The best forest camping near Central City

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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) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Central City

Tar Springs 2

1. Tar Springs 2

98%
(32)
44mi from Central City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Live.Love.Lake

2. Live.Love.Lake

100%
(1)
45mi from Central City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Burdoc Farms

3. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
Lake Malone State Park

4. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky
Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

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
Valley View Lodge in Western Kentucky

6. Valley View Lodge in Western Kentucky

40mi from Central City · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$130
 / night
John James Audubon State Park

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
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
Mammoth Cave National Park

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

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) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Central City

Tar Springs 2

1. Tar Springs 2

98%
(32)
44mi from Central City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Live.Love.Lake

2. Live.Love.Lake

100%
(1)
45mi from Central City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Burdoc Farms

3. 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!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
Lake Malone State Park

4. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky
Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

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
Valley View Lodge in Western Kentucky

6. Valley View Lodge in Western Kentucky

40mi from Central City · 1 site · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$130
 / night
John James Audubon State Park

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
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
Mammoth Cave National Park

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field