The best camping in Barren River Lake State Resort Park, KY

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Camp Nashville Highland Rim

95%
(347)
47mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. Plan to carry your trash out with you. Do not leave trash on property. Please read all details / rules, and share with family or group. 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. No gear rental available. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, after forecasted 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. $50 trash disposal will be requested if trash left on property. 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). Do not burn noncombustible items. materials or cigarettes in fire pits or leave trash in firepits. Only firewood or ashes should remain in firepit. Do not use knives, hatches, axes, saws on live trees. This will be considered damaging to property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

Beardsnest

100%
(149)
19mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Cave City, KY
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
Potable water
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from 
$25
 / night

Chatty Heifer Farm

98%
(199)
33mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Dixon Springs, TN
The family we bought the farm from owned and farmed it since 1900. They built a cabin then and built a house around the cabin in 1920. We bought it in 2018 and have been renovating it to build a retreat center for first responders and others who serve unselfishly. To that end, we've cut hiking trails and campsites as well as filling the farm with livestock to help people slow down and de-stress. We're located in the beautiful green hills about an hour east of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about this land:Drift off to sleep with the sounds of a year-round creek just outside your campsite. Wake up to a beautiful meadow surrounded by green hills in rural Tennessee. Campsites are located on a 120 year old farm under restoration, which is family owned and operated. Get some time away. You'll have privacy as you explore the farm: wade the creek, sway on the tire swing, visit the farm animals (goats, cows, pigs, and chickens), pick wild berries, and sample farm fresh produce and eggs when available. Hiking trails are also available on the farm through tranquil woods.Property is easily accessible from Nashville. In addition, day trips are possible to several lakes, rivers, waterfalls, historic sites, civil war battlefields, state parks, and national wildlife areas.
Pets
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from 
$22
 / night

Dog Gone Camping

100%
(6)
45mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 1 site · RV · Springfield, TN
Peaceful Country Stay with Camper Pad, Patio & Local Goods Welcome to our peaceful one-acre retreat just off Hwy 65! An inviting, traveler-friendly spot with country charm and city access. We’re in a small, quiet community just 3.3 miles from Love’s Travel Stop (with septic dump station), and only 35 minutes from downtown Nashville. RV Accommodations Our level camper pad is perfect for short stays (longer visits upon request). Optional Hookups & Add-Ons • Filtered & softened water – $10/stay • 15-Amp electric hookup – $10/night (no A/C or heavy appliances) • 30-Amp generator w/fuel & setup – $40/night Fireside Comforts • Solo Stove rental – $20/stay • Firewood bundles – $6 • Lawn games available! Pet & Family Friendly Kids and pets are welcome! Enjoy open green space with picnic area and a fenced dog run for safe, off-leash fun. Relaxation & Local Flavor Relax on the shaded patio or browse homemade goods from our small businesses: 🐾 Dog Gone Cookies – All-natural dog treats 🍓 Cookie Small Batch – Jams, jellies, seasonings & more Important Info By booking, you agree to use the property at your own risk. This is a natural setting where storms, falling limbs, uneven ground, or wildlife may occur. We’re not responsible for injuries or damage caused by weather, trees, pets, or personal equipment. Please carry your own insurance for RVs and belongings. Fires must be in designated areas and attended at all times. Be respectful of others, clean up after pets, and leave the space as you found it. We’re here if you need anything—thank you for staying with us!
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$13
 / night

The Bee Happy Campground

100%
(41)
33mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 11 sites · RVs · Brownsville, 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. 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
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from 
$33
 / night

On the back of the farm

98%
(164)
5.6mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 2 sites · Tents · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

90%
(5)
26mi from Barren River Lake State Resort Park · 1 site · Lodging · Horse Cave, KY
Experience the beauty of nature and the excitement of a true outdoors escape at Mollys Ridge, an off-the-grid adventure featuring Glamping and Camping rentals located directly over Mammoth Cave in the largest growing Amish community in Kentucky. This amazing outdoor rental experience is the perfect place to be surrounded by lush green woods and incredible wildlife.  At Mollys Ridge not only can you explore 36 acres of outdoor trails and a immersive off grid experience, but glamp it up daydreaming under clear starlit skies against beautiful sunsets. We're constantly working on Molly's Ridge adding more capacityto share this slice of Heaven with more of our Member guests creating custom experiences around adventures tailored just for you and make everlasting memories like nowhere else in Kentucky!  So come enjoy breathtaking views from your luxury outdoor Glamping tent, camping pad or off grid rental at Mollys Ridge surrounded by nature at its most magnificent; offering endless opportunities to create unforgettable moments you will cherish for a lifetime!
Pets
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from 
$99
 / night

Other options near Barren River Lake State Resort Park

The best camping in Barren River Lake State Resort Park, KY 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.
100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews

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