LegendI have camped twice at Lillydale campground both times on the island , which is primitive camping but has porta potty toilet hut. Nice sites all are lakeside, only drawback is that you have to park in the parking lot and use one of their carts to haul all your camping gear onto the island which can be quite a chore. Nice views and the site was very quiet in April. You can use the shower facilities in the main campground if needed.
GuideBe aware, that the campsites are exactly the length as indicated. Not an inch more! Some people were able to fit their rigs in diagonally. The park itself is beautiful, the campground good enough to spend the night. Sites are very close together.
GuideThis campground is built between a steep hillside and the Cumberland River. Most sites don't offer much privacy, but the views of the river are so nice. The bath house was very clean and the showers were hot. Our site was all gravel and level. I think every site has electric and water. Sites 1-4 are closest to the water, but do not have easy access to the river. The campground is not remote. You can hear traffic from the nearest town. But, the campground itself is quiet. We would camp here again!
Ranger
Upon arrival there was no one at the office. Checkin is at 2 and we arrived at 4:53 pm. We had to call a number to get ck’d in which was a bit off putting. The one review that was posted said the sites were level. Where we parked which was 9 is not. It’s uphill and was very difficult to level out the rv. Ours like many is self leveling and it just couldn’t make it happen. We had to level it by sight as I guess we now need to purchase a small level for these situations. 🤦♀️ It’s still not level. They have a pressure regulator on the water so showering was like a spit bath and took forever to get the shampoo out of my “short” hair. The sites could be pretty close if they were full and each site has a wooden dividers for the water, electric and septic which creates issues for the steps. Trying to get the back slide from hitting the power box and being able to be away from the wooden divider on the door side was tricky. It was a pull in site which should have been super easy made unnecessarily difficult by design. The highway is right below the campground and could be noisy if outside. The shower room was pretty sad and it’s all white rock.
Camping near Whitley City, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.
Camping near Whitley City, Kentucky, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can have a fantastic experience in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Whitley City, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Whitley City, KY is Cumberland Falls State Resort Park with a 4.3-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Whitley City, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 glamping camping locations near Whitley City, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
