The best camping near Harrodsburg with climbing

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Climbers head to Harrodsburg for limestone bluffs and easy access to over 75 campsites built with your next pitch in mind. Set up basecamp near trailheads or creek bottoms, with prices starting at just $15 and averaging $45 a night. You’ll find sites where campfires are allowed, showers are hot, and toilets are close by—no scrambling for basics after a long day on the wall. Don’t miss Rockcastle Riverside (329 reviews), Kinner Kamping (219 reviews), or Camp Middle Fork (123 reviews) if you want tried-and-tested picks from other climbers. When you’re not scaling rock, hike forest trails, cast a line, or watch for wildlife along the riverbanks. This corner of Kentucky keeps it simple: climb all day, relax by the fire, repeat.

98% (812)

Top-rated campgrounds

Rockcastle Riverside

3. Rockcastle Riverside

95%
(720)
47mi from Harrodsburg · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · Livingston, KY
Started as a retirement experiment, Rockcastle Riverside is a story told of music and family. We have almost 200 acres of beautiful country surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rockcastle County. With a mile of river to swim, kayak, and fish and enchanted forest trails to hike, climb, or play, we have all of the best Kentucky has to offer! We have more established sites with fire rings, or you can find a place off the beaten path for more privacy, if you choose. The riverside is perfect for hammock camping, too.  We love music and often host bands on the weekends. We rent kayaks and canoes on site, as well. While there are almost 200 acres to escape into, on any fine night, the stage sits wit a drum kit and the will to make music within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Come play, come get away....we have it ALL! We have a little of something for everyone!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Property Map

4. Red Gate Hollow @ Horns River

46mi from Harrodsburg · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Irvine, KY
The property is tucked away from a side street with a small access drive. The hallow is sloping up to the underside of cliffs, surrounding the property on 3 sides. Climb to overlook the Valley and discover any of the 6 springs... or find a new one. They all converge into a beautiful creek. Enjoy the creek-side quiet and explore the landscape to find native wildlife. Blueberry bushes growing wild on the property. Test your off-grid skills but beware of some of the more dangerous local wildlife. NO FIRES. NO GUNFIRE. NO FIRES. There are 2 designated camping areas creekside, see the property map for locations. Vehicles must stay before the gate at AREA 1. Mind the 8' clearance at the access road! Larger vehicles may want to stay at AREA 1. AREA 2 is behind the gate and is accessible by foot only. The access road gets you close to the gate to park. This area is in the process of being cleared for better access but can be used already. Be safe and have fun exploring!
Pets
from 
$25
 / night
highest site. this was probably the location  of the original homestead. hand dug well nearby and one of few flat spots. both views of the valley and ridges

5. Camp Middle Fork

98%
(159)
49mi from Harrodsburg · 4 sites · Tents · Irvine, KY
Learn more about this land: Come stay at Middle Fork Camp: two acres of grass and eleven acres of wooded hillside overlooking a valley meadow in the Daniel Boone National Forest region. Just forty minutes from the Red River Gorge and past homesite of pioneer settlers, the property features an outdoor kitchen, potable spring water, an outdoor shower, WiFi, and 110V and RV-type electric outlets. There is a yoga deck, picnic table, and wood benches with stone ring fireplaces for your use. Help yourself to vegetables from the veggie patch in season! There are ample hiking and trail running opportunities from the site, starting right behind the (private) A-frame cabin, up and over the limestone cliffs or out the gravel road. I have established hiking/running trail loops to scenic points ranging from 1 - 15 miles in length and will be happy to provide detailed information, including GPS tracks upon request. Enjoy! Note: Camp Middle Fork is a true nature area: in season there are ticks, you may see a snake, and common to this region, there is poison ivy in the woods. If you are sensitive, dress accordingly.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Fire pit creek side

6. Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
29mi from Harrodsburg · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Waddy, KY
Learn more about this land: A quaint creek side retreat with a fire pit! Enjoy views and sounds of the creek from your campsite. Expect to see families of turkeys, deer, turtles, many beautiful birds and more! Chill out or walk along the creek Along our driveway as we work to grow our organic farm homestead. ** please note we have a few site options for camping which we are happy to tell you more about! Large RVs and campers are welcome but will likely want to stay in the area before our bridge (we are happy to send pictures). Long campers and RVs that are low to the ground may scrape / bottom out going across the bridge. WARNING: The driveway leading to the campsite is a long, steep, gravel driveway with a concrete bridge at the bottom. The bridge also has fairly steep embankments on both sides (entering and exiting) with a turn heading into the site. A 4WD vehicle will be necessary for anyone pulling an RV as we have had at least one guest get stuck halfway up the hill when exiting with a two-wheeled truck with a V8 engine pulling a small RV. In addition, you will likely need a brake-control system installed for coming down the hill. Front-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance should be satisfactory to cross the bridge and exit the steep hill as long as you are not pulling an RV. Please don't hesitate to reach out with specific questions! We operate on a first come first serve basis and promise to get back to you asap!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

8. Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

100%
(31)
39mi from Harrodsburg · 1 site · Tent · Mount Vernon, KY
Our property, Plantasia, is thirty-five acres of hardwood forest, lined with limestone boulders and sandstone cliffs, the occasional old growth tree, and mineral springs pouring out pure delicious water. The rest of the property is an old Appalachian homestead, featuring organic gardens and orchards, two farm cats and one farm dog, bee hives, and a flock of domestic ducks. The stewards are Phil, Sacha, four year-old Aurora, and baby Arthur. We are particularly keen to welcoming other families and/or folks who live in relative sobriety. The springs feed into creeks which criss-cross the wildflower meadow, creating spaces to splash and explore with the minnows, crawdads, frogs, snakes, and whoever else you might find. To the interest of fossil hunters and rock hounds, the creeks are packed with geodes, agates, coral, and relics of an age when Plantasia was the ocean floor (~250 million years ago). Plantasia is also a short drive from Berea, the folk art capital of Kentucky, which features plenty of local shops and restaurants, as well as some beautiful trails on the outskirts of town (Brushy Fork for a relaxing stroll, or pick your trail at the Pinnacles for a big majestic hike). As well, Owsley Fork Reservoir, 15 minutes away, functions as a gorgeous mountain lake to fish, kayak, or canoe.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night

Climbers head to Harrodsburg for limestone bluffs and easy access to over 75 campsites built with your next pitch in mind. Set up basecamp near trailheads or creek bottoms, with prices starting at just $15 and averaging $45 a night. You’ll find sites where campfires are allowed, showers are hot, and toilets are close by—no scrambling for basics after a long day on the wall. Don’t miss Rockcastle Riverside (329 reviews), Kinner Kamping (219 reviews), or Camp Middle Fork (123 reviews) if you want tried-and-tested picks from other climbers. When you’re not scaling rock, hike forest trails, cast a line, or watch for wildlife along the riverbanks. This corner of Kentucky keeps it simple: climb all day, relax by the fire, repeat.

98% (812)

Top-rated campgrounds

Rockcastle Riverside

3. Rockcastle Riverside

95%
(720)
47mi from Harrodsburg · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · Livingston, KY
Started as a retirement experiment, Rockcastle Riverside is a story told of music and family. We have almost 200 acres of beautiful country surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rockcastle County. With a mile of river to swim, kayak, and fish and enchanted forest trails to hike, climb, or play, we have all of the best Kentucky has to offer! We have more established sites with fire rings, or you can find a place off the beaten path for more privacy, if you choose. The riverside is perfect for hammock camping, too.  We love music and often host bands on the weekends. We rent kayaks and canoes on site, as well. While there are almost 200 acres to escape into, on any fine night, the stage sits wit a drum kit and the will to make music within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Come play, come get away....we have it ALL! We have a little of something for everyone!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Property Map

4. Red Gate Hollow @ Horns River

46mi from Harrodsburg · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Irvine, KY
The property is tucked away from a side street with a small access drive. The hallow is sloping up to the underside of cliffs, surrounding the property on 3 sides. Climb to overlook the Valley and discover any of the 6 springs... or find a new one. They all converge into a beautiful creek. Enjoy the creek-side quiet and explore the landscape to find native wildlife. Blueberry bushes growing wild on the property. Test your off-grid skills but beware of some of the more dangerous local wildlife. NO FIRES. NO GUNFIRE. NO FIRES. There are 2 designated camping areas creekside, see the property map for locations. Vehicles must stay before the gate at AREA 1. Mind the 8' clearance at the access road! Larger vehicles may want to stay at AREA 1. AREA 2 is behind the gate and is accessible by foot only. The access road gets you close to the gate to park. This area is in the process of being cleared for better access but can be used already. Be safe and have fun exploring!
Pets
from 
$25
 / night
highest site. this was probably the location  of the original homestead. hand dug well nearby and one of few flat spots. both views of the valley and ridges

5. Camp Middle Fork

98%
(159)
49mi from Harrodsburg · 4 sites · Tents · Irvine, KY
Learn more about this land: Come stay at Middle Fork Camp: two acres of grass and eleven acres of wooded hillside overlooking a valley meadow in the Daniel Boone National Forest region. Just forty minutes from the Red River Gorge and past homesite of pioneer settlers, the property features an outdoor kitchen, potable spring water, an outdoor shower, WiFi, and 110V and RV-type electric outlets. There is a yoga deck, picnic table, and wood benches with stone ring fireplaces for your use. Help yourself to vegetables from the veggie patch in season! There are ample hiking and trail running opportunities from the site, starting right behind the (private) A-frame cabin, up and over the limestone cliffs or out the gravel road. I have established hiking/running trail loops to scenic points ranging from 1 - 15 miles in length and will be happy to provide detailed information, including GPS tracks upon request. Enjoy! Note: Camp Middle Fork is a true nature area: in season there are ticks, you may see a snake, and common to this region, there is poison ivy in the woods. If you are sensitive, dress accordingly.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Fire pit creek side

6. Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
29mi from Harrodsburg · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Waddy, KY
Learn more about this land: A quaint creek side retreat with a fire pit! Enjoy views and sounds of the creek from your campsite. Expect to see families of turkeys, deer, turtles, many beautiful birds and more! Chill out or walk along the creek Along our driveway as we work to grow our organic farm homestead. ** please note we have a few site options for camping which we are happy to tell you more about! Large RVs and campers are welcome but will likely want to stay in the area before our bridge (we are happy to send pictures). Long campers and RVs that are low to the ground may scrape / bottom out going across the bridge. WARNING: The driveway leading to the campsite is a long, steep, gravel driveway with a concrete bridge at the bottom. The bridge also has fairly steep embankments on both sides (entering and exiting) with a turn heading into the site. A 4WD vehicle will be necessary for anyone pulling an RV as we have had at least one guest get stuck halfway up the hill when exiting with a two-wheeled truck with a V8 engine pulling a small RV. In addition, you will likely need a brake-control system installed for coming down the hill. Front-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance should be satisfactory to cross the bridge and exit the steep hill as long as you are not pulling an RV. Please don't hesitate to reach out with specific questions! We operate on a first come first serve basis and promise to get back to you asap!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

8. Plantasia Homestead Forest Platform

100%
(31)
39mi from Harrodsburg · 1 site · Tent · Mount Vernon, KY
Our property, Plantasia, is thirty-five acres of hardwood forest, lined with limestone boulders and sandstone cliffs, the occasional old growth tree, and mineral springs pouring out pure delicious water. The rest of the property is an old Appalachian homestead, featuring organic gardens and orchards, two farm cats and one farm dog, bee hives, and a flock of domestic ducks. The stewards are Phil, Sacha, four year-old Aurora, and baby Arthur. We are particularly keen to welcoming other families and/or folks who live in relative sobriety. The springs feed into creeks which criss-cross the wildflower meadow, creating spaces to splash and explore with the minnows, crawdads, frogs, snakes, and whoever else you might find. To the interest of fossil hunters and rock hounds, the creeks are packed with geodes, agates, coral, and relics of an age when Plantasia was the ocean floor (~250 million years ago). Plantasia is also a short drive from Berea, the folk art capital of Kentucky, which features plenty of local shops and restaurants, as well as some beautiful trails on the outskirts of town (Brushy Fork for a relaxing stroll, or pick your trail at the Pinnacles for a big majestic hike). As well, Owsley Fork Reservoir, 15 minutes away, functions as a gorgeous mountain lake to fish, kayak, or canoe.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$33
 / night

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Stories from the 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