The best forest campgrounds near Central City, Kentucky

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Central City, Kentucky, Hipcamp has you covered with over 550 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. With average prices starting at $30 per night and options as low as $7 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Looking for the top campsites with rave reviews? Check out The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), Benjamin's RV Sanctuary (75 reviews), and On the back of the farm (75 reviews). Popular amenities include campfires, showers, and toilets, while wind sports, horseback riding, and paddling are among the favorite activities.

99% (41)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you're looking for a camping adventure near Central City, Kentucky, Hipcamp has you covered with over 550 options to choose from. Whether you prefer pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in a cozy cabin, there's something for everyone. With average prices starting at $30 per night and options as low as $7 per night, camping has never been more affordable. Looking for the top campsites with rave reviews? Check out The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), Benjamin's RV Sanctuary (75 reviews), and On the back of the farm (75 reviews). Popular amenities include campfires, showers, and toilets, while wind sports, horseback riding, and paddling are among the favorite activities.

99% (41)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Tar Springs 2

98%

(32)

44mi from Central City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cloverport, KY

Historic property once a health resort in the 1840's, lodging rooms available, men's and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, private 16 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety, no arrivals after dark.

2. Burdoc Farms

96%

(14)

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

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. Live.Love.Lake

100%

(1)

45mi from Central City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Leitchfield, KY

Relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of nature with the beautiful river running through the backyard. Enjoy the firepit and quiet forest surroundings with your loved ones in our two bedroom, one bath home. Beautiful scenery from newly installed windows, bunk bed with additional roll out bed and sleeper couch, as well as coffee bar and private parking await you! As of Nov. 2022, the river is currently down in level due to winter but still a beautiful feature to see.

4. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky

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

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

44 sites · Dawson Springs, Kentucky

Discover the natural splendor of Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Valley View Lodge in Western Kentucky

40mi from Central City · 1 site · Lodging · Providence, KY

Come enjoy a cabin stay without roughing it! We are located in the heart of whitetail deer country in Western Kentucky. Featuring a small lake and a front porch complete with a swing, the cabin sits next to woodlands. A gas log fireplace stands ready for those extra cold evenings and the large attached garage is perfect for hunting gear and storage. The property is private yet close to the highway and less than 4 miles from food, fuel, and other essentials. There is ample parking and a fire pit! The space Our cabin is located within .5 miles of the Tradewater River boat access where you can launch a canoe or kayak. We are 20 miles from an Amish community where many locally produced farm goods are sold. In addition, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is approximately 50 miles away. Guest access There is additional open-air storage under the roof on the backside of the building. The garage has 2 doors that open to either side of the building which can create an open-air pavilion for rainy-day activities.

7. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

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

Pets

Potable water

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

Potable water

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

Potable water

Toilets

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

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

Stories from the community

C

Cheryl

3 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.

V

Victoria

3 weeks ago

10 ft campervan

1 night at Live.Love.Lake

Excellent stargazing! We were just passing through, stayed in our van in the driveway and were comfortable. The is a lovely stone firepit with chairs in the yard with lake and star views. I expect it would be a great spot for hunters passing through or setting up for a while. Recommended!

s

shylah

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Tar Springs 2

I cat say enough about how awesome this place was and what an incredible value for the price! Chuck and Van were gracious and kind hosts and we enjoyed getting to know them while we were there too! The photos don’t do this place justice. The kitchen had everything we needed, the bathroooms were immaculate. Our kids loved fishing, playing with the dogs and exploring. Also Jeffrey’s cliff hike is a MUST!

C

Carrie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had a FANTASTIC time at Tar Springs 2 with Chuck and Van. What a beautiful place! Everything was so clean and the sites were well spread out. The lake was perfect for fishing and the paddle boats were available for use. With water and firewood readily available it made things very convenient. The guest restrooms and showers were IMMACULATE! We felt so welcomed by them and their lovely pets! We were fortunate enough to be there during their Fall Festival and enjoyed the great bluegrass music in their outdoor stage, the food truck, and the fireworks. Really, nothing is more peaceful than watching the cows roam across the land while you sip your coffee by the open fire. Even with many sites filled, there was still a sense of quiet and being secluded. We really enjoyed this trip and are planning to (at least!) go back in the fall to enjoy the Sacagawea festival in September! Book this. What a beautiful place to rest your busy soul. Thank you, Chuck and Van. We can't wait to see how big the kitties get!

R

Robyn

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The area is just beautiful! We really enjoyed our camping experience here!

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Amazing place. Omg just beautiful. We stayed up the hill under the cliff so awesome. Very very cool place. Gemma and I (that’s my German Shepherd) went hiking around and we loved it. Easy hike either direction but totally amazing-must do. Chuck is very cool, they both super good people and I truly thought the world of them in a matter of minutes. Very clean well taken of property. Facilities were all there and very clean. Probably won’t camp anywhere else unless leaving the state. I have to go back to experience the beautiful lake. Yes my brother and my older son showed up the next day and we a great time, setting around the fire telling stories. Best camping spot around.

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our family had an amazing time staying at Chuck and Van’s Tar Springs 2 campsite! They were wonderful hosts and made us feel so welcome!

A

Angela

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

We loved our stay at Chuck and Van’s! The privacy was amazing and the facilities so nicely kept! Hope to return for another weekend soon!

d

donna

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Our stay here was wonderful! The scenery is breathtaking and so peaceful. Our host was so kind and showed us such a good time! This particular weekend had a food truck and a music band! The room was super nice and we were so pleased with all of the accommodations!!! We will definitely be coming back and hopefully get to stay longer!!!

M

Mindy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The property is soooo cool. The rock formations were amazing. The history of the land is worth researching. Van was the friendliest of hosts and their puppy hosts was also very friendly. ❤️ 10/10 recommend. Thank you so much!!

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.

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!

J

Joyce

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

It is a beautiful relaxing place. We spent 2 nights in their room. It was a relaxing weekend end ,with very nice people. So Nice to meet them. And stay in their resort.

B

Brent

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Tar Springs 2

We really enjoyed this campground. It was well maintained and spread out. Our dogs loved running around in the fields. It was a much needed getaway. Would recommend 10/10

N

Noah

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Great peacefull place. We caught many bass, catfish, and crappie in the lake.

M

Misty

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

From towering rock with seeping springs to a serene lakeside, there's no shortage of things to explore. Our cliffview room was well appointed with convenient amenities. Chuck and Van were attentive and fantastic hosts!

K

Krystal

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

Was a very beautiful place and one of a kind camping spot! We had a great time and the hosts were very friendly and welcoming.

S

Scott

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

It was a bit of a challenge to get here by bicycle but it was well worth the effort. The owners were more than helpful always looking to make my stay a little bit better. I would highly recommend staying here if you are in the area.

A

Amgela

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tar Springs 2

The stay was beautiful and the campsite at the cliff was quiet, clean and very private. Thank you for having us we really enjoyed all of it! Chuck was super nice and the facilities were very clean!!

S

Stephen

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Tar Springs 2

It was a awesome getaway so much history with Chuck an van grandkids absolutely had a great time beautiful atmosphere