The best camping in Nolin Lake State Park, KY

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Beardsnest

100%
(149)
16mi from Nolin Lake State 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

The Bee Happy Campground

100%
(41)
6.6mi from Nolin Lake State 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night

Pine horse farm

100%
(15)
31mi from Nolin Lake State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Hodgenville, KY
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
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Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

On the back of the farm

98%
(164)
29mi from Nolin Lake State 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

Other options near Nolin Lake State Park

The best camping in Nolin Lake State Park, KY guide

Overview

About

Hold your breath because we’re divin’ in. Where? Nolin Lake, of course! There’s nothing better than waking up lakeside, watching the sunrise over the tranquil waters and jumpin’ right on in as soon as that afternoon sun gets hot. Nolin Lake State Park is a little off-the-beaten-path, but it’s private, secluded feel for camping and fishing is what makes it oh so nice. Located northeast of Bowling Green, among the rolling green hills and Kentucky’s “cave country”, Nolin Lake sprawls a huge span of this gorgeous countryside—over 5,000 acres! It shares the landscape with the nearby Mammoth Caves National Park, only a short 15-minutes away. And you don’t even have to drive all the way there! Take the locally-known route and hop on the ferry that will take you right on across the river. Other than that, there will only be a few things on your agenda: swim, relax, repeat.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campsites fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired travel dates.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Nolin Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be cold, with fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
  • Remember to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a safe and enjoyable day.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or special advisories by visiting the park's official website or contacting the Frankfort Office at (502) 564-2172.
  • Make use of the online reservation system to book your campsite or any park facilities in advance.
100%
3 ratings · 1 review