Backpacking / Camping in Lexington, KY

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  1. Beaver Creek in Daniel Boone National Forest is a great camping spot and is easily accessible.
    Beaver Creek - Camping

    For those that like aquatic adventures alongside their camping, Beaver Creek Campground is the perfect spot. It’s nestled along Barren River Lake which offers plenty of water-based recreational activities.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    114.5 miles
    Duration
  2. Steps carved into soft sandstone make for one epic hike—just don’t look down.
    Indian Staircase - Backpacking

    Explore the wild Red River Gorge with one of its most adventurous offerings: a literal staircase carved into the sandstone cliffs.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    48.4 miles
    Duration
    You can do the Indian Staircase hike in 6-8 hours from the trailhead, but allow yourself two days in the Red to really take in the views—and escape the crowds.
  3. Wilderness Road Campground is the ideal base camp for exploring the Cumberland Gap area.
    Wilderness Road Campground - Camping

    Nestled in history-rich Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Wilderness Road Campground is an ideal adventure base camp.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    109.4 miles
    Duration
  4. Mammoth Cave is the most famous feature of its namesake national park, but there’s plenty of above-ground backcountry to be explored via Collie Ridge.
    Collie Ridge - Backpacking

    Mammoth Cave National Park is best known for its namesake cavern. It’s the largest explored cave in the world, after all. But there’s plenty of above-ground exploring to do here, too.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    107.7 miles
    Duration
    The trail isn’t particularly long or strenuous, but allow an overnight to really explore the Mammoth Cave backcountry.
  5. Fenton Campground is your launching point for adventures in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area—and is just down the road from the Elk & Bison Prairie.
    Fenton Campground - Camping

    Fenton Campground provides amazing access to explore all that Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes has to offer.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    218.5 miles
    Duration
  6. Barren River Lake State Park.
    Barren River Lake State Resort Park - Camping

    Barren Lake State Resort Park is picturesque and scenic, with enough boating, swimming and kayaking to keep you on the water. The serene, rustic woodland cottages overlooking the lake shores and grassy hills let you watch the sun set over the water.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    120.1 miles
    Duration
  7. Big South Fork.
    Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - Camping

    Spread over 125,000-acres of the Cumberland Plateau, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is one of the most underrated parks in the East.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    103.9 miles
    Duration
    2 days minimum (backcountry stays are limited to two weeks)
  8. Natural Bridge State Park.
    Natural Bridge Resort State Park - Camping

    Natural Bridge State Resort Park camping is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of the lushly forested Eastern Kentucky mountains, with 87 campsites and ample hiking, plus its iconic Natural Bridge rock arch.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    46.2 miles
    Duration
  9. AJ Jolly Park.
    AJ Jolly Park - Camping

    A.J. Jolly Park offers a lakeside camping experience with easy access to hiking, kayaking, and boating. Guests stay in primitive or deluxe sites, enjoying serene views of the lake and surrounding forest.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    58.8 miles
    Duration
    The minimum recommended stay is 2 days. Campers can reserve sites for up to 7 days at a time.
  10. Lake Malone.
    Lake Malone State Park - Camping

    Dramatic sandstone cliffs, a unique natural rock bridge, great fishing, cool summer swimming, and wooded camping - find all the best Western Kentucky has to offer in one worthwhile package at Lake Malone State Park near Dunmor.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    156.5 miles
    Duration
  11. Land Between the Lakes, Ky.
    Land Between the Lakes National Rec. Area - Camping

    Anyone who wants a quiet woods hike in southwest Kentucky will love this area’s hundreds of miles of trails. Long hikes are possible via the 58-mile North/South Trail, and medium loops can be formed via the Fort Henry Trails System.

    Difficulty
    3 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    214.3 miles
    Duration
    Though if you want to hike all 58 miles of the North/South Trail, you might need 4 or 5 days!
  12. Yatesville Lake State Park.
    Yatesville Lake State Park Boat In Campground - Camping

    Just a few miles from the Kentucky border with West Virginia, Yatesville Lake State Park is the place to go for boat-in camping in the Bluegrass State.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    96.7 miles
    Duration
    There’s a two-night minimum stay during peak season weekends. Campgrounds can be occupied by a maximum of eight occupants.
  13. Otter Creek Recreational Area.
    Otter Creek Recreation Area - Camping

    An easy drive from Louisville, camping at Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area offers a convenient escape into the Kentucky wilderness.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    86.2 miles
    Duration
    Maximum stay in campsites is 30 days; no minimum.
  14. Pennyrile Forest State Park.
    Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Camping

    For a family-friendly day trip or weekend, visit Pennyrile State Resort Park in southwestern Kentucky. You’ll love the lake beach, paddle-boating and canoeing, horse trails, biking trails, and hiking trails.

    Difficulty
    2 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    187.8 miles
    Duration
  15. Jefferson Memorial Forest.
    Jefferson Memorial Forest - Camping

    Jefferson Memorial Forest is just a quick drive from Louisville.

    Difficulty
    1 of 5 diamonds
    From Downtown
    70.4 miles
    Duration
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