Kentucky Camping: Explore the Bluegrass State’s Best Campsites

Kentucky is home to a diverse landscape, which offers campers a wealth of opportunities to explore the great outdoors in the Bluegrass State. From serene lakeside spots to forest adventures, it’s here that you’ll stumble upon some of the country’s most scenic campsites. 

Below, discover the top 10 camping destinations in the state, which showcase the wide range of natural beauty. Plus, don’t miss our packing list of essentials to ensure a safe, comfortable, and truly unforgettable experience.

Top 10 Camping Destinations in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is famous. It’s the world’s longest cave system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Above the caves, you’ll find lush green forests, rugged hills, and majestic woodlands. If you prefer the backcountry route, there are 13 designated campsites available, many of which require hiking, horseback riding, or paddling for several miles to reach the sites. It’s pure solitude for solo or group camping away from the hustle and bustle. The frontcountry campgrounds provide a more elevated experience, with laundry, showers, and camping supplies available. Popular activities include cave tours, hiking over 80 miles of trails, and kayaking along the Green River. 

• Features: 52,000 acres of beautiful scenery and the world’s largest cave system.
• Facilities: Three frontcountry campgrounds with laundry, showers, and supplies; 13 backcountry sites; two rustic log cabins.
• Things to Know: Backcountry sites require hiking, river paddling, or horseback riding to access them. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Red River Gorge Geological Area

Red River Gorge is nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, where you’ll find rock features from sandstone arches to cliffs and diverse ecosystems. This federally designated National Geological Area is also a National Archaeological District and National Natural Landmark. There are several year-round campgrounds with varying setups to meet your needs, whether venturing out in the spring, summer, winter, or fall. 

From peaceful, family-friendly sites like Natural Bridge Campground to climber-focused spots like Re-Lode and Land of Arches, there’s something for everyone. Red River Gorge Adventures is the only campground within the Gorge, with direct access to hiking and kayaking.

• Features: Unique rock features, year-round camping, outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, and climbing.
• Facilities: A mix of RV hookups, tent camping, and cabin rentals, plus amenities at developed campgrounds.
• Things to Know: Red River Gorge is the only campground inside the gorge.

Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area

Find a developed or backcountry spot at the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, situated between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. Walk the 300+ miles of undeveloped shoreline or enjoy boating, hiking, and fishing—it’s a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from four developed campgrounds (Energy Lake, Hillman Ferry, Piney, and Wranglers) or get a backcountry permit and pick your own spot as long as it’s away from picnic areas, nightly-fee campgrounds, and 200+ yards away from roads.

• Features: RV and tent camping, lake access, and 300 miles of shoreline for hiking or fishing.
• Facilities: Developed campgrounds with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, dumpsters, and recycling.
• Things to Know: Alcohol is prohibited, and backcountry camping requires a permit.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls is a 125-foot-wide waterfall known as the “Niagara of the South.” This attraction draws campers year-round, especially during a full moon, as it’s the only place you can see a moonbow in the Western Hemisphere. This one-of-a-kind camping destination offers electric and water hookups, restrooms, showers, and a central service area for a comfortable stay every time. Visitors can explore hiking trails winding through lush forests and shoreside along the Cumberland River, with incredible wildlife spotting and birdwatching opportunities. Try white-water rafting, gem mining, or canoeing if you prefer an adventure. 

• Features: Famous 125-foot-wide waterfall, moonbows, hiking, and water sports.
• Facilities: Electric and water hookups, restrooms, showers, and historic Dupont Lodge nearby.
• Things to Know: You can catch a once-in-a-lifetime moonbow under a full moon. Pets are welcome at the campground.

Nolin Lake State Park

In south-central Kentucky, there’s a serene camping destination called Nolin Lake State Park. Families and nature lovers adore the opportunities for fishing (great for bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie), hiking (over 9.2 miles of hiking and biking trails), and public beach for swimming. The campground features 27 primitive sites with picnic tables and fire pits, plus 32 campsites with electric and water hookups. There’s also a playground and nature center nearby. Open year-round, Nolin Lake State Park is an ideal spot for outdoor fun for the whole family.

• Features: Peaceful lakeside camping with fishing, hiking, and a public beach.
• Facilities: Electric and water hookup sites are available, as well as restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a nature center.
• Things to Know: Open year-round for both peak season and quieter off-season visits.

Green River Lake State Park

The large and scenic Green River Lake State Park covers 1,331 acres of rolling hills with an 8,200-acre lake. Its playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking, beach, and 18-hole mini-golf course make it a hub for outdoor recreation. The Campbellsville, Kentucky, campground offers 167 water and electric hookup sites and 60 primitive tent camping sites to meet every camping preference. 

The hiking trails wind through the park with stunning views of the surrounding woods and lake. Anglers can rent a boat at the nearby marina and purchase snacks and supplies for a great day on the water.

• Features: Expansive lake and land for fishing, boating, hiking, and family fun.
• Facilities: RV and primitive campsites are available, as well as a marina, Wi-Fi, showers, dump station, grocery, laundry, and a snack bar.
• Things to Know: Popular for birdwatching and family outings; open year round.

Clear Creek Recreation Area

Clear Creek Recreation Area is located in the Cumberland District. It’s a small, quiet camping area with a boat ramp at Clear Creek Lake and picnic tables nearby. You’ll find remnants of an iron furnace from the1800s, plus an on-site shooting range. Open April through October, you can enjoy the best seasons for the outdoors along over 50 miles of trails before settling into one of 20 primitive tent or RV sites with fire rings and lantern poles.

There’s a self-pay station at the front of the park, so don’t forget to pay the fee before picking your campsite. Vault toilets, centrally located clean drinking water, and trash sites are available nearby.

• Features: Shooting range, over 50 miles of hiking trails, and easy access to the nearby lake.
• Facilities: Toilets, drinking water, trash, fire rings, and lantern poles are available.
• Things to Know: This campground is self-pay at the park entrance.

Yatesville Lake State Park

Yatesville Lake State Park is in the Appalachian foothills, where stunning natural beauty abounds. This 2,300-acre mountain reservoir is known for some of the best bluegill fishing in Eastern Kentucky, calling to anglers from around the country. Camping is available with 47 spacious sites large enough for RVs, vans, or boat-in campers, with modern amenities like electric hookups and restrooms. 

Hiking trails, such as the scenic Mary Ingles Trail, provide the perfect opportunity to see local wildflowers and wildlife—you might even catch a bald eagle in flight. It’s no wonder it was named one of the best campgrounds in Kentucky and Tennessee.

• Features: Scenic lake camping with fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
• Facilities: 47 campsites, boat-in and hike-in options, restrooms, and picnic areas.
• Things to Know: Open seasonally from mid-March to mid-November.

Koomer Ridge Campground

In the Red River Gorge, Koomer Ridge is an ideal location for camping in a tranquil forest setting with easy access to Red River Gorge trails. Find your spot among 19 RV sites and 54 semi-primitive tent sites, all shaded by tall trees and surrounded by stunning sandstone cliffs. 

Campers can enjoy amenities like vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a campground amphitheater, with programs running each Saturday in the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It’s also an ideal basecamp for climbers exploring the Gorge’s rugged beauty up close and personal.

• Features: Shaded campsites with access to Red River Gorge trails and views of natural arches.
• Facilities: Vault toilets, fire rings, drinking water, and a seasonal amphitheater program.
• Things to Know: First-come-first-serve camping sites; camping or fires in rock shelters are prohibited.

Zilpo Campground

Set uniquely on a peninsula of Cave Run Lake, Zilpo Campground spans a whopping 355 acres of wooded charm. Pick your camping style—tent camping, RV sites, or cabins that sleep up to six—Zilpo has it all. There are family-friendly amenities, like a sand-filled beach with a designated swimming area and the Tater Knob fire tower (open to the public with amazing panoramic views of the area). 

A country store, bathhouses, boat ramp, picnic tables, and fire rings add to the convenience of this destination. If you’re looking for a combination of lakefront beauty and outdoor activities, Zilpo will soon become a new favorite camping spot.

• Features: Lakeside camping with cabins, hiking trails, and a sandy beach.
• Facilities: Bathhouses, a country store, electric hookups, and a fire tower with views.
• Things to Know: Open seasonally, offering traditional camping and cabin options.

What To Pack for a Kentucky Camping Trip

• Portable Power Solution: Don’t strand yourself without power while camping. Modern solutions like EcoFlow’s RIVER 3 Series, including the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus and  EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W), can keep your appliances and devices powered throughout your trip. If you prefer a primitive experience, just pack the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank for phone charging to ensure communication access.
• Tent and Sleeping Supplies: A tarp, tent with a rain fly, sleeping bag or pad, blankets, and pillows.
• Lighting: Battery-powered lights such as flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, etc. (Pack extra batteries, too.
• Food and Water: Pack prepped meals, clean drinking water, and nonperishable snacks.
• Cooking Supplies: Pots/pans, utensils, a portable stove, plates, napkins, etc.
• Layered Clothing: Thin layers that can be combined for warmth.
• Medications and First Aid: Bandaids, medicated ointment, antiseptic spray, prescriptions, or OTCs.
• Camp Chairs: Comfortable chairs for around the campfire
• Campfire Essentials: Fire, firestarter, lighter, s’mores, roasting sticks.
• AC/Heater: Stay comfortable whether camping in the hot summer or cold winter with the EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner, which can also function as a tent heater.
• Entertainment: Games, cards, books, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Bluegrass State is not short on beautiful camping options. From the world’s longest cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park to the “Niagara of the South” at Cumberland Falls State Park Resort, there’s something for everyone. Comfort is key for a great camping experience, so remember to pack a portable power station from the EcoFlow River 3 Series to enjoy power even at basic campsites.