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Best Campgrounds near Winchester, KY

651 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Winchester, Kentucky features a diverse range of camping opportunities within an hour's drive, from full-service RV parks to primitive tent sites. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground, located along the Kentucky River, provides year-round camping with full hookups and boat access. To the east, the Daniel Boone National Forest offers more rugged experiences at Koomer Ridge and Red River Gorge campgrounds, where hiking trails and natural rock formations attract outdoor enthusiasts. The Kentucky Horse Park Campground near Lexington provides over 250 sites with amenities specifically designed for equestrian travelers, while smaller private campgrounds like Callie's Lake offer more intimate settings with lake access.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls that showcase Kentucky's colorful foliage. As one camper noted about Zilpo Campground: "Having recently moved to Kentucky from California, I was happy to camp in another season besides summer. We found a double spot with easy access to the lake and set up a beach fire for the night. Amazing seeing the Milky Way one evening." Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the Red River Gorge region where only certain carriers maintain coverage.

Riverfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Kentucky River access points at several campgrounds providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at state park campgrounds, though some note potential drawbacks. One reviewer of Fort Boonesborough observed: "This state park is well maintained and staffed by very friendly people, but the campground is absolutely ruined by the adjacent stone quarry. They begin work at 6am and all you hear is stone crushers and beeping trucks." Fall camping is particularly popular for viewing autumn colors, while spring brings wildflowers but also potential for flooding along riverfront sites. Many campgrounds close or reduce services between November and March.

Map showing campgrounds near Winchester, KentuckyExplore the Map

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Best Camping Sites Near Winchester, Kentucky (88)

    1. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Winchester, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 527-3454

    $37 - $43 / night

    "We really liked this campground and kayaking on the Kentucky River is great. Tons of activities for the kids and even adults."

    "Fort Boonesborough SP is near I64 and I75 Between Lexington and Richmond , Ky. The Kentucky River is adjacent. I remember watching Daniel Boone in black and white when I was a kid."

    2. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 259-4257

    $40 - $43 / night

    "I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend"

    "Clean bathrooms and sites, within easy walking distance to the Kentucky Horse Park. Pay attention to which site you pick- if you’re in c loop, it’s a long walk to the bathroom!"

    3. Callie’s Lake and Campground

    18 Reviews
    Stanton, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 559-2554

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees."

    "This was a nice campground near the red river gorge. My friends and I stayed at a primitive campsite # 10."

    4. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    34 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    5. Whispering Hills RV Park, Inc

    25 Reviews
    Georgetown, KY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (502) 863-2552

    $36 - $46 / night

    "Stayed here for 5 nights while attending an equestrian event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The staff at the park are really helpful & friendly.  "

    "About 30 minutes away from the Ark. Easy trip on I75, about 30 minutes. Some level sites, but most seem to have a slope."

    6. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."

    "Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though)

    Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"

    7. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    29 miles

    $10 / night

    "Getting away from the busy life and into backcountry is like stepping into God's country. Don't have to worry about nothing and every day is a new adventure."

    "The Tarr Ridge parking area is located on highway 77 on Tarr ridge rd in the red river gorge."

    8. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    $28 - $94 / night

    "Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."

    "E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."

    9. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."

    "It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."

    10. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    32 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "For a few bucks per carload, Miguel’s camping spot is contains of a few open field areas situated between the Climbing Gear Shop and the famous pizza spot."

    "There is only a community fire pit - you can't have fires next to your tent.

    Here are some of the cool things at this campground.

    Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on-site restaurant."

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Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Winchester, KY

204 Photos of 88 Winchester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Winchester, KY

651 Reviews of 88 Winchester Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Beautifuly kept and right next to the amazing horse park

    We spent two nights here and were pleasantly surprised that most of the campsites had probably at least 50 to 60 feet between each one and lots of grass and trees. The campsite we stayed in, 140, was a pull through so that was bonus. Most of the campsites look like they had at least water and electric and I think there might have been some sites that had sewer as well. Right next-door to the Kentucky Horse Park, which is a must see. Very interesting museum and lots of barn with different types of horses in them to visit. If you buy your ticket at the campground, you would get five dollars off the admission fee.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Wonderful place to stay with easy access to the Bourbon Trail and Frankfort

    We stayed for several days so that we could visit distilleries on the Bourbon Trail. Frankfort is almost close enough to bicycle to. Lexington is less than an hour away. It was a great base for visiting many interesting places.

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park was fantastic. The sites were clean and everything worked. The staff was super friendly. We stayed in a creekside site so we had a little bit of scenery. It is a pretty urban place, not a state park, so we didn't expect it to be as pretty as it turned out to be.

    The pool was plenty warm. The bathroom was clean. The classic rock singer who came in and sang in the pavilion on Saturday night was fun.

  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Quiet & friendly

    I stayed here for 2 weeks while visiting family in the area. Very safe & quiet campground with very friendly staff.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Nice place

    Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington.

  • Amanda W.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Elkhorn Creek RV Park

    Nice location, friendly staff

    Make sure you take the exit they tell you & do NOT follow gps or you’ll go down a long country road. Nice little family owned campground on Elkhorn Creek. Convenient to Frankfort, Georgetown & Lexington. Waterfront sites available, many concrete sites & some gravel sites. From what I hear, they have made many improvements and continue to do so. I believe most sites are full hookup & they are building cute little pergolas on several sites. I had a long, gravel pull thru site. Barely any room on the camp side but both ends were roomy. Cute little general store & a very clean little laundry building w/a change machine. Fire rings on all sites that I saw. I believe there are 2 play areas for kids & a pool. There is a dog park w/a side for large dogs & small dogs. It was shaded and had seating. Convenient to several distilleries including Buffalo Trace & Woodford Reserve. There’s a place nearby that rents kayaks and canoes. They have entertainment & a food truck on weekends.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

    Nice camp ground

    It’s well maintained and the staff are friendly. It’s easy to get to and set up. The sites are a bit too close together. And not perfectly level.

  • Paul K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Fantastic.

    We stayed in one of the "premium" sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Good free camping

    This place takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful! We fit with our 21 foot camper and truck. Large spots, river alongside campground. Sad to see people left a lot of trash. Free is free!

Guide to Winchester

Camping near Winchester, KY, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the serene waters at Zilpo Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches.”
  • Hiking Trails: If you love hiking, Koomer Ridge Campground is a great choice. A visitor shared, “There are several trails that start from the campground.”
  • Exploring Nature: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground is surrounded by beautiful horse country. One camper noted, “Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Twin Knobs Recreation Area. A review stated, “Bath houses/restrooms were very clean and nice.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground. One visitor said, “The campground is easy to navigate... Plenty of space between each site.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Whispering Hills RV Park. A reviewer remarked, “Super clean. Very friendly staff and helpful.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Koomer Ridge Campground, do not have electric hookups. A camper noted, “No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult.”
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Middle Fork Campground have mentioned noise from nearby highways. One said, “Biggest downside is the noise from the big trucks going up and down the hill.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Taylorsville Lake State Park, are only open from April to December. A visitor pointed out, “The campground is a decent stop... it’s one of a handful of KY state parks open in the winter.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Whispering Hills RV Park. One parent said, “This park is great for kids. From the inflatables to the pool to the weekend activities.”
  • Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites, such as Twin Knobs Recreation Area. A camper mentioned, “Good level spots. Quiet the first week of April.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have nearby stores, but it’s good to bring your own food. A visitor at Kincaid Lake State Park noted, “The camper store... mainly junk food.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Fort Boonesborough State Park mentioned, “They tried to centrally locate the water hookup but it was on the opposite of the camper from the electrical hookup.”
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites to make parking easier. A reviewer at Kincaid Lake State Park said, “Most RV sites are in shade... nice playground for the kids.”
  • Plan for Space: Some sites can be tight, so check the layout before booking. A visitor at Whispering Hills RV Park noted, “Spots were a smidge tight but totally do-able.”

Camping near Winchester, KY, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly communities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Winchester, KY?

Winchester, KY is surrounded by several excellent camping options. Still Waters Campground is popular among locals, situated at the mouth of Elkhorn Creek and Kentucky River, making it perfect for water activities including tubing. Cummins Ferry RV Park offers riverside camping on the Kentucky River with boat ramps and floating docks. Other nearby options include Elkhorn Campground, Kentucky River Campground, and Three Springs Campground, all within convenient driving distance of Winchester.

Are there any state parks with camping facilities near Winchester?

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park offers camping facilities not far from Winchester, with scenic Kentucky countryside views and historically significant grounds. Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground is another excellent option with its historic significance and riverside setting. A bit further east is Natural Bridge State Resort Park with its Whittleton and Middle Fork campgrounds, offering access to spectacular hiking trails and natural formations in the Red River Gorge area. Each park provides unique experiences while still being accessible from Winchester.

What amenities are offered at Winchester campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Winchester offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Kentucky Horse Park Campground features over 250 full hookup sites, good shade, clean bathrooms, a game room, laundry facilities, and can accommodate all RV sizes. Zilpo Campground offers beautiful waterfront sites with scenic views. Most area campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, restroom facilities, and picnic areas. Many riverside campgrounds like Still Waters and Cummins Ferry include boat ramps and water access. Reservation policies and specific amenities vary by location, so check individual campground websites before planning your trip.

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