10 Can't-Miss Kentucky Campsites

Take your family camping in a Kentucky campground! From the mountains of eastern Kentucky to the beautiful western waterlands and all points in between – there are hundreds of campgrounds throughout the state. Check out the below list for 10 campgrounds that offer unique camping experiences!  

1. Yogi Bear's Jellystone™ Park Camp-Resort, Cave City

This is a place that children will love for the campy fun and and adults will enjoy for the nostalgia. From meeting the cartoon characters of the past, to organized games each night, there is truly something for almost everyone. In addition to 125 campsites, the grounds also feature 69 cabins with baths and kitchens (10 of which are pet friendly). There is free wireless internet (for those who can’t seem to totally unplug), two pools, splash pad, 300’ water slide, fishing pond, pavilion, volleyball, outdoor theater, horseshoes, mini-golf, playgrounds, weekend karaoke, hay (or hey, hey, hey) rides and live music. Don’t miss this unique and highly entertaining camping experience, just minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park. You might just meet Yogi himself! 

2. Kentucky State Parks

There are 31 campgrounds in the Kentucky State Park system, spread out across the state so you’re not too far from being able to enjoy the outdoors. The campgrounds have sites for RVs, campers and tents and there are five parks – Dale Hollow Lake, Pennyrile Forest, Taylorsville Lake, Carter Caves and Greenbo Lake – that offer equestrian sites. Campsites have electric and water hookups, a fire ring and a table. Campers should make reservations online or by phone so they can pick their favorite site. 

3. Barren Fork Horse Camp, Whitley City

The Barren Fork Horse Camp was once the site of a coal mining town operated by the Barren Fork Mining and Coal Company. The mining activities occurred from 1881 to 1935, producing what was considered some of the best quality low-sulfur coal in the area. This campground features places to picket your horse and lots of trails through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The campsites also features fire grates, lantern holders, watering pond for horses, vault toilets and picnic tables located at certain campsites. The price range is $8 per night, $12 for 2 nights and $100 annual passes (limited to 14 consecutive nights). The Barren Fork Picnic Shelter may be reserved for group-use by calling the Stearns office at 606-376-5323. Unless reserved, the shelter is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

4. Crockett Frontiers Campground, Grand Rivers

The campground is in the little burg of Grand Rivers, a town of about 350 – 400 people nestled on the shores of and between the twin lakes, Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.  It offers tremendous recreational opportunities coupled with great small town conveniences like a grocery store, post office, medical clinic, gas, restaurants, shops, and marinas. 

5. Falls Creek Cabin and Campground, Corbin

Located near Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, it is a part of the Sheltowee Trace Outfitters facility, which offers whitewater rafting, canoe trips and other outdoor adventures. Easy to get to from I-75 at Corbin (Exit 25) and Williamsburg (Exit 15), the campground is located just 5 miles east of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 25 minutes from Laurel Lake and 45 minutes from both Lake Cumberland and the Big South Fork National River and Recreational area and adjoining the Daniel Boone National Forest.  A great place for hiking, boating, fishing, or just spending time with your family in a beautiful setting.

6. Kentucky River Campgrounds, Frankfort

Located on the Kentucky River, this campground has 104 full-service sites, free cable television, ice, camp store, showers, dump stations, LP gas, coin operated laundry, boat ramp, boat gas and oil, live bait, fishing and swimming, playground, two pavilions, boat and camper storage and primitive campsites. Children’s activities are scheduled from Memorial Day through Halloween, but the campground is open all year.

7. Pioneer Playhouse, Danville

The campground has 35 sites and is 100 yards away from Pioneer Playhouse, Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater, offering 5 professional productions all summer long. All sites have water and electric hookups with bathhouses and one dump station, on property. The campground does not take reservations, just stop by the office and sign in, then go find the site you like and make yourself at home before a night of dazzling entertainment. 

8. Diamond Lake Resort and Campground, Owensboro

The Diamond Lake Resort and Campground offers a traveler's delight, with 270 campsites, full hookups, motel rooms, cottages, fishing, 3 go-kart tracks, pedal boats, mini golf, golf cart rental, a full grill, pizza and ice cream parlor and a 749 seat theater. With all of these amenities, there's always something to do or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

9. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Golden Pond

At the USDA Forest Service's Land Between The Lakes, you can rediscover the outdoors and enjoy 170,000 acres of wildlife, history and recreation opportunities surrounded by 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Pick a spot, pitch your tent or park your RV.  Boat ramps can be found throughout with access to both Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. A portion of campsites at Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, Piney and Wranglers campgrounds are available for reservations. You can make a camping reservation online 24 hours a day. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, but not within 48 hours of your intended arrival. The remainder of campsites are first come, first served. Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake, Wranglers and Piney provide amenities such as RV hook-ups, restroom and shower buildings, bike and canoe rentals (in season), beach and activity areas.  

10. Zilpo Campgrounds, Salt Lick

Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Zilpo is a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, and is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area, peaceful vistas and ample wildlife viewing opportunities. There are 172 campsites within walking distance of the lake shore that provide privacy and convenience. Reservations may be made by calling 877-444-6777.