Forum Discussion

sacmarata's avatar
sacmarata
Explorer
Jun 05, 2014

Kentucky

I'm looking for clean, recreational family campgrounds within 150 miles of central KY. I'm new to RV camping but have already learned in my 5 trips that I can't trust the online reviews.

Basically I'm looking for campgrounds that are just that, campgrounds, not trailer parks.

Any suggestions and honest reviews would be very much appreciated.

thanks in advance

17 Replies

  • Campfire Time wrote:
    I have not stayed there yet, but have read nothing but good things about Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
    I have been there and I liked it but there are no sewer hookups unless they have added them since I was there a couple of years ago.
  • We have friends that rave about Whispering Hills RV Park off of I-75, but have never been there personally

    We started the RV thing about 15 yrs ago when the kids were little. We found out that there were two distinct type of trips that we took with the RV. One is camping, true camping like we did with the tents. Those trips were to state and county parks, most with no hookups, where the focus was on nature, hiking, the beach, the outdoors. Campfires, smores, the whole deal.

    The second type of trip was more sightseeing, where we weren't camping in the true sense but more using the RV as a resort. These trips we tended to stay at KOAs and other private CGs where there was a pool, playground, game room, mini golf, and other stuff for the kids to do. After breakfast we would head out to see local attractions, museums, factory tours, etc. We usually tried to be back at the camper by 3 or 4 to give the kids some outdoor and pool time before dinner. Once in a while we would eat out. Loved having the a/c on, cable TV plugged in, and didn't have a campfire every night.

    The private CGs usually had some component of seasonal sites, some more than others. We stayed overnight in a CG in PA once where I swear (and I am not making this up) that we had the only trailer in the whole CG with tires on it. Some CGs are nice, some are a little dated. Although no matter where we've been we have never had a problem. We are nice to folks and they are nice to us.

    What I have found lately is that Google Earth is a better tool than reading CG reviews....you'll be able to spot the seasonal sites pretty quick. Bottom line though....nothing wrong with trailer parks that are clean and well cared for. But don't try to "go camping" in a trailer park, you will be disappointed. Head to LBL, on of the KY state parks, or up to Patoka Lake and other spots in Hoosier National Forest.
  • Cumberland Falls state park,Hillman Ferry(Land Between the Lakes)
    Good Luck, Mike
  • I have not stayed there yet, but have read nothing but good things about Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
  • I have been in many parks and you can not beat the Paintsville Park at Paintsville KY