Camping near Bowling Green with wildlife watching

Rev up for underground adventures from riverside campgrounds near Bowling Green.

97% (1116 reviews)
97% (1116 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bowling Green

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Bowling Green with wildlife watching

95%
(953)

The Slab (by the Barren)

80 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · Fountain Run, KY
Welcome to Heaven on Earth for those that love the Great Outdoors!! If you cant find something to do here then you obviously don't want to do anything and thats ok we have ya covered there too!! We will be hosting some special events in 202 that we would like to make you aware of first thing so you can plan your visit accordingl Tanking, kayaking, camping and the trails will remain OPEN year round!! Now that all of that is out of the way... Let me introduce you to our little hidden gem in scenic Monroe county Kentucky.  The Slab by the Barren campground is an outdoor recreation area like no other!!!  We are the perfect place for all of your family fun in the sun!!!   We have 75 very large shaded primitive sites spread out all over our 500 acre farm with nice gravel roads to most of the campsites.  We do NOT have any hookups but can accommodate RV's on most sites and you are welcome to run a quiet generator. ( We will be setting up at least 3 sites this winter with hook ups for Rvs. Please follow us here or on facebook for updates on those sites) Sites 1 - 40 are located on the banks of Salt Lick creek and Barren River with direct water access. The gravel bars are open for all campers to enjoy. Camping areas A, B, and C are spread out across different sections of the farm. Even though they aren't directly on the water you are still welcome to go down to the creek at any site and swim and fish and just enjoy the water. If you need any help in choosing the perfect site for your stay feel free to message me or call the office at (812)653-0102 and I will help in anyway I can. On to our amenities!!!! THE BARN!!  Is our converted milk barn where Kent and his mother Linda used to milk cows. The tank room is now our office for check in and camp store that we try to keep stocked with the best ice cream and anything else you might have forgotten at home. The old milk parlor where they actually milked the cows has been converted into 4 separate shower houses that are open 24/7. The Holding barn is currently undergoing some major changes this winter. It was such a large room that we have decided, in order to maximize its space, to split the barn in half and make 2 separate areas out of it. The front half by the showers will remain the kids and family play area, it will still have the pool and air hockey tables, family friendly games, tables and chairs. We will be adding more games to this area this winter and adding some exciting outdoor activities for the whole family for this summer. The other half of the barn is currently becoming the Jenkins Joint at The Slab. The Joint will be our full service bar where those 21 and older can enjoy a cold beverage, a game of pool, live music, karaoke, or just hang out. We will have a food truck set up every Friday thru Sunday until we get our kitchen completed and can serve our own food. The food truck and the kitchen will be available for anyone that would like to order food, especially those that check in late and don't feel like cooking their first night. KAYAKING!!! Take a relaxing paddle down the river in your kayak or ours. We have multiple trips 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 miles and offer a shuttle service, and kayak rentals for those that don't have their own. LAZY RIVER TUBING!!!! Go with the flow in your tube or ours and float your cares away on our 2 mile float down Barren River. Float as many times as you would like per day, stop at the rope swing, or hang out at your campsite and then take off again. TANKING!!! Yes you read that right we now offer Tanking!! I'm sure you have never heard of it but let me tell you, as one group of campers exclaimed... "It is the most genius, redneck, fun thing we have ever done". Depending on the size of your group we will either put you in a 6ft or 8ft round metal cattle water tank and float you 2 miles down the river in it!! We have designed them for the maximum amount of fun and relaxation you can have on the water without getting wet... unless you want to. We have installed benches in them so all you need to bring is your cooler and friends and come spend the day on the river with new unique experience. FISHING!! Multiple fishing holes where you can catch stripe, small mouth, rock bass, Kentucky bass, channel cats, flat heads, and walleye on a regular basis. HIKING We have trails all over the farm from the scenic views on top of the bluffs to the quiet spring fed slate rock holler there is a trail for everyone to enjoy while you explore the farm.  WATER SLIDE!!!! On the upper side of the Slab bridge is a 75 ft long water slide into one of our many swimming holes. It is steep and fast and you are sure to make a splash!!! SLIP N SLAB 600!!!! New at the end of 2023... is my Greatest Creation!! The Slip N Slab 600. What is it you might ask.... well.... It is the LONGEST Slip N Slide in ALL of Kentucky!! Come take a ride down our 600 Ft long Slip N Slide!! It starts up at the top of the hill by the office and you slide down the natural hollar and end in the pond just below the amphitheater. It really is Fun for the WHOLE Family!! We have had people as young a 2 and as old as 73 slide down it and each and every one of them came back up to the top with a smile on their face and was ready to do it again!! NOW ON TO THE RULES!!!! NO OUTSIDE FIRE WOOD!!!  We sell large bundles for $10 at the camp store. We DO NOT allow ANY outside fire wood to be brought onto the farm!! DO NOT CUT DOWN ANY TREES ON THE FARM NO MATTER HOW SMALL!!! CAMPSITES WILL BE CHECKED AFTER YOUR STAY.  IF WE FIND ANY TREES CUT DOWN ON YOUR SITE  YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND WILL BE CHARGED 7 TIMES THE MATURE VALUE OF THE DAMAGED TREE. BOOKING A CAMPSITE AT THE SLAB BY THE BARREN THRU THIS SITE MEANS THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS.  We hate to have to do this but we have had trees chopped down for no reason. There is firewood available at the camp store and you are welcome to burn anything laying on the ground, trim low hanging branches, or pull stuff out of our brush piles. just don't cut down any trees. NO GLASS BOTTLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! If we see them we will confiscate and dispose of them!! We are a WATER park and people run around barefoot. The last thing we need is broken glass all over the farm and people cutting their feet. So leave the GLASS AT HOME!! DIRT BIKES AND ATVS ARE NOW ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! Rider be respectful of our campers and ONLY ride on the designated trails!!  There are idle only areas around Pickett Bottom cabin and ALL Campsites. If you are caught riding with throttle down the gravel roads in the campground or thru campsites you will be given ONE WARNING!!  THE SECOND TIME it happens YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE IMPOUNDED for the remainder of your stay and you will receive A LIFETIME RIDING BAN FROM OUR CAMPGROUND. Be respectful and courteous and we will all have a great time!! We are trying to be inclusive to new activities while still staying the quiet peaceful slice of heaven that everyone has come to love. Please bear with us while we grow and try to work with everyone to make the Slab a place that everyone can enjoy. Thank you for your interest in our campground and we look forward to meeting you this 2024 camping season. God Bless!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(175)

Barren River Magic

82 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Edmonton, KY
WE DO NOT TAKE LATE-NIGHT BOOKINGS OR LATE ARRIVAL TIMES, IF YOU BOOK YOUR STAY AND CAN ARRIVE BY 6 PM LOCAL TIME WE CAN GUIDE YOU TO YOUR GLAMPING SPOT ONCE YOU ARE THROUGH THE GATE. 6 PM IS THE CUT-OFF TIME FOR ARRIVAL. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE BUT WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST GUESTS WITH LATE-EVENING ARRIVALS AND BOOKINGS. WE UNDERSTAND CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR, SO PLEASE MESSAGE IF YOU FORESEE AN ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO ARRIVE LATE. Welcome to our serene and nature-filled property nestled right on the tranquil banks of the Little Barren River! If you're seeking a getaway that combines outdoor adventures with peaceful relaxation, you've found your perfect destination. Choose from cozy tent sites, convenient RV sites, or glamping stays. PLEASE NOTE, for our glamping stays, bedding, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows are to be brought along by guests. The Fox Den and Peace Pipe glamping sites are the only exception. Our location offers an array of water-based activities just steps away from your accommodation. Whether you enjoy kayaking, paddling, fishing, or simply floating lazily in a tube, the Little Barren River welcomes you to indulge in its beauty. For those eager to explore the surrounding area, you'll find an abundance of local fun activities to partake in. Explore the wonders of Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Horse Cave, Diamond Caverns, Nolin Lake, Barren River, KY Down Under, and Green River Lake, all within easy reach from our property. We understand that your four-legged friends are a part of the family, which is why we are pet-friendly! Feel free to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Campfires are permitted on our property and firewood is provided! We have portable toilets available for campers to use. Additionally, there are two centrally located showers accessible to all campers. While the water may be lukewarm, it is heated naturally by the sun, embracing our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Our location boasts an abundance of nature and tranquillity, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer fishing, boating, birding, or hiking, our property offers a natural playground for all to enjoy.
Pets
Potable water
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Showers
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(168)

Prayer Mountain Mushroom Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents48 acres · Upton, KY
Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the serenity of our picturesque 50-acre farm. Each of our three campsites offers a private and stunning natural setting. We believe in making nature accessible and enjoyable for all, so our sites are designed to be affordable and simple. Firewood and Essentials Forget the hassle and expense of firewood—we've got you covered. Each site comes with a supply of firewood. The wood we supply can sometimes be tough to get started. We recommend you bring fire starters or a small amount of kindling to get things started. Primitive but Beautiful Our campsites are rustic and primitive, perfect for those who love the great outdoors. You’ll experience nature in its purest form, with the beauty of the landscape and the presence of local wildlife, including insects. It’s all part of the charm of outdoor living. Trash Disposal We are committed to preserving the beauty of our land. Please pack out all trash to keep our sites clean and beautiful for the next guests. Trash can be disposed of in the dumpster near the greenhouses as you exit. Ticks and Safety As with any natural setting, ticks are present. We have been working at eradicating ticks at the camps sites by mowing and using nontoxic DE dust around sites. We recommend bringing insect repellent and checking for ticks regularly to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Farm Fresh Goods Don’t forget to pick up some of our delicious mushrooms and farm-fresh eggs on your way in. They’re a perfect addition to your campfire meals. (Limited Supply. Reach out before your stay.) Booking Information To keep things simple and secure, all bookings must be made through the Hipcamp app. We do not accept cash or in-person reservations. If you’d like to extend your stay, please use the app to make the necessary arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you to Prayer Mountain. Safe and happy travels!
Pets
Toilets
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from 
$20
 / night
95%
(122)

Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses

4 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Cub Run, KY
Learn more about this land: This is a horse ranch so you can sleep in the company of horses or in the woods with them in the distance ( check if available/storm damage).We have rolling hills, beautiful views from the hill tops, valley with creeks and a waterfall when not in dry or draught and an abundance of wildlife. Also we're located 5-10 minutes from mammoth cave park border, hike, bike and horse trails, river, lake, blue holler atv park and so much more. If you are sensitive to animal noises you may bring earplugs. There isn't a bathroom/ shower house yet so we ask that you bring a port-a-pot of some sort. We're constantly making upgrades to the Ranch so we hope you enjoy your stay. Please refrain from feeding the horses or dogs because it creates a bad habit and folks that don't know how sensitive a horses gut is can possibly kill them. Respect privacy of others and pack out all that you pack in. Shut any gates you come through.please understand that my horses are of all ages and that includes young ones and babies and seniors as well. The young ones like to be nosey and are still learning what they are allowed to do and what not to do. They are naturally curious and love attention. If they think you have snacks , they can act like a pack of kindergarteners with the promise of cupcakes...we don't want that but because some campers think they are the exception and gave them snacks, it is something we have to monitor more closely. Remember they are animals and they will get into anything if it's left unattended. Please be a responsible camper and ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the experience.We have a section for folks to park in if they do not want to be so close to the horses as well. If you don't like horses or dogs please consider alternative camp site. Limited pet allowance...check before booking please. Also, we've had issues with the site and it offering horse time, ride, Q&A etc. for 5$. We've taken steps to fix this. But if you would like something like that it would be through the Ranch directly and as our time allows. Thank you for taking the time to read everything as well.
Pets
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from 
$30
 / night
99%
(182)

Chatty Heifer Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Dixon Springs, TN
The family we bought the farm from owned and farmed it since 1900. They built a cabin then and built a house around the cabin in 1920. We bought it in 2018 and have been renovating it to build a retreat center for first responders and others who serve unselfishly. To that end, we've cut hiking trails and campsites as well as filling the farm with livestock to help people slow down and de-stress. We're located in the beautiful green hills about an hour east of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about this land:Drift off to sleep with the sounds of a year-round creek just outside your campsite. Wake up to a beautiful meadow surrounded by green hills in rural Tennessee. Campsites are located on a 120 year old farm under restoration, which is family owned and operated. Get some time away. You'll have privacy as you explore the farm: wade the creek, sway on the tire swing, visit the farm animals (goats, cows, pigs, and chickens), pick wild berries, and sample farm fresh produce and eggs when available. Hiking trails are also available on the farm through tranquil woods.Property is easily accessible from Nashville. In addition, day trips are possible to several lakes, rivers, waterfalls, historic sites, civil war battlefields, state parks, and national wildlife areas.
Pets
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from 
$22
 / night
100%
(92)

Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

1 site · RV50 acres · Greenbrier, TN
Tired of campgrounds that feel more like parking lots? Come and reconnect with nature and park your RV on our private, large, shaded, full hookup, 72 ft long, 30 and 50 amp RV site with wifi on our 50 acre farm with fire ring and picnic table and screen house. We are not a campground, just a small farm in a rural neighborhood with 2 full hookup RV sites for guests.  30 minutes (17miles) North of Nashville, Tennessee. There are wild Turkeys and Deer that roam the property. We also have some free range Guineas and Peacocks which is why we ask that all dogs, while welcome, remained leashed at all times. Great place to get away and enjoy nature, take a walk on our trails through the woods, take a hike down to our creek, listen to the birds and watch the sunset over the pasture while cooking s’mores on the fire, yet not that far from Nashville!  Perfect for enjoying nature and/or visiting Nashville. Traveling with horses? They are welcome to use our fenced pasture. This site is for self contained RVs only, there are no restroom facilities. Check in is between 2 pm and sundown. No check ins after dark without prior approval. Limit of 2 vehicles and 2 pets. When you request to book just let us know how many people will be camping, how many pets you will be bringing with you and what you are camping in, travel trailer or motor home, and what length in feet it is. Thank you! Since this is a natural area of fields and woods, along with farm animals and wildlife you may encounter insects. We recommend bringing insect repellent for mosquitoes and ticks and making sure that your pets have protection also.
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from 
$45
 / night
100%
(3)

Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

1 site · Lodging36 acres · Horse Cave, KY
Experience the beauty of nature and the excitement of a true outdoors escape at Mollys Ridge, an off-the-grid adventure featuring Glamping and Camping rentals located directly over Mammoth Cave in the largest growing Amish community in Kentucky. This amazing outdoor rental experience is the perfect place to be surrounded by lush green woods and incredible wildlife.  At Mollys Ridge not only can you explore 36 acres of outdoor trails and a immersive off grid experience, but glamp it up daydreaming under clear starlit skies against beautiful sunsets. We're constantly working on Molly's Ridge adding more capacityto share this slice of Heaven with more of our Member guests creating custom experiences around adventures tailored just for you and make everlasting memories like nowhere else in Kentucky!  So come enjoy breathtaking views from your luxury outdoor Glamping tent, camping pad or off grid rental at Mollys Ridge surrounded by nature at its most magnificent; offering endless opportunities to create unforgettable moments you will cherish for a lifetime!
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from 
$97.90
 / night
99%
(39)

Twisted River

4 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Scottsville, KY
A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast.  A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area!  If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs.   Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time.  Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it!  The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.
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Campfires
from 
$20
 / night

Star Hosts in Bowling Green

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Bowling Green with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near Bowling Green, Kentucky and enjoy some wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp. With over 1670 options in the area, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. And the best part? The average price per night is only $30, with options as low as $10. Need some recommendations? Check out these top campsites: Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), Belle and Beau Acres (305 reviews), and The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews). You'll also find popular amenities like potable water, trash, and pet-friendly sites. So get ready to explore the great outdoors and experience the thrill of wildlife watching!

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