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Where can camping enthusiasts go in Kentucky?
- 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.
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What types of campgrounds are available in Kentucky?
- 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 RVs and trailers as well as primitive tent sites for those wanting a more rustic adventure.
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What activities can campers enjoy at Kentucky campgrounds?
- On-site activities range from caving to horseback riding, and almost all offer hiking trails.
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Are there family-friendly campgrounds in Kentucky?
- If you are traveling with children, you can choose resort-style campgrounds that offer many extra activities, including tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, and outdoor swimming pools.
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1. Axtel Campground, Rough River Lake
Camp by the lake and enjoy fishing, boating, and scenic views.
Scenically nestled along the shoreline of the Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, the Axtel Campground offers a home-from-home for all outdoor enthusiasts. The large campground boasts 158 camp sites, all of which benefit from sweeping views of the lake. Many of the sites have electrical hook-up and some of them offer full hook-up. The campground has many attractive facilities including showers, flushing toilets, a swimming area, boating marina and a fish-cleaning facility. You can enjoy several on-site activities like boating, swimming and fishing and there is a short trail for hiking and bird-watching. Near-by attractions include the Mammoth Cave National Park where you can explore the largest cave system in the world.
Axtel Campground, McDaniels, KY 40152, Phone: 270-257-2584
2. Baileys Point
Relax lakeside and enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking trails.
Home to 215 scenically located campsites, Baileys Point is the largest and roomiest campground on the shores of Barren River Lake. Nature lovers come from near and far to enjoy the park’s excellent facilities which include serviced RV sites with great views, a boat ramp, general store, dump station and laundry facilities. Activities like basketball, volleyball and horseshoes will keep all members of the family busy when they are not out on the lake enjoying boating, swimming and fishing. In addition, the campground offers easy access to several interesting day-trip destinations including the Mammoth Cave National Park and the National Corvette Museum.
Baileys Point, Bailey Point Rd, Scottsville, KY 42164, Phone: 270-622-6959
3. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Discover prehistoric fossils and explore Kentucky’s ancient past.
For a camping excursion with an educational slant you will find the Big Bone Lick State Historic Site campground hard to beat. The Visitor’s Center at the historic site offers excellent exhibits to excite young minds with stories of long-gone ice-age mammals, geology and history. To enjoy all there is to see you can bring along your tent or RV and spend a few nights in the campground which boasts serviced campsites, a swimming pool, playgrounds, showers and laundry facilities. Besides viewing the resident herd of bison, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, swimming and mini-golf. The campground is open from March to the end of October each year.
Big Bone Lick State Historical Site, 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, Phone: 859-384-3522
4. Camp on the Kentucky
Camp along the Kentucky River and enjoy peaceful nature views.
If you are looking for a small and intimate campground where you can spend some time communing with nature, you need look no further than the privately-owned Camp on the Kentucky Campground. The campground is scenically located along the shores of the Kentucky River in Woodford County, where you will find 18 fully serviced campsites as well as 15 primitive campsites for those who want to experience the essence of back-to-nature camping. Each of the sites has a fire pit and picnic table and there is an on-site boat ramp and general store. Although most visitors come to relax and unwind, the campground offers easy access to various near-by attractions.
Camp on the Kentucky, 5486 Cummings Ferry Rd, Versailles, KY 40383, Phone: 859-879-6402
5. Carr Creek State Park
Fish on Carr Creek Lake and enjoy relaxing lakeside camping.
Perfectly positioned for a peaceful riverside vacation, the Carr Creek State Park offers campers 39 serviced and shady campsites, all of which have easy access to the water. The campground is open from April to November and is especially popular with bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts who come to enjoy sightings of many species of wildlife. Water activities include boating, fishing and swimming. There is a long sandy beach along the shores of the lake and other family activities include horseshoes, canoeing, biking and hiking. On-site facilities include restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and a playground for the younger visitors.
Carr Creek State Park, 2086 Smithboro Rd, Hwy 15, Sassafras, KY 41759, Phone: 606-642-4050
6. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Kentucky
Explore fascinating caves and hike scenic nature trails.
The Carter Caves State Resort Park offers a host of activities for adventure seekers of all ages. To enjoy all the activities on offer you can bring along your RV or tent and spend a few nights in the attractive campground which offers serviced campsites and good facilities. In addition to exploring the fascinating underground world of caverns, chambers and waterfalls you can also enjoy a large variety of outdoor activities including walking, hiking or biking along more than 20 miles of multi-use trails. If you have your own horse you are welcome to book one of the equestrian campsites. Water activities include swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing and there is a 9-hole golf course that the whole family can enjoy.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, Kentucky 41164, Phone: 606-286-4411
7. Columbus Belmont State Park
Discover Civil War history and enjoy stunning Mississippi River views.
Beautifully located amidst mature trees alongside the Mississippi river cliff, the Columbus Belmont State Park campground offers 38 serviced campsites where you can relax and enjoy a laid-back family vacation. If you don’t have an RV of your own you can try one out by renting an on-site 6-sleeper trailer. Park activities include boating, hiking, bird watching and visiting the historic sites which played a role in the Civil War. You can also visit the on-site museum and children will enjoy the playground and the mini-golf course. Within 10 miles of the park you will find a golf course and restaurants.
Columbus Belmont State Park, 350 Park Rd, Columbus, KY 42032, Phone: 270-677-2327
8. Cumberland Falls State Park
Admire the breathtaking waterfall and witness the famous moonbow.
The Cumberland Falls State Park is home to the beautiful Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall south of Niagara. You can park your RV or pitch your tent at one of the campground’s 49 campsites and spend a few relaxing days enjoying the activities on offer. The park is a brilliant destination for both water sport and hiking enthusiasts, and you can explore more than 17 miles of scenic hiking trails. Water sport enthusiasts can take their pick of fun activities including guided canoeing excursions, white-water rafting (seasonal), river tubing, swimming and fishing. Back on dry land you can play tennis, horseshoes or shuffleboard or spend some time enjoying ranger-led activities.
Cumberland Falls State Park, 7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701, Phone: 606-528-4121
9. Daniel Boone National Forest
Hike through lush forests and explore rugged wilderness trails.
The beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest covers over 708,000 acres and offers every kind of activity an ardent nature lover could ask for. Here you can relax and unwind in one of several campgrounds, all of which offer easy access to all the activities on offer in this enormous rugged forest. You could also try your hand at primitive camping in the heart of the wilderness. The forest surrounds several lakes where you can enjoy water activities including boating, swimming, scuba, tubing and water skiing. Landlubbers can spend their time hiking, biking, rock-climbing and wildlife watching. There are also several horse camps for visiting equestrians and miles and miles of equestrian trails to enjoy.
Daniel Boone National Forest, 1700 Bypass Rd, London, KY 40744, Phone: 859-745-3100
10. Elkhorn Campground
Enjoy family-friendly camping and fish along the Elkhorn Creek.
Family owned and operated, the Elkhorn Campground near Frankfort offers visitors a warm welcome and a selection of serviced, paved campsites. This is an ideal campground to visit with the family, who can enjoy having fun in the pool, playing mini-golf or just fooling around in the large playground. In addition, you can try your hand at volleyball, basketball or horseshoes. There is a general store on site for necessities (and hand-dipped ice-cream), a bathhouse, pool and a dumpsite. The campground is suitable for larger RV’s, offering several pull-through campsites. Although you will feel as if you are in the heart of the countryside, all the attractions of the city are just two miles from the campground.
Elkhorn Campground, 165 North Scruggs Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601, Phone: 502-695-9154
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Axtel Campground, Rough River Lake
- 2. Baileys Point
- 3. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
- 4. Camp on the Kentucky
- 5. Carr Creek State Park
- 6. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Kentucky
- 7. Columbus Belmont State Park
- 8. Cumberland Falls State Park
- 9. Daniel Boone National Forest
- 10. Elkhorn Campground