The best lakeside camping in Kentucky

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near a lake in Kentucky, we've got you covered. With over 389 options available, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the water. From Hidden Lake Farm with 359 reviews, to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground with 197 reviews, and On the back of the farm with 75 reviews, our top campsites offer a range of amenities and activities to make your stay unforgettable. Average prices per night start at $35, with options as low as $10. Popular amenities such as showers, toilets, and potable water are available, and popular activities include whitewater paddling and paddling. So get ready to pack your bags and experience the beauty of camping by the lake in Kentucky!

96% (2.1K) • 4,286 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Kentucky

Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%
(730)
Williamsburg, KY · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin. Hikers, kayakers, canoes, 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. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!! 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. Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile. Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy. Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.
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Full hookups
Hidden Lake Farm

2. Hidden Lake Farm

100%
(789)
Cynthiana, KY · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Small family run private farm. A few primitive camp sites back by the lake. We do have an emergency case bathroom with shower at the barn by the entrance for use by guests. A portajon back by the lake. please message if you have any questions. We took a little break but are back. NOT SURE WHY IT SAYS THERE US A FIRE BAN. I’ve turned the fire ban off. FIRES ALLOWED AT CAMP SITE FIRE PIT. I’ve tried to edit and on my end it shows fire ban off. But so many campers have told me they thought there was a ban.
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Campfires
Lost On Purpose

3. Lost On Purpose

96%
(51)
Boston, KY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
120 acres of secluded paradise!!! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, no foraging for plants/mushrooms though; and bring your disc golf or archery bows. You will never want to leave! Primitive sites: Hide Away Camp 30 amp hook up 50 amp hookup 1 Br studio cottage 2 bath shower house. Fire pits at each camp.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Daniel Boone National Forest

4. Daniel Boone National Forest

94%
(35)
National forest in Kentucky · 592 sites
Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want
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Electrical hookup
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Natural Bridge State Resort Park

5. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

92%
(13)
State park in Kentucky · 75 sites
Discover Natural Bridge State Resort Park's stunning landscapes and adventures.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wow Mountain Resort

6. Wow Mountain Resort

97%
(117)
Somerset, KY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you. We hope you love it too. There is a cave camping site and 4 other active sites. We are adding 5 more campsites very soon. They will be basic bare bone campsites with no tent platforms or fire places. The original 4 have tent platforms and fire places. ***PLEASE TAKE ALL TRASH WITH YOU***
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Potable water
Tar Springs 2

7. Tar Springs 2

99%
(62)
Cloverport, KY · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Historic property was once a health resort in the 1840's. 3 Lodging rooms are available. Men’s and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, on a private 18 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley. Swimming, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. NO ROCK CLIMBING. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety and ours, no arrivals after dark.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
HomeGrown HideAways

8. HomeGrown HideAways

99%
(93)
Berea, KY · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
HomeGrown HideAways is a farm, lodging, and event facility nestled in a hundred-acre holler in the Appalachian foothills near Berea, Ky. Our lodging features treehouses, yurts, a bunkhouse, retro camper, water/electric hook-ups, and campsites. We also host weddings, retreats, and other events so advance reservations are required. For insurance purposes and the safety of our own livestock and pets, we do not allow guests to bring their pets/ESAs onto the property. Prepare to UNPLUG as we do not have cell service or wifi (there IS a landline for guests to make phone calls located in the Community Farmhouse). All guests from tent to treehouse have access to our solar-powered Community Farmhouse featuring a fully-stocked chef-inspired kitchen, restrooms, coin-op laundry, and upstairs multi-purpose room with a library and board games. There is also an outdoor kitchen area with additional cooking space including a grill, microwave, and sink (sink is closed in the winter so the pipes don’t freeze). Next to the Farmhouse is a massive pavilion with picnic tables for al fresco dining and firewood bundles to purchase. BRING CASH! Our seasonal bath house is generally open from April or May to October or November based on the prevailing temps. There are 4 flush toilets, 2 sinks, and 2 hot showers. The floors are concrete so we recommend shower shoes and you'll want to bring your own towels and shampoo/soap. The farm has a small playground, yard games, creeks, and a steep and rugged hiking trail that loops the mountain. We're also just 8 miles from the hiking trails at the Berea College Pinnacles, 8 miles to Owsley Fork Reservoir, 20 minutes to Anglin Falls, 12 miles to Berea, 35 minutes to Richmond, Ky, and a scenic hour to Red River Gorge. For other activities, restaurants, shopping, music, and more, we're happy to share our favorites, but highly recommend checking out the Berea Tourism website.
Electrical hookup
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Campfires
On the back of the farm

9. On the back of the farm

98%
(181)
Glasgow, KY · 1 site · Tent, RV
This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents. Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road. Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home. We look forward to seeing you. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people.  You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends.  Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want.  Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life.  If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!!  We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy.  Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section).  Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking.  Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us! We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit
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Campfires
Potable water
Carter Caves State Resort Park

10. Carter Caves State Resort Park

100%
(5)
State park in Kentucky · 129 sites
Forest hikes, subterranean wonders, and lakeside fun await at Carter Caves.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kenlake State Resort Park

11. Kenlake State Resort Park

100%
(4)
State park in Kentucky · 87 sites
Discover Kenlake State Resort Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake

12. Nolin River Lake

100%
(6)
Park in Kentucky · 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.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

13. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

100%
(3)
State park in Kentucky · 79 sites
Discover Lake Barkley State Resort Park's natural splendor and activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

14. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%
(36)
Sparta, KY · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more. Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property. Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground". Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com) We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only. The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people. Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com). But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig Buffalo Trace Distillery Neeley Family Distillery Belterra Casino Clifty Falls State Park Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone and so much more.... And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you. We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation. We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery. Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our featured campsites: REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years. A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring. The premier site on our property. THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name. This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season. THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people. Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season. WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting. Drive in and out, fires in season. Suitable for a family sized tent. THE PENNINSULA: This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY. You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards). One of two remote sites. It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite. Fires permitted in season. TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY. A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING. NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SO WHAT'S OUR STORY? https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you. We hope to see you here.
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Three Springs Campground RV Park

15. Three Springs Campground RV Park

86%
(28)
Sadieville, KY · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Your family adventure awaits at Three Springs RV Park. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s scenic landscapes, just moments from the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, our park offers a family-friendly haven for unforgettable experiences. Explore God’s creation, build lasting memories, and find peace in every sunset and starlit sky. Start your adventure with us today! Whether you're driving across the country in your RV, pitching a tent under the stars, or seeking the cozy comfort of a cabin, Three Springs RV Park offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Explore our welcoming spaces designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, and discover the ideal base for your adventures in the scenic heart of Kentucky.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wiley's Last Resort

16. Wiley's Last Resort

94%
(63)
Whitesburg, KY · 18 sites
Wiley's Last Resort is about a hundred acres on top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, KY.  Jim Webb aka "Wiley Quixote" purchased the property in 1996 and began restoring, developing, and naming all the nooks and crannies that make up this wonderful place.
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Lake View camping

17. Lake View camping

98%
(121)
Reynolds Station, KY · 6 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
Pine Tree RV Park

18. Pine Tree RV Park

100%
(27)
Frenchburg, KY · 2 sites
My campground has 2 gravel hookups. Each hookup has city water, 50 amp electric, and sewer hookup. If you need 30 amp, I will rent a refundable reducer for $20. My house is nearby. Beautiful Cave Run Lake is nearby. It is 6 miles from the campground. One can hike, fish, kayak, boat ride etc…. We are 21 miles from Natural Bridge and 15 miles from Red River Gorge!!
Pets
Full hookups
Triple R Ranch and Campground

19. Triple R Ranch and Campground

100%
(1)
Mc Kee, KY · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Where the adventure is close, but the solitude is closer. Surrounded by Eastern Kentucky’s natural beauty, our campground offers the perfect blend of rustic adventure and modern convenience. Whether you're seeking a back-to-nature experience or a comfortable base camp for exploring the region, we have the ideal spot for your family or small group. Choose from our primitive camping sites for the adventurous spirit, or enjoy the convenience of our RV hook-up sites equipped with Wi-Fi and horse stalls. Each site is thoughtfully designed to provide privacy and tranquility, allowing you to unwind and reconnect with the great outdoors. Our campsites are perfect for families looking to experience authentic outdoor living in a secluded, natural setting. Enjoy direct access to our extensive network of scenic horseback riding and hiking trails that wind through the property. Our prime location puts you just a short drive from numerous Eastern Kentucky attractions, making us the perfect home base for day trips and regional exploration. Return each evening to the peace and privacy of your own campsite. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, our campground provides the perfect setting for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences in the beautiful Kentucky wilderness.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
3 Jewels Peace Garden

20. 3 Jewels Peace Garden

100%
(4)
Cadiz, KY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
I keep pricing here super low as a reflection of Buddhist service to sentient beings in need of peace and safe haven. Meditation onsite. Guest cabin with 2 beds, linens, water jug, device charging, electric; Buddhist shrine with 4 soft Japanese tatami floor beds, electric, device charging, water jug; limited level tent camping with large group fire ring, 1 small rv (<24ft) allowed with no electric. (Edit 8/4/26 Dog policy is at the end of this description but I have to reiterate that night crating is not optional. There are wildlife like opossums, raccoons and deer that an uncrated dog in your tent can tear after. The shrine is absolutely no dirt, no shoes, no paws except self-cleaning cats.) Camp toilet on site. Composter available for vegetarian food waste. 7 gallon water jugs available for handwashing and pan washing, just use biodegradable soap. Although there are no showers available to campers/guests, I can provide a large washing jug. Plenty of hiking is available at LBL, just 8 miles away. I can provide intel on good fishing and backcountry spots. There is fantastic antiquing and thrifting in Cadiz and Murray, and I can introduce you to the Amish market for the most affordable groceries you've ever bought in your life. I love to cook for people especially if it's a group. It'll usually be vegan chili con carne and skillet cornbread, Korean chajangmen, or some tasty variety of Asian seasoned vegetable soup with homemade bread. I am ovo-lacto vegetarian except in cases of hunting guests offering their own catfish, bass, venison, boar or turkey, in which case I fire up the bbq and get busy, because hunters are essential for environmental preservation. The fire ring is available for traditional cast iron cooking. Dogs under 50 lbs are welcome if they're trained, you clean up after them, keep them leashed around guests and kenneled at night. I have 2 small dogs and I can kennel them on request.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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