Rustic camping in Kentucky can be a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to get in touch with Mother Nature without renting a cabin. We covered relaxing campsites previously, but the list just wasn’t long enough. Camping options are virtually unlimited in this state, depending on what you require. If you are looking for an actual site with hookups and a grill, you will find each of these wondrous spots fits the bill. If you like the primitive aspect of camping, you will find you have so many options that making a decision could be a challenge. Here are the most beautiful places for primitive camping in Kentucky:

1. Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA
KY Photo File/Flickr
There are an abundance of comfortable campsites available for those with an RV or camper. Primitive campers can take their pick of the lush landscape surrounding the area. Campers have access to the benefits of the park, like cave tours and the 9-hole golf course, should they choose to play. This is one of the best Kentucky campgrounds for "primitive camping near me."

2. Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake, Kentucky, USA
Louisville USACE/Flickr
Nestled in the heart of the rolling hills and lush landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, there is a hidden oasis that can best be described as heaven on earth. This is Cave Run Lake, a great place to relax and get away from the city for a rendezvous with nature. How beautiful!

3. Green River Lake State Park

Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
The campgrounds have both primitive and modern sites. The areas readied for RV and campers are beyond reproach with electric and water. The primitive sites in the campground can vary, but if you look around you will easily find a site that fits your needs and provides an ambiance. Check it out:

4. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, 5465 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY 42629, USA
J Stephen Conn/Flickr
There are multiple different campgrounds in this park offering primitive camping and hookups. Campers have access to acres of beautiful scenery and the lake itself. You can spend the night at a campsite and spend your afternoons fishing for supper or swimming in the lake before a picnic.

5. Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park

998 Levi Jackson Rd, London, KY 40744, USA
Ryan W/Google Reviews
Levi Jackson is a perfect spot to camp out with friends, family, or both. The area is plentiful and the campgrounds have a pool, pioneer home replicas, and lots of hiking trails. You will love this campground for Kentucky primitive camping. The scenic beauty will make you feel completely at peace with Mother Nature:

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6. Nolin Lake State Park

Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Louisville USACE/Flickr
This forested park provides plenty of natural cover and beautiful spots to relax in nature. You can camp near the lake and catch your dinner, or head out into the woods. Whatever your choice, you will find everything you need here for a modern or primitive camping experience in Kentucky:

7. Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area in Brandenburg

850 Otter Creek Park Rd, Brandenburg, KY 40108, USA
Julisa Caraballo/Google Reviews
This park is more than 2,600 acres of Mother Nature in all her finery. You can fish, swim, hunt, hike or bike trails, and even go horseback riding. There are plenty of primitive camping sites available or you can find one of your own if you happen to be hunting.

8. Taylorsville Lake State Park at 1320 Park Road in Mt. Eden

Taylorsville Lake State Park, 1320 Park Rd, Mt Eden, KY 40046, USA
Shannon Tompkins/Flickr
Back in the early '90s we’d camp out under the stars here and start fishing early. This is one of the quietest parks I’d ever seen back then. Things have gotten more modern and more campsites are now available. The lake has some great fishing, but watch out for Bluegill. They are plentiful and love to steal bait!

9. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Middlesboro, KY 40965, USA
Tom Schlicher/Flickr
This is a beloved park favored by many. It offers history and modern technology, along with most things in between. The entire area is incredibly beautiful and overflowing with wildlife and waterfowl. During peak seasons you may need to call ahead for this one, as the serenity and adventure it offers is well known:

10. Land Between the Lakes

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Randy Kunath. AfterAnotherAdventure/Google Local
There are 170,000 acres of gorgeous land that is perfect for hiking, water sports, and camping. You can choose from hundreds of spots offering electrical hookups and water, or go for a more rustic setting of your choosing. The area itself is magical, and provides many a perfect spot to enjoy the ambiance:

These are just a few of the gorgeous spots to enjoy primitive camping in Kentucky. The beauty of Mother Nature is abundant here, so what campgrounds would you recommend?

If you need to buy a tent or any other camping gear, take a look at what our friends at REI have to offer.

 

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Rustic Camping In Kentucky

Sarah M. | April 15, 2023

What are the best state parks to visit in Kentucky?

Kentucky State Parks are pretty much the cure-all for everything. Do you need a relaxing retreat in nature? Head to any of the amazing Kentucky State Parks. Looking for some epic outdoor recreation? Kentucky State Parks! And when you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, well, the Kentucky State Parks have you covered there, too! Kentucky State Parks are well-rounded destinations, offering amazing attractions, amenities, and accommodations. The following are some of our favorite state parks that make for the ultimate getaway in Kentucky:

  •  Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Yes - you can go camping the sites listed above, but did you know Lake Cumberland State Resort Park has resort-level accommodations? The Houseboat Capital of the World makes for an amazing vacation destination; the park's cottages and lodge all well-appointed with wonderful amenities... and a front-row seat to the area's unrivaled natural splendor!
  • General Butler State Resort Park. An often-overlooked hidden gem in Kentucky, General Butler State Resort Park has a massive menu of amazing accommodations, from cozy cottages to a well-appointed lodge (check out that pool!). The lobby of the lodge, as well as the restaurant within, offers sweeping views of the Ohio River Valley. The park is perched atop a hill and boasts a one-of-a-kind view of the convergence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers, for a wholly unique and scenic experience!
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park. In one of the most resplendent regions of the Bluegrass, you'll find Natural Bridge State Resort Park. You'll experience Red River Gorge like never before at Hemlock Lodge, a place that offers unrivaled views and a cozy, downright luxurious experience. After a day spent exploring this wondrous place, a night of rest and relaxation is the perfect way to savor the splendor that is Natural Bridge State Resort Park!
  • Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is a place that doesn't get as much attention as its Kentucky State Park siblings, but that's okay, because it simply means you'll have this little slice of paradise all to yourself! Kentucky's *first* state park, Pine Mountain is known for its unrivaled outdoor recreation and immense scenic splendor. You'll feel the charm and history when you enter the main part of the lodge -- and be sure to dine at Mountain View Restaurant, a place that offers both incredible food and vistas. The park's lodge has 30 guest rooms, each with their own private patio or balcony to enjoy the mountain views, and you can also opt to stay in a secluded log cabin or rustic cottage, too.

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