My Old Kentucky Home State Park
00 review668 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, Kentucky, 40004, United States
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Golf cart permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Firewood is prohibited from outside Kentucky, and firewood is sold within the park. Standard site fees are noted at $28 per night.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering mature trees, My Old Kentucky Home State Park invites campers to step back in time while enjoying the tranquility of this historic setting. The intimate campground offers a peaceful retreat where the whispers of history blend with the rustling leaves overhead. While the facilities carry the patina of age, adding to the park's authentic charm, visitors should come prepared for the adventure of navigating sloped sites that may require extra leveling blocks for RVs. This small, quiet haven adjacent to the stately Federal Hill mansion provides a unique camping experience where American history meets outdoor recreation.
The campground supports RV camping, tent camping, and primitive camping. Some sites offer full hookups while others provide just water and electricity.
Historical SignificanceAt the heart of this park stands Federal Hill, the stately 1818 mansion that captured the imagination of Stephen Foster and inspired him to pen the beloved state song 'My Old Kentucky Home.' This Georgian-style estate serves as more than just a backdrop—it's a living piece of American cultural heritage where visitors can explore the rooms that witnessed nearly two centuries of Kentucky history. The mansion's presence infuses the entire camping experience with a sense of place and purpose, reminding visitors that they're camping on grounds that have shaped American music and culture.
Weather and SeasonsThe park transforms with each passing season, offering distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and blooming dogwoods, making it a favorite time for many visitors. Summer brings Kentucky's signature humidity and warm temperatures, punctuated by occasional thunderstorms that refresh the landscape. Fall paints the mature forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating perfect camping weather with crisp nights and comfortable days. Winter strips the trees bare, revealing the park's bones while bringing cold, dry conditions that appeal to hardy cold-weather campers seeking solitude.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of central Kentucky creates natural variations throughout the campground, contributing to both its charm and the occasional challenge of finding that perfect level spot for your RV.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a serene pocket where nature and human artistry converge. Ancient oaks and maples create a living cathedral overhead, their branches forming natural archways that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the ground below. Adjacent to the camping area, a meticulously maintained golf course adds manicured beauty to the wild edges, its emerald fairways providing open vistas that contrast with the forested camping spots. This harmonious blend of cultivated and natural landscapes creates a uniquely peaceful atmosphere that soothes the soul.
Geological RegionSituated in Kentucky's famed Bluegrass Region, the campground occupies land shaped by ancient limestone deposits that give this area its distinctive character. The rich soil that nourishes the towering trees surrounding each campsite is the same that has made this region legendary for its lush pastures and thoroughbred horses. This geological heritage manifests in the gently undulating landscape and the particularly vibrant green of the vegetation, creating a camping environment that could exist nowhere else but in the heart of Kentucky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include handicap-accessible sites. One user remarked, 'They set me up with [a handicap site] and it was great.'
Sites SizeSites are described as small and tight, with some space constraints mentioned for larger RVs.
Sites PrivacyMinimal privacy is available at the sites. One review noted, 'No privacy at any of the sites,' while others described the sites as close to one another.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites backing up to the golf course are preferred for scenic views. Outer loop sites are more level than inner loop spots, which are sloped and smaller.
Best CampsitesSite 21 is recommended for its proximity to the golf course, and site 22 is semi-level and close to water and electrical connections.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit information explicitly stated.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one loop with sites situated near or backing up to a golf course.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific opening or closing season stated.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping spots are sometimes available on a walk-up basis, particularly during the off-season, as quoted by user reviews: 'If you want to get a spot in 'off season' just show up and pay the camp host!'
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through Reserve America. Partial refunds are granted in some cases, but complaints were noted about incomplete refunds.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities including golfing, historic site tours, and proximity to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby walking trails, a swimming pool, and opportunities for sightseeing.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available less than one mile away.Swimming
A swimming pool is located less than a mile from the campground.Cultural and Educational Programs
Visitors can explore the historical significance of the park and participate in cultural events such as musical performances.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but firewood must be purchased within the state park due to pest control regulations.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe sloped terrain poses challenges for leveling RVs. Electrical hookups are often far from sites, requiring long cords. Some reviews also mention potholes on campground roads and aged utility infrastructure.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Greater than 1 mile from emergency services including a hospital and medical clinic in Bardstown.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly provided, but users did not report significant complaints about waste management.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features explicitly mentioned within the campground.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include unlevel sites, outdated bathrooms, long distances to water and electric hookups, and difficulty maneuvering larger rigs.
HostThe campground host, Larry, is frequently praised for being helpful and loaning extension cords to campers who need them.
Campground Map
668 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, Kentucky, 40004, United States
Driving directionsFrom Louisville, take US 31E south about 35 miles to Bardstown. Turn east on US 150, travel about 1 mile to KY 49. Park is 6/10 mile south on 49. Or take I-65 south to exit 112. Go South on KY 245 about 16 miles to 31E. Go south to US 150. From Lexington, take Versailles Road to Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway to exit 25. Turn west on US 150, go about 3 miles to KY 49. From Nashville take I-65 North about 132 miles to Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway. Follow parkway to exit 25 and follow above directions.
The campground can be accessed via major highways such as US 31E, US 150, and I-65. Some users reported difficulty locating the entrance due to smaller signage and uneven terrain within the park.Nearby places
Bardstown (1.5 miles, approximately 5-minute drive), Louisville (35 miles, approximately 45-minute drive), Lexington (approximately 70 miles, 1-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Greater than 1 mile from grocery stores, propane refill stations, and other essentials
Walmart is noted as being approximately 2 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
My Old Kentucky Home State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews paint a mixed picture, with users praising the campground’s quiet atmosphere, natural setting, and proximity to local attractions. However, frequent complaints include unlevel sites, outdated restrooms, and the distance of hookups.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the quietness ('lovely and quiet'), friendly staff ('super friendly and helpful campground staff'), and the beautiful setting ('BEAUTIFUL place to relax and explore in...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints include unlevel sites ('Most sites are not level'), poorly maintained facilities ('Bathrooms filthy, I watched the cleaning crew ... didn’t clean anything'), and issues with...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra water hoses and electric cords due to distant hookups. Select sites backing up to the golf course for the best views. Avoid the interior loop for level ground.
Seasonal Insights
Fall is particularly praised for its beautiful colors and proximity to distilleries. Summer reviews highlight the shade provided by mature trees but also note crowded conditions. Winter reviews are...
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Camper Quotes
- 'The bathhouse was clean and well kept.'
- 'The public restrooms are also really well maintained.'
- 'This is not a hotel, but they do have an RV park on the old property.'
- 'The campground is...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #21 is recommended for its view of the golf course. Site #14 requires longer hoses for water and electric hookups. Site #6 is mentioned positively as perfect for families and pets.
Accessibility Features
Handicap-accessible sites have been positively reviewed: 'They set me up with one and it was great.'
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user noted, 'Our kids, dog, and us all loved it.'
Last updated August 10, 2025