The best campgrounds near Owensboro, Kentucky with wildlife watching

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States. If you're a wildlife enthusiast looking to explore the beautiful outdoors near Owensboro, Kentucky, we've got you covered. With over 760 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your wildlife watching adventure. Some of our top campsites in the area include Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), Barren River Magic (69 reviews), and Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses (70 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and toilets. And if you're looking to add some excitement to your trip, popular activities in the area include off-roading (OHV), swimming, and paddling. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of nature near Owensboro, Kentucky.

99% (260)

Top-rated campgrounds near Owensboro

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States. If you're a wildlife enthusiast looking to explore the beautiful outdoors near Owensboro, Kentucky, we've got you covered. With over 760 options in the area, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your wildlife watching adventure. Some of our top campsites in the area include Happy Hollow Homestead (441 reviews), Barren River Magic (69 reviews), and Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses (70 reviews). These campsites offer popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and toilets. And if you're looking to add some excitement to your trip, popular activities in the area include off-roading (OHV), swimming, and paddling. So pack your gear and get ready to experience the beauty of nature near Owensboro, Kentucky.

99% (260)

Top-rated campgrounds near Owensboro

1. Unplugged Acres

100%

(21)

42mi from Owensboro · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

TWO SPOTS TO CHOOSE FROM…… The camping spot we refer to as the NORTHSIDE SPOT is a flat yard atop a hill it makes for a great spot to park your RV, camper, tent or boat. This grass camping spot is always mowed and clean. Two large pine trees provide some shade for this northside camping spot. You can enjoy nearly panoramic views of the night sky! This spot is alongside a country road. It is considered less private than the SOUTH SIDE SPOT. The SOUTH SIDE CAMPING SPOT, is for tent campers only with a smaller vehicle. It is very private and completely surrounded by woods. This spot can accommodate two tents and one or two cars. There is no view of the night sky since you are in a dense forest. Patoka lake is less than 10 minutes away ( boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking). Holiday World ( an amusement park) is about 30 minutes away.

2. Hohl Farms

100%

(8)

33mi from Owensboro · 1 site · Tent, RV

Row crop and livestock farm located in the hills of southern Indiana. The farm is 5 minutes from Interstate 64. 30 amp and 50 amp hookups available. Pasture pork and Angus cattle are next to the campsite. Located on a rural country road by crop fields, woods and pasture. Large accommodations are available as the crops are harvested and fields are barren.

3. Lake View camping

98%

(147)

22mi from Owensboro · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.

4. John James Audubon State Park

87 sites · Henderson, Kentucky

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Rough River Lake

60%

(5)

355 sites · Caneyville, Kentucky

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.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Large, Shaded Zenful Site

49mi from Owensboro · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent on a level, shaded site with electric and water at the site. Short walking distance to bathhouse with individual shower rooms & men's and women's restrooms that are accessible 24/7. Laundry facility on site with washer and dryer. Enjoy the serene sound of nature & the gorgeous view of the stars! Just around the corner from Lake Malone. Bring your fishing poles, boats and kayaks!

7. Places of Sanctuary

99%

(71)

37mi from Owensboro · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!

8. 15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

43mi from Owensboro · 3 sites · Tents

300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.

9. Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

49mi from Owensboro · 1 site · Tent

Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.

10. Hoosier National Forest

88%

(13)

252 sites · Paoli, Indiana

See the wilderness of southern Indiana from the Ohio River to just south of Bloomington.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

11. Pike State Forest

100%

(1)

36 sites · Winslow, Indiana

Discover the natural splendor of Pike State Forest.

Toilets

Campfires

Potable water

12. Scales Lake Park

22mi from Owensboro · 51 sites

Nestled on a stunning 66-acre lake, our campground offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it the perfect escape for everyone—from solo travelers to families and retirees. Here, you can unwind in a serene natural environment, where the soothing sounds of nature create an ideal backdrop for relaxation. Imagine gathering around a warm campfire on a clear evening, as the sky transitions from vibrant hues to a blanket of twinkling stars. Sharing these moments with loved ones amidst the beauty of the outdoors enhances the experience. At Scales Lake Park, we provide a variety of camping options to suit your needs. Our Class A sites come equipped with water, sewer, and electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay. For those seeking a more rustic experience, our Class B sites offer water and electric hookups, while our Class C primitive sites cater to the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re looking to explore nearby swimming holes, engage in outdoor activities, or enjoy local dining and shopping, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories at our picturesque campground.

Camper favorites near Owensboro

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Large, Shaded Zenful Site

49mi from Owensboro · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent on a level, shaded site with electric and water at the site. Short walking distance to bathhouse with individual shower rooms & men's and women's restrooms that are accessible 24/7. Laundry facility on site with washer and dryer. Enjoy the serene sound of nature & the gorgeous view of the stars! Just around the corner from Lake Malone. Bring your fishing poles, boats and kayaks!

Places of Sanctuary

99%

(71)

37mi from Owensboro · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Places of Sanctuary has 30 Acres of woods which include several dedicated hiking trails with beautiful clearings and benches for resting and reflecting along the way. You're welcome to fish in the pond that has plenty of shade and sun, or sit around the bonfire site where we have benches provided and roast marshmallows. With two easy-access large tree houses, bench swings and a big picnic shelter, there's lots of room to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. You might encounter wildlife like: deer, mink, or geese, but you're sure to see our chickens and ducks running around and hear our rooster crow in the morning. Depending on the time and season, we offer several hands on experiences with berry picking, chicken tending, food processing, gardening, and general light land maintenance like checking the trails for down limbs and trash. With gorgeous views and the convenience of being just 10 minutes from University Southern Indiana or 15 minutes from restaurants and stores, we welcome you to camp with us. If you are interested in staying longer than 3 nights or your RV/camper is longer than 36 feet long, please message us to see if we can accommodate your visit. Usually we can!

15 Acre Wood on Lake

95%

(43)

43mi from Owensboro · 3 sites · Tents

300 feet behind our house is a fire pit, then 15 acres of wood. around an acre lake. We have a boat and you can swim. There's an out house (and use of the woods is ok too) .There is plenty of wood and plenty of forest fun. No motorized Vehicles allowed. No weapons. No hunting. We want to share our land with other lovers of the woods, plants and animals. Like good "scouts", we expect our campers to leave the site the way they find it, tidy . We have recycle and trash containers. There is a drinking water source at the house. Responsible use of alcohol is accepted but drugs or anything that impairs physical safety, is prohibited.

Little Blue Horse Camp

100%

(48)

49mi from Owensboro · 1 site · Tent

Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.

Scales Lake Park

22mi from Owensboro · 51 sites

Nestled on a stunning 66-acre lake, our campground offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, making it the perfect escape for everyone—from solo travelers to families and retirees. Here, you can unwind in a serene natural environment, where the soothing sounds of nature create an ideal backdrop for relaxation. Imagine gathering around a warm campfire on a clear evening, as the sky transitions from vibrant hues to a blanket of twinkling stars. Sharing these moments with loved ones amidst the beauty of the outdoors enhances the experience. At Scales Lake Park, we provide a variety of camping options to suit your needs. Our Class A sites come equipped with water, sewer, and electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay. For those seeking a more rustic experience, our Class B sites offer water and electric hookups, while our Class C primitive sites cater to the adventurous spirit. Whether you’re looking to explore nearby swimming holes, engage in outdoor activities, or enjoy local dining and shopping, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures. Embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories at our picturesque campground.

Public campgrounds near Owensboro

John James Audubon Campground

26mi from Owensboro · 87 sites · Tents, RVs · in John James Audubon State Park

100%

(1)

Cave Creek Campground

36mi from Owensboro · 62 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

Tipsaw Lake Campground

37mi from Owensboro · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Axtel Campground

37mi from Owensboro · 153 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

Laurel Branch Campground

38mi from Owensboro · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

100%

(2)

North Fork Campground

38mi from Owensboro · 79 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rough River Lake

All of the sites looked this good at least. Level and easy to back into.

100%

(2)

Indian Celina Lake Campground

42mi from Owensboro · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

100%

(1)

Pike Campground

42mi from Owensboro · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pike State Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Julia

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Beautiful property with loads of trails to walk the dogs. Farm fresh eggs were delicious for breakfast. Super-clean bathrooms. Hookups!

R

River

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

This truly is a Perfect Little Spot. The hosts are wonderful and take thoughtful care with the place and the details. Favorite highlights are: the comfy chairs with cushions by the large stone wall fire pit, The composting outhouse is clean, cute and comfortable. The open grassy areas are super soft with the ground underneath, great for walking barefoot and feeling the goodness of the earth beneath your feet, also nice for the level areas for tent camping on the ground. The covered porch for hanging out is lovely, A great place to journal or read when the sun is high. I felt totally tucked away and private. Angie and Paige have made this a very special place.

H

Harley

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

The campsite had running water and a small bathroom with hot water to wash your hands. 3 areas to fish. 2 kayaks available to use. Bathroom was kept nice and clean. It was just us on the tent camping side over the weekend. We caught a good amount of bluegill and catfish. William was very friendly and greeted us upon arrival and gave us a run down of what to expect. Fishing rules are in the bathroom as well. Everything was great overall. My kids had a blast.

Z

Ziv

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lake View camping

Beautiful site! Great set up, highly recommended !

J

James

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Hohl Farms

Great guy. Easy place to set up for a night. Beautiful land.

D

Diana

September 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

We had a wonderful overnight stay at Bill’s HipCamp! He was extremely accommodating and the property is fabulous with lots of walking trails. The bathroom was spotless and very new in one of his buildings. Nothing but rave reviews for this HipCamp!

Jeremy

September 2025

31 ft Class C

1 night at Hohl Farms

Great private, quiet overnight stop, was exactly what we needed.

B

Brandon

September 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Lake View camping

Get-a-way. Quiet and dark. Calm and peaceful. Kind hosts greet you and then leave you to yourself. This site offers no frills but everything you need. From a common area with propane, grills, and some snackage, to included kayaks and a canoe. Quiet country roads—the kind that could take you home to the place you belong—allow walking and cycling and are never too far from a grocery or small town restaurant. WiFi does not exist here and that is okay (I promise). You will get a few bars for texting and some minor streaming. Radio and digital TV signals from Evansville (IN) and Louisville (KY) allow for some connection if you want it. Otherwise, wake up, have a coffee, stare at the pond, read, check and then ignore your email, take a nap, write a little, catch some sunfish or small bass or crappie, throw them back, buy things from Amish roadside stands (especially bake sales), go to the Dollar Store for groceries 10mins away. Wanna go a bit further? Go hiking or fishing or boating 30min away at Rough River State Park, drive 30ish mins to Owensboro for Barbecue the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Green River Distillery, visit Holiday World Theme park an hour away for a couple of the country’s best rollercoasters and a giant waterpark with free sodas and free sunscreen, or drive 90 mins to Mammoth Cave National Park. Regardless, don’t go here or tell anyone about it because I don’t want it to get busy…

S

Shannon

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

A beautiful and clean location. Host was very accommodating and helpful as were the full timers that are there. We will definitely be back

V

Victoria

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

The place was beautiful, They meet you when you get there and ask if you need anything. Very helpful and polite. Don’t forget to buy some eggs because they are some of the best eggs I’ve had. My family enjoyed it very much. Thank you again!

The huge pine trees provide ample shade for tent and RV campers.

S

Shaelyn

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Unplugged Acres

Natalie and her husband were very friendly and helpful, campsite was very nice and safe.

Edward

August 2025

30 ft campervan

With pets

4 nights at Lake View camping

We loved this spot. 3 lakes/ponds to fish or kayak in. Felt very secluded. Large property to let our dogs run. William was a great host who answered any questions we had. Would highly recommend this spot, we would love to come back and spend a while here.

A

Amy Jo

August 2025

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake View camping

Very Clean Cozy Quiet set up, absolutely no bugs, would love to know that secret! Great little potty room! Thank you for sharing with us!!!

Samantha

August 2025

40 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Hohl Farms

A nice private spot to escape for the night. Great hard packed pad equipped with power. A freezer full of delicious bacon, sausage, smoked ham, and loin for purchase right at the site. Alex and his 9 year old son greeted us upon arrival. Awesome people! Very accommodating and allowed our 3 dogs! We had a great stay!

Polly

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Blue Horse Camp

A beautiful site on the river, with deer and fireflies. I didn't want to leave!

d

don

August 2025

25 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Places of Sanctuary

Bill and Robins land is the perfect Hipcamp! Great host, beautiful flat site with electric and water, set in a peaceful, shaded setting. The restrooms are immaculate. I recommend this host to anyone and look forward to returning in the future. Fantastic!!!!

M

Michael

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Lake View camping

The owner Bill is incredibly nice and accommodating. We loved being able to walk a few feet from our site and fish to our hearts content.

D

Debbie

July 2025

32 ft Class A

11 nights at Places of Sanctuary

Great spot to be close to Evansville! Nice rural atmosphere and quiet.

J

Julian

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Blue Horse Camp

Paige and Angie were both very accommodating and flexible to work with when our schedule didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Their campsite was beautiful, and well maintained; with plenty of safe hiking trails, and even a river bank to fish or launch boats from. Would totally recommend this site to anyone who loves camping out in the woods.