It is lucky to have access to a variety of well-equipped campsites when you are camping in Kentucky, and the majority of these amenities are around rivers or lakes.
Most of Kentucky’s prominent campgrounds are among the state’s numerous state parks.
Most of them provide serviced campsites with full or partial hookups for RVs and trailers, as well as basic tent sites for those looking for a more rustic trip.
Caving to horseback riding are only a few of the on-site activities, and virtually all include hiking paths.
If you’re traveling with kids, resort-style campsites provide a variety of extra activities such as tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, and outdoor pools.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Torch, tent, etc. |
| Camp Grounds | Axtel Campground, and more |
| Best place to visit near Kentucky | Big South Fork National River, and more |
| Situated | Kentucky |
Camping In Kentucky
1. Axtel Campground, Rough River Lake
The Axtel Campground, along the Rough River Lake’s shores in south-central Kentucky, provides a home-away-from-home for all outdoor enthusiasts.
There are 158 camp spots at the big campsite, all of which have spectacular lake views.
Address: Axtel Campground, McDaniels, KY 40152
2. Baileys Point
The Baileys Point is the largest and roomiest campground on the Barren River Lake beaches, with 215 campsites with a scenic view.
The park’s superb facilities, which include serviced RV sites with outstanding views, a boat dock, a basic shop, a dump station, and laundry facilities, attract nature enthusiasts from all around.
Address: Baileys Point, Bailey Point Rd, Scottsville, KY 42164
3. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
The Big Bone Lick State Historic Site campsite is hard to beat for a camping trip with an educational bent.
The historic site’s Visitor’s Center has wonderful displays that will enthrall young minds with tales of long-gone ice-age creatures, geology, and history. Bring your tent or RV and stay a few nights to see everything there is to see.
Address: Big Bone Lick State Historical Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091
4. Camp on Kentucky
The privately-owned Camp on the Kentucky Campsite is the place to go if you’re searching for a quiet campground where you can spend some time communing with nature.
The campground, which is along the Kentucky River’s beaches in Woodford County, has 18 fully equipped campsites and 15 rustic campsites.
Address: Camp on the Kentucky, 5486 Cummings Ferry Rd, Versailles, KY 40383
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5. Carr Creek State Park
Carr Creek State Park is in a good location for a relaxing riverside vacation, with 39 maintained and shady campsites, all with easy access to the water.
The campsite is available from April to November, and it is particularly popular with bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts who come to see a variety of animals.
Address: Carr Creek State Park, 2086 Smithboro Rd, Hwy 15, Sassafras, KY 41759
6. Carter Caves State Resort Park
The Carter Caves State Resort Park has a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
Bring your RV or tent and stay a few nights at the lovely campground, which provides serviced campsites and nice facilities, to take advantage of all the activities on offer.
You may also participate in a range of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or biking.
Address: Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, Kentucky 41164
7. Columbus Belmont State Park
The Columbus Belmont State Park campground, among mature trees along the Mississippi River bluff, has 38 serviced campsites where you can relax and enjoy a laid-back family vacation.
If you don’t have your own RV, you may test one out by renting a 6-sleeper trailer on-site.
Address: Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Rd, Columbus, KY 42032
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8. cumberland Falls State Park
The Cumberland Falls, the biggest waterfall south of Niagara, is at Cumberland Falls State Park.
You may park your RV or pitch your tent at one of the campground’s 49 campsites and enjoy the activities on offer for a few days.
Address: Cumberland Falls State Park, 7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701
9. Daniel Boone National Forest
The stunning Daniel Boone National Forest spans over 708,000 acres and provides every type of outdoor activity a nature lover could desire.
Relax and unwind at one of many campsites, which all provide convenient access to all of the activities available in this vast, rough forest.
Address: Daniel Boone National Forest, 1700 Bypass Rd, London, KY 40744
10. Elkhorn Campground
The Elkhorn Campground in Frankfort is family-owned and run, and it welcomes visitors with a warm welcome and a variety of serviced asphalt campsites.
This is an excellent campsite to come with the family since they can enjoy the pool, mini-golf, or simply playing in the spacious playground.
Address: Elkhorn Campground, 165 North Scruggs Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
Best Places To Visit Near Kentucky
Big South Fork National River
You may get up and personal with nature at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
The national park in northern Kentucky’s Cumberland Plateau has miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, whitewater rafting activities, equestrian riding, and camping.
Not to mention the breathtaking landscape. Erosions created many natural bridges in the Big South Fork region and breathtaking vistas of the river valley as it slices through old rock.
It also features hoodoos comparable to those found in the western US.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-see for every spirit-seeking tourist.
The tour visits nine major distilleries in the state, including Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Four Roses, as well as smaller artisan distilleries.
You’ll see how America’s original spirit gets on your table, tour distilleries, and maybe even sample some of the best the state has to offer.
Kentucky has been creating bourbon since the 1700s, when farmers recognized that liquidizing their maize and grain products made it simpler to carry them to market.
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Checklist Before Camping In Kentucky
If you are going camping in a region that you have never been to before and you do not know much about the region, it is essential to know what to bring that would be suitable for that location.
This is a small checklist for Kentucky:
- Sleeping bags/blankets/pillows
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- Bug spray
- Swim gear
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Water bottles
- Food, drinks, snacks
FAQ
Are pets allowed for camping in Kentucky?
For Kentucky State Parks, yes. For private campgrounds, you have to ask them one by one.
Can you camp for free in Kentucky?
In campgrounds, either private or state, you %99 of the time have to pay a fee. If you want to camp in the wilderness, you can, but you can not go over the legal rules.
Is there a limit on how many people can camp altogether?
For campground, yes, there is, most of the time.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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- https://parks.ky.gov/camping[↩]
- https://virginiatraveltips.com/best-places-to-visit-in-kentucky/[↩]
- https://parks.ky.gov/parks/pet-friendly-info#:~:text=No%20more%20than%20two%20pets,they%20are%20on%20a%20leash.[↩]
- https://parks.ky.gov/parks/pet-friendly-info#:~:text=No%20more%20than%20two%20pets,they%20are%20on%20a%20leash.[↩]