Camping is a favorite pastime in Kentucky and people come from all over the country to experience our wide variety of sites and destinations. You can tent camp completely off the grid or glamp it up in a lakefront cabin with a view. No matter what type of camping you prefer, chances are you’d also enjoy a sandy beach nearby. Several campgrounds in Kentucky do happen to have a beach either right next to the sites or within a short walk or drive. Here are seven of the best campgrounds in Kentucky with sandy beaches that are plenty of fun in the sun.

1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave
Facebook/Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave
Jellystone Park™ at Mammoth Cave, 950 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Facebook/Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave
Enjoy plenty of family fun at this themed campground near Mammoth Cave. There are traditional camping sites, as well as cabins available for rent, and endless activities to keep you busy. Or, you could just choose to relax on the sandy beach and try out the inflatable water park on the lake.
2. Nolin Lake State Park
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park
Nolin Lake State Park, 2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park
Nolin Lake State Park is a newer park in Kentucky compared to others, and it comes with a lot of wonderful features. The 5,795-acre lake is great for many activities and the campground welcomes RVs, as well as tents, with some spots right on the lake. And for true relaxation, head to the park's beach and dig your toes in the sand.

We dare you not to fall asleep watching this immensely relaxing video of sunset over Nolin Lake:
3. Green River Lake State Park
Facebook/ Green River Lake- Visit Campbellsville KY
Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, USA
Google Locak/Green River Lake State Park
Green River Lake State Park near Campbellsville is a camping and water paradise. The campground gives you great views and access to the lake, and the scenic beach is ideal for an afternoon of fun in the sun.
4. Axtel Campground at Rough River Lake
Google/Laura Morris

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Axtel CAMPGROUND, Rough River, McDaniels, KY 40152, USA
Google/Tim Brown II
Rough River Lake is a beautiful destination in south-central Kentucky. This large lake is home to many campgrounds, and Axtel is a favorite. There are 158 sites, all of which have views of the lake. There is also a sandy beach, weather permitting, that's fun to visit during your camping trip.
5. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Google/Damron Corbinlu
Google/Donald Warner
Located in Dawson Springs, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is home to what is likely the best beach in Kentucky. The sandy shore and clear waters make this a true paradise, and you can camp right near the water. They offer traditional camping, as well as rooms in the lodge and cabin rentals, and of course plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during your stay.
6. Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake
TripAdvisor/gingerlyhall
Zilpo Campground, 79-99 Center St, Salt Lick, KY 40371, USA
TripAdvisor/Nick N
This scenic and large campground is located on one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky. Bring your tents or RV, or rent a charming cabin on the property, and relax on the beach that offers unique views. It's a true getaway in our state.

Explore the beautiful Cave Run Lake in this amazing birds-eye view:
7. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Google/Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA
Kentucky State Parks
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park in Buckhorn is the place to go if you want to camp in style and still have access to the outdoors and a beach. You'll be able to choose from a room at the lodge or a 2 or 3-bedroom cabin and then you can visit the beach for a sandy day of fun, sun, and water.

Take camping to a new level in Kentucky by choosing a campground that also has a beautiful, sandy beach for even more fun in the sun. Do you love to camp in Kentucky and do you make sure the site is near a beach? Are there any other beautiful Kentucky beaches with campgrounds that you love? Let us know in the comments!

And for one more destination to check out, take a look at the longest beach in Kentucky that’s also near a campground!

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Best Campgrounds in Kentucky

Jackie Ann | March 12, 2021

Which state parks should I visit in Kentucky?

Boasting 45 state parks with a vast range of gorgeous terrain, The Bluegrass State has plenty of destinations to keep outdoor lovers busy all year long. If you love trekking through historic sites and watching native wildlife, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Boone County will delight you. Hike the grounds in search of Pleistocene megafauna fossils while keeping an eye out to catch a glimpse of the roaming bison herds that call the park home.  In Henderson, the 700 acres of John James Audubon State Park is an ideal spot for a relaxing day of birdwatching, hiking through the stunning old-growth trails, or casting a line in the fishing pond. Just outside of Dunmor is Lake Malone State Park located on 338 acres and features ruggedly beautiful sandstone cliffs and even a natural rock bridge.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Kentucky?

Outdoor adventures are abundant in every corner of Kentucky with exciting destinations offering everything from incomparably scenic mountain hikes to heart-pumping activities for the more extreme thrill-seekers. Located between our borders are 16 towns claiming the unique distinction of being “Trail Towns”. These notable spots feature varied terrains where visitors can explore our state’s endless natural beauty on trails specifically designed for hiking, horseback riding, or bicycle trekking. For those seeking a faster pace, the adrenaline rush of an ATV ride is an unforgettable outdoor adventure, and Kentucky is home to hundreds of miles of trails that will get your blood racing.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s landscape is dotted with beautiful lakes, a variety of diverse waterways, and reservoirs offering plenty of destinations for a relaxing getaway. As evidenced in the article above, the most beautiful Kentucky beaches also happen to be on lakes. One of the most popular spots is the Land Between The Lakes, which features over 170,000 enchanting acres of stunning scenery between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Just two hours east, the landscape surrounding the town of Lucas has been made famous for its many cave sites. However, when visiting this region, Barren River Lake is not to be overlooked. Spend a day sunning on the lakeshore or explore the peaceful, lush rolling hills surrounding the water. Dale Hollow Lake in Burkesville is a birdwatcher's paradise set in a thick, verdant wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, many flock here for their wintering grounds.

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