99% (289) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam
Beardsnest
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.).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
The Bee Happy Campground
2. The Bee Happy Campground
100%
(41)
34mi from Beaver Dam · 11 sites · RVs
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam.
4 sites offer full hook up.
These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night.
Contact me directly (text is best) to book.
(270) 799-4648
8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property.
All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate.
Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations.
TEXT IS BEST.
Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste)
Dump station
Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome)
No bathhouse at the moment.
Port A Pot on site.
Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville.
Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Tar Springs 2
3. 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
Lake View camping
4. Lake View camping
98%
(147)
26mi from Beaver Dam · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$16
/ night
99% (289) • 23 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Beaver Dam
Beardsnest
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.).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
The Bee Happy Campground
2. The Bee Happy Campground
100%
(41)
34mi from Beaver Dam · 11 sites · RVs
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam.
4 sites offer full hook up.
These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night.
Contact me directly (text is best) to book.
(270) 799-4648
8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property.
All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate.
Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations.
TEXT IS BEST.
Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste)
Dump station
Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome)
No bathhouse at the moment.
Port A Pot on site.
Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville.
Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Tar Springs 2
3. 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
Lake View camping
4. Lake View camping
98%
(147)
26mi from Beaver Dam · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$16
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Dottie
3 weeks ago
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!
See more
E
Erica
3 weeks ago
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 more
A
Abby
December 2025
16 ft car
Booked last minute. Sight met expectations and host was communicative.
See moreD
Drew
November 2025
16 ft car
Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.
See moreS
Sydney
November 2025
Tent
So enjoyed the night away on Kevin’s peaceful property. Site was well kept and safe!
See more
C
Cheryl
November 2025
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
See more
C
Christina
November 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
As beekeepers we were excited to find Bee Springs Kentucky and Bee Happy Campground. Roomy camping sites though our camper is only 16 feet there were bigger ones there with plenty of room. It was clean and quiet and Christie is very responsive. The clear night sky made for some great stargazing and pictures on top of the hill.
See more
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!
See more
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!
See more
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!
See more
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.
See more
Elizabeth
October 2025
Tent
Loved camping at Beardsnest! So peaceful, quiet, and the stargazing was spectacular. Kevin was able to recommend some wonderful activities in the area and was a pleasure to speak to. Highly recommend!
See more
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.
See more
H
Harley
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lake View camping
The campsite had running water and a small bathroom with hot water to wash your hands. 3 areas to fish. 2 kayaks available to use. Bathroom was kept nice and clean. It was just us on the tent camping side over the weekend. We caught a good amount of bluegill and catfish. William was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down of what to expect. Fishing rules are in the bathroom as well. Everything was great overall. My kids had a blast.
See more
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!!
See more
