Whether you're seeking top-rated campgrounds known for their amenities or hidden gems tucked away in the heart of nature, the Bluegrass State has something for everyone. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the best camping in Kentucky, showcasing a mix of popular favorites and lesser-known treasures. Whether you're planning a family getaway, a solo adventure, or a romantic escape, these campgrounds in Kentucky offer the ideal setting for your next outdoor experience. So, dust off your camping gear and prepare to explore the very best that Kentucky has to offer in the world of camping.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Kentucky

Kentucky's state park campgrounds are a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From lush forests to serene lakes, these campgrounds offer the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the state. We'll explore some of the best state park campgrounds in Kentucky, each with its unique appeal, making them ideal destinations for a memorable camping adventure.

1. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

• Location: Slade, Kentucky
• Popularity: Peak season runs from March through November.
• Park Info: RV and tent sites, birding, canoeing, fishing, gift shop, hiking, kayaking, mini golf, pedal boating, picnicking, skylift, and a swimming pool.
• Price: $23-$35/night

Natural Bridge is a massive 2,200-acre forested park with 22 miles of beautiful trails, a 60-acre lake, well-equipped campgrounds, comfortable lodging options, and delightful dining facilities. Nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest and neighboring the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area, this mountainous haven offers a truly enchanting experience.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where the Hemlock Lodge, with 35 rooms featuring private balconies that provide stunning vistas of the lush woodlands. In addition to the lodge, the park offers 11 cozy one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages. For those seeking a more rustic adventure, the park provides two campgrounds, offering both improved and primitive sites, along with two service buildings equipped with showers and restrooms.

2. Kingdom Come State Park

• Location: Cumberland, Kentucky
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Biking, fishing, gift shop, hiking, horseshoes, mini golf, outdoor theater, pedal boating, and picnicking.
• Price: $16-$22/night

Kingdom Come State Park, perched at 2,700 feet on Pine Mountain near Cumberland, Kentucky, is a natural wonderland. It boasts eight scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing. Named after the famous novel by Kentucky author John Fox Jr., the park spans 1,283 acres and showcases remarkable rock formations like Log Rock and Raven Rock, which soars 290 feet into the air at a 45-degree angle.

For camping, there are 14 campsites. These sites include regular primitive ones with fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom access, while two lakeside sites offer basic electrical outlets. Each site can host up to two tents and two cars.

3. Paintsville Lake State Park

• Location: Staffordsville, Kentucky
• Popularity: Busy during the summer season and weekends.
• Park Info: Fishing, a basketball court, horseshoes, a kayak launch, a marina, picnicking, playgrounds, and a volleyball court.
• Price:$21-$40/night

This state park lake in eastern Kentucky, characterized by its rugged cliffs and wooded shores, spans 1,140 acres, providing the perfect setting for boating, skiing, and fishing enthusiasts. The park also boasts a trio of exceptional trail options, including the 1.6-mile Kiwanis Trail and the expansive 18-mile Dawkins Line Rail Trail, which welcomes hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and stretches from Johnson County to Magoffin County.

Once you've had your fill of lake activities, unwind at the campground, which features 32 fully-equipped sites with restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, sewer hookups, waterfront picnic areas, two playgrounds, and other recreational amenities. If you prefer a more primitive camping experience, there are 10 walk-in campsites available. Moreover, a convenient full-service marina near the campground offers rental options for houseboats, pontoons, and fishing boats.

4. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

• Location: Union, Kentucky
• Popularity: Popular amongst families.
• Park Info: Bison viewing, Discovery Trail, orienteering, birding, gift shop, hiking, mini golf, picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, and tennis.
• Price: $35/night

Big Bone Lick State Park, located in Boone County, Kentucky, gets its name from the Pleistocene megafauna fossils discovered there, including mammoths attracted by a salt lick formed around sulfur springs.

Today, visitors can explore prehistoric fossils in the Visitor Center and see life-sized replicas of ancient animals outdoors. The park offers free year-round admission and various activities like camping, hiking, swimming, bird-watching, and orienteering, with 4.5 miles of trails.

The park's spacious campground provides 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, a swimming pool, and a playground. Central facilities offer showers, restrooms, and laundry services. An on-site campground grocery store is open from mid-March through mid-November.

Best Waterfront Camping in Kentucky

Kentucky is a land of scenic lakes, each with its own unique charm and recreational opportunities. For those in search of a tranquil and picturesque outdoor escape, lake camping in Kentucky offers the perfect solution. Whether you're into boating, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water's edge, Kentucky's lake campgrounds have it all.

5. Nolin Lake State Park

• Location: Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Biking, birding, boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
• Price: $25-$37/night

Nolin Lake State Park, established in 1996, is nestled in Edmonson County, Kentucky, along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. The park encompasses a 5,795-acre lake, created by damming the Nolin River in 1963, offering a serene escape for camping and fishing fans.

The park provides 32 campsites with water and electricity and 27 primitive campsites. You'll find a public beach, shower, laundry facilities, and a playground, and the lake is rich with bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. Whether relaxing on the sandy beach, launching your boat from the ramp, or enjoying a picnic at the pavilion, Nolin Lake State Park offers a peaceful setting for outdoor enjoyment.

6. Holly Bay Campground

• Location: London, Kentucky
• Popularity: Popular and loved by locals and tourists alike.
• Park Info: Restrooms, flush toilets, showers, water, drive-in sites, walk-in sites, electric (drive-in sites only), dump station, trash bins, marina, boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.
• Price: $38-$78/night

Laurel River Lake covers 5,600 acres with clear water and nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shoreline. It's ideal for relaxation, boating, fishing, skiing, and scuba diving.

Holly Bay Campground, situated on the western side of Laurel River Lake's London Ranger District, offers 75 RV sites for reservation, with additional walk-in sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Each campsite has a paved vehicle pad, gravel tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. The drive-in sites come with electricity and water connections, while the walk-in tent sites have access to centrally located water but lack electricity.

A public swimming beach is nearby, and the campground's boat ramp is exclusive to campers. Holly Bay Marina, open year-round, provides rental boats, supplies, fishing licenses, and accessible services.

7. Yatesville Lake State Park

• Location: Louisa, Kentucky
• Popularity: Best kept secret.
• Park Info: Birding, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, playgrounds, and picnicking.
• Price: $20-$30/night

Yatesville Lake offers ample space for water enthusiasts to enjoy various watercraft, including houseboats, pontoons, speedboats, and jet skis. Yatesville Marina is the go-to destination for boaters and anglers, providing all the essentials for a fantastic lake experience.

For a tranquil lakeside getaway, you can unwind at Yatesville Lake's campground, which features 47 spacious sites. The campground also offers 16 "boat-in" sites, accessible only by boat, for a secluded lakeside camping experience. Additionally, there are four "hike-in" sites for those who prefer a more adventurous approach. The campground is well-equipped with amenities, including a playground, nature trails, a laundry room, restrooms with showers, and a convenient dump station.

8. Grayson Lake State Park

• Location: Olive Hill, Kentucky
• Popularity: Underrated camping spot and state park.
• Park Info: Boating, canoeing, fishing, golf, hiking, kayaking, and picnicking.
• Price: $32/night

Grayson Lake State Park covers 1,512 acres and showcases breathtaking sandstone canyons and gentle slopes. To fully immerse yourself in adventure, Grayson Lake State Park recommends exploring the hiking trails, which introduce you to a variety of ferns, mosses, lichens, the vibrant rhododendron blooms, the distinctive "lizard head rock," and the unique pairing of beech and hemlock trees.

For a celestial camping experience, you can choose your ideal spot among the 71 generously spaced campsites. The campground provides utility hookups, a convenient dump station, and two centrally located service buildings with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Additionally, the check-in station offers a selection of items for purchase, including soft drinks, ice, and firewood.

Top Glamping in Kentucky

These unique glamping accommodations offer all the comforts of home amidst the state's stunning landscapes. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a serene retreat, Kentucky's best glamping sites promise a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that combines comfort and natural beauty.

9. Kentucky Lake Glamping

• Location: New Concord, Kentucky
• Popularity: Loved by locals and tourists alike with a concentration on customer service.
• Park Info: Store, white sand beach, cafe, bathhouse, and laundry facility.
• Price: $35-$125/night

Kentucky Lake Glamping offers a luxurious glampground tucked away in the hidden gem of Blood River, a secret haven on Kentucky Lake. The glamping options encompass a range of accommodations, including vintage campers, tiny homes, a charming cottage, a geodesic dome, a contemporary glamper, and RV sites.

Situated in an ideal location for water enthusiasts, Kentucky Lake Glamping caters to kayaking, boating, and fishing activities. They also provide top-notch amenities such as a luxurious bathhouse, delectable homemade pizza served at the Kentucky Lake Glamping Café, and convenient kayak, boat, and golf cart rentals. Discover a world of luxury and nature at Kentucky Lake Glamping.

10. Progress Park Airstream Resort & Event Venue

• Location: Louisville, Kentucky
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Park Info: All units have Smart TVs with Netflix & Hulu access, Adirondack chairs, a hammock, a covered patio, and a picnic table. Access to swimming, two-acre pond, bathroom, bedroom and kitchen essentials, commercial ice machine, and fire pits with firewood.
• Price: $140-$353/night

Progress Park, a serene 12-acre oasis nestled within Louisville's city limits, offers an all-inclusive glamping resort and event venue. With seven Airstreams, a bunkhouse, and two houses for overnight stays, Progress Park seamlessly blends nature and city living. Located near major attractions like Churchill Downs and downtown Louisville, the property features beaches with kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, groomed hiking trails, and a games lawn with various activities. Escape the hustle and bustle without leaving the city at Progress Park.

11. HomeGrown HideAways

• Location: Berea, Kentucky
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Guests have access to a fully-equipped Community Kitchen and an outdoor kitchen. They offer a rugged hiking trail, fire pits, and proximity to outdoor rental options. Please note there's no TV, internet, or cell reception, but you'll enjoy the starry skies. The bathhouse is open from April to October, and during winter, indoor bathrooms are available in the Community Kitchen.
• Price: $21-$255/night

For a tranquil camping experience in Kentucky, consider the serene HomeGrown HideAways, located near Berea. This hidden gem offers a year-round retreat amidst rolling hills and towering trees. It's a place to escape, breathe in the fresh air, and leave your worries behind.

HomeGrown HideAways provides a range of unique and primitive accommodations, including glamping options. Whether you're staying in a cozy tipi, pitching your own tent, or hooking up your RV, there's something for everyone. You can even spend the night in an Airstream or fulfill your treehouse dreams with a comfortable "tree-yurt" that includes modern amenities like heating, air conditioning, electricity, and water.

Best RV Camping Sites in Kentucky

Whether you're seeking waterfront tranquility, proximity to hiking trails, or family-friendly campgrounds with modern amenities, you'll find the perfect RV camping site to suit your preferences. Explore the nature and warm hospitality of Kentucky while enjoying the comfort and convenience of RV camping at its finest. Whether you've got your own RV or decide to rent one from a place like RVShare, these RV campgrounds really kick your camping experience up a notch.

12. 4 Guys RV Park at the Gorge

• Location: Stanton, Kentucky
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Quick access to area attractions, camp store, bathhouse, laundry facility, golf cart rentals, stocked fishing pond and creek, outdoor swimming pool, hiking, courts, frisbee golf, playgrounds, and an arcade.
• Price: $46-$60/night

Nestled in a valley, surrounded by pristine forests, stunning mountain vistas, and a gentle river, 4 Guys RV Park serves as the perfect hub for discovering the majestic Red River Gorge and nearby natural wonders. Bring your RV and settle into the accommodating big-rig-friendly sites, or opt for one of the vintage camper rentals, poolside homes, or soon-to-come tiny homes. With all the comforts of home and a range of activities, including fishing, swimming, and more, 4 Guys RV Park offers the ideal camping destination.

Arrive, establish your camp, unwind, and embark on an exceptional RV camping escapade. Each back-in and pull-thru site is equipped with full hookups, including 30/50-amp electric service, water and sewer connections, a maintained gravel pad, reliable Wi-Fi access, a picnic table, a fire ring for cozy evenings, and a range of site lengths spanning from 50 to 70+ feet. And for those with furry companions, rest assured, they are pet-friendly, so don't forget to bring along your four-legged friends to share in the excitement!

13. Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground

• Location: Salvisa, Kentucky
• Popularity: Tucked away and peaceful. Busier in the summer and on weekends.
• Park Info: Firewood sales, gift shop/camp store, pool, bathhouse, playground, boat launch, fishing dock, boat trailer parking, propane sales, pavilion, dog park, hiking trails, full hookups, and Wi-Fi.
• Price: $45+/night

Cummins Ferry is an oasis of calm in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, situated along the beautiful Kentucky River, providing stunning views of the Kentucky River Palisades.

Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground, RV Resort, and Marina is a gated camping community that offers affordable luxury. Here, you'll find a state-of-the-art facility for RV and tent camping, with each site having hookups, a fire ring, and a picnic table, to name a few. The campsite layout also provides plenty of space along with breathtaking riverfront vistas.

Cummins Ferry offers a wealth of amenities, including a marina, a refreshing pool, and a fun playground, making it a fantastic place for a Kentucky retreat.

14. Happy Camper RV Park Lake Cumberland

• Location: Somerset, Kentucky
• Popularity: A laidback family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: SomerSplash Waterpark and more than five elite golf courses are in close proximity to the campground.
• Price: $30-$40/night

Reserve your upcoming outdoor getaway with Happy Camper RV Park, conveniently situated just a short two-mile drive from the scenic Lake Cumberland in Somerset. The park offers a selection of 20 RV sites, each thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities, including septic, electric hookups, high-speed Wi-Fi, excellent cell service, water supply, trash disposal, convenient picnic tables, and cozy fire pits. Additionally, you'll find a range of fantastic amenities across the expansive 19-acre grounds, including a sheltered area, a dedicated dog park and run, an exciting kids' Ninja course, and access to a serene private creek. Happy Camper takes pride in being a secure and family-friendly park, with on-site managers always available to assist.

15. Kentucky Splash WaterPark and Campground

• Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky
• Popularity: Very popular family-friendly destination.
• Park Info: The park has two full concession stands.
• Price: $30-$50/night (Waterpark Daily Admission $15)

Kentucky Splash Waterpark in Williamsburg, Kentucky, offers a delightful mix of entertainment options. Within its premises, you'll find a waterpark featuring an expansive 18,000 sq. ft. wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and a vibrant kiddy activity pool. Thrill-seekers can take on the triple slide complex and the double slide tower for added excitement. Beyond the water fun, the park offers an 18-hole miniature golf course and a fun arcade.

For those looking to extend their stay, Kentucky Splash provides a 25-site full hookup campground complete with water, electric, sewer, cable with Wi-Fi access, and a convenient bathhouse. Additionally, there are six tent sites available, although they do not include utilities. The enjoyment you'll experience here is bound to keep you coming back for more, making it a destination you'll want to revisit time and time again!

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Kentucky

Discover the rugged beauty of Kentucky's wilderness with the best primitive tent camping sites the state has to offer. Whether you're seeking solitude under the stars or an adventure in the heart of nature, Kentucky's primitive tent camping destinations promise unforgettable experiences for every nature lover.

16. Taylorsville Lake State Park

• Location: Mt Eden, Kentucky
• Popularity: Popular during the summer season and on weekends.
• Park Info: Bicycling, boat launch, docks, boating, fishing, hiking, concessions, jet skiing, boat rentals, and water access.
• Price: $22-$38/night

Taylorsville Lake State Park, situated west of Lexington and southeast of Louisville, is surrounded by some of the region's most picturesque horse-riding terrain. The park's campground provides a range of options, including 42 improved campsites with electric and water hookups, 15 generously sized primitive sites, and 10 convenient pull-through equestrian sites. Additionally, there are two playgrounds and two central service buildings featuring laundry facilities.

The primitive camping area is exceptionally well-maintained and clean. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. The majority of the sites offer ample spacing and a sense of privacy, with the bathhouse consistently kept in fantastic condition.

17. Fort Boonesborough State Park

• Location: Richmond, Kentucky
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Park Info: Swimming, Fort Boonesborough, birding, boating, fishing, gift shop, hiking, mini golf, museum, picnicking, and tours.
• Price: $17-$37/night

Fort Boonesborough State Park offers a glimpse into 1900s life. Explore the Kentucky River Museum, witness craft demonstrations, and enjoy guided tours. Hike trails, swim in a large pool, play mini-golf, or fish in the river.

The year-round campground has 166 sites with electricity and water hookups, including 18 with full hookups. Amenities include central service buildings, dump stations, an activities building, showers, and a small grocery store. Additionally, there's a wooded area with 75 primitive camping sites.

18. Green River Lake State Park

• Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky
• Popularity: Family-friendly and busy during the summer.
• Park Info: Basketball, biking, birding, boating, fishing, gift shop, hiking, horseback riding, mini golf, picnicking, swimming, volleyball.
• Price: $23-$34/night

Green River Lake State Park, spanning 1,331 acres and surrounding the 8,200-acre lake, offers a natural retreat in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Enjoy an 18-hole miniature golf course, hiking trails, a beach, and a playground. The marina features a restaurant and boat rentals for fishing opportunities with bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie.

The campground has 167 RV sites with water and electric hookups, 60 primitive tent sites, and Wi-Fi access. Amenities include a grocery store, dump station, and three central service buildings with showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

Have you been to any of these campgrounds in Kentucky? Do you think they are the best places to camp in Kentucky? We’d love to hear which Kentucky campground you love most! And be sure to take a look at our ultimate outdoor essentials packing list before embarking on your next adventure.