Camping near Elizabethtown

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Between Louisville and Bowling Green, Elizabethtown is home to some of Kentucky’s most beautiful scenery and camping. Explore walking trails in the town’s 10 parks, or go boating and fishing at Freeman Lake. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, and rainbow trout and is near quiet, pet-friendly campgrounds that offer RV sites and tent camping with water hookups, showers, bathrooms, and picnic tables. For more water views, head an hour north to Patoka Lake Recreation Area and hike through bald eagle nesting areas. Pitch a tent lakeside or park the RV in a pull-through campsite with full hookups, on-site convenience stores, and boat rentals. A day away from the lake can be spent at Hoosier National Forest, a 30-minute drive from Patoka Lake. Wander through limestone caves and the rolling Indiana backcountry. Public campgrounds inside the forest include lakefront RV campsites with 30-amp hookups, while nearby private campgrounds invite tent campers to stay in shady groves with solar-powered showers and bathrooms.

94% (1.3K) • 2,316 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Elizabethtown

Willow Pond

1. Willow Pond

99%
(36)
6.8mi from Elizabethtown · 2 sites
Enjoy spectacular sunsets as you relax around the well stocked pond located in Hardin County KENTUCKY. ENJOY: Certified organic hay fields 1 acre stocked fish pond Quiet Evenings around fire pit Hikes around the farm Beautiful star gazing Farm harvests Sandhill Crane migration Within 1 hour: Mammoth Cave, Bernheim Forest, Bourbon Trail
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
Lost On Purpose

2. Lost On Purpose

96%
(51)
10mi from Elizabethtown · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
120 acres of secluded paradise!!! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, no foraging for plants/mushrooms though; and bring your disc golf or archery bows. You will never want to leave! Primitive sites: Hide Away Camp 30 amp hook up 50 amp hookup 1 Br studio cottage 2 bath shower house. Fire pits at each camp.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Festival Ready: Camp Escape

3. Festival Ready: Camp Escape

96%
(202)
25mi from Elizabethtown · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌲 Secluded Camping & Tiny Home Retreat Near Jefferson Memorial Forest 🌲 Two ways to stay, one unforgettable escape. Choose from four private primitive campsites on 5 gated acres bordering Jefferson Memorial Forest, or our cozy Glam Camp tiny home on 15 private acres just outside Louisville. 🏕️ The campsites Cypress, Sycamore, Black Walnut, and Willow: four secluded creekside sites, each spaced out so you feel like you have the woods to yourself. Tents, car camping, and RVs welcome. Generators allowed. 🔥 Primitive camping True off-grid camping: no water, electricity, or showers. Bring your gear and your sense of adventure. We provide a fire pit, a clean porta potty, and a self-service firewood shed on site. 🏡 The Glam Camp tiny home Escape to your cozy tiny home retreat nestled on 15 private acres. This 200 sq ft camper-to-tiny home conversion blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Inside: mini split heating and cooling ❄️, fully equipped kitchen, cozy colorful touches, high-speed Wi-Fi 📶, and upgraded windows. Outside: patio with cozy seating, outdoor gas fire, and a cute bar table. Pet friendly 🐾. Stargaze ✨, play outdoor games, or just breathe in the fresh air. 🌾 The setting A working rural community. You will hear wildlife 🦌, passing trains 🚂, tractors, and occasional distant sounds from Knob Creek Range. It is an authentic slice of Kentucky country life, and our guests tell us it is part of the charm. 📍 Location Secluded but never stranded: 5 min to Kroger, Walmart, and restaurants 🛒. 5 min to Planet Fitness for a hot shower 🚿. 2 min to gas ⛽. 30 min to downtown Louisville, 15 min to Fort Knox. Tom Wallace Park nearby for hiking and fishing, with forest trails 1 mile from our entrance. 🔒 Gated entrance for privacy and peace of mind. Campsites: check in after 4 PM, out by 11 AM. Come unplug. The trees are waiting 🌲✨
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My Old Kentucky Home

4. My Old Kentucky Home

100%
(2)
State park 24mi from Elizabethtown · 39 sites
Discover the historic charm of My Old Kentucky Home.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nolin River Lake

5. Nolin River Lake

100%
(6)
Park 34mi from Elizabethtown · 347 sites
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
Buck Creek Sanctuary

6. Buck Creek Sanctuary

95%
(75)
30mi from Elizabethtown · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves. “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places” -Wendell Berry Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred. Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet. He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.
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The Bee Happy Campground

7. The Bee Happy Campground

100%
(45)
35mi from Elizabethtown · 6 sites
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam. 4 sites offer full hook up. These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night. Contact me directly (text is best) to book. (270) 799-4648 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property. All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate. Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations. TEXT IS BEST. Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste) Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) No bathhouse at the moment. Port A Pot on site. Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville. Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
Noble Pine Campground

8. Noble Pine Campground

98%
(82)
35mi from Elizabethtown · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We provide a farm experience in a small campground with 2 full bathrooms with hot showers, 10 rv/tent sites, 1 glamping bell tent, 1 glamping aframe, and a 3 bedroom 1 bath ‘Trailboss’ cabin available for short term renting. There is a dump station for trailers, and sites have water and 30 amp electric. Horses, goats, chickens, and sometimes a friendly camp cat are happy to engage with guests. Guests will have access to yard games such as corn hole, giant jenga, croquet, bocce ball, steer lassoing and more. Camp is located on the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park. There is Wi-Fi available on premises.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Derby City Oasis

9. Derby City Oasis

95%
(30)
35mi from Elizabethtown · 18 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to our private, tree-lined 16-site Hipcamp property in a quiet, high-privacy setting for an urban area. All 16 campsites are flat/level and welcome every style of camping—tents, cars, trucks, small trailers, and more. Large RVs are best suited for Sites 1–6 and 13–16. **Shared facilities available May 1st – November 1st:** - One porta-potty - One or two hasty outdoor showers Water fill and trash service at the house - Wi-Fi available only at Sites 1–6 The property features a mix of shaded wooded spots, open field camping, and sunny dog-park-adjacent sites. Be considerate of fellow campers, especially in the off-leash dog park area. Nearly three fully fenced acres of manicured turf with plenty of shade from mature trees. Enjoy a private, secure entrance with a combo lock for sites 13-16. A 15/30A electric hookup is available near the main house, along with access to a water hose. The property includes multiple dog-agility features and obstacles for your pups to enjoy and a couple of shady seating areas for the humans too. A shared patio area with a fan, seating, and a fire ring is also available. (fire rings at most campsites also) Churchill Downs is only a 10-minute walk away. Multiple restaurants, a grocery store, a laundromat, and a hardware store are all less than a 5-minute walk. Drone video of property https://youtu.be/oo6OIdccrZY?si=VptnAiSTWWpMgbTF Other platforms George's Private Dog Park In Louisville https://www.sniffspot.com/to/ub0k6 *Please note*: This is a secure urban Hipcamp extremely close to Churchill Downs, University of Louisville, and the Kentucky State Fairgrounds. The majority of the property is fenced with six-foot commercial chain-link topped with barbed wire along the tree line. Access is through an electric gate secured at night, and the property owner (a law enforcement officer) lives on-site. Once you pull onto the property, it feels extremely private — most guests say their opinion changes completely. Check the drone video for a full view. If you arrive and still feel uncomfortable after speaking with the owner, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
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Electrical hookup
Campfires
Rough River Lake

10. Rough River Lake

60%
(5)
Park 36mi from Elizabethtown · 355 sites
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.
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Electrical hookup
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Nolin Lake State Park

11. Nolin Lake State Park

100%
(3)
State park 29mi from Elizabethtown · 32 sites
Discover Nolin Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mammoth Cave National Park

12. Mammoth Cave National Park

97%
(94)
National park 38mi from Elizabethtown · 128 sites
Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.
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Toilets
Campfires
O'Bannon Woods State Park

13. O'Bannon Woods State Park

75%
(3)
State park 40mi from Elizabethtown · 291 sites
Discover O'Bannon Woods State Park and its lush landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
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Toilets
Campfires
The Tipi Village

14. The Tipi Village

95%
(22)
37mi from Elizabethtown · 4 sites
A cozy night for two (or four) in a tipi! A family reunion, or an outdoor wedding. We are able to offer three sioux-styled tipi's. Rent one tipi or rent the entire village for a birthday party or gathering. Outdoor wedding packages are available! These are 18 foot tipi's surrounded in a nature setting. We have picnic and grilling areas on-site along with a full bathroom and kitchen located at The Tipi Village office, located in a small log cabin. Each tipi has it's own sitting area and firepit, suitable for cooking. The village also has a community firepit where everyone can gather. Renting the entire campground is a great way to have a party or celebration and having exclusive use of this micro-campground. This is a glamping-type of experience with limited heat and AC, beds, carpet, and of course an electric fireplace!
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Toilets
Showers
Little Slice of Heaven <3

15. Little Slice of Heaven <3

99%
(83)
38mi from Elizabethtown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: I live on 5.5 acres. It's peaceful and quiet and I love it here. I've stayed at other hip camps and simply decided that I would love to share my little slice of heaven with others passing through my area.&nbsp; Notes: there is a wee bit of road noise, I live on a dead end road, there are 10 acres between my 5 acres&nbsp;and the Blue Grass Parkway.&nbsp; I find it peaceful here and can easily ignore it but I'm mentioning it so your not surprised by it&nbsp; ;)&nbsp; The Neighbors dog may come visit while you are here but is very nice and leaves if you tell him to :) You are welcome to hang a hammock in a small section of woods, by a small pond, or even on my covered porch. You are welcome to pitch a tent anywhere you like. You are welcome to park an RV or vehicle in the drive.&nbsp; The drive is about 250ft long, you would need to back in in order to hook up to the 50 amp plug. RV's can use the 50 amp plug (30 amp will need an adapter. I have one you can use if you don't own one of your own) and hose for water. I have an outdoor shower and a camping toilet. I am ... - one hour from Lexington, Louisville, Elizabethtown, and Frankfort.- 1 mile from a mini mart with Gas, Ice, Pizza, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches, ect.- 6 miles from Dollar General and A pizza Restaurant - 15 ish miles from Wal-mart and other chain stores and restaurants I'm a great travel guide so feel free to tell me what your in town for or things you like to do. I will happily make you up a list of things to do and see and places to eat. Keenland, Churchill Downs, The Bourbon Tour (Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Heaven Hill, and many others) are within an hour of here. Also within an hour are 2 great bike paths, wonderful hiking and kayaking. As well as Great Shopping and Restaurants. Anything your heart desires. Using GPS Directions i would suggest avoiding Tunnel Mill Rd and Murphy Lane if towing a camper or driving an RV.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Beardsnest

16. Beardsnest

100%
(199)
40mi from Elizabethtown · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This ecological art project is recruiting visitors to camp on scenic prairies, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2026, Beardsnest provides a glimpse into the 5th year of succession, which is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie that is flanked by the rocky and steep slopes of a mature forest. Pet friendly and a good fit for self-sufficient types that prefer quiet camping over dense layouts, but still want to get into to the park quickly (~6.2 miles to Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for a greater variety of food, drink, and other cave experiences. Expand from campsites into a sketch-work of prairie and woodland trails featuring characteristic karst elements of topography. Visitor support allow us to plant trees (~530 seedlings as of March 2026), establish native grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. In our opinion, the essential Mammoth Cave NP experience should have 3 basic layers: 1) the underworld (cave tours), 2) upper world (hiking), and critically, the flow of water that connects the two (Green River). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space where we imagine what is beneath the surface and how these worlds are linked, while above ground hiking on land or kayaking on the rich and biodiverse Green River. There is more here than can be digested in a lifetime of observation, but examining in orbits of the 3 layers will provide a foundation of intuition and understanding. Floating the Green River is like leaving developed reality and dropping into pure nature. We offer kayak trips and guided tours that leave from camp, tailored to your schedule. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Commonly requested extras: 1. Dried and split firewood bundles, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite. 2. A variety of kayak tours to suit skill, fitness, and ecological interests, so visitors can float the Green River through the NP, departing casually from your camp and tailored to your schedule. 3. REI 4 person Half Dome plus 2 sleeping pads.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Misty Bottoms

17. Misty Bottoms

100%
(12)
41mi from Elizabethtown · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Misty Bottoms is situated on the 14 mile marker on Green River in the Green, Taylor, Adair counties. We offer mountain bike trails, pond and river fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or just relax with someone special without the noise of the city. We live on the property, so if you need something we'll be happy to help.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
Tar Springs 2

18. Tar Springs 2

99%
(62)
41mi from Elizabethtown · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Historic property was once a health resort in the 1840's. 3 Lodging rooms are available. Men’s and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, on a private 18 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley. Swimming, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. NO ROCK CLIMBING. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety and ours, no arrivals after dark.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
MoonLight Grove Farm

19. MoonLight Grove Farm

100%
(130)
42mi from Elizabethtown · 2 sites
Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty. &nbsp;Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.
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Campfires
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Barren River Magic

20. Barren River Magic

99%
(227)
42mi from Elizabethtown · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Barren River Magic — a peaceful, nature-filled retreat tucked away in Center, Kentucky, surrounded by the serene waters of the Barren and Little Barren Rivers. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a family camping adventure, or a unique glamping experience, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Choose from scenic tent sites, RV-friendly spots, and creative glamping stays like our repurposed grain bin or our open air structures. Please note: for most glamping stays, you’ll need to bring your own bedding (sleeping mats, bags, blankets, pillows). The Fox Den and Peace Pipe are the only exceptions—they come fully equipped! Spend your days kayaking, fishing, tubing, or simply relaxing beside the river. The surrounding area is full of Kentucky gems—Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Nolin Lake, Green River Lake, Diamond Caverns, and more—all just a short drive away. We’re a pet-friendly property because we know adventures are better with your furry friends. Campfires are welcome, and we even provide firewood to make your evenings extra cozy. You’ll also find portable toilets and two centrally located showers (naturally warmed by the sun!) for your convenience. IMPORTANT: We do not accept late-night bookings or late arrivals. All guests must arrive by 6 PM local time. This allows us to personally greet you and guide you to your glamping site or campsite. If something unexpected comes up and you’re concerned about arriving late, please send us a message in advance—we’ll do our best to help. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep the experience smooth and enjoyable for all our guests! Come breathe the fresh air, explore the riverbanks, and unwind under the stars. We can’t wait to welcome you to Barren River Magic—where memories are made, and nature does the rest.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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