How much does camping cost at Smith Ridge?

Camping fees at Smith Ridge are $20 - $34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Smith Ridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Smith Ridge 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 Smith Ridge before I book?

Yes! Smith Ridge has 19 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 Smith Ridge?

Smith Ridge is open May 08 to September 10. 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 Smith Ridge?

Yes, Smith Ridge has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Smith Ridge have?

Smith Ridge has 80 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Smith Ridge?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smith Ridge. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Smith Ridge?

Smith Ridge offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smith Ridge?

Popular activities at Smith Ridge include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smith Ridge

4.27

233 reviews

35 County Park Rd.

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Kentucky Family-Friendly Campgrounds Kentucky Boating Camping Kentucky +3 more

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$20 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

869 ft

Price

$20 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Smith Ridge

$20.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive: $20.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); Water Only: $26.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); Water and Electric: $32.00 (+$2.00...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

270-789-2743andrea.m.davis@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

35 County Park Rd.

Smith Ridge

35 County Park Rd.

Nearby places

Campbellsville (1 mile)

Weather at Smith Ridge

Best Time to Camp at Smith Ridge

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect crisp, clear days (typically 50–70°F in early fall, dipping to 35–55°F later in October–November) and spectacular hardwood color along the Highland Rim and Green River Lake shoreline. Hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline fishing are at their peak as summer insects taper off and migrating birds pass through; boating is pleasant on calmer waters and crowds are noticeably lighter than summer. Note: the campground's on- Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Listed as best season: crisp weather, scenic fall colors and quieter campground near season end.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground opens for reservations May 9 and closes September 13 during peak season.

About Smith Ridge

Smith Ridge sits on the shore of Green River Lake near Campbellsville, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station for tent and RV campers. Visitors fish, swim, boat, and hike while watching wildlife along the Highland Rim shoreline.

Smith Ridge Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, with 62 sites offering water and electric hookups. While primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned, the campground layout suggests options that could support it.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect crisp, clear days (typically 50–70°F in early fall, dipping to 35–55°F later in October–November) and spectacular hardwood color along the Highland Rim and Green River Lake shoreline. Hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline fishing are at their peak as summer insects taper off and migrating birds pass through; boating is pleasant on calmer waters and crowds are noticeably lighter than summer. Note: the campground's on- Peak months: October, May, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation869 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Highland Rim's karst topography shapes the terrain here: gentle hills, limestone outcrops, and seasonal springs that feed into Green River Lake's 32,000 acres. Dense oak and maple forests alternate with open meadows sloping toward the water. Morning fog lifts off the lake and drifts through the canopy. Deer browse the clearings and migratory birds pass through in spring and fall. The lake itself is the dominant feature, visible from many sites and accessible via a short walk.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of six (6) guests or one family unit per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, parking, and showers are available. Roads are paved and there are lantern posts provided.

Site SizeCampsites are generally described as spacious, with adequate room for families and outdoor activities. Comments like "sites are clean and spacious" and "campsites are good-sized and pretty level" support this.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site but several locations offer seclusion, as indicated by reviews such as "Site was secluded and surrounded by woods." However, proximity between sites can be close, especially in Loop B.

Total Campsites80 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a 50-ft water hose for hookups due to site layout. Avoid Loop A for larger RVs as roads are tight. Loop B offers more level and spacious sites.

Best CampsitesLoop A gets consistent praise for shade and seclusion. Reviewers mention wooded sites that stay cooler in summer. Loop B has more space between sites but less tree cover. No specific site numbers appear in the feedback, but multiple users recommend choosing Loop A if you want privacy and protection from afternoon sun.

Need help booking Smith Ridge?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Smith Ridge Campground provides a diverse range of amenities, including 80 campsites with 62 equipped with water and electric hookups. The facility offers flush toilets, showers, campfire rings, and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay. Additional recreation options like a playground, hiking trail, and frisbee golf course are available. Within a one-mile radius, visitors can access a boat ramp, fishing pier, marina, parking areas, picnic areas, swimming beach, and marina-owned condos. While the facilities are generally praised, some issues such as limited parking space at individual campsites and challenges with dump station accessibility for larger RVs have been noted.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Smith Ridge

Smith Ridge Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and frisbee golf. The nearby Green River Lake adds opportunities for swimming and water-based sports. Seasonal hunting is also popular in the surrounding forested areas.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Large lake (32,000 acres) and boat access make paddling/kayaking a strong option.

Swimming3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Morning fog, shoreline vistas, limestone features and wildlife offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Smith Ridge

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From Booking Sources

4.3

233 reviews

Satisfactory

Smith Ridge is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed user reviews highlight the picturesque location, clean facilities, and friendly staff. However, some concerns include limited cell service, tick prevalence, and tight site layouts.

Review Summaries

Based on 233 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 233 reviews.

Site A29Loved
Site A29 is secluded but challenging for camper setups.
Site B30Loved
Site B30 offers shade but has awkward electrical hookups.
Site A7Mentioned
Site A7 is wooded and frequented by deer.
Site B39Mentioned
Site B39 lacks cell service but is quiet and clean.

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, friendly staff, shaded campsites, and proximity to Green River Lake are frequently praised. "Restrooms were clean and the showers had nice hot water" and "Park attendants were...

Based on 233 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include poor cell phone reception, overcrowded sites, poison ivy, and limited parking. "Ticks are BAD" and "Electric surged all weekend" are examples of recurring complaints.

Based on 233 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water regulator due to high pressure, water shoes for the mucky beach, and a 50-ft hose for RV water hookups. Several users recommend selecting shaded sites in Loop A for a cooler experience.

Based on 233 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive trends occur during quieter off-season months when facilities are less crowded. Summer reviews often mention ticks and poison ivy. Fall offers scenic lake views with fewer campers.

Based on 233 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground! Site was secluded and surrounded by woods," "Restrooms and showers were in good shape," "We caught several 4-5 pound catfish," and "Ticks are BAD!"

Based on 233 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities are generally well-received, but no specific reviews from users with disabilities are available.

Based on 233 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and generally well-managed. "Pets shall not be left unattended" aligns with campground rules, and no specific issues regarding pets were noted in reviews.

Based on 233 reviews

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Smith Ridge

$20.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive: $20.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); Water Only: $26.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); Water and Electric: $32.00 (+$2.00...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-789-2743andrea.m.davis@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want lake access with electric hookups and don't mind seasonal operation or spotty cell service.

Skip if

You need reliable cell coverage or full hookups with consistent power delivery.

Nearby Campgrounds

4725 Pikes Ridge Rd, Columbia, KY, 42728

Pikes Ridge sits on Green River Lake near Columbia, Kentucky, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric and water hookups, plus lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise the waterfront views and quiet atmosphere, though maintenance of facilities can be inconsistent during busy periods.

Smith Ridge

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Smith Ridge

Campground Map

Weather at Smith Ridge

Best Time to Camp at Smith Ridge

Planning Tips

About Smith Ridge

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Smith Ridge?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Smith Ridge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Smith Ridge

Best Time to Camp at Smith Ridge

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Smith Ridge?

Amenities available

Things to do at Smith Ridge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns