60% (5)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Rough River Lake
The Bee Happy Campground
The Bee Happy Campground
100%
(41)
19mi from Rough River Lake · 11 sites · RVs
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam.
4 sites offer full hook up.
These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night.
Contact me directly (text is best) to book.
(270) 799-4648
8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property.
All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate.
Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations.
TEXT IS BEST.
Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste)
Dump station
Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome)
No bathhouse at the moment.
Port A Pot on site.
Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville.
Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$33
/ night
Lake View camping
Lake View camping
98%
(147)
20mi from Rough River Lake · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$16
/ night
Tar Springs 2
Tar Springs 2
98%
(32)
20mi from Rough River Lake · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Historic property once a health resort in the 1840's, lodging rooms available, men's and women's restrooms and showers, lockers, kitchenette, optional breakfast, private 16 acre lake, fishing and boats available, dock, natural springs and rock formations enclose the valley, hiking, camping sites and primitive camping available. Original property was considered for a training camp facility for Mohammed Ali. For your safety, no arrivals after dark.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Noble Pine Campground
Noble Pine Campground
100%
(51)
26mi from Rough River Lake · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We provide a farm experience in a small campground with 2 full bathrooms with hot showers, 10 rv/tent sites, 2 glamping bell tents, 1 glamping aframe, and 3 bedroom 1 bath cabin.
Horses, goats, chickens, and sometimes a friendly camp cat are happy to engage with guests. Guests will have access to yard games such as corn hole, giant jenga, croquet, bocce ball, steer lassoing and more.
Camp is located on the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park.
There is Wi-Fi available on premises.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$36
/ night
Willow Pond
Willow Pond
98%
(28)
29mi from Rough River Lake · 2 sites · Tents
Enjoy spectacular sunsets as you relax around the well stocked pond located in Hardin County KENTUCKY.
ENJOY:
Certified organic hay fields
1 acre stocked fish pond
Quiet Evenings around fire pit
Hikes around the farm
Beautiful star gazing
Farm harvests
Sandhill Crane migration
Within 1 hour: Mammoth Cave, Bernheim Forest, Bourbon Trail
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$45
/ night
Beardsnest
Beardsnest
100%
(153)
37mi from Rough River Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2025, camping here provides a glimpse into the fourth year of succession. This current phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie contrasted with the rocky and steep slopes of the mature forest.
Most likely a good fit for self-sufficient types that like campsites with generous spacing, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve.
All sites except Spicebush have a filtered water output. Spicebush campers will have water access next to parking.
Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~525 seedlings as of March 2025), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species.
If you have only 2 days, a nice way to experience Mammoth Cave NP is to break the trip into 3 layers, covering the underworld (cave tours), upper world (hiking), and the water that connects the two (Green River kayaking). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space of imagining what is beneath the surface, how these worlds are connected, while navigating park land and water. Note that we offer kayak trips that can be tailored to your schedule and travel constraints.
Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project!
Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite.
Kayaks are hosted on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park.
Pending availability, we offer tent setups as well to folks who want to camp but aren't traveling with gear (REI 4 person Half Dome). Tent setup comes with two sleeping pads (you will need pillows, blankets, etc.).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Lost On Purpose
Lost On Purpose
98%
(24)
45mi from Rough River Lake · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
MoonLight Grove Farm
MoonLight Grove Farm
100%
(124)
45mi from Rough River Lake · 2 sites · Tents
Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty. Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Pine horse farm
Pine horse farm
100%
(15)
46mi from Rough River Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
A working horse farm with some wooded areas and lots of spots to pitch a tent or hammock. We have a friendly dog, 2 mini highland cows and currently 3 horses! We are on 20 acres. We are constantly improving our land and are expanding our horse boarding as we do so.
Close to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace , Mcdougal Lake and the main square in Hodgenville which has cute little restaurants and places to walk
During summer there are lots of wild blackberries to pick on the perimeter of the pasture (this is usually June-July only). We are bordered on woods so camping can be done in the trees as well or in our nice open area right as soon as you come up the drive. Outside our barn/house we have water and electric outlets as needed.
In the open area or the woods there are several trees that can be used for a hammock as well.
We do have a large fire pit near our house and a ton of wood fires can be started as long as we are not under a burn ban if we are having a dry summer or fall.
In our camping field we have a smaller black fire pit for use .
The pastures are set back from the woods so feel free to walk the perimeter of them.
We do have 2 farm dogs that are super friendly and gentle.
If you have an RV it’s easier to enter into the 1575 entrance and pull through
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
Old Camp At Bear Hollow
100%
(11)
46mi from Rough River Lake · 1 site · RV
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
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$40
/ night
On the back of the farm
On the back of the farm
98%
(164)
48mi from Rough River Lake · 2 sites · Tents
This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents.
Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road.
Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home.
We look forward to seeing you.
Learn more about this land:
Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people. You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends. Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want. Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life. If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!! We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy. Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section). Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking. Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us!
We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Buck Creek Sanctuary
Buck Creek Sanctuary
94%
(58)
48mi from Rough River Lake · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves.
“There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places”
-Wendell Berry
Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred.
Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives
Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet.
He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others
to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$10
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Zach
4 days ago
Tent
Tom is an excellent host and hyper responsive! The directions are a little wonky in the way in, but he's very open to where you're allowed to camp. The trees make awesome noises as the wind blows through them and the compost toilet was impeccably clean. And best of all his prices were super reasonable! All in all my first foray into Hipcamp was at his sanctuary and it felt awesome. Would stay again!
See more
D
Dottie
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
I only stayed one night on a trip driving to FL but my pup and I enjoyed the site. So close to Mammoth Cave NP where we did a great hike. Would stay again!
See more
E
Erica
3 weeks ago
19 ft campervan
With pets
We had a great stay! Our dogs enjoyed exploring the paths on the property.
See moreL
Laurie
December 2025
24 ft campervan
With pets
Near Mammoth Cave, sites are very private and great mowed walking trails through the field with lots of birds. Thanks
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E
Edgar
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Cedar Ridge Cabin
It was fun even in the winter. Ain't nothing like a wood stove. There was a little mouse around but its winter and they like to be warm too. Made a fire outside, it fell real nice.
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A
Abby
December 2025
16 ft car
Booked last minute. Sight met expectations and host was communicative.
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O
Owen
November 2025
32 ft travel trailer
Nice campsite. Provider was quick to respond and accommodating. Would definitely stay there again.
See moreD
Drew
November 2025
16 ft car
Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.
See moreS
Sydney
November 2025
Tent
So enjoyed the night away on Kevin’s peaceful property. Site was well kept and safe!
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Erica
November 2025
18 ft pop-up camper
What an amazing peaceful place. The goats cracked me up. Would definitely recommend. Was a perfect recharge for the soul and body. Thank you.
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C
Cheryl
November 2025
Group trip
The rooms were nice and the property is beautiful! Hosts were very kind and helpful.
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V
Victoria
November 2025
10 ft campervan
Excellent stargazing! We were just passing through, stayed in our van in the driveway and were comfortable. The is a lovely stone firepit with chairs in the yard with lake and star views. I expect it would be a great spot for hunters passing through or setting up for a while. Recommended!
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S
Spencer
November 2025
Tent
With pets
My wife, dog, and I loved this campsite. There was a lot of space and 2 campsites to choose from. Our dog did not have to be on leash and got to explore the area as well. Aaron answered any question we had in a timely manner and gave us some insight on the land before we arrived. We will be keeping this spot in mind for future camping trips.
See moreZ
Zach
November 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
This was a great spot for our camper for a couple nights! Easy to get in and out of, restroom/showers were clean, and free firewood is a nice amenity. The host was available but not overbearing, and communication was quick and clear. We would definitely return.
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J
Jonathan
November 2025
35 ft travel trailer
With kids
This spot was great!
Allison was very welcoming and communicated super fast.
Got to see the horses and mini cows. Kids loved it.
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C
Christina
November 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
As beekeepers we were excited to find Bee Springs Kentucky and Bee Happy Campground. Roomy camping sites though our camper is only 16 feet there were bigger ones there with plenty of room. It was clean and quiet and Christie is very responsive. The clear night sky made for some great stargazing and pictures on top of the hill.
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D
David
October 2025
Tent
The views of the lake are gorgeous. The directions are easy. I enjoyed learning about his land and Lake River Barren.
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C
Caleb
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved our primitive camp site! Our stay was quiet and the amenities were great
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Fiona
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a great spot for a stop! Location is perfect for Mammoth Caves. The grass in the lawn was great for kids running around, Aswell as all the trails cut out around the property to explore. Kevin was responsive and friendly. Would stay here again!
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L
Leslie
October 2025
The best camping in Rough River Lake, KY guide
Overview
About
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.
60%
5 ratings · 0 reviews