The best waterside campgrounds near Barbourville, Kentucky

Barbourville packs a punch for waterside camping, with over 1,200 spots that put you right next to rivers, streams, and lakes. Average nights run about $37, but you’ll spot deals for as little as $15. Shower, pets, and toilet access are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Anglers, wildlife-watchers, and horseback riders will find plenty to keep busy. Locals head to Patrick's Point River Camp (473 reviews) for river views and easy water access. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (434 reviews) draws regulars for its relaxed vibe and wide open spaces. Rockcastle Riverside (329 reviews) is the go-to for paddlers and campers who want to wake up to the sound of moving water. Bring bug spray, a fishing rod, and a sense of adventure—the waterside scene in Barbourville is no joke.

96% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Barbourville

Barbourville packs a punch for waterside camping, with over 1,200 spots that put you right next to rivers, streams, and lakes. Average nights run about $37, but you’ll spot deals for as little as $15. Shower, pets, and toilet access are common, so you won’t have to rough it. Anglers, wildlife-watchers, and horseback riders will find plenty to keep busy. Locals head to Patrick's Point River Camp (473 reviews) for river views and easy water access. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground (434 reviews) draws regulars for its relaxed vibe and wide open spaces. Rockcastle Riverside (329 reviews) is the go-to for paddlers and campers who want to wake up to the sound of moving water. Bring bug spray, a fishing rod, and a sense of adventure—the waterside scene in Barbourville is no joke.

96% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Barbourville

1. Wow Mountain Resort

98%

(93)

31mi from Barbourville · 5 sites · Tents

We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you. We hope you love it too. There is a cave camping site and 4 other active sites. We are adding 5 more campsites very soon. They will be basic bare bone campsites with no tent platforms or fire places. The original 4 have tent platforms and fire places. ***PLEASE TAKE ALL TRASH WITH YOU***

2. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(638)

22mi from Barbourville · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin. Hikers, kayakers, canoes, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!! Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family. Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile. Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy. Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.

3. Daniel Boone National Forest

97%

(33)

619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky

Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Lake Cumberland

100%

(1)

224 sites · Burnside, Kentucky

Creature comforts and outdoor adventures await at this massive lake

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Big Ridge State Park

50 sites · Maynardville, Tennessee

Discover Big Ridge State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Barbourville

Grove Campground

19mi from Barbourville · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Grove Boat-In Campground

20mi from Barbourville · 31 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

White Oak Boat-In Campground

21mi from Barbourville · 51 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(2)

Craigs Creek Group Campground

23mi from Barbourville · 3 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Holly Bay Campground

23mi from Barbourville · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(2)

Bee Rock Campground

27mi from Barbourville · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Barren Fork Horse Camp

33mi from Barbourville · 41 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

S-Tree Campground

38mi from Barbourville · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(5)

Turkey Foot Campground

42mi from Barbourville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(1)

Waitsboro Campground

42mi from Barbourville · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Cumberland

Big Ridge Campground

42mi from Barbourville · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Big Ridge State Park

Bell Farm Horse Camp

45mi from Barbourville · 5 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jacob

6 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Second time staying here. First time Winter Camping. Host directions as before were very detailed. Enjoyed the weekend.

C

Chad

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This is the perfect little get away! Every time we have stopped they have been great and even flexible when our plans changed.

L

Loranda

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Quiet - peaceful. Great communication Special place

Z

Zachary

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Super cool cave off the beaten path. Quiet area, expansive wooded area. Water flows near the entrance to the cave - pretty cool. Nice platform to set tents up on. Functions well as a camp shelter during rain, but can become smoky with a fire going. Cool Hipcamp, would stay again!

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The cave was awesome. Great place for a family to camp!

C

Cheyanne

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

This is a very quiet and peaceful place. The only thing near the campsite is a small house being built away in the trees. I’m going back this weekend with my sister and partner, the sunrise campsite is beautiful and we want to stay at the cave campsite when it’s warmer out. They have been very nice as my first visit I booked the wrong campsite and they corrected it with no fuss. 10/10 recommended.

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Very pretty place unfortunately did not get to explore much as I was only in town for 1 day and it was storming most of the time. Host very responsive and helped with navigation.

M

Mason

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

great directions and fun cave to camp in. The smoke gets trapped on wet rainy days so expect to get smoked out lol.

M

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Very secluded and peaceful. We will definitely be back again.

J

Julia

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The cave was beautiful! It got so dark and cold at night, so pack accordingly! It was a perfect weekend get away!

C

Chad

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Great campground and awesome host. This campground is an awesome find. We loved the river side primitive camp sites. Just what we needed to Unplug and get away. If you are running the Kentucky Adventure Tour. This awesome place is right off the route! We will definitely be back! Thanks Again.

J

Joe

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

The campsite was beautiful! The sunrise was great in the morning. My son and I had a wonderful time. Make sure to get the site map downloaded before arriving as cell signal is sketchy. Hiked on some of the ATV trails which was nice. Thanks for hosting us!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Great site. The caves are not really all that impressive. Also the 2 sites are rather close to each other. Overall not a bad stay but we will not be going back anytime soon.

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

We absolutely enjoyed the gorgeous views! The host was amazing. They gave very detailed directions to our site as well as being on top of any questions we had. It was a short hike to the cave from parking. The kids enjoyed hiking and catching different bugs and frogs. Best experience we have ever had camping hands down. Glad to have crossed another 3 off our bucket list. 1. Sleep in the mountains 2. Sleep in a cave 3. Sleep next to a waterfall. Highly recommend this site!!

C

Charaya

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This site was beautiful. Plenty of space, kind host, and perfect for relaxing.

L

Layla

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

I loved tent camping. Very secluded and relaxing. It was perfect for the dogs!

T

Thomas

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

"Wow"!! It was an unforgettable experience to stay in a private cave! The provided tent platform, picnic table, and fire ring made our stay that much more comfortable! Our dog may have gotten a little muddy, but she thoroughly enjoyed the splashing in the water in the cave also!!! Getting there is a breeze with 4WD, and we were able to make it to the cave very easily in the Jeep! Highly recommend this unique, family-friendly escape for anyone craving nature's finest!

Cory

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Wow Mountain Resort

This is an adventure for sure if u like rustic this is the spot. Take minimum gear as the walk down and back is an air taker. But once you are set up, it’s all worth it. Camp in a cave in my own tent check.

The camping spot. It will be damp, so make sure your tent resists drips and bring cots. Super cool!

L

Logan

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The location was excellent! Definitely one of the most unique camping spots I've been to.

S

Steven

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Excellent campsite for those looking for seclusion in a unique, primitive setting. The site was exactly as described on website. Be prepared for small side roads (even gravel and dirt roads) to arrive to your site. The tent site sits down in a ravine so be prepared to take good lighting as it is darker than usual even during the day. Be ready for wet conditions, even if it has not rained heavily recently. Lots of wildlife, especially from the night scavenging crowd. The host team was quick to answer any questions we had! Also, our dog loved it.