Laurel Branch

Star4.59
442 reviews
991 Laurel Branch Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

71 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens 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
Laurel Branch
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee structure varies based on site type. Standard Electric: $30, Standard Nonelectric: $20, Group Shelter Electric: $50.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
270-257-8839
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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 442 reviews

253 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciouslakefriendly

"Reviews for Laurel Branch are mixed, with many praising the lakefront views, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere. However, issues with restroom cleanliness, maintenance, and noise levels were frequently noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

991 Laurel Branch Road

Laurel Branch

991 Laurel Branch Road

Driving directionsFrom Louisville, KY: Begin 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 10.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-110, traveling 0.4 miles. End at 991 Laurel Branch Road, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 74 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Road access is good, with a combination of major highways and smaller rural roads leading to the campground. Roads are paved and suitable for vehicles.
Nearby places
Louisville, KY: 74 miles (approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes)
Hardinsburg, KY: null
Leitchfield, KY: null
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies include grocery stores, gas stations, and a Dollar General nearby. Specific distances are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Laurel Branch

Experience the best of Kentucky's temperate climate at Laurel Branch, where peak season brings pleasantly warm days perfect for swimming and water sports, followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. While occasional rain showers keep the landscape lush and green, most days offer clear skies and comfortable conditions. During the cooler months, crisp, dry air creates perfect hiking weather, with lower humidity making outdoor activities especially enjoyable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm days for swimming/boating; popular but often crowded.

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

Late fall/early autumn recommended for quieter visits and beautiful scenery (leaf season).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring noted as quieter with pleasant weather; campground opens May 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Oct 27.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 01 - October 27 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 01 to October 27.

About Laurel Branch

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Laurel Branch Campground offers an idyllic escape where the water meets the forest. With 71 thoughtfully positioned campsites—many offering breathtaking waterfront views or easy lake access—this outdoor haven provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern comfort. Families and adventurers alike will appreciate the full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a welcoming playground for young explorers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, cast a line from the shore, or simply relax on the public beach as the sun sets over the water. Well-maintained nature trails wind through the surrounding landscape, while practical touches like a fish cleaning station and fresh drinking water ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Laurel Branch accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM.
Check-out
Standard check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit (rolling 30 days).

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
WiFi
Flush toilets
Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Laurel Branch Campground offers diverse recreational activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and nature observation. Bass tournaments, boat rentals, and wildlife spotting enhance the experience.
HikingA nature trail runs parallel to the parking lot and campsite A, but reviews suggest it needs maintenance. 'All the signs telling children what they were looking at are either gone or unreadable,' one camper said.
FishingFishing is popular, especially for bass, crappie, and catfish. Bank fishing is limited due to lake access restrictions.
SwimmingSwimmers can enjoy a public beach, though it is described as 'rocky and muddy' by some visitors. Safety measures are in place.
BoatingBoating activities are supported, with a boat ramp available on-site. Pontoon, johnboat, and jet ski rentals are accessible nearby.
Wildlife viewingMigratory songbirds and waterfowl are commonly seen, and campers have noted spotting unique wildlife like albino deer.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are available at the public beach, though reviews highlight rocky terrain as a drawback.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh smoke levels due to frequent campfires, rutted roads, and occasional wildlife. Overflowing dumpsters reported in user reviews.

Weather at Laurel Branch

Reviews

4.6
442 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Laurel Branch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Laurel Branch are mixed, with many praising the lakefront views, friendly staff, and peaceful atmosphere. However, issues with restroom cleanliness, maintenance, and noise levels were frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 442 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the lakefront views, spacious campsites, and friendly campground host Angie, who is consistently praised for her helpfulness and attentiveness.
Based on 442 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained restrooms, noise from other campers, and lack of maintenance on the nature trail.
Based on 442 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking lakefront sites for the best views, bringing water shoes for rocky beaches, and calling ahead for shower codes during off-peak hours.
Based on 442 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season but often crowded. Reviews suggest late spring or early fall for quieter stays and beautiful scenery.
Based on 442 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Angie is amazing and always takes care of us!' 'This was the best camping experience we’ve ever had.' 'The grass needed to be mowed, ticks were bad this year.' 'The showers were gross, but we’re...
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Based on 442 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C34/35 is consistently praised for its lakefront location. Site D56 received negative reviews due to broken amenities. Site C53 is noted for excellent views and proximity to the beach.
Based on 442 reviews

Accessibility Features

One camper noted difficulties accessing the pier due to a closed parking gate, which affected their ability to fish as a wheelchair user.
Based on 442 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but tall grass and ticks pose challenges for pet owners.
Based on 442 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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