Hiking Campgrounds in Kentucky
Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Kentucky. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
About Hiking Campgrounds in Kentucky
Hiking camping in Kentucky offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic geological formations, pristine wilderness trails, and diverse Appalachian landscapes that rival any destination in the eastern United States. From the iconic sandstone arches and cliff-lined gorges of the Red River Gorge to the rolling Appalachian ridges of Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky's hiking campgrounds provide direct access to over 600 miles of maintained trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Best Time
Spring from mid-April through May offers the most spectacular hiking camping in Kentucky, when wildflowers carpet the forest floor, waterfalls run at peak volume, and temperatures range from 55-75°F ideal for all-day trail adventures. Fall from late September through October rivals spring with brilliant foliage displays, comfortable 50-70°F temperatures, and lower humidity that makes ridge hiking particularly enjoyable.
Activity Highlights
- Direct trail access
- Mountain and forest settings
- Backpacking base camps
- Scenic wilderness views
Explore Hiking Campgrounds in Kentucky
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve Red River Gorge area campgrounds well in advance for spring and fall weekends, as Koomer Ridge and nearby sites fill within hours of the reservation window opening.
- 2Bring detailed trail maps or download offline GPS tracks, as cell service is unreliable in gorge and national forest areas where trail junctions can be confusing.
- 3Pack layers regardless of season—Kentucky weather can shift dramatically, and shaded gorge trails remain cool even on warm days while exposed ridge hikes heat up quickly.
- 4Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are essential for rocky, root-crossed trails and the occasional scramble over sandstone formations.
Hiking Campgrounds in Kentucky FAQ
We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Kentucky based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Kentucky. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Kentucky. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Popular Kentucky Campgrounds Book Fast
The best hiking campgrounds in Kentucky book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
Outdoorithm
Just now
🎉 Site opened up!
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Your preferred dates
Quick! This site typically books within hours.
Find Your Perfect Kentucky Campground
Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.
- Search 20+ hiking campgrounds in Kentucky
- Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
- Get personalized recommendations for your trip
- Compare campground amenities
- Check weather forecasts
No credit card required. Free forever for core features.
