Laurel Branch
4.63265 reviews991 Laurel Branch Road
Laurel Branch
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee structure varies based on site type. Standard Electric: $30, Standard Nonelectric: $20, Group Shelter Electric: $50.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Laurel Branch Campground offers an idyllic escape where the water meets the forest. With 71 thoughtfully positioned campsites—many offering breathtaking waterfront views or easy lake access—this outdoor haven provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern comfort. Families and adventurers alike will appreciate the full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a welcoming playground for young explorers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, cast a line from the shore, or simply relax on the public beach as the sun sets over the water. Well-maintained nature trails wind through the surrounding landscape, while practical touches like a fish cleaning station and fresh drinking water ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Laurel Branch accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Laurel Branch places you at the crossroads of Kentucky's rich heritage. Just a short drive away, the historic Green Farm offers a glimpse into the region's agricultural past, while the world-famous Mammoth Cave National Park—home to the planet's longest known cave system—beckons with underground wonders. History enthusiasts will treasure visits to the beautifully preserved Holt House and the charming Jack Thomas House, where stories of Kentucky's pioneer days come alive through period architecture and fascinating artifacts.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Kentucky's temperate climate at Laurel Branch, where peak season brings pleasantly warm days perfect for swimming and water sports, followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. While occasional rain showers keep the landscape lush and green, most days offer clear skies and comfortable conditions. During the cooler months, crisp, dry air creates perfect hiking weather, with lower humidity making outdoor activities especially enjoyable.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details vary throughout the campground, the gentle terrain provides easy access to all facilities and creates natural privacy between campsites, with some areas offering elevated views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the stunning tapestry of south-central Kentucky's natural beauty, where rolling forested hills frame the sparkling waters of Rough River Lake. Dramatic limestone cliffs rise from the shoreline, creating spectacular vistas and hidden coves waiting to be explored. The diverse landscape supports an impressive array of wildlife—listen for the melodic calls of migratory songbirds at dawn, watch graceful waterfowl glide across the lake at sunset, and keep your eyes peeled for deer emerging from the forest at twilight. Each season brings its own palette of colors, from spring's vibrant wildflowers to autumn's fiery foliage reflected in the calm waters.
Geological RegionDiscover the fascinating geological story of south-central Kentucky at Laurel Branch, where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. The campground sits within a region defined by gently rolling hills blanketed in dense forest, where layers of sandstone and shale tell tales of prehistoric seas. Dramatic limestone cliffs—carved by millennia of wind and water—create natural amphitheaters along the lakeshore. Adventure seekers will be intrigued by the area's karst topography, featuring mysterious sinkholes and hidden caverns that hint at the vast underground networks for which Kentucky is famous. This unique geological heritage not only shapes the stunning scenery but also creates diverse habitats supporting the region's rich biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible toilets are available, but some reviews noted that the handicap site is on a slope, which may not be ideal for wheelchair users.
Sites SizeSites range from tent-only spaces to large drive-through spots suitable for RVs.
Sites PrivacySome sites offer lakefront views with good privacy, while others are more clustered. Reviews vary widely on noise levels.
Total Campsites71 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWaterfront sites are recommended for views and access to the lake. Sites near playgrounds are ideal for families.
Best CampsitesHighly rated campsites include C34/35 (lakefront), C53 (near beach), and A16 (quiet area with good views).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit (rolling 30 days).
Groups
- No dedicated group sites available
- only family-sized sites accommodating up to 10 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into loops (A, B, C, D), with a mix of electric and non-electric sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 01 to October 27.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability was not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made the day before arrival or the day after arrival date incur the first night's fee in addition to a $10 cancellation fee. No-show fees are $20 plus the first night's fee. Modifications incur a $10 fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Laurel Branch Campground offers diverse recreational activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and nature observation. Bass tournaments, boat rentals, and wildlife spotting enhance the experience.
Hiking
A nature trail runs parallel to the parking lot and campsite A, but reviews suggest it needs maintenance. 'All the signs telling children what they were looking at are either gone or unreadable,' one camper said.Fishing
Fishing is popular, especially for bass, crappie, and catfish. Bank fishing is limited due to lake access restrictions.Swimming
Swimmers can enjoy a public beach, though it is described as 'rocky and muddy' by some visitors. Safety measures are in place.Boating
Boating activities are supported, with a boat ramp available on-site. Pontoon, johnboat, and jet ski rentals are accessible nearby.Wildlife viewing
Migratory songbirds and waterfowl are commonly seen, and campers have noted spotting unique wildlife like albino deer.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the public beach, though reviews highlight rocky terrain as a drawback.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the provided materials.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, especially in wake-free zones.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but should not disturb campers late at night. Fires should be extinguished by midnight.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh smoke levels due to frequent campfires, rutted roads, and occasional wildlife. Overflowing dumpsters reported in user reviews.
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services should be contacted at Rough River Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office (Phone: 270-257-2061).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - October 27 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available but have been reported to overflow during busy periods, causing odor issues.
Proximity to water featuresMost sites are waterfront or near Rough River Lake.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include overflowing trash dumpsters, maintenance concerns (broken picnic tables, rutted grounds), and dirty restrooms near the beach area.
HostCamp host Angie frequently receives praise for exceptional service, providing assistance with reservations and maintenance.
Campground Map
991 Laurel Branch Road
Driving directionsFrom Louisville, KY: Begin at ramp onto I-64 West toward New Albany/St. Louis, traveling 22.3 miles. Take the IN-135, Exit Number 105, toward Palmyra/Corydon, onto IN-135 South toward Corydon, traveling 16.7 miles. Continue on Bypass Road KY-79 for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Continue on 1st Avenue, KY-79S for 495 feet. Turn a slight right onto US-60, traveling 11.8 miles. Turn left onto KY-259/KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-110, traveling 0.4 miles. End at 991 Laurel Branch Road, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 74 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Road access is good, with a combination of major highways and smaller rural roads leading to the campground. Roads are paved and suitable for vehicles.Nearby places
Louisville, KY: 74 miles (approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes)
Hardinsburg, KY: null
Leitchfield, KY: null
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies include grocery stores, gas stations, and a Dollar General nearby. Specific distances are not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.6
265 reviews
Laurel Branch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Laurel Branch are mixed, with many praising the lakefront views, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere. However, issues with restroom cleanliness, maintenance, and noise levels were frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 265 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the lakefront views, spacious campsites, and friendly campground host Angie, who is consistently praised for her helpfulness and attentiveness.
Based on 265 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained restrooms, noise from other campers, and lack of maintenance on the nature trail.
Based on 265 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking lakefront sites for the best views, bringing water shoes for rocky beaches, and calling ahead for shower codes during off-peak hours.
Based on 265 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season but often crowded. Reviews suggest late spring or early fall for quieter stays and beautiful scenery.
Based on 265 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Angie is amazing and always takes care of us!' 'This was the best camping experience we’ve ever had.' 'The grass needed to be mowed, ticks were bad this year.' 'The showers were gross, but we’re...
Based on 265 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site C34/35 is consistently praised for its lakefront location. Site D56 received negative reviews due to broken amenities. Site C53 is noted for excellent views and proximity to the beach.
Based on 265 reviewsAccessibility Features
One camper noted difficulties accessing the pier due to a closed parking gate, which affected their ability to fish as a wheelchair user.
Based on 265 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but tall grass and ticks pose challenges for pet owners.
Based on 265 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025