The best waterside camping 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% (6.1K) 55 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kentucky

Wow Mountain Resort

1. Wow Mountain Resort

98%
(93)
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***
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$20
 / night
Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

2. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%
(639)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$15
 / night
D.J.’S Camp LLC

3. 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.
Daniel Boone National Forest

4. Daniel Boone National Forest

97%
(33)
619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky
Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

5. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

100%
(12)
75 sites · Campton, Kentucky
Discover Natural Bridge State Resort Park's stunning landscapes and adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

6. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

100%
(3)
79 sites · Cadiz, Kentucky
Discover Lake Barkley State Resort Park's natural splendor and activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rough River Lake

7. Rough River Lake

60%
(5)
355 sites · Caneyville, Kentucky
Boasting rocky shorelines, verdant outcroppings, and tranquil waters, Rough River Lake is a stunning getaway for you and your closest friends. About 90 miles south of Louisville, it's far enough away from civilization to get a breath of fresh air, but close enough not to be too inconvenient. If you're really rarin' to explore, try hitting up the sandy beaches built for swimming and boat launches that are just waiting for your vessel. Hiking and interpretive trails are the perfect place to keep an eye out for wildlife, and no one will fault you for wanting to take a swing at the 18-hole golf course. With the historic Green Farm nearby, you can check out a large ancestral home and water-powered mill sitting on 3,000 miles of picturesque land. Pretty sweet deal, we've gotta say.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake

8. Nolin River Lake

100%
(5)
347 sites · Brownsville, Kentucky
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

9. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

100%
(2)
60 sites · Kentucky
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cumberland

10. Lake Cumberland

100%
(1)
224 sites · Burnside, Kentucky
Creature comforts and outdoor adventures await at this massive lake
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Green River Lake

11. Green River Lake

83%
(3)
264 sites · Campbellsville, Kentucky
We counted for you, and Green River Lake has a whopping 18 different activities you can partake in on these superb grounds. Seriously, the question here is more what can you NOT do? Play a friendly game of putt-putt golf against your friends, swim and fish around the lake, or hang out on the beautiful piers. Whether jet skiing, boating, or kayaking is more your thing, you'll be able to float those waters in whichever way strikes your fancy. Grill up the fresh food you've bought at the nearby store or put dinner on pause to check out some of the historic sites nearby. With spelunking and hunting opportunities not far away, we don't think your heart could wish for anything more on such a badass vacation.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Barren River Lake State Resort Park

12. Barren River Lake State Resort Park

100%
(1)
100 sites · Scottsville, Kentucky
Discover Barren River Lake State Resort Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest

13. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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% (6.1K) 55 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kentucky

Wow Mountain Resort

1. Wow Mountain Resort

98%
(93)
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***
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$20
 / night
Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

2. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

98%
(639)
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$15
 / night
D.J.’S Camp LLC

3. 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.
Daniel Boone National Forest

4. Daniel Boone National Forest

97%
(33)
619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky
Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

5. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

100%
(12)
75 sites · Campton, Kentucky
Discover Natural Bridge State Resort Park's stunning landscapes and adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

6. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

100%
(3)
79 sites · Cadiz, Kentucky
Discover Lake Barkley State Resort Park's natural splendor and activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Rough River Lake

7. Rough River Lake

60%
(5)
355 sites · Caneyville, Kentucky
Boasting rocky shorelines, verdant outcroppings, and tranquil waters, Rough River Lake is a stunning getaway for you and your closest friends. About 90 miles south of Louisville, it's far enough away from civilization to get a breath of fresh air, but close enough not to be too inconvenient. If you're really rarin' to explore, try hitting up the sandy beaches built for swimming and boat launches that are just waiting for your vessel. Hiking and interpretive trails are the perfect place to keep an eye out for wildlife, and no one will fault you for wanting to take a swing at the 18-hole golf course. With the historic Green Farm nearby, you can check out a large ancestral home and water-powered mill sitting on 3,000 miles of picturesque land. Pretty sweet deal, we've gotta say.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake

8. Nolin River Lake

100%
(5)
347 sites · Brownsville, Kentucky
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

9. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

100%
(2)
60 sites · Kentucky
Discover the past amid natural beauty at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cumberland

10. Lake Cumberland

100%
(1)
224 sites · Burnside, Kentucky
Creature comforts and outdoor adventures await at this massive lake
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Green River Lake

11. Green River Lake

83%
(3)
264 sites · Campbellsville, Kentucky
We counted for you, and Green River Lake has a whopping 18 different activities you can partake in on these superb grounds. Seriously, the question here is more what can you NOT do? Play a friendly game of putt-putt golf against your friends, swim and fish around the lake, or hang out on the beautiful piers. Whether jet skiing, boating, or kayaking is more your thing, you'll be able to float those waters in whichever way strikes your fancy. Grill up the fresh food you've bought at the nearby store or put dinner on pause to check out some of the historic sites nearby. With spelunking and hunting opportunities not far away, we don't think your heart could wish for anything more on such a badass vacation.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Barren River Lake State Resort Park

12. Barren River Lake State Resort Park

100%
(1)
100 sites · Scottsville, Kentucky
Discover Barren River Lake State Resort Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest

13. Jefferson National Forest

98%
(27)
488 sites · Bluefield, Virginia
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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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.

Top regions in and near Kentucky