The best camping in Taylorsville Lake State Park, KY

·
83% (3)

Discover Taylorsville Lake State Park's natural splendor.  

The best camping in Taylorsville Lake State Park, KY

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Fire pit creek side

2. Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
6.6mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 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
Little Slice of Heaven <3

3. Little Slice of Heaven <3

100%
(75)
11mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomfield, KY
Learn more about this land: I live on 5.5 acres. It's peaceful and quiet and I love it here. I've stayed at other hip camps and simply decided that I would love to share my little slice of heaven with others passing through my area.  Notes: there is a wee bit of road noise, I live on a dead end road, there are 10 acres between my 5 acres and the Blue Grass Parkway.  I find it peaceful here and can easily ignore it but I'm mentioning it so your not surprised by it  ;)  The Neighbors dog may come visit while you are here but is very nice and leaves if you tell him to :) You are welcome to hang a hammock in a small section of woods, by a small pond, or even on my covered porch. You are welcome to pitch a tent anywhere you like. You are welcome to park an RV or vehicle in the drive.  The drive is about 250ft long, you would need to back in in order to hook up to the 50 amp plug. RV's can use the 50 amp plug (30 amp will need an adapter. I have one you can use if you don't own one of your own) and hose for water. I have an outdoor shower and a camping toilet. I am ... - one hour from Lexington, Louisville, Elizabethtown, and Frankfort.- 1 mile from a mini mart with Gas, Ice, Pizza, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches, ect.- 6 miles from Dollar General and A pizza Restaurant - 15 ish miles from Wal-mart and other chain stores and restaurants I'm a great travel guide so feel free to tell me what your in town for or things you like to do. I will happily make you up a list of things to do and see and places to eat. Keenland, Churchill Downs, The Bourbon Tour (Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Heaven Hill, and many others) are within an hour of here. Also within an hour are 2 great bike paths, wonderful hiking and kayaking. As well as Great Shopping and Restaurants. Anything your heart desires. Using GPS Directions i would suggest avoiding Tunnel Mill Rd and Murphy Lane if towing a camper or driving an RV.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night
Wildcat Creek Farm in Tyrone

5. Wildcat Creek Farm in Tyrone

99%
(215)
23mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 5 sites · Tents · Lawrenceburg, KY
Our farm is located on the property where the ferry brought individuals across the KY River from Versailles, KY. We are a private farm and live here for the pleasure of the land, the quiet from the city, and the outdoor activities. We want to share this with our guests. Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy bourbon country on the Kentucky River. We are located next door to the Wild Turkey Distillery, and within miles of a few others. Our 35-acre property offers immediate access to the KY River, and is within 5 minutes of an extremely quaint downtown area, should you decide to go to town for a meal. Plenty of restaurants for your choosing! 7 minutes away is a Walmart should you forget anything.  Come and relax in our peaceful surroundings. Horses, goats, chickens, mini mules, and mini horses on site and loving attention. Bring your frisbees, cornhole, and yard games.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Camp Escape

8. Camp Escape

95%
(121)
34mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 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
Pine horse farm

12. Pine horse farm

100%
(15)
39mi from Taylorsville 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
The Tipi Village

17. The Tipi Village

100%
(17)
48mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 5 sites · Lodging · Campbellsville, KY
A cozy night for two (or four) in a tipi! A family reunion, or an outdoor wedding. We are able to offer three sioux-styled tipi's. Rent one tipi or rent the entire village for a birthday party or gathering. Outdoor wedding packages are available! These are 18 foot tipi's surrounded in a nature setting. We have picnic and grilling areas on-site along with a full bathroom and kitchen located at The Tipi Village office, located in a small log cabin. Each tipi has it's own sitting area and firepit, suitable for cooking. The village also has a community firepit where everyone can gather. Renting the entire campground is a great way to have a party or celebration and having exclusive use of this micro-campground. This is a glamping-type of experience with limited heat and AC, beds, carpet, and of course an electric fireplace!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$95
 / night
Pictured is our beloved Red Bud Meadow, where we had our first picnic as brand new homesteaders with two small boys, and where over last 35 years so many memories have been created, like the one seen here, a cowboy campout we did for our boys & their friends.

18. Camping Along the Old Bison Trail

96%
(56)
49mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Sparta, KY
Peaceful Secluded Campsites are what you want. Several beautiful settings will be what you get and much much more. Our campsites lie along the Old Buffalo Trace, the name given by early pioneers to the massive trail left by centuries of migrating bison that traveled right through this property. Making their way between salt and mineral licks along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, these herds were part of the plentiful wild game which was the reason so many local native tribes referred to old "Cain-tuk-ee" as their "Happy Hunting Ground". Our 7 campsites are constructed on "The Old Coates Homestead" where we make our home in the original 1858 Homestead house which we recently restored and where we make our delicious gourmet foods. (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarmstore.com) We have sites to fit everyone's needs. Five sites are accessible by vehicle. Two are "walk in" only. The vehicle accessible sites range from sites for one tent, pop up or van campers, to our featured site "Thistledown Gathering Place" which a large group size setting great for scouting trips, church groups, multi-family camping and parties of up to 16 people. Each site has a fire ring, fire wood is available for purchase, we offer clean and well maintained portable toilets, municipal drinking water, hiking trails, and lots and lots of wildlife to help you commune with the absolute beauty of this peaceful farm named Steepleview Farm (learn more here: www.steepleviewfarm.com). But camping isn't the only reason to choose Steepleview Farm. It becomes base camp for so many people looking to take in the amazing itinerary of activities so close by. Here are just a few: The Ark Encounter The Creation Museum Historic Old Frankfort (state capitol) with historic home and capitol tours Historic Madison Indiana, a river captains town of magnificent homes and a quaint little town for strolling, or the Madison Regatta or the BBQ festival Big Bone Lick State Park, massive prehistoric dinosaur dig Buffalo Trace Distillery Neeley Family Distillery Belterra Casino Clifty Falls State Park Old Frankfort Cemetery, burial site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone and so much more.... And don't forget, the history of this place makes your stay that much more than just a night in a campground. You will be sleeping among the spirits of history, the native Americans who hunted this land, the earliest pioneers who mapped it for the expansion west, the early 1800's homesteaders who cleared and worked the land with teams of horses, the centuries of tobacco farmers who shipped their goods to market on the many rivers and streams that surround you. We work very hard to make this THE best camping destination you will find anywhere. And, upcoming.........Pioneer Log Cabins. We have recently acquired a collection of log cabins for a true to life, historic reenactment staycation. We are fortunate that one of the cabins was the frontier church known as "Shilo Baptist Church" from 1830-1840. The pastor of this church baptized Abraham Lincoln's father and is credited with having changed his attitudes toward ending slavery. Our hiking trails and nature trails bring you lots of knowledge, peace, shade, cool breezes and you can bring your horse (no motorized recreational vehicles) oh and lots of wildlife viewing. Here are a few of our featured campsites: REDBUD MEADOW: Our first campsite used by hundreds of people over the years. A secluded lawn in the midst of redbud trees, easy to drive to and from with a pile of firewood and a metal fire ring. The premier site on our property. THE BAPTISMAL POND: As history goes the pond in front of this site was used in the 1800's for baptisms for the church visible from everywhere on the farm, thus our name. This is a tent site, easy to drive into and out of, fires permitted in season. THISTLEDOWN GATHERING PLACE: This is a very large meadow, surrounded by trees with the capacity for large groups, many tents and gatherings of lots of people. Very level, easy in and out with vehicles. Fires permitted in season. WHITETAIL SANCTUARY: Every night for decades a herd of whitetail deer graze in this pastoral setting. Drive in and out, fires in season. Suitable for a family sized tent. THE PENNINSULA: This camping spot is WALK IN ONLY. You can drive to the trailhead on grass and walk the path to the campsite (about 200 yards). One of two remote sites. It sits in the woods, on the bank of a wet weather creek which flows around two sides of the campsite. Fires permitted in season. TOTEM TREES: This site is WALK IN ONLY. A short hike down the hill from the grass parking area and you have a small spot for a tent, in the woods, surrounded by trees and a lot of standing dead ash which appear as if you are in the presence of totem poles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SPOTTED FAWN HIDEAWAY: This totally secluded walk in campsite is suitable for a small tent only AND PERFECT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING. NO FIRES as the site benefits from the shade and protection of overhanging cedar trees and the ground is covered in cedar needles. NO OPEN FIRES. MUST USE BACKPACKER STOVE AND FLAMELESS LIGHTING. SO WHAT'S OUR STORY? https://steepleviewfarm.com/our-history So many great people, so many great stories and so many opportunities to share the blessings of our little piece of heaven with you. We hope to see you here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
83% (3)

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Top-rated campgrounds

Fire pit creek side

98%
(52)
6.6mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 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

Little Slice of Heaven <3

100%
(75)
11mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Bloomfield, KY
Learn more about this land: I live on 5.5 acres. It's peaceful and quiet and I love it here. I've stayed at other hip camps and simply decided that I would love to share my little slice of heaven with others passing through my area.  Notes: there is a wee bit of road noise, I live on a dead end road, there are 10 acres between my 5 acres and the Blue Grass Parkway.  I find it peaceful here and can easily ignore it but I'm mentioning it so your not surprised by it  ;)  The Neighbors dog may come visit while you are here but is very nice and leaves if you tell him to :) You are welcome to hang a hammock in a small section of woods, by a small pond, or even on my covered porch. You are welcome to pitch a tent anywhere you like. You are welcome to park an RV or vehicle in the drive.  The drive is about 250ft long, you would need to back in in order to hook up to the 50 amp plug. RV's can use the 50 amp plug (30 amp will need an adapter. I have one you can use if you don't own one of your own) and hose for water. I have an outdoor shower and a camping toilet. I am ... - one hour from Lexington, Louisville, Elizabethtown, and Frankfort.- 1 mile from a mini mart with Gas, Ice, Pizza, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches, ect.- 6 miles from Dollar General and A pizza Restaurant - 15 ish miles from Wal-mart and other chain stores and restaurants I'm a great travel guide so feel free to tell me what your in town for or things you like to do. I will happily make you up a list of things to do and see and places to eat. Keenland, Churchill Downs, The Bourbon Tour (Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Heaven Hill, and many others) are within an hour of here. Also within an hour are 2 great bike paths, wonderful hiking and kayaking. As well as Great Shopping and Restaurants. Anything your heart desires. Using GPS Directions i would suggest avoiding Tunnel Mill Rd and Murphy Lane if towing a camper or driving an RV.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$37
 / night

Wildcat Creek Farm in Tyrone

99%
(215)
23mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 5 sites · Tents · Lawrenceburg, KY
Our farm is located on the property where the ferry brought individuals across the KY River from Versailles, KY. We are a private farm and live here for the pleasure of the land, the quiet from the city, and the outdoor activities. We want to share this with our guests. Learn more about this land: Come and enjoy bourbon country on the Kentucky River. We are located next door to the Wild Turkey Distillery, and within miles of a few others. Our 35-acre property offers immediate access to the KY River, and is within 5 minutes of an extremely quaint downtown area, should you decide to go to town for a meal. Plenty of restaurants for your choosing! 7 minutes away is a Walmart should you forget anything.  Come and relax in our peaceful surroundings. Horses, goats, chickens, mini mules, and mini horses on site and loving attention. Bring your frisbees, cornhole, and yard games.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night

Camp Escape

95%
(121)
34mi from Taylorsville Lake State Park · 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

Pine horse farm

100%
(15)
39mi from Taylorsville 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

Other options near Taylorsville Lake State Park

The best camping in Taylorsville Lake State Park, KY guide

Overview

About

When you’re in the company of Kentucky’s unending, incredible lakes and wilderness, it can get a little competitive. But if there ever were a “first-place” winner, this one would be a top contender. Taylorsville Lake is 3,050 acres, 78 miles of shoreline, the most heavily stocked fishing spot in all of Kentucky and the perfect halfway mark between Louisville and Lexington. And if you are touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? This place is known to the locals as the place to camp out, being within an hour of the major distilleries. On top of that, the most beautiful countryside can be seen via the 24-mile trail system by hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Taylorsville Lake State Park makes up for any complaint of remoteness with gorgeous scenery, clean campsites, and it’s top-notch waters. And being neighbors to some of the world’s finest bourbon? Come on, that’s good stuff!

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campgrounds fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, especially close to your desired date, as plans can change.
  • Consider weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding a reservation.

When to go

The best time to visit Taylorsville Lake State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be quite busy and hot, while winter may see some facilities closed.

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.
  • Review the park's photo and drone policy before capturing your memories.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or safety advisories posted on the park's official website.
  • Accessibility options are available; contact the Frankfort Office at (502) 564-2172 for more information.
83%
3 ratings · 1 review