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Bowling Green, Kentucky, isn’t the most obvious choice for camping. It’s close to the Tennessee border, but it’s far from major cities in Kentucky and Tennessee.
However, it’s within an hour’s drive of multiple attractions, including Mammoth Cave National Park. The cave system alone can entertain your family for days and the aboveground hiking is also fantastic. Once you get out to Bowling Green, you’ll be ready for a huge adventure. Here are the top eight places for camping near Bowling Green, KY.
Camping Near Bowling Green
Mammoth Cave Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Jason J.
This is the main campground for Mammoth Cave National Park. It’s near the park’s center and is right off the main road, making RV access easy. There is a convenience store for camping essentials right next to the campground and the park’s main visitor center is less than half a mile away. The privacy of the campsites varies, but the park’s management does an excellent job with the facilities’ cleaning and maintenance.
“The campsites provide a lot of shade, which is great in the summer months. They are not very private but spacious. Some sites have poor drainage after it rained.” – Katrin M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25
- Number of sites: 115
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
The famous Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is a favorite among families with kids, but there’s something for all ages here. The park includes cabin, RV, and tent campsite options, making it easier to convince the whole family to come. Check out the beach, rent a golf cart, eat at the restaurant, play mini-golf, or go down the giant waterslide onsite. The Wi-Fi is decent, so you can stay connected after a long day of adventures.
“This is the kind of campground you can take your kids, never leave the campground, and have fun for days.” – Samantha B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $36 – 131
- Number of sites: 307
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Bailey’s Point
Image from The Dyrt camper Beth H.
Bailey’s Point offers an outstanding balance of amenities and privacy by Barren River Lake. It is the largest campsite around the lake, making it easier to book, but it is very popular during the summer months. There are some very large RV sites available, but some sites do not have electric hookups, so make sure to check your reservation closely.
The lake access varies between campsites, but some offer waterfront views. Regulars recommend getting to know the friendly staff and visiting nearby Paradise Point.
“Love being able to access the lake. Sites are spaced nicely, lots of shade in most areas. We usually stay in the E loop.” – Beth H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-25
- Number of sites: 215
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Bowling Green KOA
Image from The Dyrt camper Laura H.
The Bowling Green Kampgrounds of America location has all of the standard amenities of other KOA sites, making it a great choice if you want to stay closer to Bowling Green. The site has some long-term residents but is still popular with vacationers.
Campsite features vary and some come with stone fire pits. Since it’s south of Bowling Green and near Interstate 65, use this campsite if you want easier access to tourist destinations across the border in Tennessee.
“The sites were level and clear of obstacles. They left plenty of space for vehicles and rigs.” – Laura H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $40-190
- Number of sites: 148
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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Barren River Lake State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Daniel B.
Barren River Lake State Park is on the east side of the lake opposite Bowling Green but is still easy to get to from Bowling Green thanks to a bridge near the park. The sprawling lake system is great for adventurous boaters or hikers looking for unique scenery.
Campers can bring their RV — but you need to be extra careful around the campsites’ steep drop-offs. The campground is near some of the seasonal events the park offers, so check the park’s calendar when booking your trip.
“One thing I love is that they have plenty of drive-through spaces, which makes it so much easier to park. The spaces are close together, though.” – Dawn C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-23
- Number of sites: 99
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Nolin Lake State Park
At just under an hour from the center of Bowling Green, Nolin Lake State Park’s campground is not as close to downtown Bowling Green as the other campsites on this list. However, it still provides convenient access to the west end of Mammoth Cave National Park. It’s a great launch point if you want a balance of water adventures and Mammoth Cave access, especially since it’s inside a state park.
The campground is large and varied enough to attract a crowd, which means it can be a popular party spot with locals on the weekend.
“The area is beautiful, my kids had a blast playing with other kids and running around. Super clean, well laid out, great showers.” – Kimberly P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18-27
- Number of sites: 59
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
The Narrows
The Narrows on the northeast end of Barren River Lake is similar to the main state park campsite but with access to a gorgeous nature trail featuring cliffside views.
Wakeboarding, boating, and fishing are all popular activities. The camp provides excellent lake access and attracts a family-friendly crowd. Some of the sites are generously sized for large RVs and trailers, but check campsite dimensions carefully to ensure your vehicle will fit.
“There is a small sand beach on site that can be accessed from either loop. All electric sites and a well-maintained area with helpful staff.” – Shelly S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-50
- Number of sites: 92
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Beech Bend Park
Beech Bend Park is the closest option to the National Corvette Museum, so it’s well worth a stay if the museum and other indoor Bowling Green attractions are high on your to-do list. The campground is mostly a basic RV park and campground. Fishing is permitted in the river nearby if you have a license. Plus, it is immediately adjacent to a racetrack and amusement park, so it has a good balance of activities if some members of your group want a break from nature.
“All & all not a bad park; wear the kids out during the day in the water park & relax by the fire in the evening.” – Kelly W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $30-55
- Number of sites: 400+
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
There are even more options for camping in Bowling Green, KY, especially if you’re trying to camp in or next to one of the major parks. Check out The Dyrt’s complete list of tent, RV, and cabin camping options near Bowling Green, Kentucky.
