Kentucky is a beautiful state and one of the best ways to experience it is by camping. More specifically, there’s nothing like free camping in Kentucky. And while most campgrounds require advanced planning and reservations, there are a few places throughout the state that allow for those last-minute free camping trips that you just have to take. And since any season provides a great opportunity for camping in Kentucky, now is the time to check out these five glorious destinations in Kentucky that are not only some of the best places to go camping for free in Kentucky but require no reservation.

1. Wilson Creek Recreation Area - Address: Wilson Creek Road, Elk Horn, KY, 42733
Wilson Creek Road, Wilson Creek Rd, Elk Horn, KY 42733, USA
Visit Campbellsville Kentucky
Located near picturesque Green River Lake, Wilson Creek Recreation Area is one of the best places to enjoy free camping in Kentucky. Wilson Creek Recreation Area offers five rustic sites that are free and available on a first come, first served basis. Pit toilets are available and it's just a short distance to the lake.
2. Great Meadows Campground - Address: Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Road, Stearns, KY, 42647
Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Road, Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Rd, Kentucky 42647, USA
Road Trippers
With spots located on both sides of Rock Creek Fireroad 137, you have some room here to spread out at Great Meadows Campground. The campsites have accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, horse shoe pits, and drinking water available.

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3. S Tree Campground - Address: Tussey Hill Road, McKee, KY, 40447
Tussey Hill Road, Tussey Hill Rd, Kentucky, USA
Google Maps/Dan Cordray
S Tree Campground is easily one of the best places to go camping for free in Kentucky. Located near the popular Sheltowee Trace trail, S Tree is the perfect campsite for hikers and travelers alike. The 20 sites sit on a ridge and each have a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lantern pole. There is no electricity or dump station available, but there are vault toilets centrally located.
4. Turkey Foot Campground - Address: Forest Service Road 345, McKee, KY, 40447
Forest Service Road 345, Forest Service Rd 345, Kentucky 42211, USA
Free Campsites
Turkey Foot Campground, located along the War Fork Creek in Daniel Boone National Forest is a heavily wooded area, ideal for a rustic, quiet retreat. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and lantern pole and it's important to keep in mind that the road into the sites is steep and may not be suitable for larger RVs.
5. Mauzy Lake Campground - Address: GPS: 37.615032, -87.856522
37.615032, -87.856522
YouTube/Shelka04
Along Mauzy Lake, south of Morganfield, you'll find 10-15 free camp sites that will fit everything from a tent to a large RV. There are not many amenities—only portable toilets—but it's a quiet, serene area and the lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Be sure to check out the video below for a closer look at this lovely campground—no reservations required! You can also learn more about Mauzy Lake Campground on the Union County website.

Quick Hits: Camping in Kentucky:

What are some of the best campgrounds in Kentucky? Kentucky offers countless options for camping adventures! We featured some of the free campgrounds in the state in this article, but that’s just the beginning. Kentucky’s state parks are a wonderful option when planning a family camping trip, and we particularly love Cumberland Falls State Resort Park for its range of options. If you want to be right on the water, consider Axtel Campground at Rough River Lake for scenic campsites and plenty of amenities.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks? Absolutely! Kentucky’s state parks have designated areas for RV camping, as well as primitive setups. State park camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Kentucky, and you can find everything from a cabin in the woods to a secluded campsite that’s all your own.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip? The answer to this question depends on what type of camping you’re planning. If you’re setting up a tent, be sure to have everything you need in case of rain or harsh weather. Garbage bags, bug spray, sunscreen, water, matches, and flashlights (with extra batteries!) are also a must.

There is nothing quite like free camping in Kentucky! These 5 no-reservation campgrounds in Kentucky are great for family camping, making memories, and exploring our beautiful state on a whim. Have you tried any of these free Kentucky campgrounds? All are on a first-come, first served basis, so keep that in mind! Are there any other campgrounds in Kentucky that you’ve enjoyed where no reservation was required? Let us know!

Free camping in Kentucky is just one option for those seeking an in-state getaway. Check out these unique Kentucky getaways for some more inspiration.

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Free Camping In Kentucky

Daniella DiRienzo | April 12, 2023

Where else can I go camping in Kentucky?

There are lots of places to go camping in Kentucky. Here are some of the most popular Kentucky campgrounds:

  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park - This campground is located in Corbin, Kentucky, and offers dozens of campsites with water and electric hookups, as well as hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park - Located in Slade, Kentucky, this campground offers nearly 50 campsites with water and electric hookups, as well as hiking trails, fishing, and rock climbing.
  • Big Bone Lick State Historic Site - This campground is located in Union, Kentucky, and boasts more than 50 campsites with water and electric hookups, as well as hiking trails and a bison herd.

 

What are the best hiking trails in Kentucky?

Camping in Kentucky isn’t the only option for outdoor enthusiasts. There are also several places to go hiking in Kentucky. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Kentucky:

  • Red River Gorge - This area offers over 100 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Sky Bridge Trail and the challenging Rough Trail. The views of the natural rock arches and sandstone cliffs are breathtaking.
  • Mammoth Cave National Park - In addition to its famous cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park also offers over 70 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Green River Bluffs Trail and the Cedar Sink Trail are popular choices.
  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park - This park offers several hiking trails, including the Eagle Falls Trail and the Moonbow Trail, which leads to the base of Cumberland Falls, known as the Niagara of the South.

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