The best campgrounds near Bowling Green, Kentucky with swimming

Looking for a camping adventure near Bowling Green, Kentucky with swimming? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 700 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic campsite or a cozy cabin, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Check out top campsites like Belle and Beau Acres (305 reviews), The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), and Plentiful Hill Farm (86 reviews) for some tried and true camping experiences. With popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in activities like biking, snow sports, and exploring historic sites. And don't worry about breaking the bank - prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average of $30 per night. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (567) • 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowling Green

Looking for a camping adventure near Bowling Green, Kentucky with swimming? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 700 options for you to choose from. Whether you prefer a rustic campsite or a cozy cabin, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. Check out top campsites like Belle and Beau Acres (305 reviews), The Slab (by the Barren) (210 reviews), and Plentiful Hill Farm (86 reviews) for some tried and true camping experiences. With popular amenities like trash disposal, campfires, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in activities like biking, snow sports, and exploring historic sites. And don't worry about breaking the bank - prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average of $30 per night. So pack your swimsuit and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (567) • 29 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowling Green

1. Barren River Magic

99%

(223)

46mi from Bowling Green · 83 sites · Lodging

Welcome to Barren River Magic — a peaceful, nature-filled retreat tucked away in Center, Kentucky, surrounded by the serene waters of the Barren and Little Barren Rivers. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a family camping adventure, or a unique glamping experience, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Choose from scenic tent sites, RV-friendly spots, and creative glamping stays like our repurposed grain bin or our open air structures. Please note: for most glamping stays, you’ll need to bring your own bedding (sleeping mats, bags, blankets, pillows). The Fox Den and Peace Pipe are the only exceptions—they come fully equipped! Spend your days kayaking, fishing, tubing, or simply relaxing beside the river. The surrounding area is full of Kentucky gems—Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Nolin Lake, Green River Lake, Diamond Caverns, and more—all just a short drive away. We’re a pet-friendly property because we know adventures are better with your furry friends. Campfires are welcome, and we even provide firewood to make your evenings extra cozy. You’ll also find portable toilets and two centrally located showers (naturally warmed by the sun!) for your convenience. IMPORTANT: We do not accept late-night bookings or late arrivals. All guests must arrive by 6 PM local time. This allows us to personally greet you and guide you to your glamping site or campsite. If something unexpected comes up and you’re concerned about arriving late, please send us a message in advance—we’ll do our best to help. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep the experience smooth and enjoyable for all our guests! Come breathe the fresh air, explore the riverbanks, and unwind under the stars. We can’t wait to welcome you to Barren River Magic—where memories are made, and nature does the rest.

2. Twisted River

96%

(55)

13mi from Bowling Green · 2 sites · Tents

A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast.  A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area!  If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs.   Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time.  Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it!  The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.

3. Chatty Heifer Farm

99%

(200)

46mi from Bowling Green · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

The family we bought the farm from owned and farmed it since 1900. They built a cabin then and built a house around the cabin in 1920. We bought it in 2018 and have been renovating it to build a retreat center for first responders and others who serve unselfishly. To that end, we've cut hiking trails and campsites as well as filling the farm with livestock to help people slow down and de-stress. We're located in the beautiful green hills about an hour east of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about this land:Drift off to sleep with the sounds of a year-round creek just outside your campsite. Wake up to a beautiful meadow surrounded by green hills in rural Tennessee. Campsites are located on a 120 year old farm under restoration, which is family owned and operated. Get some time away. You'll have privacy as you explore the farm: wade the creek, sway on the tire swing, visit the farm animals (goats, cows, pigs, and chickens), pick wild berries, and sample farm fresh produce and eggs when available. Hiking trails are also available on the farm through tranquil woods.Property is easily accessible from Nashville. In addition, day trips are possible to several lakes, rivers, waterfalls, historic sites, civil war battlefields, state parks, and national wildlife areas.

4. Barren River Lake

72%

(9)

353 sites · Fountain Run, Kentucky

Once you've gotten your spelunking at Mammoth Cave National Park out of the way, find your lodgings at Barren Lake State Park, where tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course make for an especially plush place to stay. Lay out your towel and chill at the beach or take advantage of the abundant fishing opportunities. A marina complete with jet ski rentals means you can cruise the water in style. Whether you're interested in hiking the wooded trails, playing a game of shuffleboard, or putting your feet up at your rental cottage, you'll find the only thing this place doesn't offer is a permanent place to reside.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Mammoth Cave National Park

96%

(71)

128 sites · Park City, Kentucky

Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. On the back of the farm

98%

(164)

22mi from Bowling Green · 2 sites · Tents

This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents. Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road. Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home. We look forward to seeing you. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people.  You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends.  Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want.  Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life.  If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!!  We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy.  Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section).  Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking.  Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us! We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit

7. Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

100%

(110)

46mi from Bowling Green · 1 site · RV

Tired of campgrounds that feel more like parking lots? Come and reconnect with nature and park your RV on our private, family friendly, large, shaded, full hookup, 72 ft long, 30 and 50 amp RV site with wifi on our 50 acre farm with fire ring and picnic table and screen house. We are not a campground, just a small farm in a rural neighborhood with 2 full hookup RV sites for guests.  30 minutes (17miles) North of Nashville, Tennessee. There are wild Turkeys and Deer that roam the property. We also have some free range Guineas and Peacocks which is why we ask that all dogs, while welcome, remained leashed at all times. We do have a leash free field for dogs to run. Great place to get away and enjoy nature, take a walk on our trails through the woods, take a hike down to our creek, listen to the birds and watch the sunset over the pasture while cooking s’mores on the fire, yet not that far from Nashville!  Perfect for enjoying nature and/or visiting Nashville. This site is for self contained RVs only, there are no restroom facilities. Check in is between 2 pm and sundown. No check ins after dark without prior approval. Limit of 2 vehicles and 2 pets. When you request to book just let us know how many people will be camping, how many pets you will be bringing with you and what you are camping in, travel trailer or motor home, and what length in feet it is. Thank you! Since this is a natural area of fields and woods, along with farm animals and wildlife you may encounter insects. We recommend bringing insect repellent for mosquitoes and ticks and making sure that your pets have protection also.

8. Backyard RV Camp

100%

(12)

28mi from Bowling Green · 1 site · Tent, RV

Beautiful, private, level RV space located in our backyard on a quiet country road in Glasgow KY. Views across the hills are gorgeous. Blacktop driveway and turn-around area for easy drive In access to this packed in gravel pad. Minutes away from hiking, golf, downtown entertainment, skating and Barren River Lake! 15-20 minutes off I65. Less than 30 minutes from Mammoth Cave! 50/30/20 amp electric and water hookups along with a fire pit and picnic table!

9. The EH frame

100%

(8)

32mi from Bowling Green · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging

Enjoy the lovely setting of this A Frame that is sitting on a bluff overlooking a creek through the trees. Behind the A Frame is an open meadow up top with a firepower area and also the shower house/washroom. From the parking area, you can walk up a trail to get up to the cabin; or if you have more of an off road vehicle you may drive up top and around to the back side of it. On quiet evenings, hear the sound of the creek down below and listen to the woodland sounds!

10. Barren River Lake State Resort Park

100%

(1)

100 sites · Scottsville, Kentucky

Discover Barren River Lake State Resort Park's natural splendor.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Nolin Lake State Park

100%

(3)

32 sites · Clarkson, Kentucky

Discover Nolin Lake State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. Nolin River Lake

100%

(5)

347 sites · Brownsville, Kentucky

If you're a boater or fisher, Nolin Lake Park is definitely the place for you. Use your trustiest bait and cast a line for crappie, catfish, or walleye, which are abundant in the azure lake waters. Boaters will be happy to use a conveniently placed launch, and a sandy beach awaits swimmers and people gettin' on their tan on alike. Nine miles of biking trails are the perfect way to explore the shaded paths, and a shorter hiking trail offers the sight of a cascading waterfall. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds from great blue herons to wild turkeys. If you're lucky, you may even catch sight of the elusive and beautiful bald eagle. We can salute to that.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

13. Lake Malone State Park

25 sites · Dunmor, Kentucky

Discover Lake Malone State Park's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

14. Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

90%

(5)

31mi from Bowling Green · 1 site · Lodging

Experience the beauty of nature and the excitement of a true outdoors escape at Mollys Ridge, an off-the-grid adventure featuring Glamping and Camping rentals located directly over Mammoth Cave in the largest growing Amish community in Kentucky. This amazing outdoor rental experience is the perfect place to be surrounded by lush green woods and incredible wildlife.  At Mollys Ridge not only can you explore 36 acres of outdoor trails and a immersive off grid experience, but glamp it up daydreaming under clear starlit skies against beautiful sunsets. We're constantly working on Molly's Ridge adding more capacityto share this slice of Heaven with more of our Member guests creating custom experiences around adventures tailored just for you and make everlasting memories like nowhere else in Kentucky!  So come enjoy breathtaking views from your luxury outdoor Glamping tent, camping pad or off grid rental at Mollys Ridge surrounded by nature at its most magnificent; offering endless opportunities to create unforgettable moments you will cherish for a lifetime!

15. Rough River Lake

60%

(5)

355 sites · Caneyville, Kentucky

Boasting rocky shorelines, verdant outcroppings, and tranquil waters, Rough River Lake is a stunning getaway for you and your closest friends. About 90 miles south of Louisville, it's far enough away from civilization to get a breath of fresh air, but close enough not to be too inconvenient. If you're really rarin' to explore, try hitting up the sandy beaches built for swimming and boat launches that are just waiting for your vessel. Hiking and interpretive trails are the perfect place to keep an eye out for wildlife, and no one will fault you for wanting to take a swing at the 18-hole golf course. With the historic Green Farm nearby, you can check out a large ancestral home and water-powered mill sitting on 3,000 miles of picturesque land. Pretty sweet deal, we've gotta say.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

16. Old Hickory Lake

100%

(2)

100 sites · Hendersonville, Tennessee

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Old Hickory Lake.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Julia

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Chatty Heifer Farm

Patti was an amazing host! We showed up at night and she still showed us to our spot and gave us the best spot she had for rainy weather. The dogs were also so sweet and guarded us all night and gave us company. She also offered us eggs which is so sweet! We had a great time here :)

M

Megan

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Chatty Heifer Farm

My partner and I made a last minute decision to go camping when our schedules changed. Patti was extremely friendly and communicative immediately when we made our reservation. I really enjoyed hearing from her. The campsite is not very far from Nashville and was a perfect getaway. The campsite has three guard dogs that are SUPER sweet. They were very playful with our 1 and 1/2 year old German Shepherd (who still thinks he’s, like, a 6 month old). We also felt very happy that these dogs were guarding us during the night. The road is somewhat close to the campsite but it didn’t have heavy traffic. This site was perfect for the three of us looking at a short, impromptu night away from home! The creek and birds were lovely to wake up to and we came home the next day cheerful and relaxed. We were at Site 2, but Site 3 also seemed great for a larger group.

W

Wes

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Chatty Heifer Farm

We thoroughly enjoyed our night camping at site #3! Our 3 crazy kids had a blast exploring the creek & running around the large field, while our dog enjoyed making friends with several of the sweet farm dogs. Patti was an excellent host & did a wonderful job communicating all of the information related to our stay. We look forward to returning in the future!

S

Spencer

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to On the back of the farm

My wife, dog, and I loved this campsite. There was a lot of space and 2 campsites to choose from. Our dog did not have to be on leash and got to explore the area as well. Aaron answered any question we had in a timely manner and gave us some insight on the land before we arrived. We will be keeping this spot in mind for future camping trips.

B

Billie

November 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

We love this place! We couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming and helpful hosts. Truly the sweetest couple you will ever meet and such a magical place to stay!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at On the back of the farm

The views of the lake are gorgeous. The directions are easy. I enjoyed learning about his land and Lake River Barren.

D

D Scott

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

I've been using Hip Camp for two years, and this was by far the most beautiful place I've stayed. I was met by the hosts who helped me back in and make sure everything was ready for me. Perfect level pad with full hook-ups. Only 2 sites, and I was the only one there. Very peaceful with a really pretty forest with trails behind my site. I highly recommend this location. I hope to come back someday!

Steve

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Twisted River

Amazing spot for a quiet secluded tent camp in a low clearing next to the creek. It’s a bouncy fun road from the gate to camp site. I considered parking inside the gate and hiking down and was able to make it in my CRV. Scott met me and was upper friendly and led me to the site and described the layout. Great host. Was fun to hike and explore the property a bit before dark. The sound of the creek was relaxing.

J

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to On the back of the farm

Awesome spot to get away for the weekend! Super easy and right on the water

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Twisted River

This is our 3rd stay here and we could not be happier with the place. Scott is an amazing host and this camping spot on his property is amazing. We got to see the otters plating in the creek on this trip and we had some deer visit. If you are looking for a peaceful, secluded spot to camp in this is the place. We are looking forward to our next stay here.

Brett

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chatty Heifer Farm

We tent camped on the property. Our host was super friendly and one the massive Pirenesse dogs guarded our site all night. Really basic but super nice site.

E

Ethan

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to On the back of the farm

It was a beautiful patch of land! My dog and I enjoyed the peace and quiet that this spot had to offer and I'd highly recommend it to anybody who wants to let their pup enjoy the outdoors off leash

A

Amy

September 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

Ditte and Stan were absolutely wonderful! They met us at the site and helped us figure out our hookups. The site itself was beautiful with a firepit, a screened in area with a table, and walking trails around the property. There was a peacock that would roost in a tree by the site, so we saw him a couple of times which was fun.

J

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to On the back of the farm

Awesome spot. Good fishing and tranquil environment.

M

Mira

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at On the back of the farm

This was the most peaceful spot I've camped in ages. It was so so quiet. You're surrounded by big beautiful trees and fields, and Aaron is beyond accommodating and kind. Thank you so much! We can't wait to come back.

R

Robn

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

Upon arrival it was everything we imagined and much more! We made great memories with our grandkids taking pics with all the farm animals. Plus Ditte, our amazing host surprised us with a jar of her homemade strawberry jam and it was so good. Clean and Peaceful! We will definitely be back! Robin and Dave

D

Dakota

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Twisted River

One of the best spots l've had the pleasure to camp at! The property owner Scott was more than accommodating in the fact that he had helped me find my lost group lol. If you're looking for seclusion and serenity you should not pass this beautiful piece of land up. It does help to have 4x4 capabilities if you want to get to the spot next to the creek. Favorite spot thus far!

D

Derrick

September 2025

1 night at Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

The stay was really nice! We enjoyed the fire in the evening and went in to the tent as the night went on. After it got cold enough, we used the gas heater and it was more than enough to keep us warm. The potable water is limited, so if you need lots (cooking, cleaning) be sure to bring it in. It was extremely private and lovely, but it looks like there may be a new cabin being built at the top of a very nearby hill which would make the place much less private. We prefer solo private spots, so we might need to check on this for future stays.

The peacock that was roosting behind the screenhouse during my morning coffee!!!

L

Lea

September 2025

38 ft toy hauler

With pets

Weekend Trip to Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

This was literally the best campsite I have been to in a long time... I WILL be back! We had a peacock roost in the trees behind us and the screenhouse was a morning coffee MUST HAVE, peaceful area but close to nashville and springfield, they had a binder of local information and a coloring booklet for kids with colored pencils, our 2 dogs had a place to run off leash and they had a blast, they had extra things just in case you needed them to hookup, and gosh, so much more! I do not even have the words to describe how great our stay was... all I can say is this is a must stop site! You won't regret it! We plan on returning regularly!!! 💕Thank you Mrs. Ditte!

M

Matthew

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

6 nights at Maple Shade Farm full hookup site

Ditte and her husband are very kind and courteous. Our campsite had everything we needed. Our water was great, it was even city water so we didnneed to worry about the water quality. Ditto gave us a nice welcome gift with some jam and local information that we referred to a lot. The wifi is really fast, so you could even work from there if you needed to. Getting in and out of the site is pretty easy. It wasa very peaceful stay and our dog loved the amenities as well. They have a dedicated 4 acre fenced in pasture for dogs to run in. We will definitely be back!