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The best camping near Shively with horseback riding

·
96% (177)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Escape

1. Camp Escape

95%
(121)
9.6mi from Shively · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Louisville, KY
Rustic Camping Near Jefferson County Forestry & Tom Wallace Park Welcome to our 5-acre corner lot, a unique mix of rural charm and city convenience. This primitive campsite is perfect for those looking to disconnect and experience nature while still being close to modern amenities. What to Expect: 🌿 Scenic & Secluded – Our property borders Jefferson County Forestry, with an entrance just 1 mile away, offering miles of trails and outdoor adventures. We’re also near Tom Wallace Park, a great spot for hiking and fishing. 🔥 True Off-Grid Camping – This is a bring-your-own-gear site. No water, electricity, or showers—just you, your supplies, and the great outdoors. A fire pit is provided, and there’s a shared porta potty for convenience. 🚜 A Working Farm Community – Expect to see and hear a mix of country and city life. You may hear wildlife, passing trains, tractors, gunfire from Knob Creek Range, and nearby neighbors working their land. It’s all part of the experience of staying in an authentic rural setting. 🏡 Tiny Home Retreat – Escape to your cozy tiny home retreat nestled on 15 private acres just outside Louisville. This 200 sq ft camper-to-tiny home conversion blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this cozy space offers a peaceful and unique retreat. 🏙️ Convenient Location – Though it feels like a getaway, we’re just 5 minutes from Kroger, Walmart, and a variety of restaurants. Downtown Louisville is a 30-minute drive, and we’re 15 minutes from Fort Knox. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-grid camping adventure close to both nature and the city, this is the spot for you! 🌲🏕️
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
Lost On Purpose

2. Lost On Purpose

98%
(24)
35mi from Shively · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · KY
Secluded 2br 1 bath private and quiet, not a neighbor in sight! We have hiking, biking and horse trails galore. Fishing in the pond is permitted with a barbless hook and catch n release! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, and bring your disc golf or archery bows- we have that too! You will never want to leave!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Fire pit creek side

3. Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
36mi from Shively · 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
The huge pine trees provide ample shade for tent and RV campers.

4. Unplugged Acres

100%
(21)
50mi from Shively · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Birdseye, IN
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.
Pets
from 
$12
 / night
Old Camp At Bear Hollow

5. Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%
(10)
40mi from Shively · 1 site · RV · Saint Croix, IN
This electric campsite is near Hoosier National Forest. This area was established as hunting grounds by our family over 30 years ago and still is to this day. Create your own family tradition in this campsite that is ready for two campers on a total of 160ft gravel space. There is both 30 and 50 AMP electric, however no water or sewer hookup. You must provide your own water. There is a dump station 5 miles from the campsite at Tipsaw Recreation Area. This area is great for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV riding....or just relaxing and taking in nature in this beautiful and peaceful area. *30 & 50 AMP Electric *Shade trees *Picnic table *Firepit & Firewood *NO water hookup *NO sewer hookup
Pets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa

6. Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa

44mi from Shively · 1 site · Lodging · Frankfort, KY
Cabin in the woods with bathhouse less than 100 steps away. 3 queen beds. 2 sets of bunk beds. Comfy but rustic. The cabin has a private fire pit and picnic table. There is another cabin about 50 yards away. The land has a creek on one side, lovely trails and a pond. Farm has chickens, horses , and a potbelly pig as well as friendly dogs to play with.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night
96% (177)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camp Escape

1. Camp Escape

95%
(121)
9.6mi from Shively · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Louisville, KY
Rustic Camping Near Jefferson County Forestry & Tom Wallace Park Welcome to our 5-acre corner lot, a unique mix of rural charm and city convenience. This primitive campsite is perfect for those looking to disconnect and experience nature while still being close to modern amenities. What to Expect: 🌿 Scenic & Secluded – Our property borders Jefferson County Forestry, with an entrance just 1 mile away, offering miles of trails and outdoor adventures. We’re also near Tom Wallace Park, a great spot for hiking and fishing. 🔥 True Off-Grid Camping – This is a bring-your-own-gear site. No water, electricity, or showers—just you, your supplies, and the great outdoors. A fire pit is provided, and there’s a shared porta potty for convenience. 🚜 A Working Farm Community – Expect to see and hear a mix of country and city life. You may hear wildlife, passing trains, tractors, gunfire from Knob Creek Range, and nearby neighbors working their land. It’s all part of the experience of staying in an authentic rural setting. 🏡 Tiny Home Retreat – Escape to your cozy tiny home retreat nestled on 15 private acres just outside Louisville. This 200 sq ft camper-to-tiny home conversion blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this cozy space offers a peaceful and unique retreat. 🏙️ Convenient Location – Though it feels like a getaway, we’re just 5 minutes from Kroger, Walmart, and a variety of restaurants. Downtown Louisville is a 30-minute drive, and we’re 15 minutes from Fort Knox. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-grid camping adventure close to both nature and the city, this is the spot for you! 🌲🏕️
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
Lost On Purpose

2. Lost On Purpose

98%
(24)
35mi from Shively · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · KY
Secluded 2br 1 bath private and quiet, not a neighbor in sight! We have hiking, biking and horse trails galore. Fishing in the pond is permitted with a barbless hook and catch n release! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, and bring your disc golf or archery bows- we have that too! You will never want to leave!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Fire pit creek side

3. Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
36mi from Shively · 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
The huge pine trees provide ample shade for tent and RV campers.

4. Unplugged Acres

100%
(21)
50mi from Shively · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Birdseye, IN
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.
Pets
from 
$12
 / night
Old Camp At Bear Hollow

5. Old Camp At Bear Hollow

100%
(10)
40mi from Shively · 1 site · RV · Saint Croix, IN
This electric campsite is near Hoosier National Forest. This area was established as hunting grounds by our family over 30 years ago and still is to this day. Create your own family tradition in this campsite that is ready for two campers on a total of 160ft gravel space. There is both 30 and 50 AMP electric, however no water or sewer hookup. You must provide your own water. There is a dump station 5 miles from the campsite at Tipsaw Recreation Area. This area is great for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and ATV riding....or just relaxing and taking in nature in this beautiful and peaceful area. *30 & 50 AMP Electric *Shade trees *Picnic table *Firepit & Firewood *NO water hookup *NO sewer hookup
Pets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa

6. Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa

44mi from Shively · 1 site · Lodging · Frankfort, KY
Cabin in the woods with bathhouse less than 100 steps away. 3 queen beds. 2 sets of bunk beds. Comfy but rustic. The cabin has a private fire pit and picnic table. There is another cabin about 50 yards away. The land has a creek on one side, lovely trails and a pond. Farm has chickens, horses , and a potbelly pig as well as friendly dogs to play with.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night

Public campgrounds near Shively

Deam Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(3)

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

19mi from Shively · 215 sites · Tents, RVs · in Deam Lake State Recreation Area
O'Bannon Woods Campground
75%
(3)

O'Bannon Woods Campground

24mi from Shively · 291 sites · Tents, RVs · in O'Bannon Woods State Park
Taylorsville Lake Campground
83%
(3)

Taylorsville Lake Campground

32mi from Shively · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Taylorsville Lake State Park
Jackson-Washington Campground

Jackson-Washington Campground

38mi from Shively · 48 sites · in Jackson-Washington State Forest
All of the sites looked this good at least. Level and easy to back into.
100%
(2)

Indian Celina Lake Campground

43mi from Shively · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest
Tipsaw Lake Campground

Tipsaw Lake Campground

45mi from Shively · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest
Springs Valley Recreation Area

Springs Valley Recreation Area

45mi from Shively · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hoosier National Forest

Stories from the community

Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa
K
Kaden
3 weeks ago
Group trip
7 nights at Cedar Fire farm: Kamp kessa
We used this spot as a home base for our yearly hunting trip. It was perfect for what we needed. Everyone on the farm was friendly and welcoming! You’ll get to know the horses and cats as they wander around the farm and sometimes come up to you to say hello. The cabin was a great common area and place to wind down after a long day of being out in the woods.
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Lost On Purpose
L
Leslie
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Lost On Purpose
Beautiful & peaceful with very nice bathrooms & shower.
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Aerial view of campsite number three at the very back of 5 acre field. The property borders Jefferson County Memorial Forest city park directly behind
C
C
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Camp Escape
Very peaceful, comfortable and clean! Would definitely go again.!
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16’ camper
M
Morgan
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With kids
Weekend Trip to Fire pit creek side
What a great spot. Very private and a perfect place to camp. The site is sat between 2 creeks and our young boys (2 and 4) absolutely loved exploring every bit of it. The hosts were very nice and provided firewood! Will definitely be coming back.
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Aerial view of campsite number three at the very back of 5 acre field. The property borders Jefferson County Memorial Forest city park directly behind
Avatar
Clara
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Camp Escape
Super cute and private stay. We had a great time.
See more
Lost On Purpose
S
Scott
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Lost On Purpose
Absolutely peaceful. The woods and the fields reminded me of where I grew up, sadly my youth and that land is gone. Would highly recommend staying here
See more
Aerial view of campsite number three at the very back of 5 acre field. The property borders Jefferson County Memorial Forest city park directly behind
S
Savanna
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Camp Escape
Great open space with a cute little creek right by the site! Loved it!
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Aerial view of campsite number three at the very back of 5 acre field. The property borders Jefferson County Memorial Forest city park directly behind
J
John
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Camp Escape
A hidden gem! I woke up to a herd of deer(7) and humming birds drinking dew. Crazy that you're 15-20 minutes away from downtown Louisville and camping underneath the stars. Perfectly located to most tourist areas of the region, you're 30 minutes away from the beginning of the Bourbon Trail, 20 minutes to Churchill Downs. Sites are very roomy and away from the next site. Although the sites are primitive there are portalets and a hand washing station as well as firewood available anytime using payment apps. Walmart and groceries within 10 minutes. Highly recommend if you want some nature and convenience of being close to everything!
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Fire pit creek side
S
Sunshinedays!
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Fire pit creek side
We arrived at sunset, it was a beautiful drive and the site was really nice. The driveway was a little rough as explained in the summary, but we drove slow and were able to navigate it pretty easily in our kia soul. There was a nice firepit and large logs to burn; and the stars out there were amazing! It's a little far out, but there is a dollar general close by and a walmart only abt 15min away near an interstate. Would stay here again!
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Lost On Purpose
T
Thomas
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Lost On Purpose
Great spot and great host! The fishing lake produced 3 catfish, just make sure to bring barbless hooks. The kids enjoyed it.
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Aerial view of campsite number two with mowed grass entrance. This site is the closest to the bathroom and creek entrance.
A
Alaina
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Camp Escape
this was an easy to access, beautiful piece of land!! I really appreciated their communication and clarity from the hosts. it was out of the way, but easy to get to town and the trails nearby so it didn't feel too isolated. the creek nearby was partially dried and made for fun exploration as well.
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Aerial view of the 5 acre camping field from the back looking toward the entrance.
M
Mitchell
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Camp Escape
Beautiful land, a peaceful escape. Campsites are separated by tall grass giving you privacy.
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Aerial view of campsite number two with mowed grass entrance. This site is the closest to the bathroom and creek entrance.
J
Jill
September 2025
Tent
With kids
1 night at Camp Escape
We had a great time! The Cypress site was private and spacious for a family of four with two tents. We had plenty of room to set up a lawn game, food table, etc. Definitely didn’t feel too close to the other sites. The fire pit was nice and the porta-potty was very clean.
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The camp for the night
C
Chris
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Camp Escape
A great spot for some relaxation really close to Louisville. If you need shade be sure to plan ahead.
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Lost On Purpose
J
Justin
August 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Lost On Purpose
Absolutely perfect and was exactly what I needed. Host was fast to respond and had a much needed relaxing camp
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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.
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Aerial view of campsite number two with mowed grass entrance. This site is the closest to the bathroom and creek entrance.
Avatar
Curtis
August 2025
Tent
3 nights at Camp Escape
This was a great spot close to Louisville. Easy in and out and close to a Waffle House! Clean and private camping spot. Close to active railroad tracks.
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Aerial view of campsite number three at the very back of 5 acre field. The property borders Jefferson County Memorial Forest city park directly behind
J
James
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Camp Escape
We had a nice stay both times. The camp sights are clean and well maintained.
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Camp Escape
K
Kyle
August 2025
Tent
1 night at Camp Escape
I’m a travel tradesmen and I prefer to camp when I travel for work. This location was incredible! It was secluded, I keep leave my camp up without fear or it being messed with. The trails and running water through the camp made for a good time when worked ended early. If you’re in the area and need a place to set up camp, I’d highly recommend this camp. Lastly Shelby was very responsive and easy to work!
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Aerial view of campsite number two with mowed grass entrance. This site is the closest to the bathroom and creek entrance.
S
Sam
August 2025
Tent
4 nights at Camp Escape
Great little spot. I travel for work so being able to get out into nature and not a hotel room has been a blessing.
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Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Deam Lake State Recreation Area
100%
(3)
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Borden, Indiana
O'Bannon Woods State Park
75%
(3)
O'Bannon Woods State Park
Leavenworth, Indiana
Taylorsville Lake State Park
83%
(3)
Taylorsville Lake State Park
Taylorsville, Kentucky
Jackson-Washington State Forest
Jackson-Washington State Forest
Little York, Indiana
Hoosier National Forest
88%
(13)
Hoosier National Forest
Paoli, Indiana
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Shively trips

All
Farm camping
Camping with campfires
Camping with swimming
Camping with wildlife watching
Forest camping
Lakeside camping
Glamping

Top parks near Shively

Bledsoe Creek Camping State Park
Edgar Evins State Park
Barren River Lake
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Wayne National Forest
Chickasaw State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Fort Pillow State Park

Top cities near Shively

Indianapolis
Cincinnati
Louisville
Nashville
Dalton
Columbus
St Louis
Chicago

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
Best RV camping near me
Best glamping near me