Best Camping in and near Barren River Lake State Resort Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Barren River Lake State Resort Park

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(289)

Camp Nashville Highland Rim

9 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Goodlettsville, TN

Primitive camping near Nashville on a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, car / van camping, and trees for hammocks, Drive to camping location. First arrive / first choice of favorite of available spaces upon arrival. Spaces are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Firewood bundles available for additional fee on HipCamp or VENMO. Five gallon bucket equals a bundle. Firewood located in rack at top of hill. Return bucket if used to carry firewood. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, except freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (verify not charged for children if selected.) Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 near multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Check in & out times are flexible. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for other guests. Pets permitted under owner supervision. Clean up after pets, and do not allow pets to interfere with other guests. Please be sure all guests know camping rules! Do Not Leave Trash!! Trash policy is carry in / carry out with you for disposal somewhere else. Trash service is not provided as part of camping fees. Vault toilet works on a septic system and is not pumped. Only place toilet paper in toilet. Wipes, feminine products, excess tp should be placed in trash can outside vault toilet (only trash exception). Unfortunately, some guests are abusing the no trash rule. $50 trash disposal will be requested if trash left on property. Do not burn noncombustible items or materials in fire pits or leave trash in firepits. Only firewood or ashes should remain in firepit.

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(169)

Barren River Magic

82 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Edmonton, KY

WE DO NOT TAKE LATE-NIGHT BOOKINGS OR LATE ARRIVAL TIMES, IF YOU BOOK YOUR STAY AND CAN ARRIVE BY 6 PM LOCAL TIME WE CAN GUIDE YOU TO YOUR GLAMPING SPOT ONCE YOU ARE THROUGH THE GATE. 6 PM IS THE CUT-OFF TIME FOR ARRIVAL. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE BUT WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST GUESTS WITH LATE-EVENING ARRIVALS AND BOOKINGS. WE UNDERSTAND CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR, SO PLEASE MESSAGE IF YOU FORESEE AN ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO ARRIVE LATE. Welcome to our serene and nature-filled property nestled right on the tranquil banks of the Little Barren River! If you're seeking a getaway that combines outdoor adventures with peaceful relaxation, you've found your perfect destination. Choose from cozy tent sites, convenient RV sites, or glamping stays. PLEASE NOTE, for our glamping stays, bedding, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows are to be brought along by guests. The Fox Den and Peace Pipe glamping sites are the only exception. Our location offers an array of water-based activities just steps away from your accommodation. Whether you enjoy kayaking, paddling, fishing, or simply floating lazily in a tube, the Little Barren River welcomes you to indulge in its beauty. For those eager to explore the surrounding area, you'll find an abundance of local fun activities to partake in. Explore the wonders of Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Horse Cave, Diamond Caverns, Nolin Lake, Barren River, KY Down Under, and Green River Lake, all within easy reach from our property. We understand that your four-legged friends are a part of the family, which is why we are pet-friendly! Feel free to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Campfires are permitted on our property and firewood is provided! We have portable toilets available for campers to use. Additionally, there are two centrally located showers accessible to all campers. While the water may be lukewarm, it is heated naturally by the sun, embracing our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Our location boasts an abundance of nature and tranquillity, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer fishing, boating, birding, or hiking, our property offers a natural playground for all to enjoy.

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The Slab (by the Barren)

80 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · Fountain Run, KY

Welcome to Heaven on Earth for those that love the Great Outdoors!! If you cant find something to do here then you obviously don't want to do anything and thats ok we have ya covered there too!! We will be hosting some special events in 2024 that we would like to make you aware of first thing so you can plan your visit accordingly!! Labor Day Weekend!!!! The last weekend of the year for Lazy River Tubing and the Water Slide!!! Tanking, Kayaking, Camping, and the Trails will remain open Year Round. We will be hosting 2 concerts in the barn for yall Labor Day Weekend!! Tickets for the ALL of the Concerts are $15 a person ages 10 and up and are REQUIRED for all campers that are on the farm on Friday or Saturday. Friday Aug 30th Wes Shipp and his whole band will be performing from 7-11 AND Saturday Aug 31st Bugtussle Blues will be performing from 7-11. Oct 11 & 12 is our Smoke the Slab BBQ cookoff and off road Olympics weekends. Live music all weekend plus games and all kinds of activities for the whole family. Tickets are $20 for ages 10 and up for the whole weekend!! Coolers are fine at your campsites and while on the water but they are NOT allowed in your vehicles or anywhere around the barn. We will be licensed to sell malt beverages that weekend so we will have all of your adult beverage needs covered. Parking for these events will be across the road in the field, there will be no parking around the barn. October 11 & 12!!! Our 1st Annual Smoke the Slab Backyard BBQ Festival!!! Tickets for this event are $20 per person ages 10 and Up for the WHOLE WEEKEND!! Everyone is welcome to enter any of the contests or just come spend the day enjoying all of the activities. Contact Carrie at 812-653-0102 for more info if you would like to enter the BBQ contest or set up to be a vendor Friday Oct 11th. We will have vendors set up selling their wares, food trucks, bounce houses, face painters, a sauce and chili cook off AND a concert by Ryan Daniel and his band from 7 till 11 or until we decide to let him off the stage!!! Saturday Oct 12th all of the fun stuff will still be going on along with the BBQ contest AND..... our annual Shop with a Cop tractor parade thru the country will take off from the barn at 10 am. We have plenty of wagons for you and your friends and family to ride on and only ask for a donation which we will gladly pass on to Macon and Monroe county Shop with a Cop programs for kids Christmas presents. This Parade is NOT limited to only tractors so bring your SXS, 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, or even just your car or truck and join in on the fun. At 1 pm the Tractor Olympics will start!!! You're welcome to join in or just watch some friendly competition for a great cause. Cost for this is $10 per event with 100% being donated to the Shop with a Cop programs. We will have Trophies for the Winners!! Also from 1-5 pm Bugtussle Blues will take the stage in the barn followed by No Deposit Band from 7-11. This event will have the same rules for coolers, alcohol and parking as the Labor Day event. Tanking, kayaking, camping and the trails will remain OPEN year round!! Now that all of that is out of the way... Let me introduce you to our little hidden gem in scenic Monroe county Kentucky. The Slab by the Barren campground is an outdoor recreation area like no other!!! We are the perfect place for all of your family fun in the sun!!! We have 75 very large shaded primitive sites spread out all over our 500 acre farm with nice gravel roads to most of the campsites. We do NOT have any hookups but can accommodate RV's on most sites and you are welcome to run a quiet generator. ( We will be setting up at least 3 sites this winter with hook ups for Rvs. Please follow us here or on facebook for updates on those sites) Sites 1 - 40 are located on the banks of Salt Lick creek and Barren River with direct water access. The gravel bars are open for all campers to enjoy. Camping areas A, B, and C are spread out across different sections of the farm. Even though they aren't directly on the water you are still welcome to go down to the creek at any site and swim and fish and just enjoy the water. If you need any help in choosing the perfect site for your stay feel free to message me or call the office at (812)653-0102 and I will help in anyway I can. On to our amenities!!!! THE BARN!! Is our converted milk barn where Kent and his mother Linda used to milk cows. The tank room is now our office for check in and camp store that we try to keep stocked with the best ice cream and anything else you might have forgotten at home. The old milk parlor where they actually milked the cows has been converted into 4 separate shower houses that are open 24/7. The Holding barn is currently undergoing some major changes this winter. It was such a large room that we have decided, in order to maximize its space, to split the barn in half and make 2 separate areas out of it. The front half by the showers will remain the kids and family play area, it will still have the pool and air hockey tables, family friendly games, tables and chairs. We will be adding more games to this area this winter and adding some exciting outdoor activities for the whole family for this summer. The other half of the barn is currently becoming the Jenkins Joint at The Slab. The Joint will be our full service bar where those 21 and older can enjoy a cold beverage, a game of pool, live music, karaoke, or just hang out. We will have a food truck set up every Friday thru Sunday until we get our kitchen completed and can serve our own food. The food truck and the kitchen will be available for anyone that would like to order food, especially those that check in late and don't feel like cooking their first night. KAYAKING!!! Take a relaxing paddle down the river in your kayak or ours. We have multiple trips 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 miles and offer a shuttle service, and kayak rentals for those that don't have their own. LAZY RIVER TUBING!!!! Go with the flow in your tube or ours and float your cares away on our 2 mile float down Barren River. Float as many times as you would like per day, stop at the rope swing, or hang out at your campsite and then take off again. TANKING!!! Yes you read that right we now offer Tanking!! I'm sure you have never heard of it but let me tell you, as one group of campers exclaimed... "It is the most genius, redneck, fun thing we have ever done". Depending on the size of your group we will either put you in a 6ft or 8ft round metal cattle water tank and float you 2 miles down the river in it!! We have designed them for the maximum amount of fun and relaxation you can have on the water without getting wet... unless you want to. We have installed benches in them so all you need to bring is your cooler and friends and come spend the day on the river with new unique experience. FISHING!! Multiple fishing holes where you can catch stripe, small mouth, rock bass, Kentucky bass, channel cats, flat heads, and walleye on a regular basis. HIKING We have trails all over the farm from the scenic views on top of the bluffs to the quiet spring fed slate rock holler there is a trail for everyone to enjoy while you explore the farm. WATER SLIDE!!!! On the upper side of the Slab bridge is a 75 ft long water slide into one of our many swimming holes. It is steep and fast and you are sure to make a splash!!! SLIP N SLAB 600!!!! New at the end of 2023... is my Greatest Creation!! The Slip N Slab 600. What is it you might ask.... well.... It is the LONGEST Slip N Slide in ALL of Kentucky!! Come take a ride down our 600 Ft long Slip N Slide!! It starts up at the top of the hill by the office and you slide down the natural hollar and end in the pond just below the amphitheater. It really is Fun for the WHOLE Family!! We have had people as young a 2 and as old as 73 slide down it and each and every one of them came back up to the top with a smile on their face and was ready to do it again!! NOW ON TO THE RULES!!!! NO OUTSIDE FIRE WOOD!!! We sell large bundles for $10 at the camp store. We DO NOT allow ANY outside fire wood to be brought onto the farm!! DO NOT CUT DOWN ANY TREES ON THE FARM NO MATTER HOW SMALL!!! CAMPSITES WILL BE CHECKED AFTER YOUR STAY. IF WE FIND ANY TREES CUT DOWN ON YOUR SITE YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND WILL BE CHARGED 7 TIMES THE MATURE VALUE OF THE DAMAGED TREE. BOOKING A CAMPSITE AT THE SLAB BY THE BARREN THRU THIS SITE MEANS THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS. We hate to have to do this but we have had trees chopped down for no reason. There is firewood available at the camp store and you are welcome to burn anything laying on the ground, trim low hanging branches, or pull stuff out of our brush piles. just don't cut down any trees. NO GLASS BOTTLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! If we see them we will confiscate and dispose of them!! We are a WATER park and people run around barefoot. The last thing we need is broken glass all over the farm and people cutting their feet. So leave the GLASS AT HOME!! DIRT BIKES AND ATVS ARE NOW ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! Rider be respectful of our campers and ONLY ride on the designated trails!! There are idle only areas around Pickett Bottom cabin and ALL Campsites. If you are caught riding with throttle down the gravel roads in the campground or thru campsites you will be given ONE WARNING!! THE SECOND TIME it happens YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE IMPOUNDED for the remainder of your stay and you will receive A LIFETIME RIDING BAN FROM OUR CAMPGROUND. Be respectful and courteous and we will all have a great time!! We are trying to be inclusive to new activities while still staying the quiet peaceful slice of heaven that everyone has come to love. Please bear with us while we grow and try to work with everyone to make the Slab a place that everyone can enjoy. Thank you for your interest in our campground and we look forward to meeting you this 2024 camping season. God Bless!!

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Beardsnest

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cave City, KY

This new-in-formation ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to backcountry camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2024, camping here provides a glimpse into a 3 year-old successional prairie, which at this phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie seeded with a growing variety of native flowers. Most likely a good fit for those who are self-sufficient and like to avoid busy camping areas, 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 you were camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. Water tap and hose by main house parking area, for cleaning dishes, spraying off, or filling reservoirs. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~400 seedlings so far and 75 planned for 2024), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! p.s. Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of red cedar and oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle. We also share kayaks now on a suggested donation basis (45/), providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park.

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(2)

Noble Pine Campground

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Mammoth Cave, KY

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. We have horses, goats, chickens, bunny and a friendly camp cat for visitors to engage with. Guests will have access to yard games such as corn hole, giant jenga, croquet, bocce ball, steer lassoing and more. There is Wi-Fi available on premises.

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Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses

4 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Cub Run, KY

Learn more about this land: This is a horse ranch so you can sleep in the company of horses or in the woods with them in the distance ( check if available/storm damage).We have rolling hills, beautiful views from the hill tops, valley with creeks and a waterfall when not in dry or draught and an abundance of wildlife. Also we're located 5-10 minutes from mammoth cave park border, hike, bike and horse trails, river, lake, blue holler atv park and so much more. If you are sensitive to animal noises you may bring earplugs. There isn't a bathroom/ shower house yet so we ask that you bring a port-a-pot of some sort. We're constantly making upgrades to the Ranch so we hope you enjoy your stay. Please refrain from feeding the horses or dogs because it creates a bad habit and folks that don't know how sensitive a horses gut is can possibly kill them. Respect privacy of others and pack out all that you pack in. Shut any gates you come through.please understand that my horses are of all ages and that includes young ones and babies and seniors as well. The young ones like to be nosey and are still learning what they are allowed to do and what not to do. They are naturally curious and love attention. If they think you have snacks , they can act like a pack of kindergarteners with the promise of cupcakes...we don't want that but because some campers think they are the exception and gave them snacks, it is something we have to monitor more closely. Remember they are animals and they will get into anything if it's left unattended. Please be a responsible camper and ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the experience.We have a section for folks to park in if they do not want to be so close to the horses as well. If you don't like horses or dogs please consider alternative camp site. Limited pet allowance...check before booking please. Also, we've had issues with the site and it offering horse time, ride, Q&A etc. for 5$. We've taken steps to fix this. But if you would like something like that it would be through the Ranch directly and as our time allows. Thank you for taking the time to read everything as well.

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Twisted River

4 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Scottsville, KY

A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast. A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area! If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs. Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time. Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it! The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.

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(8)

Cottontown Country

1 site · RV6 acres · Cottontown, TN

Drive on in to a pull through site with full hookups. It's a gravel site with a concrete patio. This site is behind our barn. It has a picnic table and fire bowl with wood provided. It's peaceful and quiet with views of trees and the neighbors cows. You may see some deer and turkeys. There is a Dollar General and a Gas station 1 mile away. Convenient to I-65. It’s 30 miles to Nashville and 30 minutes to Bowling Green. Other places close by- 112 Antique Store, Sumner Crest Winery, and The Mint at KY Downs.

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On the back of the farm

2 sites · Tents100 acres · Glasgow, KY

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

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The Bee Happy Campground

11 sites · RVs15 acres · Bee Spring, KY

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. 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup). 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. Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) Firewood bundles for purchase $5 No bathhouse. 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.

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Cedar trees and soft ground

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Elmwood, TN

Learn more about this land:We have deer come in daily, 400 yard walk to Cordell Hull Lake. Great swimming. 1 mile to boat launch. Corp land next door for public hunting. Cleaning station avalible.

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Wilson Creek Farm

3 sites · RVs33 acres · Glasgow, KY

We are a working cattle farm on 33 acres with rolling pastures and peaceful wooded areas to enjoy. Hike down to Wilson Creek to search for geodes and explore the woods. Sit a spell by the creek side fire pit. Try fishing, swimming and boating at Barren River Lake, just a short drive from the property. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Down Under and the Corvette Museum are all within 30 min. With two RV sites we can accommodate rigs up to 45' and provide 20/30/50 amp service, water and have full sewer hookups. Needing tent space as well? Reach out and we can see how we can accommodate. follow us on Instagram at wilson.creek.farm

The best camping near Barren River Lake State Resort Park guide

Overview

About

Kentucky, you have never looked better. Sprawled out just southeast from Bowling Green, this lush, and actually green, countryside embraces Barren River Lake, a 10,000-acre batch of pristine water ready for all sorts of kayaking, jet-skiing, and fishing. And speaking of green, did we mention the perfectly trimmed 18-hole golf course, or the grassy well-kept campsites and the nature trails overflowing with ferns? Yeah, it’s sounding better every second, isn’t it? Even if you want to get your competitive spirit goin’, they’ve got tennis, volleyball, basketball and shuffleboard, playgrounds for the kids and a fitness room for pumping iron. For a short trip off-books, drive up to Mammoth Cave National Park, where you can see the longest cave system in the world. If you make it to Barren River Lake in June, you’ll stumble into the Glasgow Highland Games, a huge festival celebrating all things Scottish! With thousands of people flocking here every year, you’ll see why this Kentucky gem is a keeper.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Barren River Lake State Resort Park is during the spring and fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Summer brings warmth and a full bloom of park life, but also crowds. Winters can be chilly, offering a peaceful solitude for those who brave the cooler weather.

Know before you go

Check weather conditions before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, to plan your activities accordingly.
Accessibility options are available; contact the Frankfort Office at (502) 564-2172 for more information.
Remember to review the photo & drone policy if you plan to capture the park's beauty.
For any general inquiries or to learn more about the park, the Kentucky Tourism official site is a valuable resource.