Holly Bay

Star4.59
675 reviews
LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, London, KY, 40744
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,171 ft

Price

$46 - $92/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open: April 9, Close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens American Leisure site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Holly Bay
$46.00 - $92.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range between $46.00 and $92.00 during the reservable season (April 9 - October 20). Fees include an electric surcharge for sites with...
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Standard Site Fee$46.00
Hookup Site Fee$92.00
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

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 675 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspacioushiking

"Overall, Holly Bay Campground receives high praise for its spacious and private campsites, friendly staff, and beautiful natural surroundings. However, some recurring issues include outdated restrooms, inconsistent cell service, and long waits at the single dump station."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, London, KY, 40744

Holly Bay

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, London, KY, 40744

Driving directionsFrom London, Kentucky, take Exit 38 off I-75. Turn west on KY 192, then go 14.2 miles and turn south (left) on KY 1193. Follow signs to Holly Bay Campground entrance (3 miles).
Well-marked, paved roads. Narrow country roads with speed limits occasionally reduced to 25 mph may pose challenges for larger RVs or vehicles towing trailers.
Nearby places
London (14.2 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Corbin (30 minutes drive), Somerset (approximately 45 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including firewood, ice, and camping amenities are sold at the campground. Additional supplies can be acquired in London, KY.

Best Time to Camp at Holly Bay

Experience nature's perfect rhythm at Holly Bay, where spring arrives with wildflower blooms and temperatures that hover in the sweet spot for camping comfort. As summer unfolds, warm sunshine transforms the campground into a bustling hub of water enthusiasts splashing in the lake's refreshing embrace. But it's autumn that truly steals the show, when crisp air and golden days create ideal conditions for witnessing the forest's spectacular color transformation.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in KY

Peak season for boating, swimming coves and trails; highly popular though busier on weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Autumn leaf color is highlighted as a major draw; reviewers praise fall scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and mild temps make it a popular, comfortable season for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Reservable season ends Oct 20; limited services and fewer activities in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 9 - October 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open: April 9, Closed: October 20 (Reservable Season). Non-reservable periods apply outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts were provided.

About Holly Bay

Nestled within the legendary Daniel Boone National Forest, Holly Bay Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine single and double-family campsites overlooking the sparkling waters of Laurel River Lake. This beloved basecamp seamlessly blends forest tranquility with aquatic adventure, where morning mist rises from the lake as anglers cast their lines, boaters glide across glassy waters, and hikers disappear into woodland trails that wind through centuries-old hardwoods.
Holly Bay Campground offers a range of camping accommodations, including standard electric sites for RVs and tents. Group sites are available, as well as options with premium lake views. Walk-in and primitive camping are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay permitted is 14 nights during all seasons.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Holly Bay Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The campground is connected to the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail, which leads to the Laurel River Dam. Visitors can also enjoy boating and water skiing on Laurel River Lake, which spans 5,600 acres with 192 miles of shoreline. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are popular due to the area's natural beauty and forested setting.
HikingThe campground features access to the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail, which connects the site to the Laurel River Dam. The trail is suitable for hiking enthusiasts and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and lake.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Holly Bay, with a fish cleaning station provided near the boat ramp. Visitors can expect to catch various species native to Laurel River Lake.
BikingBiking opportunities are available within the campground and on nearby trails. The Sheltowee Trace Trail is popular for mountain biking, with options for both novice and experienced riders.
BoatingThe campground provides a boat ramp for access to Laurel River Lake, making it ideal for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. Boating is one of the most frequently praised activities at Holly Bay.
Wildlife viewingThe area's diverse ecosystem offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Campers have reported sightings of various bird species, deer, and even otters near the lake.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are occasionally held during the summer months, focusing on the local ecology and history of the region.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; poison ivy common near trails. Narrow roads and steep site inclines pose risks for large RVs.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts were provided.

Weather at Holly Bay

Reviews

4.6
675 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Holly Bay is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Holly Bay Campground receives high praise for its spacious and private campsites, friendly staff, and beautiful natural surroundings. However, some recurring issues include outdated restrooms, inconsistent cell service, and long waits at the single dump station.
Review Summaries
Based on 675 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's natural beauty, spacious and private campsites, and friendly and helpful staff. Activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking are highlighted as top...
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Based on 675 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include poorly maintained restrooms and showers, long waits at the dump station, and inconsistent cell phone service. Some users also mentioned issues with the cleanliness...
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Based on 675 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend booking early as the campground is frequently full. Campers also suggest bringing extra gravel or leveling blocks for steeper sites and being prepared for limited cell service....
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Based on 675 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Holly Bay Campground is particularly popular in the summer for its lake activities and trails. However, some users note that the lake and campground can become busy on weekends. Fall is another...
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Based on 675 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The campsites are wooded with lots of space in between.' 'The lake is beautiful and has easy access from sites.' 'The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful.' 'The restrooms need updating badly.'...
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Based on 675 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite D06 was noted as having trash left by the previous guest. Campsite H09 is popular for its spacious layout and proximity to restrooms. G5 was described as quiet and private, with lake views....
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Based on 675 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user mentioned difficulty using the showers with a wheelchair due to the need to continuously press the water button. Overall accessibility features are noted as minimal.
Based on 675 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, and most users reported a positive experience. Users appreciate the enforcement of leash rules and the general respectfulness of other pet owners.
Based on 675 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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