The best campgrounds in Kentucky with snow sports

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

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.

98% (87)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Bourbon Trail Campground

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10 sites · Tents · Lawrenceburg, KY

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.

2. Whimsical Treehouses and Trails!!

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(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).

3. Daniel Boone National Forest

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619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky

Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Jefferson National Forest

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(27)

488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia

Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds in Kentucky

Love Twin Knobs campground! And Cave Run Lake has the most amazing sunsets!!

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Twin Knobs Campground

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

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Koomer Ridge Campground

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

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Turkey Foot Campground

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

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Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

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

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Bee Rock Campground

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

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Great Meadows Campground

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

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Craigs Creek Group Campground

3 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

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Claylick Boat-in Campground

13 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

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(1)

Zilpo Campground

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

Clear Creek Campground

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

White Sulphur Horse Camp

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

Grove Boat-In Campground

31 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Stories from the community

Incredible views, the fireflies at night were magical

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Victoria

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

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

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Ryan

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

The land is beautiful and we had a great time. Because it had rained a day before, I would say that any 2 wheel drive vehicle may have trouble getting back up the back hill. It gets a little muddy. We would come back.

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Trey

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Whimsical Treehouses and Trails!!

This place was awesome! My wife and I enjoyed our get away! The treehouse was so cozy and secluded. The trails were well maintained and the property was beautiful! We will be back!

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Andrew

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

I can't say enough good things about this place and the hosts. Everyone mentions how friendly the hosts are and it's not an exaggeration. The property is beautiful and great to spend some time on. Close to several distilleries that you have heard of and several you haven't. Come here, stay here, love it.

Brenda

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Bourbon Trail Campground

We really enjoyed our stay on this beautiful land with friendly and welcoming hosts. We experienced 3.75 inches of rainfall in a 24 hour period so were grateful to be offered a spot on the gravel. Very close to anything you might need with lots to see nearby. Highly recommended!

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Jeff

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

Wonderful property! Very accommodating hosts!! They had no problem with a last minute late arrival time. Plenty of room on the property to spread out. Very clean porta potty. Not too far from the interstate. We were there for less than 12 hours, so basically slept and cooked breakfast, but it was perfect for us!!

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Andrea

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

We so enjoyed our stay! Close to town yet feels very private and secluded. We will be back again soon.

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Sarah

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

I arrived late and was able to secure a spot ASAP and with no planning. Matt was very accommodating and not only brought me firewood down to the spot, but started the fire for me! Both him and his wife checked in to make sure I had everything I needed. Traveling by myself as a woman I felt very safe there. I felt very much at peace laying in the field, next to the fire looking at the stars. Thanks for the hospitality!!

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Chris

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

Matt and Denise are so welcome and accommodating. Loved staying there on the property. Pictures perfect scenery. Would recommend.

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Alexis

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

Me and my family had an amazing time the hosts were so welcoming and generous, it was a pleasant experience. We will definitely be back!

Darwin

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

Second time here and just as good as the last time! Hosts are very friendly and accommodating! Will definitely be coming back!

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Rodney

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

Beautiful property quite getway and hosts are extremely helpful and very nice would definitely stay again and recommend it to anyone else

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Troy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

Beautiful property and very friendly! They made us feel right at home

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Heather

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

The owners are friendly and welcome. It's a beautiful site. Will definitely be back.

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Thaddeus

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Bourbon Trail Campground

I loved camping there. The host and the dogs were all very friendly. The wildlife was beautiful and it felt very secluded.

D

Deanna

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whimsical Treehouses and Trails!!

Absolutely charming! My kids said they wanted to camp and I was not about to sleep on the ground. I found this a perfect compromise and we had some great quality time!!

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Anthony

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Whimsical Treehouses and Trails!!

Perfect place for kids (5 and 4). They loved the treehouse. I appreciated all the whimsical things on the property: we hiked the hobbit trail, played in camp creek for hours, crossed it on the rope bridge, swung on all sorts of swings, brushed wind chimes, and knocked out most of the scavenger hunt.

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Lindsey

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Bourbon Trail Campground

We had a great time camping at Bourbon trail camp! It was very private (we were the only ones there to my knowledge) and super close to distilleries we were visiting. Hosts were very accommodating upon arrival and throughout our stay. Nice little creek to help cool off as well. Few things to be aware of: (did not prevent us from enjoying our time!) 1. Fairly close to the road and train so some loud noises from there can be heard. 2. There are dogs around (owner and neighbors) which roam and may bark at you but will also go away if you tell them. They were fine with our dog being on property as well. 3. There is not much shade (open field camping for the most part) and the land has some hills so great spots may be limited especially when it’s hot. They do have flat spaces carved out but the shade was the more limiting factor for us during our hot summer trip. 4. Due to camping in grass, we had a few more bugs and ticks than experienced elsewhere. Very easy to manage with common practice, but make sure to bring thermacell. Despite the few notes above (trying to help future campers!), we had a wonderful time and will be back!

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Nuah

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

Awesome site to stay at! The hosts were very friendly and the campground was very chill

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Robyn

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bourbon Trail Campground

Beautiful property, very friendly host, quiet and peaceful

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Daniel Boone National Forest

Whitley City, Kentucky

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(27)

Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Kentucky with snow sports guide

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.