Private sites river, stream, or creek camping in Kentucky
Combine camping with rock climbing, horseback riding, and epic views in the Bluegrass State.
100% (143 reviews)
- Kentucky
100% (143 reviews)
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11 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in Kentucky
99%
(154)
Barren River Magic
82 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Edmonton, KY
WE DO NOT TAKE LATE-NIGHT BOOKINGS OR LATE ARRIVAL TIMES, IF YOU BOOK YOUR STAY AND CAN ARRIVE BY 6 PM LOCAL TIME WE CAN GUIDE YOU TO YOUR GLAMPING SPOT ONCE YOU ARE THROUGH THE GATE. 6 PM IS THE CUT-OFF TIME FOR ARRIVAL. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE BUT WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST GUESTS WITH LATE-EVENING ARRIVALS AND BOOKINGS. WE UNDERSTAND CIRCUMSTANCES OCCUR, SO PLEASE MESSAGE IF YOU FORESEE AN ISSUE THAT WILL CAUSE YOU TO ARRIVE LATE.
Welcome to our serene and nature-filled property nestled right on the tranquil banks of the Little Barren River! If you're seeking a getaway that combines outdoor adventures with peaceful relaxation, you've found your perfect destination.
Choose from cozy tent sites, convenient RV sites, or glamping stays.
PLEASE NOTE, for our glamping stays, bedding, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows are to be brought along by guests. The Fox Den and Peace Pipe glamping sites are the only exception.
Our location offers an array of water-based activities just steps away from your accommodation. Whether you enjoy kayaking, paddling, fishing, or simply floating lazily in a tube, the Little Barren River welcomes you to indulge in its beauty.
For those eager to explore the surrounding area, you'll find an abundance of local fun activities to partake in. Explore the wonders of Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Horse Cave, Diamond Caverns, Nolin Lake, Barren River, KY Down Under, and Green River Lake, all within easy reach from our property.
We understand that your four-legged friends are a part of the family, which is why we are pet-friendly! Feel free to bring your furry companions along for the adventure.
Campfires are permitted on our property and firewood is provided!
We have portable toilets available for campers to use. Additionally, there are two centrally located showers accessible to all campers. While the water may be lukewarm, it is heated naturally by the sun, embracing our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Our location boasts an abundance of nature and tranquillity, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer fishing, boating, birding, or hiking, our property offers a natural playground for all to enjoy.
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$25
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Possum Ridge Ranch
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents375 acres · West Liberty, KY
Our remote 375 acres part farm and part natural woodland nestled up to Daniel Boone Forest is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. There are several hiking trails onsite and plenty of woods to explore. ATVs or side by sides are welcome to be used on the main gravel roads and some designated areas of our property. There is plenty of wildlife around but no hunting is allowed. Our designated tent sites do have firepits and picnic tables. Our trek in sites do not have those options. Pets are welcome for $10 per pet/per booking and they do need to be leashed/under control at all times. This is an extra so please be sure to add that if you plan to bring your pet. Please pick up after them.
We are a short driving distance from West Liberty, Cave Run Lake, Grayson Lake, Carter Caves, Morehead, Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge.
We are approximately 20 minutes from the nearest store so you'll want to come prepared. We are located in West Liberty (Morgan County). There is a centrally located bathhouse with toilet, shower and sink and a hose for potable water. We have firewood for sale for $15 per bundle and is an extra option when booking(use what you need during your stay and it is located at the tent sites), you can bring your own and you are welcome to gather from the surrounding area but please do not cut down any living trees/limbs.
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$18
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Away at Green Hill
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Union, KY
Hipcamp Best Camping Runner Up 2023 and 2024!
Fall Sweet Fall! Book now and enjoy the privacy, the convenience, and the changing colors of Away at Green Hill.
Entry point to western Boone County in Northern Kentucky, neighbor to Cincinnati, Indiana and the Ohio River, this 27 acre property marks a geographical change from rolling farmland to steep, forested hillsides. Our end-of-the road, ridgetop property means privacy. Our isolated campsites are surrounded by woods full of turkey, deer, owls, and woodpeckers. Onsite there are wide, easy strolling paths, a growing number of single-track hiking trails, open fields, and forest. And if not booked, a historic log home to explore and do some porch sitting. A great place for solo campers, friends, and families, whether newbies or experienced. Drive-in sites make unloading/loading easy peasey.
Standard amenities include privacy - we only book two sites at any time, which are far apart from each other and surrounded by woods. Also, an exceptional outhouse, tables, fire rings, lanterns, Welcome kit (paper, fatwood, lighter, candle). And we have onsite firewood that can be purchased during booking or onsite purchase.
Site 1 - Open Sky can accommodate the solo or the group. And it comes with extra amenities: a hammock, trampoline, badminton (spring, summer, fall). It's also closest to the cabin, strolling trails, firewood shed, and outhouse.
Site 2 - Gobbler's Knob is a more cozy space - a small rise surrounded by forest. A short walk from the outhouse and firewood shed. It can accommodate pop-ups, small pull-behinds, tents, hammocks. Vehicles can park on site or park at site entrance, just 50'.
The choice is yours.
Boating, kayaking, biking, hiking, museums or lazing about in a tiny riverfront town are minutes away, The curvy, scenic roads lead quickly out of the paved civilization of Union, Kentucky to us and onto the Rabbit Hash General Store, the Ohio River, the ferry to Indiana, the historic Dinsmore Homestead and State Nature Preserve, Middle Creek Park, and Big Bone State Park "Home to Modern Vertebrate Paleontology". Do nothing or do something.
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$29.75
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(16)
Lost On Purpose
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents125 acres · KY
Secluded 2br 1 bath private and quiet, not a neighbor in sight! We have hiking, biking and horse trails galore. Fishing in the pond is permitted with a barbless hook and catch n release! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, and bring your disc golf or archery bows- we have that too! You will never want to leave!
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$25
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Teamwork D.’s Land
4 sites · Tents150 acres · Somerset, KY
We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you.
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$20
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The Harrican Lakehouse
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · KY
There is a lot of history in this land. It's been in my family for over a hundred years. They worked the land with their hands and so have I. It's a special place. Come see for your yourself and be our guest at The Harrican!
Learn more about this land:
Unplug and unwind at this two story cabin built right on the water in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! Even though there is complete peaceful seclusion it does get a little noisy when the bullfrogs start their evening ritual. There is a dock and pier perfect for fishing or swimming. Firepit, grill with gas provided, two boats, fishing poles, lots of seating on the wrap around porch, two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds and just lots of natural beauty and peace! The BIG update everyone has been waiting for; the plumbing and electricity are now complete! We have all the ammenities to make your stay comfoetable and relaxing! Early and late check in and check out options available when availability exists the day before or after your booked stay. Thank you for interest in the Harrican Lakehouse!
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$35
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(7)
The EH frame
5 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Fountain Run, KY
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!
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$40
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HAYMARK FARMSTAYS Private RV Sites
3 sites · RVs, Tents285 acres · KY
Haymark Farm is a 285-acre farm in Ewing, KY, where alfalfa hay is produced. The farm has picturesque ridges and hills at one of the highest elevations in the area, allowing spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Three different branches of Buchanan creek begin on the farm and run together on the back of the property. There are also two small ponds and several barns (including one for your horses) on the property.
We have three private RV sites (please see individual listings):
RUFUS RIDGE RV BARN
WALTER'S BARNYARD RV SITE
CLYDE'S PRIDE RV SITE
You are welcome to explore our farm! Take a hike; fish (bring your own pole and supplies); or relax around the campfire (we'll supply the wood). We generally have cattle in our pastures; and we also want you to meet our small, friendly farm animals! We hope you enjoy your time here at Haymark Farm, where Mark's great-grandfather Rufus began farming more than a hundred years ago.
*Call us if you are bringing horses (up to 6) for details and pricing. We have also hosted donkeys, mules, goats...whatcha got? (We sell award-winning hay.)
*We are one mile from Handi-mart grocery/gas in Ewing, and 10 miles to Flemingsburg, with restaurants. Don't miss the famous covered bridges, especially Goddard Bridge, and the Dinner Bell Amish store in Flemingsburg. We are 8 miles to Blue Licks State Park, 15 miles to historic Old Washington (have breakfast at Lil Jumbo's and shop at Local 68); 20 miles to charming Maysville on the Ohio River (good eats and important history); and 50 miles to Lexington (with The Kentucky Horse Park nearby).
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$38.40
/ night
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Mountainfire!
4 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · London, KY
This area is an old tobacco and cattle farm on a point above Laurel Lake. We do a bit of farming and crafting when we can and thought we’d try and share our lovely spot! Much of the timber on the place is nearly 100 years old hardwoods, with a couple of fields throughout. I camp here myself too, and can recommend it for privacy!
Learn more about this land:
You can park an RV or trailer on these private sites within a 10min drive or short walk to Laurel Lake! Gravel roads to a field capable of holding up to two trailers with more planned in time! Primitive sites, Quiet n private.
These sites are also within 10 mi of both London and Corbin Ky, with services available at both. Scenic Cumberland Falls is a short 25 min drive, and this place is adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest with plenty of hiking nearby.
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$20
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Canaan Land Farm
5 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Columbia, KY
Our 300 acre farm was owned by a high ranking officer in the Civil war(not sure if it was North or South). Our log barn is one of the oldest structures in the area and is still mostly standing! We are a working farm with cattle, horses, and a lot of chickens, geese, ducks and turkey, bees, cat, and our dog. Local gossip says that a previous owner had a fish hatchery here and flew the fish out of the airstrip in the upper field. Apparently he was drunk and crashed his plane somewhere on the farm. We love the diversity and abundance of wildlife found here and hope you love it too!Learn more about this land:Campsites are on top of a hill in the forest above Big Creek, on a cliff line facing west. Campers enjoy the peace and privacy of nature on our Civil War era 300 acre farm. Walk down to the creek to wade, collect rocks, or bird watch. Beautiful native wildflower display in the springtime, and many opportunities for wildlife viewing year round. Green River Lake is 20 miles away and Lake Cumberland is 30 miles away.
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$25
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Possum Trot Christian Camp
7 sites · Lodging, Tents230 acres · Manchester, KY
Possum Trot was in the Wilson family since the Civil War. Jess inherited the land and moved his maternal grandmother's log cabin from Laurel County onto Possum Trot for a future retirement home. In time, they added on to the cabin and moved into it permanently. With family and friends, they created the main camp complex at the Wigwam and other buildings, where they built a welcoming environment for others to come and enjoy this beautiful land of the Appalachians. We continue that heritage by opening our camp to those who love the rustic wilderness of Appalachia!
This location is 230 acres on top of an Appalachian Ridge in Eastern Kentucky. It is rustic and remote, yet has a bathhouse with flushable toilets and hot water. You will have access to 8 miles of trails, a fishing pond and can visit with our many animals. We welcome Law Enforcement personnel-this is a safe zone!
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$40
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Private sites river, stream, or creek camping in Kentucky guide
Overview
Kentucky camping adventures are never boring. Whether you want to saddle up and gallop the bluegrass hills, scale the soaring cliffs of the Red River Gorge, or explore the world’s longest cave system, this southern state provides endless ways to get outdoors. Kentucky’s six national parks and 45 State Parks are brimming with woodlands, waterfalls, and waterways where you can hike, bike, paddle, raft, or even play a game of golf. The natural landscapes are at their most ravishing in spring and fall, but camping is a year-round pastime with RV sites, cottages, and rustic cabins to see you through the winter chill.
Where to go
Bluegrass Region
The state capital of Lexington is the gateway to the Bluegrass Region, where Kentucky’s horse racing legacy takes center stage. Once you’ve visited Kentucky Horse Park and followed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, experience 18th-century life and camp with full hookups at Fort Boonesborough State Park, go kayaking along the Licking River, or camp by the lakeside at Kincaid Lake State Park.
Appalachian Plateau
The misty peaks, sweeping gorges, and natural caves of the Appalachian Mountains blanket Eastern Kentucky. Adventurers will find plenty of fun here, whether rock climbing in the Red River Gorge, riding your ATV through the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area, or hiking, camping, and horseback riding at the many state parks. If we had to pick the highlights, they’d certainly include caving at Carter Caves State Resort Park and admiring the “Niagara of the South” at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
Central Kentucky
Bourbon distilleries, historic sites, and natural wonders abound in central Kentucky. Once you’ve experienced Kentucky Derby fever in Louisville and enjoyed the urban hiking trails in Elizabethtown, stop by the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Further south, there’s rustic camping and UNESCO-listed caves to explore at Mammoth Cave National Park and popular campgrounds Green River Lake and Taylorsville Lake state parks. Or why not rent a houseboat and cruise around Lake Cumberland?
West Kentucky
It’s not all about bluegrass music and BBQ in west Kentucky—there’s also some great lakeside camping. There are myriad ways to get on the water at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, from kayaking and tubing to jet skiing and waterskiing, and you’ll find campgrounds at Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Lake Malone State Park. Or, combine camping and Civil War history at Columbus-Belmont State Park.
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