How much does camping cost at General Burnside State Park?

Camping fees at General Burnside State Park range from $25-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is General Burnside State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

General Burnside State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at General Burnside State Park before I book?

Yes! General Burnside State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit General Burnside State Park?

General Burnside State Park is open Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at General Burnside State Park?

Yes, General Burnside State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at General Burnside State Park?

Fire policies at General Burnside State Park: Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be purchased within state park campgrounds.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at General Burnside State Park?

Pets are not allowed at General Burnside State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at General Burnside State Park?

General Burnside State Park offers: Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at General Burnside State Park?

Popular activities at General Burnside State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

General Burnside State Park

3.29

7 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kentucky

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

866 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

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...

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

3.29

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerslocationlake

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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

Fall brings the clearest advantages for visiting. Daytime highs range 55–70°F with cool mornings in the 40s, creating comfortable conditions for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing without summer heat or humidity. Hardwood color peaks mid-October through early November. Water levels stabilize compared to spring, insects diminish, and crowds stay moderate except on fall weekend afternoons. Winter temperatures drop to around 30°F. Summer reaches 87°F with Southern humidity that makes the river appealing for cooling off.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as the clearest advantage: comfortable temps, good hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.

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

General Burnside State Park occupies a 400-acre island in the Cumberland River near Burnside, Kentucky. The park offers tent and primitive camping with fees ranging $25–100 per night. Amenities include showers, fire rings, a boat ramp, and laundry. Friendly camp hosts maintain clean facilities, though steep terrain and close spacing on some interior sites can challenge larger units.

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.

Historical Significance

The park honors Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, whose forces patrolled the Cumberland River during the conflict. The island provided a strategic vantage point for monitoring river traffic and troop movements.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the clearest advantages for visiting. Daytime highs range 55–70°F with cool mornings in the 40s, creating comfortable conditions for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing without summer heat or humidity. Hardwood color peaks mid-October through early November. Water levels stabilize compared to spring, insects diminish, and crowds stay moderate except on fall weekend afternoons. Winter temperatures drop to around 30°F. Summer reaches 87°F with Southern humidity that makes the river appealing for cooling off.

ElevationThe island's gentle contours create an accessible landscape where the Cumberland River's waters meet wooded shores and open meadows, offering varied terrain without challenging climbs.

Natural Features and Scenery430-450 acre hilly island in Lake Cumberland, Kentucky's only island state park, surrounded by lake waters, forested hills, and panoramic scenic views.[1][3][6][7]

Geological RegionNestled within the Cumberland River system, this 400-acre island showcases the region's unique riverine geology. The island itself stands as a testament to millennia of river dynamics, where flowing waters carved out this elevated sanctuary. The surrounding Cumberland River region tells a geological story of ancient seas, limestone formations, and the persistent sculpting power of water that created this remarkable island refuge.

Scenic ViewsOffers scenic views of Cumberland River and surrounding areas.

Programs & ActivitiesRecreational programs are offered, though details on their themes or schedules are unavailable.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made 12 months in advance through a call center, website availability not explicitly mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not mentioned, but reservations are encouraged.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityGolf cart permits are available, and disabled guests with a disability tag are exempt from purchasing permits.

Site SizeMany sites have good spacing, but the ones 'up the middle are very close together.' Some sites are unsuitable for large units.

PrivacyReviews indicate a mix of privacy levels, with some sites being clustered and others well-spaced.

Recommended SitesAvoid sites 'up the middle' as they are closely spaced, and steep campsites may not be ideal for boats or large vehicles.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; 94-102 spacious sites available, including 93 with water/electric hookups accommodating RVs up to 98 feet, and 9 primitive tent sites; hilly terrain may require leveling.[2][6]

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

General Burnside Island State Park offers a range of amenities, focusing on recreational and basic camping needs. According to users, the shower house is well-maintained, featuring temperature controls and consistent functionality, which users appreciated as 'not being push button timed.' Camping options are varied, with the availability of both primitive and improved sites. Facilities for boating, jet-skiing, and water skiing are available, with a notable boat ramp described as 'very nice,' though it can become crowded during peak season.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

Electric hookups84 of 101 sites (83%)

Water hookups84 of 101 sites (83%)

1 pull-through site

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but firewood must be purchased within state park campgrounds.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are more than 10 miles away, including hospitals and medical clinics.

Trash & RecyclingInformation not provided on specific locations or schedules, but recycling and trash facilities are likely available given the detailed mention of other amenities.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Cumberland River; features a boat ramp and access to Lake Cumberland.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as 'very friendly and informative.'

Cell CoverageNo specific information available from sources.

Weather at General Burnside State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

General Burnside State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Scenic island location on Lake Cumberland; clean bathhouses with hot showers; family-friendly with playgrounds and picnic areas; great for boating, fishing, golfing, and relaxation.[1][2][3][6]

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

Leveling may be necessary due to hilly sites; narrow roads challenging for large RVs; open mid-March to mid-November.[1][6]

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...

Based on 7 reviews