Camping in Kentucky

Combine camping with rock climbing, horseback riding, and epic views in the Bluegrass State.

97% (4946 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kentucky

12 top campgrounds in Kentucky

97%
(571)

Hones Pointe

25 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Pendleton, Trimble
Hones Pointe was established in 1988. It was built by four insurance agents to elude our sales managers in a unique natural setting. Over the years, we have planted many different varieties of trees and perennials to observe. Also evidence exists of this area being an Indian camp long ago as suggested by arrowheads and an old handmade rock wall. Primitive camping where you can pick your own scenic spot. We will furnish picnic table, fire ring, garbage can, and charcoal grill during your campout.Welcome!
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$25
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The Harrican Lakehouse

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Pulaski
There is a lot of history in this land. It's been in my family for over a hundred years. They worked the land with their hands and so have I. It's a special place. Come see for your yourself and be our guest at The Harrican! Learn more about this land: Unplug and unwind at this two story cabin built right on the water in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! Even though there is complete peaceful seclusion it does get a little noisy when the bullfrogs start their evening ritual. There is a dock and pier perfect for fishing or swimming. Firepit, grill with gas provided, two boats, fishing poles, lots of seating on the wrap around porch, two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds and just lots of natural beauty and peace! The BIG update everyone has been waiting for; the plumbing and electricity are now complete! We have all the ammenities to make your stay comfoetable and relaxing! Early and late check in and check out options available when availability exists the day before or after your booked stay. Thank you for interest in the Harrican Lakehouse!
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$35
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Watson's Rivercamp Retreat

7 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Evansville, Vanderburgh
Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this primitive camp is ideal for nearby fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming! Our unique location offers a picturesque view of downtown Evansville and Dutch’s Island. Set in a no-wake zone, the shallow beachy island also serves as a barrier from the river channel creating calm lake-like waters. We are located only 0.2mi from Dogtown boat ramp and 300ft from Nu Plaza marina. Biking, walking/hiking trails, local park, and pool nearby. On our property, we allow our campers the flexibility to pick their own perfect spot to camp. There are large mature trees that offer plenty of shade and flat ground for an easy setup. Each site has a firepit, picnic table, and nearby trash can. Firewood is included, and complimentary smores packages upon request. Our property features 2 communal areas each with a fire pit, charcoal grill (charcoal included), picnic tables, chairs, and lights. There is access to electric power strips and water hoses in each communal area. Kayaks are available to registered campers only first come, first serve. Price is $25 or a single kayak, $50 for a tandem. Includes lifejackets. We look forward to having you!
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$22
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Kinner Kampground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Winchester, Clark
We fell in love with the views and roaring of an occasional train on our farm. We wanted to share our slice of heaven with others. With this campground, we can offer camping in our themed campers or primitive camping with your tent. Come stay with us or even host your family reunions/Birthday party/weddings with us. We promise you won't be disappointed and you will come back year after year!
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$12
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99%
(35)

Bar on the Mountain

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Beattyville, Lee
Primitive camping at its PEAK! Located in the heart of Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge, this secluded camping ground offers an experience above the rest - literally! Accommodates tents and RV/campers 24ft and under. Campers will enjoy a fire pit with surrounding bench seating, plentiful room for pitching tents and parking for trailers/campers, and of course The Bar - which provides covered seating with 360 degree views including a front row seat to an Appalachian Mountain sunrise. Minutes from Hollerwood Offroad Park, Gorge-ous climbing and hiking trails, fishing/boating/swimming at Mill Creek Lake, restaurants including Miguel's Pizza, Rockhouse, La Cabana Mexican, and Thatcher's BBQ to name a few! Access Hollerwood Offroad Park from site by ATV - no need to haul!
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$50
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98%
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Hidden Valley River Camp

4 sites · Tents7 acres · Westport, Oldham
Beautiful valley on the Ohio River with 300 feet of beach front, private boat dock, covered 20x30 community pavilion and a large fire pit. A beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy.Learn more about this land:Beautiful private Valley setting on the Ohio River with private boat dock. Creek bed with rocks and fossils. 2 covered pavillions and fire pit and eagles and wildlife There is a mile gravel road and steep hill is why no rv's. Cars and trucks have no problems.
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$35
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92%
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Camp Escape

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Louisville, Jefferson
15 acres with a barn and creek. Our property also boarders the Jefferson County Forestry and is close to Tom Wallace Park. This 5 acres is a corner lot next to railroad tracks so there are two roads on two sides. This is a very rural type area yet still in the city so you will hear and see a combination of city/country things. We are very close to Fort Knox and Knob Creek gun range. You will most likely encounter wildlife, hear gunfire, hear cars and the train go by, you will probably see and hear us and the neighbors on tractors and trucks. This is a working farm among other farming type residents. This is a space for someone to camp with their personal camping equipment. There is no water, no shower, no electric or anything else besides a fire pit. You need to bring your own supplies. We border the Jefferson County Forestry with an entrance about 1 mile away. We are about 30 mins away from downtown, but just 5 mins from a Kroger, Walmart, and a dozen different restaurants. We are also about 15 mins from Fort Knox. There is a shared porta potty onsite.
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$25
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81%
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Rush Creek RV Campsite

9 sites · RVs3 acres · Cannonsburg, Boyd
Come enjoys this Small and Private RV sites in a quite location on the rural town of Rush near Ashland KY , the campground is located 2 miles from Rush of road Park on the same road. We provide full hook up with 30 amp electric connection , sower, water and WIFI connection, the RV site will accommodate up to a 50 foot RV or camper as well as parking for an additional car or truck, the site dimensions are 30 feet wide by 50 feet long. Come enjoy in our picnic table, the campsite is on a relaxed, safe and quiet location .
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$27
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(15)

Bourbon Trail Campground

10 sites · Tents35 acres · Lawrenceburg, Anderson
Primitive tent camping Portable Toilets Group fire pit Catch and release 1/2 acre stocked pond Perimeter walking creek Indoor Gathering 40×50 metal building Stone fence Epic Kentucky beauty on the Bourbon Trail in Anderson county 7 miles off both I64 and Bluegrass Parkway; directly off US 127.
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$45
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(9)

The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Campton, Wolfe
Located 1 mile from the Red River Gorge in Pine Ridge KY between Mt. Parkway Exit 40 East and Exit 40 West and 8 miles to Natural Bridge State Park. The KILNS is nestled on a family farm with 5 acres designated for PRIMATIVE Tent or Van Camping. The property is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and a lush green field, freshly manicured. It is easy access to Red River Gorge, Local Restaurants, General Stores all while secluded from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come relax and enjoy, we look forward to seeing you!
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$25
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Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Williamsburg, Whitley
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. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin. We have some construction going on currently on at the main cabin on the property. Construction takes place 9am-5pm daily. A deck & siding is being added. 10/1-11/15 Hikers, 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. 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. Guests love staying here "We stayed in Birdsong cabin for the Halloween campout weekend. The cabin was ready for us upon arrival and very clean. We enjoyed the privacy of our covered porch and fire ring. The bird feeders hanging all around the cabin are wonderful to watch all the birds during the day. The community fire ring is close enough to enjoy with other campers, but not to close that we could hear anyone in our cabin. Amber and Michael checked on our needs many times during our stay. They hosted a chili cook-off that we greatly enjoyed and passed out candy to all the kids. Overall a great time and experience. We will stay here again."
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$15
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Lake View camping

17 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Reynolds Station, Hancock
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.
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$10
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Camping in Kentucky guide

Kentucky camping adventures are never boring. Whether you want to saddle up and gallop the bluegrass hills, scale the soaring cliffs of the Red River Gorge, or explore the world’s longest cave system, this southern state provides endless ways to get outdoors. Kentucky’s six national parks and 45 State Parks are brimming with woodlands, waterfalls, and waterways where you can hike, bike, paddle, raft, or even play a game of golf. The natural landscapes are at their most ravishing in spring and fall, but camping is a year-round pastime with RV sites, cottages, and rustic cabins to see you through the winter chill.

Where to Go

Bluegrass Region

The state capital of Lexington is the gateway to the Bluegrass Region, where Kentucky’s horse racing legacy takes center stage. Once you’ve visited Kentucky Horse Park and followed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, experience 18th-century life and camp with full hookups at Fort Boonesborough State Park, go kayaking along the Licking River, or camp by the lakeside at Kincaid Lake State Park. 

Appalachian Plateau

The misty peaks, sweeping gorges, and natural caves of the Appalachian Mountains blanket Eastern Kentucky. Adventurers will find plenty of fun here, whether rock climbing in the Red River Gorge, riding your ATV through the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area, or hiking, camping, and horseback riding at the many state parks. If we had to pick the highlights, they’d certainly include caving at Carter Caves State Resort Park and admiring the “Niagara of the South” at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

Central Kentucky

Bourbon distilleries, historic sites, and natural wonders abound in central Kentucky. Once you’ve experienced Kentucky Derby fever in Louisville and enjoyed the urban hiking trails in Elizabethtown, stop by the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Further south, there’s rustic camping and UNESCO-listed caves to explore at Mammoth Cave National Park and popular campgrounds Green River Lake and Taylorsville Lake state parks. Or why not rent a houseboat and cruise around Lake Cumberland?

West Kentucky

It’s not all about bluegrass music and BBQ in west Kentucky—there’s also some great lakeside camping. There are myriad ways to get on the water at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, from kayaking and tubing to jet skiing and waterskiing, and you’ll find campgrounds at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Lake Malone State Park. Or, combine camping and Civil War history at Columbus-Belmont State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kentucky is an excellent destination for camping, offering a variety of scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, lakes, and rivers. The state is home to numerous state parks, national parks, and private campgrounds that cater to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and even cabin rentals for a more comfortable experience.

Some popular camping destinations in Kentucky include:

These locations offer a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, making Kentucky a fantastic choice for camping enthusiasts.

The best month to camp in Kentucky is typically October. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. October also offers stunning fall foliage, making it an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, you can find numerous camping options in Kentucky, such as hiking campgrounds, forest campgrounds, and river campgrounds.

Yes, boondocking, or dispersed camping, is legal in Kentucky on public lands such as national forests and some wildlife management areas. In Kentucky, you can find boondocking opportunities in the Daniel Boone National Forest, which offers numerous locations for dispersed camping. However, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations set by the land management agency and practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For more developed camping options, you can explore various campgrounds and private lands through Hipcamp.

Kentucky Kingdom, an amusement park in Louisville, Kentucky, does not have its own campground. However, there are several campgrounds and RV parks nearby where you can stay while visiting the park. You can explore nearby campgrounds in Kentucky through Hipcamp.

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