Kentucky has so much to offer that it had to add a basement. You’ll find forested hills, rich history, and vivid cultural attractions ranging from horse racing to bourbon distilling. Then there’s the world’s largest cave system to explore.
The state’s many lakes, rivers, and forests make prime glamping sites. Glamping elevates regular camping with aesthetic touches like string lights and grand views while piling on the creature comforts like cozy pillows and hammocks for lounging. Here are some of the very best places to get your “glamp” on in Kentucky.
Top Glamping Sites in Kentucky
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Campground
See off-Broadway productions by the Jenny Wiley Theatre Company while glamping at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Ride your mountain bike on the trails at this location near Prestonsburg. Rent a canoe to go paddling on Dewey Lake, or bring along your fishing gear. The hiking trails at this park are fantastic places to go bird-watching, especially for spring warblers. You can also watch elk near this campground.
Renfro Valley KOA Holiday
Go on a summertime hayride at Renfro Valley KOA Holiday. Challenge your traveling companions to a game of miniature golf. If you have children along, they will adore the swimming pool and the jumping pad. During the summer, special activities like bingo, scavenger hunts, and ice cream socials occur on most weekends at this campground near Mt. Vernon.
Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave
Play on the inflatables at Karst Beach while staying at Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave. Miniature golf, a playground, and a fishing pond are all available for guests. If you need to leave your dog behind for a few hours, use their dog kennels. Spend time with your loved ones without worrying about food preparation by taking advantage of their picnic baskets. Golf carts are available for rent, making it easy to get around this campground near Cave City.
Big Bear Resort
Rent a boat from the marina to enjoy fishing and boating on Kentucky Lake while camping at Big Bear Resort. A fishing guide service is available, and this lake is a fantastic place to go waterskiing and tubing. You can unwind on their private beach, or if you decide to go exploring, you will find boutique and antique shopping, miniature golf, and go-karts near this Benton campground.
Holiday Hills Resort
Activities for all age levels are included in your stay at Holiday Hills Resort on Lake Barkley near Eddyville. Some activity options include bingo, cornhole tournaments, and movie nights. This is a fantastic place to go swimming in the lake, and anglers also often catch their limit. Your children will appreciate the two spacious playgrounds.
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort
Rent a bike at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort to explore Cumberland Falls, Daniel Boone National Forest, and other nearby attractions in the Corbin area. Go on one of this resort’s kayaking adventures, or see if you can find the geocache. Children will love the fun, educational activities planned just for them. You can also take your crew to the snack bar for an afternoon treat after all your adventuring.
Outback RV Resort
At Outback RV Resort located near Eddyville, you can go swimming in the pool or keep things indoors by taking advantage of their exchange library for books and DVDs. This campground, which is less than 1 mile from Lake Barkley, offers a fish-cleaning station. Feel free to partake in their pool parties, movie nights, and ice cream socials, which happen every Saturday.
Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf
Golfers will love the 18-hole golf course at Diamond Caverns RV Resort & Golf near Park City. Other members of your traveling group may enjoy playing on the miniature golf course or the bocce ball, basketball, and volleyball courts. A horseshoe pit is even available. Many fantastic hiking trails spread out across this resort’s 743 acres.
Kentucky Lake Glamping
Kentucky Lake Glamping brings the vibrant, picture-perfect charm of an Instagram fantasy to life. Bright sunchairs wait on the private beach, where guests have stunning sunset views over Blood River. The on-site café offers handmade pizza, and the upscale bathhouse sells lakeside massages. Kayaking, fishing, and swimming are steps away from many campsites at this location in New Concord.
Lago Linda Hideaway
Boasting 410 acres within Daniel Boone National Forest, Lago Linda Hideaway welcomes RVs with water and electric hookups, bathhouses, and outdoor cooking spaces. An indoor lounge, outdoor pavilion, and small café invite guests to socialize and relax at this Beattyville campground. A private, stocked, 5-acre lake gives Hideaway guests quiet fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddling opportunities. The wooded trails showcase the national forest’s beauty, including a waterfall waiting for hikers and mountain bikers to discover.
Where to Glamp in Kentucky
Adventurers have many natural playgrounds to choose from, including Red River Gorge, Big South Fork National River, Cumberland Gap, and Mammoth Cave National Park. State parks, lakes, rivers, and historic farming regions also provide places to glamp close to nature.
Cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfurt have attractions like Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, and the Louisville Slugger Museum. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail creates a window into history while expanding visitors’ palates, and hidden treasures like Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace dot the state.
What to Bring When Glamping in Kentucky
• Glamping campgrounds sometimes host special events, like mini music festivals or harvest fairs. Check the campground’s official site and social media to join the party or avoid a crowd.
• Handle alcohol with extra care. Not all counties allow the sale of alcohol, and campgrounds may be subject to similar restrictions.
• Enjoy the dark hours with special lighting. While fairy lights are the go-to glamping accessory, LED candles and small lanterns let you customize your site and adjust illumination as needed. You want to enjoy the stars, not compete with them.
Give your Kentucky trip a glow-up with the perfect campground and glamping essentials to suit your tastes. Family fun, romantic escapes, and road trips to remember with friends are just down the road in an RV. Discover more camping options in Kentucky.
