Kentucky is a beautiful state and one of the best ways to experience it is by camping. 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 free campgrounds, but no reservation is required.
- Wilson Creek Recreation Area - Address: Wilson Creek Road, Elk Horn, KY, 42733
Visit Campbellsville Kentucky Located near picturesque Green River Lake, 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. Find out more about this free campground here.
- Great Meadows Campground - Address: Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Road, Stearns, KY, 42647
Road Trippers With spots located on both sides of Rock Creek Fireroad 137, you have some room here to spread out. The campsites have accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, horse shoe pits, and drinking water available. Find out more about Great Meadows here.
- S Tree Campground - Address: Tussey Hill Road, McKee, KY, 40447
Google Maps/Dan Cordray 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. Learn more about this scenic campground here.
- Turkey Foot Campground - Address: Forest Service Road 345, McKee, KY, 40447
Free Campsites Please note: This campground is temporarily closed due to flooding, but stay up-to-date on its status here. 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.
- Mauzy Lake Campground - Address: GPS: 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 here.
Visit Campbellsville Kentucky
Located near picturesque Green River Lake, 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. Find out more about this free campground here.
Road Trippers
With spots located on both sides of Rock Creek Fireroad 137, you have some room here to spread out. The campsites have accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, horse shoe pits, and drinking water available. Find out more about Great Meadows here.
Google Maps/Dan Cordray
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. Learn more about this scenic campground here.
Free Campsites
Please note: This campground is temporarily closed due to flooding, but stay up-to-date on its status here. 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.
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 here.
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 set ups. 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, sun screen, water, matches, and flashlights (with extra batteries!) are also a must.
There is nothing quite like camping in the Bluegrass! 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 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 in the comments!
And for more rustic camping spots throughout Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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Address: 345 McKee, KY 40447
