Camping out in Kentucky can be an amazing experience, regardless of how you do it. The Bluegrass State has acres of nothing but forests, rivers, lakes, hill, plains, and creeks, just waiting to envelop you in nature. You can take a tent and get in touch with Mother Earth but some prefer the comfort of the familiar, like an RV, which can be easily accommodated. For those that prefer a roof over their head, cabin rentals are the way to go. Whichever route you take, these will be moments memories are made of.
Here are 10 camping spots in Kentucky that will leave a lasting impression.
This magical spot in Cave City has 47 cabins, including larger bunk cabins for groups. There are also over 150 campsites and several hundred primitive sites available. The location provides amazing views and plenty of activities for families. Wireless internet is also available in designated areas.
This campground has everything one might need, in case it was left at home. There are electric and primitive sites, cottages, and RV sites. Visitors can hang out in nature or play miniature golf, paddle boat, swim, and more. Wifi is also available.
This Benton campground has a full service hotel, cabins/cottage rentals, and also primitive sites. Campers can hike, boat, or just soak up some of nature’s beauty.
There are over 80 hookup sites available, along with primitive and tent camping sites. This secluded site offers nature interaction with Herrington Lake, along with a playground, a pool, horse shoe pit, and more.
Salvisa is home to a campground and state of the art Marina. RV sites and tents are allowed and there are plenty amenities, like showers, pontoon rentals, restrooms, electric hookups, pedal boat rentals, and more. Pets are also welcome.
These acres of incredible beauty in Winchester offer multiple campgrounds with primitive, hookup, and cabin style camping. Tents can be pitched closer to civilization or further away. The forest is vast, so those wanting to get away from civilization won’t have a problem.
With over 20 campsites, electric hookups, cottages, and motel rooms, this Owensboro spot makes for happy campers. Visitors can enjoy pedal boat rentals, swimming, fishing, walking, relaxing, playing mini golf, and then dine at the restaurant. Cooking out is also an option, but the onsite ice cream parlor is hard to resist.
This Louisa campground had 27 hook up sites and open primitive camping. Pets are also allowed but must be leashed. Campers will be thrilled at the close proximity of the Lake and boat ramp.
This is serenity at its finest. Camping with hookups is available, but those that prefer cabin camping will be thrilled. Some of the facilities set right on the lake where you can literally fish from your porch.
The Gorge is known as one of the most beautiful places in Kentucky, though it does have a lot of competition. Hiking, zip lining, camping, canoeing, rock climbing, and more are available for recreation. There is so much to do and see at the Gorge, it creates a memorable experience. Imagine the view from the cabin in this image.
Each and every one of these amazing locations offers something unique, whether it's the scenery or the amenities. To those that enjoy camping, there is nothing like a night under the stars in the Bluegrass State. If you have a favorite camping spot, please tell us about it in comments.
The Amazing Campground in Kentucky We Want to Visit All-Year Round
Horse Cave KOA in Kentucky offers luxurious treehouses, spacious covered wagons, and other accommodations all year round, making it an excellent campground.
I have been to a lot of different campgrounds, but the Horse Cave KOA is certainly special to me. The whole campground is very clean and pretty but they also offer some of the coolest unique stays I have seen while camping. If you love unique stays in Kentucky, then you will want to add this to your bucket list. This KOA is also in an excellent location, which puts it within a short drive of some of my favorite places in the state. So stay for the convenience or the unique accommodations because both make this one wonderful campground to add to any Kentucky trip.
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When we stayed at the Horse Cave KOA, we booked a weekend in a covered wagon. This was a first for us and the whole experience was more than we could have hoped for. When we rolled up to the wagon for the night, we certainly got the wow factor, and it was way bigger than we expected. During our stay, we spent some time exploring the property and discovered that they also offer luxurious treehouses, which were higher than any other treehouse I had ever seen. No matter which way you like to travel, this campground has you covered.
The inside of the covered wagon impressed us just as much as the outside. They could fit bunk beds for the kids, a small table with two chairs, a mini fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, and a kingsized bed! This was the kind of living that the pioneers didn’t even know to dream of. The layout was so well done that it didn’t feel crowded, and I have to say that it was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on.
When I woke up I was greeted with one of the prettiest views I have ever seen at a campground. The foggy farmland field looked like the perfect picture of what I think of when I think of Kentucky. The only thing that could have made it better was if a horse was grazing in the field. It took my breath away, and I just sat there enjoying the scene before continuing my morning.
Not only is the campground itself worthy of being the destination it’s also conveniently located to many of the area’s attractions. Mammoth Cave still remains one of my favorite places in the state and is only a short drive from the campground. Visiting this national park is an absolute must for anyone who likes cave exploration. We booked the historic tour and I was captivated from the moment I saw the epic cave entrance. We loved it so much that we immediately booked a different tour for the next day!
As big as Mammoth Cave is (It’s in the name, after all), this isn’t the only cave in the area. Horse Cave is a small town that is undeniably charming. We took a trip to visit and loved the mural displayed downtown. One place we visited was the Hidden Cave & American Cave Museum. The museum was free to enter and housed all sorts of spelunking stories and the history of the caves in the area. It was a fascinating little place with a lot of interactive pieces for kids, which my girls enjoyed.
The best part of the town was the gaping open maw of the earth right in the center of downtown. It is shockingly beautiful that this cave entrance is located right in the middle of all the brick buildings. This small town is well worth exploring, but don’t miss the cave entrance when you go.
The Horse Cave KOA is quite an impressive campground with unique stays and a fantastic location. You can stay there year-round, and I would highly recommend it. We loved staying in a covered wagon during our Mammoth Cave adventure, and I do not doubt that you would, too. If you would like to book your stay, please visit the Horse Cave KOA website.
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To see more, check out this tour of the covered wagon by watching our Adventuring in the Moment video:
Prefer to travel in a camper? Make sure to visit our friends over at RV Share to rent out a camper for your next camping adventure.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
