Review of Nolin Lake State Park Campground in Kentucky
Updated March 2025
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Nolin Lake State Park
Nestled in the heart of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, Nolin Lake State Park Campground offers an idyllic retreat for camping. Our recent adventure at this picturesque location was filled with quiet days spent camping along the lakeside, kayaking in the waters, and evenings gathered around campfires, roasting s'mores under the starlit sky.
The campground boasts a beautiful landscape with unique amenities that elevated our camping experience. A surprising find was a basketball hoop nestled next to the lake that offered an amazing sunset view. The convenience of a well-equipped shower house with laundry facilities ensured a comfortable stay during our visit.
A small camp store proves to be a valuable resource if you need to stock up on any supplies. Although the supplies are limited the helpful staff are there to assist with this on-site convenience and this also provides a location to purchase firewood.
Address: 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Check in time is 2:00PM and check out time was 1:00PM.
Amenities: sewer dump, trash, electricity, water, restrooms, hot showers, laundry, firewood, basketball hoop, boat ramp, small beach, lake, mountain bike trail, 9.2-mile hiking trail, fishing (with KY fishing license)
Campsites: 32 sites with hookups and 27 primitive sites
Cell service: Yes, Verizon
Campsites
We don’t stay at a lot of campgrounds during our travels as we usually boondock to save money. But during our 2023 summer trip, my husband was able to go with us and I wanted him to be comfortable in our campervan, so we chose to stay at a beautiful campground for conveniences such as bathrooms, showers and electricity.
We had site 32 and you can see how long the driveway is from the picture. You could fit a large RV in this space. This site had a picnic table, fire pit, gravel driveway and a hook for your lantern. This campsite allows up to one tent as long as it is not on the grass. This campsite is more private as there is only one campsite on the one side and the other side is surrounded by trees.
This campground is surrounded by the 5,795-acre Nolin River Lake so it made this space even more beautiful. There is a path to the lake from our campsite, as seen below. There is a sign not to launch your kayak from this space, but we did come back this way after we kayaked.
Here are a few things we use when camping:
Restrooms, Laundry and Playground
The restrooms were clean. There were about 4-bathroom stalls in the women’s restroom and 4 showers. Attached to the shower house is the laundromat as seen below which are coin operated. I believe it was 4 or 5 quarters for each machine.
There was also a playground located next to the restrooms. Here are a few items we use when camping.
Kayak or boat at the lake
We took our inflatable kayaks on the lake. It was very calm and easy to paddle. There was no strong current at the time we were there. I love our inflatable kayak that we use, they are so easy to inflate and deflate once done. Don’t forget the life jackets for the kids.
There is also a boat ramp before you enter the campground and next to the boat ramp is a small beach for swimming. No pets are allowed at the beach.
Basketball hoop and Sunsets
They had a basketball hoop and volleyball net by the water for your enjoyment. You could also bring a chair and sit by the water as a fun way to relax at the end of the night as you watch the sun set. There is nothing better than a beautiful sunset to end the night.
Camp Store
At the entrance of the campground, they have a very small store, where the attendant is, where you can purchase firewood for $6 a bundle. You can also purchase souvenirs, sunscreen, all-natural bug spray and more. The attendants were super friendly and helped us with any questions we had.
Located near Mammoth Cave National Park
I found this campground located at Nolin State Park in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. After staying here, we have decided this is now one of our favorite campgrounds! It was so peaceful, and it was a very relaxing couple of days. I highly recommend this park if you are ever in the area. This campground is located about 41 minutes from the visitor center at Mammoth Cave National Park. This campground is open year-round with limited facilities in the winter months. If you are looking for a smaller quieter campground this is the place to visit.
Final thoughts
Nolin Lake State Park Campground offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and modern amenities. Whether it's the tranquility of the lake, the family time around a campfire, or the unexpected joy of shooting hoops in a unique setting, this campground provides a memorable camping experience in the heart of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
I definitely recommend you put this campground on your list when in Kentucky.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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