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Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Kentucky

2,572 Reviews

With Kentucky’s 45 state parks, the greatest length of navigable waterways in the lower 48, and the world’s longest cave system, the state of bourbon and horse racing is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. A diverse state with numerous distinct natural regions, Kentucky has a plethora of camping locations. Whether you choose to visit a state park or national forest, you don’t have to look hard to find amazing locations for camping in Kentucky.

For some of the most romantic and rugged landscapes in the state, visit the Red River Gorge in the south. With some of the most spectacular sites for camping in Kentucky, the gorge is a popular destination with visitors and locals alike. Climbers and hikers love the steep and rocky hillsides and cliffs which make the gorge famous. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge offers endless overnight options. From dispersed camping in quiet stretches of forest to whimsical treehouse and full-access campgrounds, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to spend the night. Snag a site next to a lake with record-sized muskies and you won’t have to go far to get on the water first thing in the morning.

If you love fishing, visiting Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a must. With an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with fish, it’s an angler’s dream. Enjoy lazy afternoons canoeing on the river or get an adrenaline rush on thrilling rapids. Nature lovers will love the plethora of wildlife and numerous hiking trails that wind through lush shaded forests.

Keep exploring Kentucky’s shaded forests and rugged cliffs in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in southeast Kentucky. Boaters will delight in the park’s large, languorous rivers and quick-flowing streams. Sheer bluffs and rocky gorges characterize the river valleys where water flows over rugged rapids and slows in quiet pools.

There are a variety of options for camping in Kentucky near the Big South Fork, from primitive to developed campgrounds. If you’re travelling with horses, stay in the horse camp, complete with a tack store stocked with essentials. Keep in mind that most parks and campgrounds have a ban on bringing your own firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. Check with the campground regulations before you come, as some allow collection of wood on the forest floor and other require you to purchase firewood from a ranger. Wherever you choose to stay, with the Dyrt you can be sure to find the best camping in Kentucky.

Map showing campgrounds in KentuckyExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Kentucky (324)

    1. Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    137 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave, KY
    +1 (270) 758-2424

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Bathrooms were close by and air conditioned too! The showers are in the general store building where the post office is so a short walk or drive there."

    "green river, which was enjoyed by all, and we appreciated avoiding the main entrance besieged by spring break campers!"

    2. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    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."

    "We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip."

    3. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    +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."

    "There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance."

    4. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

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

    $50 - $53 / 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!"

    5. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    6. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site Campground

    45 Reviews
    Patriot, IN
    Website
    +1 (859) 384-3522

    $35 / night

    "There’s also some hiking and biking trails accessible from the main turnoff from the highway, so there’s plenty to do in the area if you’re stopping on through or staying a few days."

    "There is a lot to do in this one little area except long distance hiking. There are some nice short intersecting trails through out the park. The longest one is 2 miles around Big Bone Lake."

    7. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "This drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind."

    "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."

    8. Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Sweeden, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 286-4240

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."

    "This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"

    9. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    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)"

    10. Hillman Ferry Campground

    38 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Hillman Ferry is the northernmost full service campground in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and is an excellent base camp for exploring the LBL and other recreation opportunities in"

    "This campsite is located in beautiful Land Between the Lakes. Many sites are by reservation, but many more are first come first serve. Sites are big and open and some provide views of Kentucky Lake."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos in Kentucky

335 Photos of 324 Kentucky Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Kentucky

2572 Reviews of 324 Kentucky Campgrounds

  • Tonya D.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Taylorsville Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet, bathrooms lacking.

    We had a pretty decent time at Taylorsville Lake. The spots were spacious, and very nice picnic tables. We did a trail which was nice and went down to a boat ramp to see the lake. You can also rent boats there as well. The bathrooms in my opinion needed a major cleaning. They were nice just not very clean. We most likely won’t visit here again but was nice to hit a Kentucky campground. I have found that camping in Kentucky is much cheaper than in Indiana. Definitely worth a checkout.

  • britni M.
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Bowling Green KOA

    Everything we needed

    Great pull through spots. Every ammenity needed. Pet friendly with dog park for off-leash use. If ever that way again, will definitely us. 30 minites from Mammoth Cave.

  • Jody A.
    Dec. 29, 2020

    Horse Cave KOA

    This is a CUTE campground!

    This is a super cute campground.  Easily accessible and very clean sites!  There is a small barn with animals penned up so you can just walk up to the fence and pet them.  My wife and daughter loved that!  Great little dog park with a mini obstacle course.  We had a great little trip here and would love to come again for a longer stay!

  • C
    Jul. 9, 2019

    Louisville South KOA

    Nice

    There was lots to do at this KOA. There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers. You could bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or rent a cabin. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. The spots were close together. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The park was clean and well maintained.

  • M
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Thompson RV Park

    Friendly, next to a playground, near a rivers edge, quiet people.

    Beautiful, quiet, friendly. Large grassy area, well maintained. Near a rivers edge, playground, walking track, dog park, soccer fields...all right on or beside grounds. Easy access, allows weekly, or monthly stays.

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2017

    Prizer Point Marina & Resort

    No Yogi

    Prizer Point KOA and Marina is your basic camp away from home with all those modern conveniences.

    Water all around (peninsula) so water sports of course. A swimming pool, playground, bouncy/jumpy thing, pedal car area, dog park, the list goes on.

    The Rv style sites were very well situated on the water side loop, realize there is not much privacy. The primitive camp area looked a little frolorn and long in the grass, plus it is a walk to entertainment and the water. There is new construction going on, so reservation maybe easier to get. And there you are , Reserve ahead for prime locations, they are booked through August on the weekends.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2018

    Bowling Green KOA

    Why would I pay that much?!

    My brother visits KOA’s all the time for camping. Me, not so much. I have a hard time paying $40 for a tent site when I can camp for free or under $20. The Bowling Green KOA, Ky is located on the outskirts of Bowling Green near the I65 and Natcher interchange. You can actually see the back end of the campground from the ramp that connects the two. My first thought when considering a stay.
    I spoke with two of the very friendly and helpful ladies in the office and got a plethora of information. So much so that I’m sure I’ll forget some of it, but here goes;) So first with your fee you recieve (you and all your group) a free game of Minature Golf a day. Next there is wifi and cable available. There is a swimming pool on site and two pay lakes with paddle boats. A dog park and short trail. Depending on the month you visit there are also special incentives to stay an extra night. In May some of your fee is donated to Camp. With a KOA card there are special incentives too and you earn points with every stay. So, all that being said I did purchase a KOA card. Though this is not my favorite type of camping it will come in handy on an upcoming trip and when I camp with my brother ;) I was pleasantly surprised that the interstate noise was mostly not noticiple. There are plenty of trees that help block the noise and offer a lot of shade. We were in a busier site at the end of Abby Dr but it was an easy walk to the two small “lakes“( more like ponds ) and the dog park and showerhouse (with dogwash station) were a short walk away. Not much else to do but a fun enough spot for younger kids. ( no “bears“ to take photos with) and not as many special activities as some other theme campgrounds. This is a nice older campground, worth a night or two visit to get away from the grind for a bit.

  • Lisa M.
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Louisville South KOA

    Great place to stay

    The staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.

Guide to Kentucky

Kentucky offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic parks to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for every pet owner.

Tips for camping with dogs near Mammoth Cave National Park

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • The Zilpo Campground provides electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for pet owners who need to keep their pets comfortable.
  • Carter Caves State Resort Park features clean facilities and a camp store, ensuring you have everything you need for your pet during your stay.
  • At Nolin Lake State Park Campground, you’ll find well-maintained sites and nearby hiking trails, perfect for exercising your dog.

Dog owners appreciate the activities available

  • The Twin Knobs Recreation Area offers access to beautiful lake activities, making it a great spot for a fun day out with your pet.
  • Hillman Ferry Campground features hiking trails and a playground, ensuring both you and your dog have plenty to do.
  • At Baileys Point, you can enjoy fishing and swimming while your dog enjoys the scenic views of the lake.

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