- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Middlesboro
95% (2.7K) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Middlesboro
Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground
1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground
98%
(644)
32mi from Middlesboro · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin.
Hikers, kayakers, canoes, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!!
Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family.
Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile.
Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy.
Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$15
/ night
Wow Mountain Resort
2. Wow Mountain Resort
98%
(93)
47mi from Middlesboro · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you. We hope you love it too. There is a cave camping site and 4 other active sites. We are adding 5 more campsites very soon. They will be basic bare bone campsites with no tent platforms or fire places. The original 4 have tent platforms and fire places.
***PLEASE TAKE ALL TRASH WITH YOU***
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$20
/ night
Big Ridge State Park
3. Big Ridge State Park
State park 26mi from Middlesboro · 50 sites
Discover Big Ridge State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Daniel Boone National Forest
4. Daniel Boone National Forest
97%
(33)
National forest 41mi from Middlesboro · 619 sites
Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest
5. Jefferson National Forest
98%
(28)
National forest 139mi from Middlesboro · 488 sites
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
95% (2.7K) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Middlesboro
Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground
1. Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground
98%
(644)
32mi from Middlesboro · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin.
Hikers, kayakers, canoes, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!!
Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family.
Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile.
Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy.
Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$15
/ night
Wow Mountain Resort
2. Wow Mountain Resort
98%
(93)
47mi from Middlesboro · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you. We hope you love it too. There is a cave camping site and 4 other active sites. We are adding 5 more campsites very soon. They will be basic bare bone campsites with no tent platforms or fire places. The original 4 have tent platforms and fire places.
***PLEASE TAKE ALL TRASH WITH YOU***
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$20
/ night
Big Ridge State Park
3. Big Ridge State Park
State park 26mi from Middlesboro · 50 sites
Discover Big Ridge State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Daniel Boone National Forest
4. Daniel Boone National Forest
97%
(33)
National forest 41mi from Middlesboro · 619 sites
Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Jefferson National Forest
5. Jefferson National Forest
98%
(28)
National forest 139mi from Middlesboro · 488 sites
Literally thousands of miles of hiking trails can take you anywhere you want to go.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nikkisha
January 2026
Tent
With pets
We camped for 13 days. I would recommend Mrs. Amber and her staff a hundred times over. Herself and her staff Ms. Abbey and Mr. Payten are amazing people. First our battery died and Mrs Amber had stepped away from the site So while she was away she contacted Ms. Abby at her other job ,to come and jump us . When Ms. Abby arrived it was astonishing to see a well round and grounded 18 yr old these days who would leave there job just to give someone a jump. Thanks again Ms Abby. The bathroom was warm showers were hot yes hot in the winter months. We stayed with Mrs. Amber 13 days beautiful sight even when it rained I got in 2 days of fishing the best time ever. If you don't go see Mrs Amber and her staff You would miss out on a lot canoeing, honey, you name it Mrs. Amber has including but not limited to amazing and friendly neighbors we even took long walks. Compassionate, polite, respectful. You get all the bells and whistles with this camp grounds They treat like a human being and not like $$$$ dollar signs. She has electric cabins and wagons, RV hookups We can't say enough about This site Other than. CAMP, RV OR GLAMP HERE YOU WON'T REGRET YOUR CHOICE OH YES SHE HAS FRESH MEAT,,EGGS AND THE fresh produce is down the street with Walmart 6 miles from you on your way to Walmart you bypass a huge water park. Mrs Ambers site has a lot to offer. If I could give her 100 STARS I WOULD. WE WILL SEE YOU SOON MRS. AMBER THANK YOU AGAIN FOR AMAZING SERVICES AND SIGHTS OH YEA 🐕 FRIENDLY
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J
Jacob
December 2025
Tent
Second time staying here. First time Winter Camping. Host directions as before were very detailed. Enjoyed the weekend.
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Chad
November 2025
Tent
This is the perfect little get away! Every time we have stopped they have been great and even flexible when our plans changed.
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L
Loranda
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Quiet - peaceful. Great communication
Special place
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Z
Zachary
November 2025
Tent
Super cool cave off the beaten path. Quiet area, expansive wooded area. Water flows near the entrance to the cave - pretty cool. Nice platform to set tents up on. Functions well as a camp shelter during rain, but can become smoky with a fire going. Cool Hipcamp, would stay again!
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Megan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
The cave was awesome. Great place for a family to camp!
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C
Cheyanne
October 2025
Tent
This is a very quiet and peaceful place. The only thing near the campsite is a small house being built away in the trees. I’m going back this weekend with my sister and partner, the sunrise campsite is beautiful and we want to stay at the cave campsite when it’s warmer out. They have been very nice as my first visit I booked the wrong campsite and they corrected it with no fuss. 10/10 recommended.
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Jacob
October 2025
Tent
Very pretty place unfortunately did not get to explore much as I was only in town for 1 day and it was storming most of the time. Host very responsive and helped with navigation.
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Mason
October 2025
Tent
great directions and fun cave to camp in. The smoke gets trapped on wet rainy days so expect to get smoked out lol.
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Melissa
September 2025
Tent
Very secluded and peaceful. We will definitely be back again.
See moreJ
Julia
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
The cave was beautiful! It got so dark and cold at night, so pack accordingly! It was a perfect weekend get away!
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C
Chad
September 2025
Tent
Great campground and awesome host. This campground is an awesome find. We loved the river side primitive camp sites. Just what we needed to Unplug and get away.
If you are running the Kentucky Adventure Tour. This awesome place is right off the route!
We will definitely be back!
Thanks Again.
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Joe
September 2025
Tent
With kids
The campsite was beautiful! The sunrise was great in the morning. My son and I had a wonderful time. Make sure to get the site map downloaded before arriving as cell signal is sketchy. Hiked on some of the ATV trails which was nice. Thanks for hosting us!
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Mark
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great site. The caves are not really all that impressive. Also the 2 sites are rather close to each other. Overall not a bad stay but we will not be going back anytime soon.
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Jessica
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We absolutely enjoyed the gorgeous views! The host was amazing. They gave very detailed directions to our site as well as being on top of any questions we had. It was a short hike to the cave from parking. The kids enjoyed hiking and catching different bugs and frogs. Best experience we have ever had camping hands down. Glad to have crossed another 3 off our bucket list. 1. Sleep in the mountains 2. Sleep in a cave 3. Sleep next to a waterfall. Highly recommend this site!!
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Charaya
September 2025
Tent
With kids
This site was beautiful. Plenty of space, kind host, and perfect for relaxing.
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Layla
August 2025
Tent
I loved tent camping. Very secluded and relaxing. It was perfect for the dogs!
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Thomas
August 2025
Tent
With pets
"Wow"!! It was an unforgettable experience to stay in a private cave! The provided tent platform, picnic table, and fire ring made our stay that much more comfortable! Our dog may have gotten a little muddy, but she thoroughly enjoyed the splashing in the water in the cave also!!! Getting there is a breeze with 4WD, and we were able to make it to the cave very easily in the Jeep! Highly recommend this unique, family-friendly escape for anyone craving nature's finest!
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Cory
July 2025
Tent
This is an adventure for sure if u like rustic this is the spot. Take minimum gear as the walk down and back is an air taker. But once you are set up, it’s all worth it. Camp in a cave in my own tent check.
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L
Logan
July 2025
Tent
The location was excellent! Definitely one of the most unique camping spots I've been to.
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