The best campgrounds in Kentucky with hiking

Planning a camping trip in Kentucky? Look no further than Hidden Lake Farm! With over 2,000 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your hiking needs. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Kentucky offers a variety of terrains and trails to explore. And with popular campsites like Hones Pointe and Patrick's Point River Camp, you can trust that you'll have a great experience. Plus, with amenities like pet-friendly sites, potable water, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So pack your gear and get ready to hit the trails - camping in Kentucky has never been better!

97% (5.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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$25

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Camper favorites in Kentucky

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Whimsical Treehouses and Trails!!

100%

(29)

6 sites · Lodging · Germantown, KY

EarthJOY Village is a magical, family- and nature‑oriented retreat nestled on a 285-acre privately fenced farm in Brooksville, KY (near Germantown), combining whimsical tree‑house stays, forest adventure, and event space. Here's a picturesque snapshot of what makes it unique: --- 🏡 Unique Accommodations Pete Treehouse – Designed by tree‑house expert Pete Nelson (of The Kentucky Climber’s Cottage fame), this original cabin features a hammock lounge, a cozy loft with a king bed and hammocks, an indoor movie theatre, and rustic charm. Sleeps up to 6 (2 adults + kids). Aliyah Treehouse – Built in 2016, it's the tallest treehouse on the property. Highlights include a living‑room tree, swinging bridge, interior/exterior swings, and hammocks. Perfect for families with older children; sleeps up to 6. Hickory Treehouse – Crafted by local artisans from family‑inspired carpentry, it’s designed for younger kids and features slides, swings, a slack‑line, climbing nets/walls, and hammocks. Sleeps up to 6. Love Bus “Schoolie” Skoolie – A quirky, converted school‑bus lodging with hot tub, outdoor movie theatre setup, fridge and simple amenities. A cozy retreat for couples or small families. Sleeps 2 adults + 2 kids. --- 🌲 Trails & Outdoor Adventure Twenty‑plus miles of themed trails wind through forests, creeks, ponds, and features like hobbit‑houses, heart trails, cabins and hidden spots. Great for hiking, biking, creek‑walking, and exploration. Guided tree‑climbing sessions led by professionals add excitement—climb into the canopy safely while learning about nature. --- ⚙️ Amenities & Facilities Composting toilets near each treehouse (5-second walk); private bathroom/shower about 3–5 minutes away next to the farmhouse. Electricity is provided for lights, phone charging, and coffee maker, but there's no Wi‑Fi—cell service (Verizon/AT&T) generally works well. Kitchenettes come with mini‑fridge, stove, basic cookware, dishes, coffee maker, and freshwater tanks/refill station. Pet‑friendly environment (up to 2 dogs per stay, $50 fee each).

Deer Haven

90%

(41)

3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Independence, KY

We recently moved from the next county over and are enjoying making this place ours and improvements for guests. Property is 15 minutes south of Cincinnati, close to the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG), close to restaurants and attractions such as Kings Island (approximately 1 hour), Creation Museum (approximately 25 minutes) and The Ark (approximately 25 minutes). Also nearby are several state parks and local favorites such as Big Bone State park, Rabbit Hash,and Riverbend. We have 2 dogs who walk with us on leash and recently added chickens and goats! Elmer and Clyde do like to wander and explore. They are very friendly. Learn more about this land: Gravel driveway leads up to both spots. We do try to keep it maintained, but frequently rain causes ruts faster than we can fill. It should not impede drivability, but use caution and feel free to ask if you have any concerns. #1 improvement planned is paving driveway. You may also experience some vehicle noise from roadway. Typically, as we are on a back road, it is fairly quiet but some drivers may be louder than others and some evenings see more traffic. Level gravel area for RV parking, second plateau available for multiple tent sites. Campfires in designated area. Deer, wild turkeys, opossums and raccoons are plentiful and often wander through. Less common are foxes and bald eagles that make their home at Doe Run Lake nearby. Main home on property but only close enough for assistance, not interference. Homesteading in progress with many improvements being added. Property is close to Creation Museum and the Ark. 10 minutes from restaurants and expressway but feels like a retreat. Wi-fi, trash, private area for camp toilet, fire ring, water, camp stove (available in extras). Optional tent and chair rentals.

Rockcastle Riverside

95%

(720)

50 sites · Tents, RVs · Livingston, KY

Started as a retirement experiment, Rockcastle Riverside is a story told of music and family. We have almost 200 acres of beautiful country surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rockcastle County. With a mile of river to swim, kayak, and fish and enchanted forest trails to hike, climb, or play, we have all of the best Kentucky has to offer! We have more established sites with fire rings, or you can find a place off the beaten path for more privacy, if you choose. The riverside is perfect for hammock camping, too. We love music and often host bands on the weekends. We rent kayaks and canoes on site, as well. While there are almost 200 acres to escape into, on any fine night, the stage sits wit a drum kit and the will to make music within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Come play, come get away....we have it ALL! We have a little of something for everyone!

18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Stories from the community

Brie

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Art Farm

We had a nice time at Laura’s. Kindly showed us where everything was, was very respectful and we felt very safe there. The cats were adorable too!

S

Sheldon

2 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

1 night at The Art Farm

Laura’s camp space was great. Perfectly flat for our van and very quiet. We had a lovely evening.

A

Alex

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Art Farm

Even if you stay just one night to break up travel (as I did), I highly recommend the Art Farm. The spaciousness of the camp was a delight. I arrived at the property around 9 pm, and Laura graciously showed me a secluded site towards the back of the tract. The nearest camper was far away, and though it was mid-November when I stayed, I could still envision seclusion in a busier season. The land was well-maintained, and Laura offers a variety of camping spots. Paducah was also well worth seeing- a lovely town right along the Ohio River with several cool spots! I’ll be back!

L

Loranda

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Quiet - peaceful. Great communication Special place

D

Derek

2 weeks ago

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Bar on the Mountain

Definitely preferred when this was one private site, but the neighbors were ok. Way too close for comfort, though.

m

meaghan

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Creek Farm in Tyrone

This was the coolest place we’ve ever camped at! The hosts were super nice and easy to communicate with, they also recommended a lot of different things to see/do. The animals were very friendly and sociable, especially Little Rat and Frank. Overall very nice property!

Katie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Handyland

Josh’s land had absolutely beautiful views, and was so well maintained! There were great amenities available that helped our whole group to be comfortable. We would love to come again!

A

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Away at Green Hill

Always the best host and always my first option when I want to use Hipcamp.

M

Matthew

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

I had a great experience. I stayed at Holmes Hideaway site and it was beautiful - on the river with seclusion, fire pits, and plenty of tree cover. I went in mid-november and it was not crowded. Everything done through the app and I was left alone. It was a fun weekend.

Marissa

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Bar on the Mountain

Location! Location! Breathtaking view and plenty of space to set up camp and enjoy nature. The bar was a nice central hub for our cooking setup and to keep it dry without having to set up a tarp. Fire pit great size and the constructed seating (boulders, rock slab tables, benches etc) gave plenty of room. Where we pitched camp had plenty of tall trees around for privacy and blocking wind, which was extremely helpful as we got caught in a bit of some snow. The other site at this location is just across the loop but you wouldn’t notice so feels like you are in a private area. Toilet on site could use some emptying and cleaning as it was pretty full and dirty when we arrived. Other than that note amazing spot and can’t wait to come back when the weather is better!

Liv

3 weeks ago

With pets

2 nights at The Harrican Lakehouse

This cabin won me over the moment I walked in. It was warm, cozy, and the loft was surprisingly spacious. The porch is the real showstopper, and even though it was too cold to sit out for long, the views from every window were gorgeous. It even started snowing while we were there, which added this wild, magical atmosphere to the whole stay. The only downsides were the not-so-comfy seating, the heat being a little too powerful overnight, and the outhouse being a long chilly walk with a very rustic setup. None of it ruined the experience, but it is worth knowing before you go. Leslie loved the lake and all the open space to explore. I even had to hop in a kayak to fetch her ball when she refused to wade into the cold water, which felt like peak dog mom adventure energy. Slippers were clutch since the floors get cold and they were perfect for padding out onto the porch. The best moment was watching the sunrise roll in over the misty lake. Quiet, spooky, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful. I would stay again without hesitation.

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Evelyn

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Creek Farm in Tyrone

We enjoyed hiking along the creek bed, visiting with the horses, and fishing in the river! A nice spot for camping; we pitched our tent in the field overlooking the river. Very friendly hosts and animals. Hope to get back sometime.

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Ed

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

Clean quiet and family friendly. Open areas and the river await adventure by all ages. Roving herd of sheep goats, donkey and mini horse add to the whimsy. Steve and his son Bradley are excellent hosts and I will return.

AJ

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Bar on the Mountain

A great site with great views. All around a great time!

T

Tyler

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Bar on the Mountain

I stayed at the bar with 5 of my friends there were lots of places to park our vehicles and set up tents and hammocks. On the second day it rained for hours we sat under the covered bar and joked and cooked food until it stopped and then we were right back around the fire ring. The gravel on the ground of the campsite helps the water to train quickly, we had no puddles. The view was truly captivating it made for a perfect base camp for our adventures into the Gorge. Even the porta potty was very clean. My only issue was the it’s hard to get tent stakes in the ground without a hatchet or hammer lucky I brought one with me so it wasn’t a big deal. I will return I. The future.

Incredible views, the fireflies at night were magical

V

Victoria

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

The loveliest people and two very excellent dogs. Good birdwatching, excellent split oak firewood. Highly recommended!

Z

Zachary

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Super cool cave off the beaten path. Quiet area, expansive wooded area. Water flows near the entrance to the cave - pretty cool. Nice platform to set tents up on. Functions well as a camp shelter during rain, but can become smoky with a fire going. Cool Hipcamp, would stay again!

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Hones Pointe Campground

Beautiful setting, clean facilities with lots of access to the little Kentucky River