Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Kentucky’s Gateway RV Parks: Campgrounds Near Natural Wonders in the Bluegrass State
Plan your RV adventure near Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Stay at nearby private campgrounds that offer glamping amenities while keeping you close to scenic state park trails and natural wonders.
Overview
Kentucky is home to some of the most scenic and geologically rich landscapes in the eastern United States, from soaring sandstone arches to underground cave systems and thunderous waterfalls. Popular state and national parks such as Mammoth Cave, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, and Carter Caves attract thousands of RVers each year. But booking a campsite within the parks? That can be tough—especially during spring and summer.
The good news is that there are excellent privately owned RV campgrounds located just outside these parks. These campgrounds offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, pools, and the comfort of larger, more flexible sites—all while keeping you close to the trails, rivers, caves, and cliffs you came to explore.
1
Mammoth Cave National Park
With more than 400 miles of explored passageways, Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest known cave system in the world. Guided cave tours explore dramatic chambers, underground rivers, and historic routes once used by Native Americans and early settlers. Above ground, visitors can hike, bike, and paddle the Green River while watching for deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Cave Country RV Campground (Cave City, KY): Full-hookup sites, Wi-Fi, a dog park, and close proximity to the park make this one of the top-rated private options in the region.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Mammoth Cave (Cave City, KY): A family-friendly campground with water slides, pools, a jumping pillow, and organized activities. Great for traveling with kids!
2
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Located in the Red River Gorge area of Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Park is famous for its massive sandstone arch that stretches 78 feet long and 65 feet high. A network of scenic hiking trails wind through towering cliffs, lush forests, and rocky outcrops. The nearby Red River Gorge Geological Area offers world-class rock climbing and backcountry exploration.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
4 Guys RV Park (Campton, KY): Just minutes from the Gorge and Natural Bridge, this pet-friendly RV park offers full hookups, river access, a camp store, and event space.
Callie’s Lake and Campground (Slade, KY): A highly rated, relaxed campground offering 45 RV sites with water and electric, plus a 6-acre fishing lake, live music events, and a community vibe.
3
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is a 68-foot waterfall located on the Cumberland River. The park is also home to the rare natural phenomenon of a moonbow—a rainbow formed by the light of a full moon shining through the mist of the falls. Visitors can hike the scenic trails, go horseback riding, or enjoy whitewater rafting on the Cumberland River.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort (Corbin, KY): Just a few miles from Cumberland Falls, this resort offers full-hookup RV sites and adventure outfitting for rafting, tubing, and kayaking.
Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA Journey (Corbin, KY): This KOA offers shaded RV sites, a dog park, seasonal pool, and quick access to Laurel River Lake and Cumberland Falls.
4
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Cave exploration is the highlight at Carter Caves, where visitors can tour expansive caverns like Cascade Cave and X-Cave or try wild cave tours that involve crawling and climbing. The park also features scenic wooded trails, natural bridges, and access to Tygarts Creek for paddling and fishing.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Oasis Point RV Resort (Rush, KY): This resort offers ziplining, waterslides, a lakefront beach, and access to 7,000 acres of ATV trails.
Why Choose a Private Campground Near a Kentucky State or National Park?
Private RV campgrounds near Kentucky’s public lands offer several advantages:
—Full hookups with water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric
—Resort and glamping-style amenities like swimming pools, game rooms, camp stores, and laundry
—Spacious sites often suitable for larger RVs and fifth wheels
—Greater availability and more flexible booking options than many state park campgrounds
You’ll still be within easy driving distance of trailheads, cave tours, and waterfalls—but you’ll return each evening to a comfortable, well-equipped site with all the conveniences of home.
Plan Your Bluegrass State Adventure
Whether you want to explore the depths of Mammoth Cave, gaze out from Natural Bridge, or hear the thunder of Cumberland Falls, Kentucky offers some of the most dramatic outdoor experiences in the region. And by setting up camp just outside the park, you can enjoy them without worrying about campground availability.
Private campgrounds near Kentucky’s gateway parks make it easier than ever to hit the trails by day—and kick back by the campfire at night.
