The best forest campgrounds near Beaver Dam, Kentucky

Looking to immerse yourself in nature near Beaver Dam, Kentucky? Hipcamp has over 1000 options specifically tailored to your forest-loving heart. With options as low as $7 per night, you can't beat the affordability. Check out top campsites like Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), and Camp Nashville Highland Rim (148 reviews) for tried-and-true experiences. Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly locations. Plus, indulge in activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Get ready for an unforgettable forest camping experience!

98% (180)

Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam

Looking to immerse yourself in nature near Beaver Dam, Kentucky? Hipcamp has over 1000 options specifically tailored to your forest-loving heart. With options as low as $7 per night, you can't beat the affordability. Check out top campsites like Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), and Camp Nashville Highland Rim (148 reviews) for tried-and-true experiences. Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and pet-friendly locations. Plus, indulge in activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Get ready for an unforgettable forest camping experience!

98% (180)

Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam

1. Beardsnest

100%

(153)

50mi from Beaver Dam · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

This ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2025, camping here provides a glimpse into the fourth year of succession. This current phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie contrasted with the rocky and steep slopes of the mature forest. Most likely a good fit for self-sufficient types that like campsites with generous spacing, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. All sites except Spicebush have a filtered water output. Spicebush campers will have water access next to parking. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~525 seedlings as of March 2025), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. If you have only 2 days, a nice way to experience Mammoth Cave NP is to break the trip into 3 layers, covering the underworld (cave tours), upper world (hiking), and the water that connects the two (Green River kayaking). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space of imagining what is beneath the surface, how these worlds are connected, while navigating park land and water. Note that we offer kayak trips that can be tailored to your schedule and travel constraints. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite. Kayaks are hosted on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park. Pending availability, we offer tent setups as well to folks who want to camp but aren't traveling with gear (REI 4 person Half Dome). Tent setup comes with two sleeping pads (you will need pillows, blankets, etc.).

2. Tar Springs 2

98%

(32)

30mi from Beaver Dam · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Historic property once a health resort in the 1840's, lodging rooms available, men's and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, private 16 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety, no arrivals after dark.

3. Burdoc Farms

96%

(14)

44mi from Beaver Dam · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

LOCATED IN THE NATURAL SCENERY OF WESTERN KENTUCKY JUST NORTH OF NASHVILLE, TN. Burdoc Farms is nestled in the idyllic natural green hills. Burdoc Farms offers a true and relaxed experience for your once in a lifetime event.With over 650 acres of open fields and forest, Burdoc Farms has been in the Shepherd family for over 80 years. The farm was once a tobacco and cattle farm, producing national champion Shorthorn Beef Cattle in the 60’s. When Keith and Sara Shepherd took over operations in the 90’s the farm was converted to a conservation farm, with timber management, wildlife habitat, recreation and agritourism becoming the main focus of farm operations. Learn more about this land: With over 650 acres to chose from you can camp in open fields or wooded areas on our 100 year old family farm! We love sharing our farm with other conservation minded guest, but if you need access to modern amenities we can accommodate you too. We have over 10 miles of trails to explore nature on your own. If you just want to sit by a fire and relax we have a communal fireplace or fire pit. We have a pond for fishing or swimming whatever you heart desires. Pets are allowed and welcome. Be sure to bring your sense of wonder and take your walkabout on Burdoc Farms!

4. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky

Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Nolin River Lake

100%

(5)

347 sites · Brownsville, Kentucky

If you're a boater or fisher, Nolin Lake Park is definitely the place for you. Use your trustiest bait and cast a line for crappie, catfish, or walleye, which are abundant in the azure lake waters. Boaters will be happy to use a conveniently placed launch, and a sandy beach awaits swimmers and people gettin' on their tan on alike. Nine miles of biking trails are the perfect way to explore the shaded paths, and a shorter hiking trail offers the sight of a cascading waterfall. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds from great blue herons to wild turkeys. If you're lucky, you may even catch sight of the elusive and beautiful bald eagle. We can salute to that.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Live.Love.Lake

100%

(1)

29mi from Beaver Dam · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature with the beautiful river running through the backyard. Enjoy the firepit and quiet forest surroundings with your loved ones in our two bedroom, one bath home. Beautiful scenery from newly installed windows, bunk bed with additional roll out bed and sleeper couch, as well as coffee bar and private parking await you! As of Nov. 2022, the river is currently down in level due to winter but still a beautiful feature to see.

7. Buds Farm

46mi from Beaver Dam · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Private quite secluded area . May see deer. Wooded area . Snakes cattle. Potable water is available. No showers yet. Toilet. Not far from rough river. Or Louisville. No electricity. Plenty of shade for camp site . Fire pits. Shelter in barn if bad weather hits. Dog friendly. Do ask to keep on a leash. Great place if you want relax.

8. Mammoth Cave National Park

96%

(71)

128 sites · Park City, Kentucky

Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

9. Lincoln State Park

299 sites · Gentryville, Indiana

Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

10. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Beaver Dam

Lake Malone Campground

25mi from Beaver Dam · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Malone State Park

100%

(2)

Moutardier Campground

36mi from Beaver Dam · 167 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nolin River Lake

One of our 2 dogs enjoying the pet-friendly campgrounds.

90%

(10)

Houchin Ferry Campground

38mi from Beaver Dam · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mammoth Cave National Park

100%

(2)

Wax Campground

41mi from Beaver Dam · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nolin River Lake

100%

(1)

Dog Creek Campground

41mi from Beaver Dam · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nolin River Lake

100%

(7)

Maple Springs Campground

43mi from Beaver Dam · 7 sites · in Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave Campground is really beautiful.

97%

(54)

Mammoth Cave Campground

46mi from Beaver Dam · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mammoth Cave National Park

Lincoln State Campground

49mi from Beaver Dam · 299 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lincoln State Park

Pennyrile Forest Campground

49mi from Beaver Dam · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

John James Audubon Campground

50mi from Beaver Dam · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Dottie

4 days ago

16 ft car

1 night at Beardsnest

I only stayed one night on a trip driving to FL but my pup and I enjoyed the site. So close to Mammoth Cave NP where we did a great hike. Would stay again!

E

Erica

1 week ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

We had a great stay! Our dogs enjoyed exploring the paths on the property.

L

Laurie

2 weeks ago

24 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Beardsnest

Near Mammoth Cave, sites are very private and great mowed walking trails through the field with lots of birds. Thanks

D

Drew

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.

C

Cheryl

November 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.

V

Victoria

November 2025

10 ft campervan

1 night at Live.Love.Lake

Excellent stargazing! We were just passing through, stayed in our van in the driveway and were comfortable. The is a lovely stone firepit with chairs in the yard with lake and star views. I expect it would be a great spot for hunters passing through or setting up for a while. Recommended!

Fiona

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Beardsnest

This is a great spot for a stop! Location is perfect for Mammoth Caves. The grass in the lawn was great for kids running around, Aswell as all the trails cut out around the property to explore. Kevin was responsive and friendly. Would stay here again!

s

shylah

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Tar Springs 2

I cat say enough about how awesome this place was and what an incredible value for the price! Chuck and Van were gracious and kind hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there too! The photos don’t do this place justice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroooms were immaculate. Our kids loved fishing, playing with the dogs and exploring. Also Jeffrey’s cliff hike is a MUST!

C

Carrie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had a FANTASTIC time at Tar Springs 2 with Chuck and Van. What a beautiful place! Everything was so clean and the sites were well spread out. The lake was perfect for fishing and the paddle boats were available for use. With water and firewood readily available it made things very convenient. The guest restrooms and showers were IMMACULATE! We felt so welcomed by them and their lovely pets! We were fortunate enough to be there during their Fall Festival and enjoyed the great bluegrass music in their outdoor stage, the food truck, and the fireworks. Really, nothing is more peaceful than watching the cows roam across the land while you sip your coffee by the open fire. Even with many sites filled, there was still a sense of quiet and being secluded. We really enjoyed this trip and are planning to (at least!) go back in the fall to enjoy the Sacagawea festival in September! Book this. What a beautiful place to rest your busy soul. Thank you, Chuck and Van. We can't wait to see how big the kitties get!

R

Robyn

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The area is just beautiful! We really enjoyed our camping experience here!

E

Emily

October 2025

23 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

Kevin was super helpful with instructions and letting us know about the trails and features on the property. We had our area of land behind the barn to ourselves and enjoyed listening to the birds in the morning. His pups were sweet and hung out while we made breakfast outside. Would love to stay again the next time we are in the area.

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Amazing place. Omg just beautiful. We stayed up the hill under the cliff so awesome. Very very cool place. Gemma and I (that’s my German Shepherd) went hiking around and we loved it. Easy hike either direction but totally amazing-must do. Chuck is very cool, they both super good people and I truly thought the world of them in a matter of minutes. Very clean well taken of property. Facilities were all there and very clean. Probably won’t camp anywhere else unless leaving the state. I have to go back to experience the beautiful lake. Yes my brother and my older son showed up the next day and we a great time, setting around the fire telling stories. Best camping spot around.

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had an amazing time staying at Chuck and Van’s Tar Springs 2 campsite! They were wonderful hosts and made us feel so welcome!

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

We loved our stay at Chuck and Van’s! The privacy was amazing and the facilities so nicely kept! Hope to return for another weekend soon!

d

donna

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our stay here was wonderful! The scenery is breathtaking and so peaceful. Our host was so kind and showed us such a good time! This particular weekend had a food truck and a music band! The room was super nice and we were so pleased with all of the accommodations!!! We will definitely be coming back and hopefully get to stay longer!!!

M

Mindy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The property is soooo cool. The rock formations were amazing. The history of the land is worth researching. Van was the friendliest of hosts and their puppy hosts was also very friendly. ❤️ 10/10 recommend. Thank you so much!!

S

Sarah

October 2025

8 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Burdoc Farms

I would have stayed forever if I could. So romantic, beautiful, and safe feeling for a solo female traveler.

L

Lia

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Beardsnest

We had a wonderful time. It was quiet and beautifully maintained. We had asked for wood and it was raining when we arrived. Kevin was thoughtful enough to leave the wood under a wheel barrow and message us about it. The communication was great and it was conveniently close to Mammoth Cave.