
Survivalist’s Guide: Top 30 Prepper-Friendly Campsites in Kentucky
As a prepper in Kentucky, finding campsites that offer more than just a place to pitch a tent is crucial. You need locations that provide seclusion, access to water sources, diverse terrain for training, and proximity to natural resources. Kentucky, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous waterways, offers a plethora of such sites. Here’s a curated list of 25 campsites across the state that cater to survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
1. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (Corbin)
Known as the “Niagara of the South,” this park offers rugged terrain, the Cumberland River, and a chance to witness the rare moonbow. The Dyrt+3The Dyrt+3Survival Life+3
2. Red River Gorge (Slade)
A haven for rock climbers and hikers, this area provides natural shelters and abundant resources.
3. Daniel Boone National Forest
With over 700 miles of trails, this forest offers diverse ecosystems and numerous water sources. Toxigon
4. Land Between the Lakes (Golden Pond)
Spanning 170,000 acres, this area offers dense forests and multiple campgrounds suitable for preppers.
5. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Provides access to the Appalachian backcountry with over 85 miles of trails. Step Outside
6. Zilpo Campground (Salt Lick)
Located on Cave Run Lake, this site offers water access and scenic views. Kentucky Tourism+1The Dyrt+1
7. Natural Bridge State Resort Park (Slade)
Features sandstone arches and a 60-acre lake, ideal for water-based survival training. Beyond The Tent+1Southern Living+1
8. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (Jamestown)
Offers extensive water access and a marina for boating practice. Toxigon
9. Dale Hollow State Park (Burkesville)
Provides equestrian camping and access to hiking trails. Beyond The Tent+1Wilderness Camp Life+1
10. Nolin Lake State Park (Bee Spring)
Features primitive sites and proximity to Mammoth Cave for spelunking activities. Kentucky Tourism
11. Taylorsville Lake State Park (Taylorsville)
Offers multi-use trails and water access for various survival training exercises.
12. Fort Boonesborough State Park (Richmond)
A historical site with reconstructed fort and access to the Kentucky River. Beyond The Tent
13. Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park (London)
Features 8.5 miles of hiking trails and a community pool for relaxation. Wikipedia+1Wilderness Camp Life+1
14. Holly Bay Campground (Laurel River Lake)
Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, offering water access and scenic views. Kentucky Tourism
15. Big Bone Lick State Park (Union)
Known for its prehistoric history and bison herd, providing unique training opportunities. The Dyrt
16. Grayson Lake State Park (Olive Hill)
Features a 1512-acre reservoir and hiking trails for diverse training scenarios. Beyond The Tent
17. John James Audubon State Park (Henderson)
Offers a museum and wetlands boardwalk, ideal for stealth and observation training. Southern Living
18. Waitsboro Recreation Area (Somerset)
Located on Lake Cumberland, providing fishing and boating opportunities. Survival Life
19. Walnut Creek Marina (Scottsville)
Offers jet ski rentals and boat ramp on Barren River Lake for water-based survival skills. Survival Life+1Beyond The Tent+1
20. Koomer Ridge Campground (Pine Ridge)
Situated in the Red River Gorge, offering access to hiking trails and natural shelters. EcoFlow US Blog
21. Mammoth Cave Campground (Mammoth Cave National Park)
Provides access to the world’s longest cave system for spelunking activities.
22. Lake Malone State Park (Dunnville)
Features a 778-acre lake and hiking trails for diverse training scenarios.
23. Taylorsville Lake State Park (Taylorsville)
Offers multi-use trails and water access for various survival training exercises.
24. Columbus-Belmont State Park (Columbus)
A historical site with Civil War earthworks and access to the Mississippi River. Beyond The Tent
25. Carter Caves State Resort Park (Olive Hill)
Features cave tours and hiking trails for diverse training scenarios.
Conclusion: Prepare, Practice, Survive — Kentucky Style

Living off the land, training for the unknown, and being ready for anything is more than a mindset — it’s a way of life for us Kentucky preppers. Whether you’re practicing your bug-out plan, testing your shelter-building skills, purifying river water, or simply reconnecting with the land, the Bluegrass State offers you some of the best survival playgrounds in the country. These 30 camping spots aren’t just for weekend warriors — they’re practical, rugged, and perfectly suited for both training and long-term contingency planning.
So pack your gear, load your truck, and make sure your compass is true — because out here in Kentucky, we don’t just camp… we prepare. And when the grid goes dark, you’ll already know the land, the trails, and the wild that could one day keep you alive. From the hollers of Appalachia to the flatlands near the Mississippi, there’s a place out here for every kind of prepper.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMINE
Be smart. Be ready. And never forget — it’s not paranoia if it keeps you alive.



















