Quick Summary:

  • Kentucky camping enthusiasts are fortunate to have access to many really well equipped campgrounds, most of which are situated in beautiful river or lake-side locations.
  • The vast majority of the popular campgrounds are dotted around Kentucky’s many State Parks and most of them offer serviced campsites with full or partial hook-up for RV’s and trailers as well as primitive tent sites for those wanting a more rustic adventure.
  • On-site activities range from caving to horseback riding and almost all offer hiking trails.
  • If you are traveling with children you can choose resort-style campgrounds which offer many extra activities including tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball and outdoor swimming pools.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Axtel Campground, Rough River Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Accommodations
Axtel Campground, Rough River Lake | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© R. P. Jennings/stock.adobe.com

2. Baileys Point ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Baileys Point | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© stock.adobe.com

3. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Category: Attractions
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

4. Camp on the Kentucky

Camp on the Kentucky | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Camp on the Kentucky

5. Carr Creek State Park

Category: Activities
Carr Creek State Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Maya/stock.adobe.com

6. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Kentucky

Category: Accommodations
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Kentucky | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Carter Caves State Resort Park

7. Columbus Belmont State Park

Category: Activities
Columbus Belmont State Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Columbus Belmont State Park

8. Cumberland Falls State Park

Category: Activities
Cumberland Falls State Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© ehrlif/stock.adobe.com

9. Daniel Boone National Forest

Category: Activities
Daniel Boone National Forest | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Christopher Boswell/stock.adobe.com

10. Elkhorn Campground

Category: Accommodations
Elkhorn Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Elkhorn Campground

11. Falls Creek Cabins and Campground

Category: Accommodations
Falls Creek Cabins and Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Falls Creek Cabins and Campground

12. Green River Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Green River Lake State Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© zhukovvvlad/stock.adobe.com

13. Kentucky Horse Park Campground

Category: Accommodations
Kentucky Horse Park Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Oleksandr/stock.adobe.com

14. Kentucky River Campground

Category: Accommodations
Kentucky River Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Kentucky River Campground

15. Koomer Ridge Campground

Category: Accommodations
Koomer Ridge Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© trek6500/stock.adobe.com

16. My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground

Category: Accommodations
My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground

17. Natural Bridge State Resort Park Campground

Category: Accommodations
Natural Bridge State Resort Park Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Michele/stock.adobe.com

18. Nolin Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Nolin Lake State Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Abhishek/stock.adobe.com

19. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Category: Accommodations
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

20. Rock Cabin Camping

Rock Cabin Camping | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Rock Cabin Camping

21. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave

Category: Activities
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave

22. Mammoth Cave National Park Campground

Category: Accommodations
Mammoth Cave National Park Campground | Camping Ideas in Kentucky
© auremar/stock.adobe.com

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