The best camping near Rough River Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rough River Lake adventure.

60% (5 reviews)

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Community favorites near Rough River Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rough River Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Rough River Lake

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Beardsnest

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cave City, KY

This new-in-formation ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to backcountry camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2024, camping here provides a glimpse into a 3 year-old successional prairie, which at this phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie seeded with a growing variety of native flowers. Most likely a good fit for those who are self-sufficient and like to avoid busy camping areas, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if you were camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. Water tap and hose by main house parking area, for cleaning dishes, spraying off, or filling reservoirs. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~400 seedlings so far and 75 planned for 2024), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! p.s. Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of red cedar and oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle. We also share kayaks now on a suggested donation basis (45/), providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park.

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Noble Pine Campground

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Mammoth Cave, KY

We provide a farm experience in a small campground with 2 full bathrooms with hot showers, 10 rv/tent sites, 2 glamping bell tents, 1 glamping aframe, and 3 bedroom 1 bath cabin. We have horses, goats, chickens, bunny and a friendly camp cat for visitors to engage with. Guests will have access to yard games such as corn hole, giant jenga, croquet, bocce ball, steer lassoing and more. There is Wi-Fi available on premises.

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On the back of the farm

2 sites · Tents100 acres · Glasgow, KY

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

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Buck Creek Sanctuary

20 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Elizabeth, IN

Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves. “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places” -Wendell Berry Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred. Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet. He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.

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Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses

4 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Cub Run, KY

Learn more about this land: This is a horse ranch so you can sleep in the company of horses or in the woods with them in the distance ( check if available/storm damage).We have rolling hills, beautiful views from the hill tops, valley with creeks and a waterfall when not in dry or draught and an abundance of wildlife. Also we're located 5-10 minutes from mammoth cave park border, hike, bike and horse trails, river, lake, blue holler atv park and so much more. If you are sensitive to animal noises you may bring earplugs. There isn't a bathroom/ shower house yet so we ask that you bring a port-a-pot of some sort. We're constantly making upgrades to the Ranch so we hope you enjoy your stay. Please refrain from feeding the horses or dogs because it creates a bad habit and folks that don't know how sensitive a horses gut is can possibly kill them. Respect privacy of others and pack out all that you pack in. Shut any gates you come through.please understand that my horses are of all ages and that includes young ones and babies and seniors as well. The young ones like to be nosey and are still learning what they are allowed to do and what not to do. They are naturally curious and love attention. If they think you have snacks , they can act like a pack of kindergarteners with the promise of cupcakes...we don't want that but because some campers think they are the exception and gave them snacks, it is something we have to monitor more closely. Remember they are animals and they will get into anything if it's left unattended. Please be a responsible camper and ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the experience.We have a section for folks to park in if they do not want to be so close to the horses as well. If you don't like horses or dogs please consider alternative camp site. Limited pet allowance...check before booking please. Also, we've had issues with the site and it offering horse time, ride, Q&A etc. for 5$. We've taken steps to fix this. But if you would like something like that it would be through the Ranch directly and as our time allows. Thank you for taking the time to read everything as well.

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Waterfront Cabins and Camp Haven

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Owensboro, KY

Welcome to Camp Safe Haven, your Family Oasis since 2005! Nestled just 11 miles west of Owensboro, KY, our property offers a haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover our Waterfront Cabins and Tent Sites, where nature's serenity meets pretty water and nurturing hills. Indulge in our cozy cabins, either our poolside cabin in our campgrounds or our cabin in the woods, featuring scenic water views and nestled amidst the woods. Or, pitch your tent at one of our seven Tent Sites and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature day or night. Relax and unwind by taking a dip in our above-ground swimming pool or lounging on the poolside deck. Explore our beautiful trails winding through the property, offering encounters with the beauty of nature at every turn. At Camp Safe Haven, our mission is to nurture nature and secure serenity for all our guests. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and make yourself at home as you embark on a memorable getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, and cherished moments

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Lake View camping

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Reynolds Station, KY

30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.

FarmView Acres

2 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Leitchfield, KY

Peaceful 6 acres of private land with gorgeous farm views. Wake up early and drink coffee while watching the sunrise over the sprawling farm across the road. Rough River State Park, Nolin Lake, Lincoln Birth Memorial Site, Bardstown, KY / My Old Kentucky Home and Mammoth Cave all less than a 2-hour drive away. The Blue Oval building site is just 45min away. Quiet setting for electricians, pipefitters, and other tradesmen or other early risers. Contact us for monthly rates. Rough River State Park - 13 Miles Mammoth Cave National Park - 32 Miles Nolin Lake State Park - 34 Miles Blue Oval / Glendale, KY - 36 Miles Elizabethtown, KY - 40 Miles Ft. Knox / Radcliff, KY - 47 Miles Brandenburg, KY - 49 Miles Lincoln Birth Memorial Site - 49 Miles Owensboro, KY - 49 Miles Bowling Green, KY - 50 Miles Bardstown, KY / My Old Kentucky Home - 63 Miles Shepherdsville, KY - 64 Miles Louisville, KY - 84 Miles Nashville, TN - 119 Miles

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Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

1 site · Lodging36 acres · Horse Cave, KY

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!

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The Bee Happy Campground

11 sites · RVs15 acres · Bee Spring, KY

Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam. 4 sites offer full hook up. 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup). All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate. Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations. Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) Firewood bundles for purchase $5 No bathhouse. Port A Pot on site. Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville. Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.

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Backer Half Hundred Acres

5 sites · Lodging62 acres · Saint Meinrad, IN

Great piece of secluded land with a cool fire pit and some great walking trails. Chairs and fire tools available. We have 62 acres in total, with a homemade suspension bridge, a tree house, chickens, goats, and a friendly dog. A small spring-fed stream runs right by camp. Plenty of nature to see and enjoy out here.

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HOBA farm riverfront property

5 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Cloverport, KY

Learn more about this land: At HOBA Farm we have 13 acres of wooded river front property. We also have a large lake with kayaks and paddlebaords available! There are plenty of cute animals to visit. Near by there are plenty of hiking trails, caves, beautiful parks, and boat launches. We have plenty of room to set up tents and hammocks in a variety of locations. Its very shady down by the river too! Most of our property is natural and full of wild flowers all summer. This is primitive camping only. We have a portapotty on site but currently do not have running water or electric. Please be sure to bring your own drinking water.

The best camping near Rough River Lake guide

Overview

About

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.