Axtel

Star4.49
1.4K reviews
663 South Highway 79
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

525 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

158 campsites

Season

Open from April 17, ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Rough River Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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
Axtel
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20.00 to $60.00 depending on site type, season, and utility hookups. Additional reservation service fees are applicable based on...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$34.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$5.00

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Provider
270-257-2584
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 1.4K reviews

417 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakestafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"Mixed reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and wide-ranging amenities but mention issues like maintenance and staff behavior."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

663 South Highway 79

Axtel

663 South Highway 79

Driving directionsBegin at ramp onto I-64 West toward New Albany/St. Louis, traveling 22.3 miles. Take the IN-135, Exit Number 105, toward Palmyra/Corydon, onto IN-135 South toward Corydon, traveling 16.7 miles. Continue on Bypass Road KY-79 for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Continue on 1st Avenue, KY-79S for 495 feet. Turn a slight right onto US-60, traveling 11.8 miles. Turn left onto KY-259/KY-79, traveling 9.7 miles. Turn right to stay on KY-79, traveling .7 miles. End at 663 South Highway 79, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 74 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 20 minutes.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews mention challenges with signage and navigation through the campground itself. Seasonal flooding may occasionally restrict access.
Nearby places
Leitchfield (approximately 21 miles), Hardinsburg (approximately 18 miles), and Louisville (approximately 74 miles). Travel times vary depending on traffic conditions.
Nearby supplies
Nearby supplies include Nick's Marina and Boat Dock across the street, which offers fuel, ice, snacks, and beverages. Dollar General and local stores in Leitchfield and Hardinsburg provide groceries and essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Axtel

Experience the gentle rhythms of Kentucky's seasons at Axtel, where mild spring days give way to warm summer evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Peak season brings comfortable temperatures ideal for water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the lake, creating dramatic skies and refreshing the landscape. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hills burst into color, while winter transforms the campground into a quiet retreat where snow occasionally dusts the ancient cliffs and frost sparkles on the lake's surface.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm summer evenings and peak activities; popular but can be crowded and show more maintenance issues.

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

Fall favored for quieter visits and scenic atmosphere; scenic foliage and less crowding.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild spring days, opens mid-April; pleasant pre-peak season conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr–Oct; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 17, 2025 - October 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 17, 2025, to October 27, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts or closures noted.

About Axtel

Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Axtel Campground, where 158 thoughtfully arranged campsites dot the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in Kentucky's scenic heartland. This south-central Kentucky gem invites outdoor enthusiasts to cast their lines into abundant waters, dive into refreshing swimming spots, and explore hidden coves by boat. Whether you're seeking a weekend escape or an extended adventure, Axtel serves as your gateway to the natural wonders and water-based recreation that make Rough River Lake a beloved destination.
Axtel Campground accommodates a range of camping styles with its diverse sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Axtel Campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities, emphasizing water-based adventures and outdoor exploration. "A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are provided at the lake, including ample opportunities for boating and fishing."
HikingThe campground features a short trail for light hiking. However, "there's no hiking trails to speak of," noted one user.
FishingThe lake hosts bass, crappie, and catfish, with bass tournaments occurring throughout the year. "Fishing was good," remarked a camper, and another added, "Caught several bass one was 5lb 2oz."
SwimmingA designated swimming area is available, but reviewers noted some maintenance issues. "Great places to get in to swim," shared one user, while another said, "The beach looked like it hadn't been maintained for a long time."
BikingThe campground offers paved roads suitable for bike riding. "The kids just love riding their bikes," one user stated.
BoatingBoating facilities include a ramp and nearby marina where pontoon, johnboat, and jet ski rentals are available. "Nick's Boat Dock and Marina is just around the corner," a reviewer shared.
Wildlife viewingMigratory songbirds and waterfowl are commonly seen. "Seen a heron a couple times, as well as ducks," one camper noted.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding and storms may occasionally affect the area. Wildlife, including waterfowl, may pose risks to food storage and campsite safety.
Active AlertsNo active alerts or closures noted.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are available to protect against wildlife and are located near campsites.

Weather at Axtel

Reviews

4.5
1.4K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Axtel is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and wide-ranging amenities but mention issues like maintenance and staff behavior.
Review Summaries
Based on 1377 reviews

What Campers Love

"Gorgeous spots with FANTASTIC views of the lake," "A hidden gem in Central Kentucky," "Great campground, friendly staff, great places to get in to swim," are common sentiments.
Based on 1377 reviews

Common Concerns

Users frequently cite issues with bathroom cleanliness, maintenance delays, and staff rudeness: "The campsites need more gravel on them," "The woman at the front desk was incredibly rude," "Bathrooms...
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Based on 1377 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring toilet paper and soap for bathrooms; reserve lakeside sites well in advance; pack earplugs for noise.
Based on 1377 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits are popular but crowded, with maintenance issues cited more frequently during peak seasons. Fall is favored for its quieter, scenic atmosphere.
Based on 1377 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake itself is home to numerous species of wildlife, including migratory songbirds and waterfowl." "Bath houses are nice, clean and spread out throughout the camp." "The woman who works at the...
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Based on 1377 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site F110 is noted for its scenic views and proximity to water. "You can bring your kayak, beach your boat, or Jet Ski or just head down to the beach!" Site B031 is popular but busy. "Hard to get a...
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Based on 1377 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities include bathrooms and campsites, with some reviewers highlighting ease of use and accessibility.
Based on 1377 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"Very dog friendly." Pets are permitted and well accommodated in the campground.
Based on 1377 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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