The best campgrounds near Sandy Hook, Kentucky with swimming

In Sandy Hook, swimming takes centre stage, with over 1,200 campsites catering to water lovers. You’ll find spots along creeks, tucked behind bluffs, and just a short walk from cool, shady swimming holes. Average prices hover around $30 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $12. Campsites here often allow pets and campfires, and most provide toilets—essentials after a day in the water. Fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching round out the experience, so boredom isn’t an option. Local favorites stand out: Boone Valley Campground (76 reviews) is known for its friendly hosts and easy river access; Myhio Haven Horse Farm (59 reviews) offers swimming, trail rides, and sunrise views over rolling hills; Big Laurel Ranch (49 reviews) boasts quiet pondside camping and plenty of shade. Bring your swimsuit, some sturdy shoes, and expect to rinse off dust and sweat in clear Kentucky water.

97% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Sandy Hook, swimming takes centre stage, with over 1,200 campsites catering to water lovers. You’ll find spots along creeks, tucked behind bluffs, and just a short walk from cool, shady swimming holes. Average prices hover around $30 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $12. Campsites here often allow pets and campfires, and most provide toilets—essentials after a day in the water. Fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching round out the experience, so boredom isn’t an option. Local favorites stand out: Boone Valley Campground (76 reviews) is known for its friendly hosts and easy river access; Myhio Haven Horse Farm (59 reviews) offers swimming, trail rides, and sunrise views over rolling hills; Big Laurel Ranch (49 reviews) boasts quiet pondside camping and plenty of shade. Bring your swimsuit, some sturdy shoes, and expect to rinse off dust and sweat in clear Kentucky water.

97% (265)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shasta Valley

96%

(58)

27mi from Sandy Hook · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Frenchburg, KY

The idea of Shasta Valley came to us through years of traveling in developing countries and falling in love with communal living and camping culture. We are excited to build or dream and share it with you! Learn more about this land: We are nestled between cave run lake and the north entrance of Red River Gorge off the beaten path. Enjoy 20 Acres of private forest, creeks, waterfalls, and a giant open hill top great for larger groups. We have hilltop car camping and tent camping on a 3 acre field surrounded by forest. Bring your tents, van, overlanders and small campers (pulled with a 4wd) to Shasta Valley! Hiking: 1.5 Miles to Sheltowee Trace Trail 6 Minutes to Broke Leg Fall 10 Minute to Devils Market House Arch 20 Minutes to Jump Rock, Indian Staircase, Gladie Welcome Center and all the other highlights of the north side of the gorge!

2. Boone Valley Campground

96%

(139)

46mi from Sandy Hook · 50 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Beattyville, KY

Boone Valley Campground is a family owned and operated business that offers 30 acres of primitive, RV, and Van camping. Conveniently located only 1 mile away from the Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve, 7 miles from the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, and 15 miles from the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Red River Gorge Area. Boone Valley is perfect for outdoor adventurers and families who want to spend and enjoyable weekend in nature. Ask us about guided OHV Tours in the area! We offer guided tours! New! 2 Nights camping at Buckhorn Lake State Park. Including Pontoon Guide all day. Price is $300 for 2 people. Max group allowed is 6. Offer available from July - September. Concessions Truck on the property! Enjoy local events! Boone Valley is located 5 miles from downtown Beattyville, KY. Camp with us on weekends of local festivals such as the Bourbon and Moonshine Festival and the Woolly Worm Festival. Onsite enjoy weekend live music, bonfires, and home cooking from the Boone Valley Kitchen.

3. A Rustic Ravine Cabin Adventure

93%

(7)

35mi from Sandy Hook · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Genoa, WV

West Virginia’s Coolest, Newest, Vacation Cabin Rental and Hip Camping Resort! The idea for creating a cabin rental/camping vacation getaway in the Allegheny Mountain Range came to life over several meetings at a Bob Evans restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, between co-owners Paul Liimatta and Joe Boffo. Joe had been accumulating land in the Genoa, West Virginia, area for several years and had dreamed of building cabins, tree houses and uniquely designed vacation rentals and campsites on a beautiful area called Hampton Ridge. Come and judge for yourself ;)

4. Daniel Boone National Forest

97%

(33)

619 sites · Whitley City, Kentucky

Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Carter Caves State Resort Park

100%

(5)

129 sites · Olive Hill, Kentucky

Forest hikes, subterranean wonders, and lakeside fun await at Carter Caves.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Myhio Haven Horse Farm

99%

(86)

42mi from Sandy Hook · 4 sites · Tents · West Portsmouth, OH

Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.

7. Family Farm Experience

98%

(26)

32mi from Sandy Hook · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Wallingford, KY

Learn more about this land:What an awesome place for kids to experience farm life. Accessible on site is a shelter house, playground, farm animals for kids to see, feed or pet, and the privacy of a small working cattle farm to enjoy. We have a gas and wood pellet smoker, tv and DVD player, fridge and freezer, and tables under roof. There is a small game room in case of implement weather. Also have an above ground pool available in season. So much to do! Also local shopping in historic Maysville and Washington

8. Trace Space KY

100%

(20)

21mi from Sandy Hook · 1 site · Lodging · Wellington, KY

Ready to share your passion for an eco-friendly tiny camping cabin near Cave Run Lake and the Red River Gorge with someone who shares your love of sustainability and nature, too? This transforming aframe cabin is perfect for nature lovers, campers, and eco-conscious explorers eager to learn, see, and stay, leaving a wildlife-friendly footprint. The tiny cabin is a unique transforming A-frame camping cabin that occupies a compact area, certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat yard and recognized as a certified garden and monarch waystation through monarchwatch.org. TSKY is located 3 miles from Long Bow boat dock on Cave Run Lake, 10 minutes from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, and 18 miles from the adventures in the Red River Gorge. Outdoor seekers and enthusiasts will appreciate the nature trails, the lake's pristine waters, and the opportunity to explore the Daniel Boone National Forest or to simply rest and unplug. There are short hikes within a 20-minute drive, each offering its own unique discovery: arches, an overlook, a cave, and a 60-foot waterfall nestled within a small scenic canyon. With so much natural beauty to explore, your stay at our A-frame camping cabin is a perfect base place to Embrace Nature's Pace.

9. D.J.’S Camp LLC

94%

(33)

21mi from Sandy Hook · 3 sites · Wellington, KY

This two-site campground is located in Wellington, KY (Menifee County). Water, sewer, and 50/30 amp. electric are supplied at each site for your self-contained rig to camp. Wifi is included in your site fee. Firewood is supplied free of charge to use in our firepit. Long Bow Marina is just 3 miles away so bring your boat. Cave Run Lake Dam, Natural Bridge State Park, Broke Leg Falls, and Red River Gorge are just minutes away from our campground. If you are attending an event at Sunset Ridge Farm/Wedding Lodge, it's only 4 miles away.

10. Yatesville Lake State Park

47 sites · Louisa, Kentucky

Discover the natural splendor of Yatesville Lake State Park.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

11. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

101 sites · Greenup, Kentucky

Discover Greenbo Lake State Resort Park's natural splendor and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

12. Cabwaylingo State Forest

22 sites · Crum, West Virginia

Discover the natural splendor of Cabwaylingo State Forest.

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Campfires

13. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

119 sites · Prestonsburg, Kentucky

Discover Jenny Wiley State Resort Park's natural splendor and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

14. Riverview Campground

42mi from Sandy Hook · 31 sites · Franklin Furnace, OH

Riverview Campground stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of 53 campsites that cater to every preference. Among these, you’ll find 9 picturesque river view sites, 7 serene lake view sites, and 37 general campsites, along with 10 seasonal sites. To ensure you secure your ideal spot, we highly recommend making your reservation as early as possible. Our campground is not only welcoming to nature lovers but also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. We kindly ask that you keep your pets leashed or contained and help us maintain the beauty of our grounds by cleaning up after them. Riverview Campground is equipped with essential amenities, including water, sewer, and electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay. With convenient access to the lake and fishing opportunities, our full hookup campsites provide everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nearby attractions, Riverview Campground is the perfect base for your next getaway.

15. Little Bear Island Campground

36mi from Sandy Hook · 31 sites · Greenup, KY

Discover the charm of Little Bear Island Campground, a unique RV camping destination nestled in the serene mountains of Northeast Kentucky. Our campground offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat for motorhome and trailer enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by lush woodlands and the soothing sounds of the Little Sandy River, our shaded and grassy RV sites provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With 50 spacious RV sites available, we cater to a variety of camping preferences. Some sites are equipped with electricity and water, while others offer just water access, and we also have plenty of options for boondocking. Each camping site boasts its own special features, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and exciting. For those looking to stay longer, we offer the convenience of booking campsites for extended periods at a fraction of the daily rate. When you choose to spend your overnight, weekend, or extended stay at Little Bear Island Campground, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly faces, both at the campground and in the nearby small town of Greenup. Enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being away from bright lights and concrete, and take advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities that await you. Whether you’re exploring local swimming holes, hiking trails

16. Red River Adventure

93%

(7)

34mi from Sandy Hook · 1 site · Frenchburg, KY

We are River front campground/glamping/kayaking in the heart of the Red River Gorge! Located near many popular trails, rock climbing, and kayaking in the lush Daniel Boone National Forest! We love pets and welcome everyone to stay in one of our themed glampers and tiny homes! Solar Showers avaiable and warm summer nights!

17. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

100%

(12)

75 sites · Campton, Kentucky

Discover Natural Bridge State Resort Park's stunning landscapes and adventures.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

18. Wayne National Forest

94%

(8)

121 sites · Murray City, Ohio

Drive, hike, fish, and camp in The Wayne for a wilderness adventure.

19. Beech Fork State Park

13%

(4)

275 sites · Lavalette, West Virginia

Discover Beech Fork State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

20. Shawnee State Forest

100%

(1)

58 sites · Friendship, Ohio

Discover Shawnee State Forest's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

Camper favorites near Sandy Hook

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Myhio Haven Horse Farm

99%

(86)

42mi from Sandy Hook · 4 sites · Tents · West Portsmouth, OH

Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.

Family Farm Experience

98%

(26)

32mi from Sandy Hook · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Wallingford, KY

Learn more about this land:What an awesome place for kids to experience farm life. Accessible on site is a shelter house, playground, farm animals for kids to see, feed or pet, and the privacy of a small working cattle farm to enjoy. We have a gas and wood pellet smoker, tv and DVD player, fridge and freezer, and tables under roof. There is a small game room in case of implement weather. Also have an above ground pool available in season. So much to do! Also local shopping in historic Maysville and Washington

Trace Space KY

100%

(20)

21mi from Sandy Hook · 1 site · Lodging · Wellington, KY

Ready to share your passion for an eco-friendly tiny camping cabin near Cave Run Lake and the Red River Gorge with someone who shares your love of sustainability and nature, too? This transforming aframe cabin is perfect for nature lovers, campers, and eco-conscious explorers eager to learn, see, and stay, leaving a wildlife-friendly footprint. The tiny cabin is a unique transforming A-frame camping cabin that occupies a compact area, certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat yard and recognized as a certified garden and monarch waystation through monarchwatch.org. TSKY is located 3 miles from Long Bow boat dock on Cave Run Lake, 10 minutes from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, and 18 miles from the adventures in the Red River Gorge. Outdoor seekers and enthusiasts will appreciate the nature trails, the lake's pristine waters, and the opportunity to explore the Daniel Boone National Forest or to simply rest and unplug. There are short hikes within a 20-minute drive, each offering its own unique discovery: arches, an overlook, a cave, and a 60-foot waterfall nestled within a small scenic canyon. With so much natural beauty to explore, your stay at our A-frame camping cabin is a perfect base place to Embrace Nature's Pace.

D.J.’S Camp LLC

94%

(33)

21mi from Sandy Hook · 3 sites · Wellington, KY

This two-site campground is located in Wellington, KY (Menifee County). Water, sewer, and 50/30 amp. electric are supplied at each site for your self-contained rig to camp. Wifi is included in your site fee. Firewood is supplied free of charge to use in our firepit. Long Bow Marina is just 3 miles away so bring your boat. Cave Run Lake Dam, Natural Bridge State Park, Broke Leg Falls, and Red River Gorge are just minutes away from our campground. If you are attending an event at Sunset Ridge Farm/Wedding Lodge, it's only 4 miles away.

Riverview Campground

42mi from Sandy Hook · 31 sites · Franklin Furnace, OH

Riverview Campground stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of 53 campsites that cater to every preference. Among these, you’ll find 9 picturesque river view sites, 7 serene lake view sites, and 37 general campsites, along with 10 seasonal sites. To ensure you secure your ideal spot, we highly recommend making your reservation as early as possible. Our campground is not only welcoming to nature lovers but also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. We kindly ask that you keep your pets leashed or contained and help us maintain the beauty of our grounds by cleaning up after them. Riverview Campground is equipped with essential amenities, including water, sewer, and electric hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay. With convenient access to the lake and fishing opportunities, our full hookup campsites provide everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nearby attractions, Riverview Campground is the perfect base for your next getaway.

Little Bear Island Campground

36mi from Sandy Hook · 31 sites · Greenup, KY

Discover the charm of Little Bear Island Campground, a unique RV camping destination nestled in the serene mountains of Northeast Kentucky. Our campground offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat for motorhome and trailer enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by lush woodlands and the soothing sounds of the Little Sandy River, our shaded and grassy RV sites provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With 50 spacious RV sites available, we cater to a variety of camping preferences. Some sites are equipped with electricity and water, while others offer just water access, and we also have plenty of options for boondocking. Each camping site boasts its own special features, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and exciting. For those looking to stay longer, we offer the convenience of booking campsites for extended periods at a fraction of the daily rate. When you choose to spend your overnight, weekend, or extended stay at Little Bear Island Campground, you’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly faces, both at the campground and in the nearby small town of Greenup. Enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being away from bright lights and concrete, and take advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities that await you. Whether you’re exploring local swimming holes, hiking trails

Red River Adventure

93%

(7)

34mi from Sandy Hook · 1 site · Frenchburg, KY

We are River front campground/glamping/kayaking in the heart of the Red River Gorge! Located near many popular trails, rock climbing, and kayaking in the lush Daniel Boone National Forest! We love pets and welcome everyone to stay in one of our themed glampers and tiny homes! Solar Showers avaiable and warm summer nights!

Public campgrounds near Sandy Hook

100%

(2)

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

15mi from Sandy Hook · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(1)

Claylick Boat-in Campground

19mi from Sandy Hook · 13 sites · in Daniel Boone National Forest

100%

(5)

Carter Caves Campground

20mi from Sandy Hook · 129 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carter Caves State Resort Park

100%

(1)

Zilpo Campground

20mi from Sandy Hook · 103 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Love Twin Knobs campground! And Cave Run Lake has the most amazing sunsets!!

100%

(7)

Twin Knobs Campground

21mi from Sandy Hook · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Yatesville Lake Campground

23mi from Sandy Hook · 47 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yatesville Lake State Park

White Sulphur Horse Camp

25mi from Sandy Hook · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Clear Creek Campground

25mi from Sandy Hook · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Greenbo Lake Campground

30mi from Sandy Hook · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · in Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

Spruce Creek Campground

31mi from Sandy Hook · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cabwaylingo State Forest

Jenny Wiley Campground

34mi from Sandy Hook · 119 sites · Tents, RVs · in Jenny Wiley State Resort Park

100%

(9)

Koomer Ridge Campground

35mi from Sandy Hook · 108 sites · Tents, RVs · in Daniel Boone National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Justin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Nice quiet campground with clean showers and bathrooms for a great price

N

Nick

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Myhio Haven Horse Farm

Very private and clean. Had a great stay and a perfect location. Will definitely be back!

R

Robert

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Beautiful scenery. Was real nice chatting with Ben. Everyone was friendly. Would definitely come back.

H

Humberto

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Boone Valley Campground

Great experience camping here for the first time . We arrived and greated upon arrival the man showed us the spots available and let us choose whichever we liked . The sites are nice and spacious with a fire pit set up . Had a great experience and would recommend to anyone looking for a camping location. Gas stations and food spots are also near by .

N

Nikki

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Easy to find, great space with plenty of room to set up. Fire rings and shower house available.

S

Seth

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Boone Valley Campground

We needed a place to stay while in transit to Chattanooga. We enjoyed hiking around to see some arches and decided to stay at the Boone valley primitive campsite. We had a great time the bathrooms were nice would reccomened a bench and place to put cloths. But other than that it was great.

S

Susan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Myhio Haven Horse Farm

Campsite was private with great creek access. Janine was very responsive and helpful. Would definitely recommend!

K

Kip

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Secluded and wonderfully peaceful. Would definitely go back again.

A

Adele

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Shasta Valley

We just got back from our stay here and we just absolutely adored this spot and we’re sad to go home after such a great trip. For reference we originally booked the small spot by the pond. This spot goes straight up a hill from the driveway and we got stuck a few times trying to get up there. The spot was ok. It was on a big incline which made it hard to sleep and had a lot of bugs. After our second night we asked to move to the larger spot by the communal space and the host was amazing and let us move. Now for all the positive things. The communal kitchen area was SO cute and helpful to have access to a proper table for meals. The bathroom was so cute and we were excited to see that there was toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We really loved the attention to detail with the communal spaces and the trail, you could tell that they really put their hearts into this space. The spot at the top by the communal kitchen has a great big open space which was perfect for our dog to run and have the best time. We loved star gazing out in the open as there weren’t many trees blocking the sky. And there was plenty of shade provided by the big tree during the sunniest part of the day. We can’t wait to book our next stay here and share it with our friends and family!

N

Nichole

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Trace Space KY

We had a great experience. This trip was about introducing a friends 9yo to hiking and camping. MJ and Alex have a wonderful spot. Thank you both. The late summer wildflower garden and pollinators were great to show the 9yo how to observe bugs safely. I will recommend this place to others who travel to the Cave Run Lake and Red River Gorge area.

B

Braeden

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Everything overall was perfect, got there super early set are tent up then the next morning moved to one of the more private spots with a table and chairs, my gfs car got stuck in mud and the man came and towed her out and then just went about his day, overall was very nice good area, the small town and tourist areas around the site was a very nice change of scenery 10/10 would recommend for anyone especially for the price

A

Alan

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Great place to stay and very peaceful and would definitely come back. Not very bust felt like it was just us vs the world out there.

C

Caleb

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Benjamin was extremely accommodating and helpful. Would absolutely stay again when we visit the Red River Gorge!

A

Alina

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Me and my friends had such a great time! We found some local trails during the day to hike and slept peacefully in our campsite. Wood can be picked up or delivered right to your site. Land is beautiful and they have some brand new restrooms with showers that made the whole trip so comfortable. One thing I will definitely bring next time is some toilet paper, as that went fast.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Myhio Haven Horse Farm

This site was lovely, plenty of room and multiple hammock hanging options. In addition to a picnic table there were two lounge chairs and a patio table with chairs. The swimming hole a very short walk away was great.

P

Paul

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shasta Valley

Adorable camp ground with a fantastic private trail. Good amenities and well kempt grounds. If you're driving up, beware of ground clearance.

G

Graysen

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Boone Valley Campground

I loved how isolated the campsite was! We really got to enjoy the stars and the nature around us. Hot showers and bathrooms were available. There is a tiny lil dog that you have to get around to enter the site but he’s very sweet.

C

Chelsea

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Myhio Haven Horse Farm

This campsite is perfect for a weekend getaway. The creek is one of the best we have been to, while there is a road that follows it the creek is beautiful! We fished using worms and caught over 20 in one day for 2 people (blue gill, small & large mouth bass). While the “outhouse” needs a little love, it works—we brought our own set up but it would work if you don’t have one. There is some road noise, but that doesn’t bother us.

E

Elisabeth

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Shasta Valley

We loved our camping experience here. We were the only campers, so had the communal “kitchen/dining platform”, fire pit with lounging chairs and outhouse to ourselves. What a bonus to have the covered outdoor platform to sit and eat and relax with a book. Nice solar powered lights around the structures. We saw some twilight fireflies, had clear views of the sky and heard lovely evening bird and bug sounds. Wasn’t too far to go to the Red River Gorge scenic drive.

C

Connor

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boone Valley Campground

Very hospitable, lots of areas to camp at, and there’s bathrooms/showers!