- Forest Camping
The best forest camping near Beaver Dam
97% (181) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam
Tar Springs 2
1. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Burdoc Farms
2. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$35
/ night
Beardsnest
3. Beardsnest
100%
(155)
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 2026, camping here provides a glimpse into the 5th year of succession, which is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie that is flanked by the rocky and steep slopes of a mature forest.
Pet friendly and 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 (~530 seedlings as of March 2026), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species.
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). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space where we imagine what is beneath the surface and how these worlds are linked, while above ground hiking on land or kayaking on the ecologically rich and biodiverse Green River. Kayaking the Green is elemental; like unplugging from one world, pure nature immersion. We offer kayaks (see extras), that leave from camp, tailored to your schedule.
Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project!
Most commonly booked extras:
1. Dried and split firewood bundles, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite.
2. Kayaks on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the NP.
3. Pending availability, we are happy to pitch a tent (REI 4 person Half Dome plus 2 sleeping pads) for those who want to camp but are not traveling with gear.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Lake Malone State Park
4. Lake Malone State Park
State park 25mi from Beaver Dam · 25 sites
Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake
5. Nolin River Lake
100%
(5)
Park 36mi from Beaver Dam · 347 sites
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
Buds Farm
6. Buds Farm
46mi from Beaver Dam · 3 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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$16
/ night
Mammoth Cave National Park
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
97%
(72)
National park 45mi from Beaver Dam · 128 sites
Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lincoln State Park
8. Lincoln State Park
State park 49mi from Beaver Dam · 299 sites
Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
9. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
State park 49mi from Beaver Dam · 44 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
John James Audubon State Park
10. John James Audubon State Park
State park 50mi from Beaver Dam · 87 sites
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
97% (181) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam
Tar Springs 2
1. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Burdoc Farms
2. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$35
/ night
Beardsnest
3. Beardsnest
100%
(155)
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 2026, camping here provides a glimpse into the 5th year of succession, which is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie that is flanked by the rocky and steep slopes of a mature forest.
Pet friendly and 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 (~530 seedlings as of March 2026), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species.
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). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space where we imagine what is beneath the surface and how these worlds are linked, while above ground hiking on land or kayaking on the ecologically rich and biodiverse Green River. Kayaking the Green is elemental; like unplugging from one world, pure nature immersion. We offer kayaks (see extras), that leave from camp, tailored to your schedule.
Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project!
Most commonly booked extras:
1. Dried and split firewood bundles, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite.
2. Kayaks on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the NP.
3. Pending availability, we are happy to pitch a tent (REI 4 person Half Dome plus 2 sleeping pads) for those who want to camp but are not traveling with gear.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Lake Malone State Park
4. Lake Malone State Park
State park 25mi from Beaver Dam · 25 sites
Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake
5. Nolin River Lake
100%
(5)
Park 36mi from Beaver Dam · 347 sites
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
Buds Farm
6. Buds Farm
46mi from Beaver Dam · 3 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.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$16
/ night
Mammoth Cave National Park
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
97%
(72)
National park 45mi from Beaver Dam · 128 sites
Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lincoln State Park
8. Lincoln State Park
State park 49mi from Beaver Dam · 299 sites
Lincoln State Park: A Tribute to Nature and History.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
9. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
State park 49mi from Beaver Dam · 44 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
John James Audubon State Park
10. John James Audubon State Park
State park 50mi from Beaver Dam · 87 sites
Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
j
jessica
1 week ago
Tent
Great spot! So convenient to get to Mammoth National Park and so nice to have the option to rent the tent and kayak!
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D
Dottie
December 2025
16 ft car
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!
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E
Erica
December 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
We had a great stay! Our dogs enjoyed exploring the paths on the property.
See moreL
Laurie
December 2025
24 ft campervan
With pets
Near Mammoth Cave, sites are very private and great mowed walking trails through the field with lots of birds. Thanks
See moreD
Drew
November 2025
16 ft car
Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.
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C
Cheryl
November 2025
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
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Fiona
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
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!
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s
shylah
October 2025
With kids
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!
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C
Carrie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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R
Robyn
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
The area is just beautiful! We really enjoyed our camping experience here!
See moreE
Emily
October 2025
23 ft Class B
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.
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J
Jeremy
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
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.
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A
Angela
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
See moreA
Angela
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
See mored
donna
October 2025
Group trip
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!!!
See moreM
Mindy
October 2025
Tent
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!!
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S
Sarah
October 2025
8 ft travel trailer
With pets
I would have stayed forever if I could. So romantic, beautiful, and safe feeling for a solo female traveler.
See moreL
Lia
October 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
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Teri
October 2025
24 ft Class B
Kevin's land was beautiful, just as described. Very nice area to visit!
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Lucas
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Its a perfect campsite, the mowed trails are really cool. We loved our weekend stay
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