General Burnside State Park

Star4.60
7 reviews
P.O. Box 488/8801 South Hwy 27, Burnside , Kentucky, 42519, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website
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General Burnside State Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Golf cart permits are available for $25/week or $100/year, valid across Kentucky state parks. Disabled guests with a disability tag are exempt from...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

crowded

"Overall, the park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, amenities, and accessibility. Campers appreciate the friendly and informative camp hosts and the well-maintained facilities. However, some concerns were raised about the proximity of certain campsites and challenges for large units."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 488/8801 South Hwy 27, Burnside , Kentucky, 42519, United States

General Burnside State Park

P.O. Box 488/8801 South Hwy 27, Burnside , Kentucky, 42519, United States

Driving directionsGeneral Burnside Island State Park is located in Burnside, 8 miles south of Somerset on US 27.
Accessible directly from US 27, located 8 miles south of Somerset.
Nearby places
Somerset: 8 miles (about 10 minutes)
Burnside: adjacent.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available less than 1 mile away, including retail stores and marinas.

Best Time to Camp at General Burnside State Park

Experience the full drama of Kentucky's changing seasons on this river island. Winter transforms the park into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip to a bracing 30°F, perfect for peaceful solitude and cozy campfires. As spring awakens the island, wildflowers carpet the grounds and temperatures climb invitingly. Summer brings warm days reaching 87°F with that distinctive Southern humidity that makes jumping in the Cumberland River irresistible. Fall paints the island in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak boating season; excellent ramp but overcrowding/overflow lots reported at peak times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and migration likely enhance scenic and wildlife appeal; quieter than peak summer.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring birding, milder weather and good boating conditions make spring appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter is quiet and scenic but colder and activity-limited (~30°F noted).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but swimming pool is closed until further notice.
  • Current Alerts: Swimming pool is closed until further notice.

About General Burnside State Park

Discover Kentucky's only island state park, where 400 acres of pristine wilderness rise from the Cumberland River like a natural fortress. General Burnside Island State Park honors its Civil War namesake while offering modern adventurers a unique blend of history and recreation. Cast a line into the river's depths, tee off on scenic fairways, launch your boat into sparkling waters, or simply spread a blanket beneath ancient trees for an unforgettable picnic. This remarkable island sanctuary proves that sometimes the best destinations require crossing water to find them.
Camping options include both primitive and improved sites. Group facilities are located within 10 miles, but details about the group sites at the park itself are unavailable.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance, with minimum stays of 1 night during weekdays and 2 nights during peak season weekends.

Amenities available

Showers
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Laundry Facilities

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities. Boating is a major highlight, featuring easy access to the lake and a well-maintained ramp. Activities like bird watching, horseshoes, and jet-skiing reflect the park's dedication to versatile recreation.
HikingThe park has hiking trails described as moderate to easy, located more than 10 miles away.
FishingFishing can be done at the park's lake. No specific species or quality details are provided.
BoatingThe boat ramp is described as 'very nice.' It is five trailers wide, ensuring quick turnover for boaters. However, it gets crowded during prime season, requiring the use of overflow parking lots.
Wildlife viewingBird watching is explicitly mentioned as an activity within the park.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRecreational programs are offered, though details on their themes or schedules are unavailable.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites may have steep inclines, making them unsuitable for large units. Crowded boat ramp parking during peak season can create challenges.
Active AlertsSwimming pool is closed until further notice.

Weather at General Burnside State Park

Reviews

4.6
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
General Burnside State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, amenities, and accessibility. Campers appreciate the friendly and informative camp hosts and the well-maintained facilities. However, some concerns were raised about the proximity of certain campsites and challenges for large units.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained shower facilities, friendly camp hosts, a spacious and well-designed boat ramp.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites in the middle are too close together; some campsites are unsuitable for large units due to terrain.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For those bringing boats, plan for overflow parking during prime seasons. Certain campsites may not accommodate large vehicles well, so choose carefully.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons, the boat ramp's parking can become overcrowded, necessitating the use of overflow lots. This makes it less convenient for boat users.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

Kevin W: 'This is a very clean state park campground. The camp hosts we talked with were very friendly and informative.' Karen Wiesner: 'Nice clean place. Close to a nice boat ramp. Not too many...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Kevin W mentions that 'the sites basically up the middle are very close together,' while other sites have 'good spacing.'
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Golf cart permits are available for $25 a week or $100 annually. Disabled guests with a disability tag do not need to purchase a permit.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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