Best Camping in Kentucky

Kentucky's campgrounds span the cave country of Mammoth Cave, the gorge scenery of the Red River, and the lake shores of the western reservoir complex.

Mammoth Cave National Park: Headquarters Campground
The only campground in Mammoth Cave NP — 111 sites (electric and tent) in a hardwood forest near the park visitor center and the Historic Entrance. The campground gives immediate access to cave tours and surface trails. The Green River flows through the park 200 feet below; the Green River Ferry (the oldest operating ferry in Kentucky, since 1838) connects the campground to the Houchin Ferry Road.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Camping adjacent to the Natural Bridge and the Daniel Boone National Forest trail system — the park campground (55 sites) is in a forested hollow below the bridge. The Skylift, the lodge, and the hiking trails to the arch make this the most complete camping package in eastern Kentucky.

Red River Gorge: Koomer Ridge Campground
A USFS campground in the heart of the Red River Gorge — 54 sites with immediate access to the Rough Trail, the Natural Bridge area, and the climbing crags. The campground is heavily used by rock climbers on weekends; mid-week is quieter.

Land Between the Lakes: Piney Campground
On Kentucky Lake in the LBL NRA — 322 sites (electric, water, and full hookup) on the lake shore. The Bison Prairie (free-roaming bison visible from the road), the Homeplace living history farm, and the lake fishing make LBL excellent for families.

Laurel River Lake (Corbin area)
A Corps of Engineers campground on Laurel River Lake in the Daniel Boone NF — clear water, 5,600 acres, excellent fishing, and forested hillside camping. Adjacent to the Cumberland Falls area.