The best campgrounds near Central City, Kentucky with fishing

Fishing draws campers to Central City, and with over 700 campsites near water, you won’t run out of spots to cast your line. Sites like Lake View camping (81 reviews), Beloved Farms (13 reviews), and Burdoc Farms (11 reviews) stay busy for a reason—expect easy water access, reliable showers and toilets, and campfires that crackle well past dark. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average landing around $55. Horseback riding and hiking fill your time between bites. Most sites sit tucked among rolling hills or right along lakeshores, so you’re never far from the action or a quiet morning on the water.

99% (108)

Top-rated campgrounds near Central City

Fishing draws campers to Central City, and with over 700 campsites near water, you won’t run out of spots to cast your line. Sites like Lake View camping (81 reviews), Beloved Farms (13 reviews), and Burdoc Farms (11 reviews) stay busy for a reason—expect easy water access, reliable showers and toilets, and campfires that crackle well past dark. Prices start at just $15 a night, with the average landing around $55. Horseback riding and hiking fill your time between bites. Most sites sit tucked among rolling hills or right along lakeshores, so you’re never far from the action or a quiet morning on the water.

99% (108)

Top-rated campgrounds near Central City

1. Lake View camping

98%

(147)

39mi from Central City · 20 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.

2. Burdoc Farms

96%

(14)

29mi from Central City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

LOCATED IN THE NATURAL SCENERY OF WESTERN KENTUCKY JUST NORTH OF NASHVILLE, TN. Burdoc Farms is nestled in the idyllic natural green hills. Burdoc Farms offers a true and relaxed experience for your once in a lifetime event.With over 650 acres of open fields and forest, Burdoc Farms has been in the Shepherd family for over 80 years. The farm was once a tobacco and cattle farm, producing national champion Shorthorn Beef Cattle in the 60’s. When Keith and Sara Shepherd took over operations in the 90’s the farm was converted to a conservation farm, with timber management, wildlife habitat, recreation and agritourism becoming the main focus of farm operations. Learn more about this land: With over 650 acres to chose from you can camp in open fields or wooded areas on our 100 year old family farm! We love sharing our farm with other conservation minded guest, but if you need access to modern amenities we can accommodate you too. We have over 10 miles of trails to explore nature on your own. If you just want to sit by a fire and relax we have a communal fireplace or fire pit. We have a pond for fishing or swimming whatever you heart desires. Pets are allowed and welcome. Be sure to bring your sense of wonder and take your walkabout on Burdoc Farms!

3. Large, Shaded Zenful Site

17mi from Central City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent on a level, shaded site with electric and water at the site. Short walking distance to bathhouse with individual shower rooms & men's and women's restrooms that are accessible 24/7. Laundry facility on site with washer and dryer. Enjoy the serene sound of nature & the gorgeous view of the stars! Just around the corner from Lake Malone. Bring your fishing poles, boats and kayaks!

4. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky

Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. 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

7. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

Discover John James Audubon State Park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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

9. Mammoth Cave National Park

96%

(71)

128 sites · Park City, Kentucky

Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Central City

Lake Malone Campground

16mi from Central City · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Malone State Park

Pennyrile Forest Campground

33mi from Central City · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

100%

(1)

Cave Creek Campground

40mi from Central City · 62 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

Laurel Branch Campground

43mi from Central City · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

Axtel Campground

43mi from Central City · 153 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

100%

(2)

North Fork Campground

44mi from Central City · 79 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

John James Audubon Campground

47mi from Central City · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

100%

(2)

Moutardier Campground

49mi from Central City · 167 sites · Tents, RVs · in Nolin River Lake

One of our 2 dogs enjoying the pet-friendly campgrounds.

90%

(10)

Houchin Ferry Campground

49mi from Central City · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mammoth Cave National Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

H

Harley

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

The campsite had running water and a small bathroom with hot water to wash your hands. 3 areas to fish. 2 kayaks available to use. Bathroom was kept nice and clean. It was just us on the tent camping side over the weekend. We caught a good amount of bluegill and catfish. William was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down of what to expect. Fishing rules are in the bathroom as well. Everything was great overall. My kids had a blast.

S

Sarah

October 2025

8 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Burdoc Farms

I would have stayed forever if I could. So romantic, beautiful, and safe feeling for a solo female traveler.

Z

Ziv

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lake View camping

Beautiful site! Great set up, highly recommended !

T

Taylor

September 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Burdoc Farms

Awesome stay at the farm! Plenty of space and very private. Our dogs absolutely loved it. Thanks Sara!

B

Brandon

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Lake View camping

Get-a-way. Quiet and dark. Calm and peaceful. Kind hosts greet you and then leave you to yourself. This site offers no frills but everything you need. From a common area with propane, grills, and some snackage, to included kayaks and a canoe. Quiet country roads—the kind that could take you home to the place you belong—allow walking and cycling and are never too far from a grocery or small town restaurant. WiFi does not exist here and that is okay (I promise). You will get a few bars for texting and some minor streaming. Radio and digital TV signals from Evansville (IN) and Louisville (KY) allow for some connection if you want it. Otherwise, wake up, have a coffee, stare at the pond, read, check and then ignore your email, take a nap, write a little, catch some sunfish or small bass or crappie, throw them back, buy things from Amish roadside stands (especially bake sales), go to the Dollar Store for groceries 10mins away. Wanna go a bit further? Go hiking or fishing or boating 30min away at Rough River State Park, drive 30ish mins to Owensboro for Barbecue the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Green River Distillery, visit Holiday World Theme park an hour away for a couple of the country’s best rollercoasters and a giant waterpark with free sodas and free sunscreen, or drive 90 mins to Mammoth Cave National Park. Regardless, don’t go here or tell anyone about it because I don’t want it to get busy…

S

Shannon

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

A beautiful and clean location. Host was very accommodating and helpful as were the full timers that are there. We will definitely be back

Edward

August 2025

30 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Lake View camping

We loved this spot. 3 lakes/ponds to fish or kayak in. Felt very secluded. Large property to let our dogs run. William was a great host who answered any questions we had. Would highly recommend this spot, we would love to come back and spend a while here.

A

Amy Jo

August 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

Very Clean Cozy Quiet set up, absolutely no bugs, would love to know that secret! Great little potty room! Thank you for sharing with us!!!

M

Michael

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Lake View camping

The owner Bill is incredibly nice and accommodating. We loved being able to walk a few feet from our site and fish to our hearts content.

C

Craig

July 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at Lake View camping

Very cool place. There is a stocked lake and pond for fishing. Kayaks to float around the lake on, as well as a bathroom. Bill the host is very nice and proud of his place. I highly recommend staying here.

D

Doug

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Lake View camping

What a piece of heaven!! Loved our stay and caught alot of fish for it being so hot!! Book your stay before this place gets found and you cant get in. Thanks Bill for sharing your lake with us!!

L

Leah

June 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Lake View camping

Our lake view camping trip was fantastic! We stayed in our camper and loved the stunning lake views and peaceful vibe. Our host, Bill, was incredibly helpful, guiding us to great spots and activities with a friendly attitude. My son had a blast fishing 🎣, reeling in tons of fish, and the kayaks were a fun bonus. The great vibes convinced us to extend our stay, and we’ll definitely be back! Highly recommend this gem!

P

Pat

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Lake View camping

Clean, quiet, well cared for, felt very safe camping alone. Several amenities available. My fav place for a quick getaway.

L

Lynn

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

Site # 2 is where we stayed. There were lots of fish to catch! Communication with host was superb! Check in was smooth as well. When we arrived we were greeted by the camp host who answered all the questions we had and even let us borrow her coffee mug! Thanks Jenny 🥰. Firewood was available for purchase but no worms for bait. So come prepared with bait. Bathrooms were clean and the property was safe and peaceful.

J

Jill

May 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

It was beautiful, peaceful and quiet. I will definitely tell people about it and I will be returning.

O

Off the Beaten Path Adventures

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

Awesome place!!! Very well taken care of and so peaceful. Plenty of spots to fish and great fire pits for that night time relaxation. Definitely check this place out.

Nathan

May 2025

20 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Lake View camping

Campground was clean bathroom had flush toilet and sink which was nice. Cabin was a great option I stayed there the last three nights of my trip when I had camper issues. Will stay here again.