John James Audubon State Park

Star4.11
35 reviews
P.O. Box 576, Henderson, Kentucky, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground and p...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ShowersWiFi

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website
Get Directions
John James Audubon State Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for golf cart permits are $25 per week or $100 annually. Disabled guests displaying disability tags are exempt from this fee. Longer minimum...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
2708265939
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 35 reviews

445 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakestafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of John James Audubon State Park highlight its beautiful natural setting, diverse activities, and well-maintained amenities. Positive feedback often emphasizes the cleanliness and tranquility of the park. However, some complaints include noise from the nearby highway and occasional maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 576, Henderson, Kentucky, United States

John James Audubon State Park

P.O. Box 576, Henderson, Kentucky, United States

Driving directionsThe park is located on US 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson. It is 1/2 mile south of the US 41 bridge over the Ohio River and Evansville IN. The park is on the left heading south and the right heading north.
The park is easily accessible via US 41, located near the Ohio River. Road access is paved and straightforward, although some users have noted challenges exiting the park while towing a camper.
Nearby places
Henderson (~0 miles, within city limits)
Evansville, IN (~11 miles, ~15-minute drive)
Owensboro, KY (~30 miles, ~40-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Less than 1 mile: fuel for vehicles, snacks, restaurant, retail store, and cafe/restaurant. Within 10 miles: grocery store, church, bait & tackle shop, seasonal concessions.

Best Time to Camp at John James Audubon State Park

From mid-March through mid-November, the park transforms with Kentucky's changing seasons. Spring arrives with crisp mornings averaging 42°F, perfect for witnessing wildflowers burst into bloom along forest trails. As summer unfolds, warm days reaching 85°F create ideal conditions for lakeside relaxation and evening campfire gatherings, though the humid air reminds you you're in the heart of the South. Throughout your stay, gentle rains periodically refresh the landscape, keeping the forests lush and the lake levels perfect for fishing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with many activities; busy weekends and strained facilities reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood hills offer attractive fall colors; park remains open through mid-November.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 8% in KY

Strong positive review signal for spring: wildflowers, nature center, vibrant seasonality.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground/park closed mid-November–mid-March; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season includes weekends during mid-March to mid-November, with longer minimum night stays required during holiday periods.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground and park personnel are available from mid-March to mid-November.

About John James Audubon State Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of western Kentucky, John James Audubon State Park invites you to step into the footsteps of America's most celebrated naturalist. This 692-acre sanctuary combines pristine woodlands with modern comforts, offering everything from peaceful camping sites to cozy cabins overlooking a tranquil stocked lake. Families gather here to explore winding hiking trails, cast lines into calm waters, and discover the fascinating world of birds at the acclaimed John James Audubon Museum and Nature Center. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or a deeper connection with nature's artistry, this park delivers both adventure and serenity in equal measure.
John James Audubon State Park offers a range of camping options, including tent camping, primitive campsites, and cabin lodging. These diverse accommodations cater to different preferences, from rustic camping to more comfortable stays in cabins.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Guests may reserve up to 12 months in advance and must stay a minimum of 1 night mid-week or 2 nights on peak season weekends.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at John James Audubon State Park is enriched by a variety of activities, including hiking, bird-watching, fishing, and cultural experiences. Visitors can also rent paddle boats or participate in seasonal festivals such as the Homegrown Bluegrass Festival. The park’s museum and nature center provide educational opportunities. Additionally, children can enjoy the stocked lake, and golfers can take advantage of the nine-hole course.
HikingThe park offers several trails, some described as short but with the potential to be joined together for longer hikes. A user review highlighted the 'pet walk' trail as a fun option that includes bridges and stairs. The trails are also noted for their abundance of wildflowers and appeal to families with young children.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the park's stocked lake, which one reviewer described as 'always an easy catch of something for kids.'
BoatingBoating opportunities include paddle boat rentals. The park also supports canoeing and kayaking activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted as a major attraction, with one visitor noting the 'lots of wildlife to be seen' and another recommending the snake room at the nature center.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park hosts events such as bluegrass concerts, arts and crafts festivals, and other cultural programs. The museum and nature center also contribute to the park's educational offerings.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsClose proximity to a busy highway may present noise concerns, and some sites reportedly have deep ditches and narrow approaches, challenging for large vehicles.

Weather at John James Audubon State Park

Reviews

4.1
35 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
John James Audubon State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of John James Audubon State Park highlight its beautiful natural setting, diverse activities, and well-maintained amenities. Positive feedback often emphasizes the cleanliness and tranquility of the park. However, some complaints include noise from the nearby highway and occasional maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the park's 'quaint and nostalgic' cabins, stocked fishing lake, and well-maintained trails. The museum and cultural programs are also frequently mentioned as highlights. The...
Show more
Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include noise from the highway, unhygienic bathrooms during busy weekends, and narrow or congested campsite layouts. Some visitors also noted issues with Wi-Fi service and...
Show more
Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend checking the suitability of campsites for long vehicles and confirming Wi-Fi availability before arrival. A visitor suggested using Google Maps to assess campsite angles and access...
Show more
Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews indicate that the park is busiest during Memorial Day weekend, with some facilities becoming strained under high usage. The campground is described as quieter and more peaceful...
Show more
Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is clean, nice, and kid-friendly.' — Megan Posey 2. 'Restrooms were clean as a whistle, even on Saturday and Sunday.' — Michael Holmes 3. 'Way too many campsites. They are really...
Show more
Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific issues were mentioned regarding site #8 being difficult for long vehicles due to a deep ditch and narrow approach.
Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features for disabled visitors.
Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 35 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to John James Audubon State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Popular campgrounds in Kentucky

Campgrounds
John James Audubon State Park