Camping in Kentucky

A complete guide to camping in Kentucky

Joshua M photographs majestic Natural Bridge State Park landscape

Photo Credit: Joshua M

Overview

Kentucky camping anchors on Mammoth Cave National Park, which sits atop the world's longest known cave system in the south-central part of the state. The park's campgrounds provide forest-floor camping above 400 miles of mapped passages. Beyond the cave, the state's camping character builds around two elements: the Daniel Boone National Forest in the eastern mountains and the lake system in the west.

The Red River Gorge within Daniel Boone National Forest draws rock climbers and hikers to sandstone arches and cliff-line trails. Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the gorge's developed campgrounds provide the most concentrated camping in the eastern region. Western Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offers waterfront camping with fishing and boating. The Benton and Cadiz area serves this lake district.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Kentucky

Best Seasons to Camp in Kentucky

Spring

Mar-May

High 61°F · Low 49°F

Dogwood and redbud bloom through the forest. Red River Gorge trails dry out by April. Cave tours operate year-round. Temperatures reach the 60s and 70s. One of the most comfortable windows before summer humidity.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 81°F · Low 69°F

Hot and humid across the state. Lake campgrounds fill on weekends. Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest provide some canopy shade. Mammoth Cave stays 54 degrees underground regardless of surface weather.

Fall

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	61°F	49°F	Dogwood and redbud bloom through the forest.
Summer	Jun-Aug	81°F	69°F	Hot and humid across the state.
Fall	Sep-Nov	61°F	49°F	Fall color peaks in the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone forest in mid to late October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	42°F	30°F	January averages 34 degrees.

Source: NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals

Camping Regions in Kentucky

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone	Mountain	Salt Lick, Slade, Morehead, Stanton
Mammoth Cave Region	Plains	Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Brownsville, Bowling Green
Land Between the Lakes	Lakefront	Benton, Cadiz, Grand Rivers, Aurora
Eastern Kentucky Mountains	Mountain	Pikeville, Harlan, Whitesburg, Pineville

Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone

Mountain · Salt Lick, Slade, Morehead, Stanton

Sandstone arches, cliff lines, and old-growth forest in the eastern mountains. The Red River Gorge Geological Area within Daniel Boone National Forest is the climbing and hiking center. Natural Bridge State Resort Park sits on the eastern edge. Campgrounds range from developed state park sites to primitive forest camping. Outpost RV Park and Campground near Salt Lick and Natural Bridge Campground in Slade provide developed bases for gorge hiking and climbing.

Mammoth Cave Region

Plains · Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Brownsville, Bowling Green

The world's longest cave system sits under rolling karst terrain in south-central Kentucky. The national park has a developed campground and backcountry sites. Nolin Lake and Green River provide waterfront camping nearby. Bowling Green and Cave City serve as supply towns. Double J Stables and Campgrounds near Mammoth Cave and Cave Country RV Campground in Cave City serve park visitors with different camping styles.

Land Between the Lakes

Lakefront · Benton, Cadiz, Grand Rivers, Aurora

A 170,000-acre peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley managed by the Forest Service. Multiple campgrounds from primitive to full-service. Fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing are the primary activities. The Bison range within LBL adds a unique element. Benton and Cadiz serve as access towns. Lakeside Campground and Marina in Benton and Cadiz RV Park provide private options alongside the free Corps of Engineers campgrounds.

Eastern Kentucky Mountains

Mountain · Pikeville, Harlan, Whitesburg, Pineville

The Cumberland Plateau and Pine Mountain extend along the Virginia and West Virginia borders. Breaks Interstate Park on the Virginia border has one of the largest canyons east of the Mississippi. Kingdom Come State Park sits near the highest point in the state. More rugged terrain and fewer visitors than the Red River Gorge. Pikeville RV Park provides the primary developed camping option in the remote Cumberland Plateau section of eastern Kentucky.

Camping Tips for Kentucky

Mammoth Cave campground does not require cave tour reservations, but popular cave tours book weeks ahead in summer. Reserve tours separately from camping.
Red River Gorge cliff edges are unprotected. Falls from sandstone arches and cliff lines are the leading cause of injury in Daniel Boone National Forest. Stay on marked trails.
Ticks carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Kentucky. Check for ticks after hiking in wooded or grassy areas from April through October.
Land Between the Lakes has free backcountry camping in designated areas. No permit required. Developed campgrounds charge fees and accept reservations.
Kentucky has venomous copperhead and timber rattlesnakes in rocky terrain, especially in the Red River Gorge area. Watch where you place hands and feet when scrambling on rock.
The Kentucky State Parks system includes resort parks with lodges as well as campgrounds. Some parks offer both. Reserve through the state parks website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp and do cave tours at Mammoth Cave?

The park campground is separate from cave tour reservations. Both should be booked independently. The campground sits above the cave system in hardwood forest. Cave tours range from easy walking to strenuous crawling routes. The cave stays 54 degrees year-round regardless of surface conditions.

What is camping like at Red River Gorge?

Sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and forested hollows define the gorge. Developed campgrounds at Koomer Ridge and the state park serve as bases. Backcountry camping is permitted in the Daniel Boone National Forest with no permit required below cliff lines. Rock climbing, hiking, and swimming in natural pools are the primary activities.

Is Land Between the Lakes free?

Entry to Land Between the Lakes is free. Backcountry camping in designated areas is free. Developed campgrounds charge fees and accept reservations. Day-use areas have no entry fee. The bison and elk range, Nature Station, and some programs have separate fees.

When does fall color peak in Kentucky?

The eastern mountains and Red River Gorge area peak in mid to late October. The central Bluegrass and western regions follow in late October through early November. Daniel Boone National Forest has the most dramatic color with mixed hardwood canopy.

What fishing is available at Kentucky campgrounds?

Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are nationally recognized bass and crappie fisheries. The Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam is a trophy trout stream. The Red River and other eastern streams hold smallmouth bass. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Many campgrounds sit directly on productive water.