The best waterside campgrounds in Kentucky

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.

97% (5.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

View down the riverbank overlooking campsites
Standing at Hammock hanger

1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(634)

23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Williamsburg, KY

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.

2. Wow Mountain Resort

98%

(92)

5 sites · Tents · Somerset, KY

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***

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.

97% (5.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%

(634)

23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Williamsburg, KY

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.

2. Wow Mountain Resort

98%

(92)

5 sites · Tents · Somerset, KY

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***

Public campgrounds in Kentucky

100%

(8)

Stories from the community

L

Loranda

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Quiet - peaceful. Great communication Special place

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

Megan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The cave was awesome. Great place for a family to camp!

C

Cheyanne

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

This is a very quiet and peaceful place. The only thing near the campsite is a small house being built away in the trees. I’m going back this weekend with my sister and partner, the sunrise campsite is beautiful and we want to stay at the cave campsite when it’s warmer out. They have been very nice as my first visit I booked the wrong campsite and they corrected it with no fuss. 10/10 recommended.

J

Jacob

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Very pretty place unfortunately did not get to explore much as I was only in town for 1 day and it was storming most of the time. Host very responsive and helped with navigation.

M

Mason

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

great directions and fun cave to camp in. The smoke gets trapped on wet rainy days so expect to get smoked out lol.

M

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Very secluded and peaceful. We will definitely be back again.

J

Julia

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The cave was beautiful! It got so dark and cold at night, so pack accordingly! It was a perfect weekend get away!

C

Chad

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

Great campground and awesome host. This campground is an awesome find. We loved the river side primitive camp sites. Just what we needed to Unplug and get away. If you are running the Kentucky Adventure Tour. This awesome place is right off the route! We will definitely be back! Thanks Again.

J

Joe

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

The campsite was beautiful! The sunrise was great in the morning. My son and I had a wonderful time. Make sure to get the site map downloaded before arriving as cell signal is sketchy. Hiked on some of the ATV trails which was nice. Thanks for hosting us!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Great site. The caves are not really all that impressive. Also the 2 sites are rather close to each other. Overall not a bad stay but we will not be going back anytime soon.

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

We absolutely enjoyed the gorgeous views! The host was amazing. They gave very detailed directions to our site as well as being on top of any questions we had. It was a short hike to the cave from parking. The kids enjoyed hiking and catching different bugs and frogs. Best experience we have ever had camping hands down. Glad to have crossed another 3 off our bucket list. 1. Sleep in the mountains 2. Sleep in a cave 3. Sleep next to a waterfall. Highly recommend this site!!

C

Charaya

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

This site was beautiful. Plenty of space, kind host, and perfect for relaxing.

L

Layla

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

I loved tent camping. Very secluded and relaxing. It was perfect for the dogs!

T

Thomas

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

"Wow"!! It was an unforgettable experience to stay in a private cave! The provided tent platform, picnic table, and fire ring made our stay that much more comfortable! Our dog may have gotten a little muddy, but she thoroughly enjoyed the splashing in the water in the cave also!!! Getting there is a breeze with 4WD, and we were able to make it to the cave very easily in the Jeep! Highly recommend this unique, family-friendly escape for anyone craving nature's finest!

Cory

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Wow Mountain Resort

This is an adventure for sure if u like rustic this is the spot. Take minimum gear as the walk down and back is an air taker. But once you are set up, it’s all worth it. Camp in a cave in my own tent check.

The camping spot. It will be damp, so make sure your tent resists drips and bring cots. Super cool!

L

Logan

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The location was excellent! Definitely one of the most unique camping spots I've been to.

S

Steven

July 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Wow Mountain Resort

Excellent campsite for those looking for seclusion in a unique, primitive setting. The site was exactly as described on website. Be prepared for small side roads (even gravel and dirt roads) to arrive to your site. The tent site sits down in a ravine so be prepared to take good lighting as it is darker than usual even during the day. Be ready for wet conditions, even if it has not rained heavily recently. Lots of wildlife, especially from the night scavenging crowd. The host team was quick to answer any questions we had! Also, our dog loved it.

M

Matt

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

Great spot. Very private and secluded. not a bad hike from the car.

C

Chris

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wow Mountain Resort

The cave sight was a very cool experience, not to bad to access, and very peaceful. The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. I recommend it to anyone looking to just get away and disconnect for a while.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(33)

Daniel Boone National Forest

Whitley City, Kentucky

100%

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Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Campton, Kentucky

100%

(3)

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Brownsville, Kentucky

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(2)

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Campbellsville, Kentucky

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Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Scottsville, Kentucky

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Jefferson National Forest

Bluefield, Virginia

Other options in Kentucky

D.J.’S Camp LLC

94%

(33)

3 sites · Wellington, KY

This two-site campground is located in Wellington, KY (Menifee County). Water, sewer, and 50/30 amp. electric are supplied at each site for your self-contained rig to camp. Wifi is included in your site fee. Firewood is supplied free of charge to use in our firepit. Long Bow Marina is just 3 miles away so bring your boat. Cave Run Lake Dam, Natural Bridge State Park, Broke Leg Falls, and Red River Gorge are just minutes away from our campground. If you are attending an event at Sunset Ridge Farm/Wedding Lodge, it's only 4 miles away.

Pets

Potable water

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping in Kentucky 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.