General Burnside State Park
00 reviewP.O. Box 488/8801 South Hwy 27, Burnside , Kentucky, 42519, United States
General Burnside State Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 available for $25/week or $100/year, valid across Kentucky state parks. Disabled guests with a disability tag are exempt from this fee.
About this campground
Discover Kentucky's only island state park, where 400 acres of pristine wilderness rise from the Cumberland River like a natural fortress. General Burnside Island State Park honors its Civil War namesake while offering modern adventurers a unique blend of history and recreation. Cast a line into the river's depths, tee off on scenic fairways, launch your boat into sparkling waters, or simply spread a blanket beneath ancient trees for an unforgettable picnic. This remarkable island sanctuary proves that sometimes the best destinations require crossing water to find them.
Camping options include both primitive and improved sites. Group facilities are located within 10 miles, but details about the group sites at the park itself are unavailable.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, whose strategic patrols along the Cumberland River helped shape American history. This island served as a crucial vantage point during the war, and today bears the general's name as a testament to its military importance. The park preserves not just natural beauty but also the echoes of cavalry hooves and military strategies that once determined the fate of a nation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Kentucky's changing seasons on this river island. Winter transforms the park into a crisp wonderland where temperatures dip to a bracing 30°F, perfect for peaceful solitude and cozy campfires. As spring awakens the island, wildflowers carpet the grounds and temperatures climb invitingly. Summer brings warm days reaching 87°F with that distinctive Southern humidity that makes jumping in the Cumberland River irresistible. Fall paints the island in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise.
ElevationThe island's gentle contours create an accessible landscape where the Cumberland River's waters meet wooded shores and open meadows, offering varied terrain without challenging climbs.
Natural Features and SceneryFour hundred acres of island paradise await, where the Cumberland River wraps around shores lined with towering hardwoods and hidden coves. Morning mists rise from the water as herons fish in the shallows, while eagles soar overhead scanning for their next meal. The island's diverse habitats create a haven for wildlife watchers and birding enthusiasts, with each season bringing new species to observe. From sun-dappled forest paths to panoramic river views, every corner reveals another postcard-worthy scene.
Geological RegionNestled within the Cumberland River system, this 400-acre island showcases the region's unique riverine geology. The island itself stands as a testament to millennia of river dynamics, where flowing waters carved out this elevated sanctuary. The surrounding Cumberland River region tells a geological story of ancient seas, limestone formations, and the persistent sculpting power of water that created this remarkable island refuge.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGolf cart permits are available, and disabled guests with a disability tag are exempt from purchasing permits.
Sites SizeMany sites have good spacing, but the ones 'up the middle are very close together.' Some sites are unsuitable for large units.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate a mix of privacy levels, with some sites being clustered and others well-spaced.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites 'up the middle' as they are closely spaced, and steep campsites may not be ideal for boats or large vehicles.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance, with minimum stays of 1 night during weekdays and 2 nights during peak season weekends.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but swimming pool is closed until further notice.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made 12 months in advance through a call center, website availability not explicitly mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not mentioned, but reservations are encouraged.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a diverse range of recreational activities. Boating is a major highlight, featuring easy access to the lake and a well-maintained ramp. Activities like bird watching, horseshoes, and jet-skiing reflect the park's dedication to versatile recreation.
Hiking
The park has hiking trails described as moderate to easy, located more than 10 miles away.Fishing
Fishing can be done at the park's lake. No specific species or quality details are provided.Boating
The boat ramp is described as 'very nice.' It is five trailers wide, ensuring quick turnover for boaters. However, it gets crowded during prime season, requiring the use of overflow parking lots.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is explicitly mentioned as an activity within the park.Cultural and Educational Programs
Recreational programs are offered, though details on their themes or schedules are unavailable.Water Sports
Jet-skiing and water skiing are explicitly mentioned as water sports activities available at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be purchased within state park campgrounds.
Hazards
General hazardsSome sites may have steep inclines, making them unsuitable for large units. Crowded boat ramp parking during peak season can create challenges.
Active alertsSwimming pool is closed until further notice.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 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
Emergency services are more than 10 miles away, including hospitals and medical clinics.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingInformation not provided on specific locations or schedules, but recycling and trash facilities are likely available given the detailed mention of other amenities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cumberland River; features a boat ramp and access to Lake Cumberland.
Common complaintsSteep hills at some campsites make parking difficult; boat ramp parking becomes overcrowded during peak season.
HostCamp hosts are described as 'very friendly and informative.'
Campground Map
P.O. Box 488/8801 South Hwy 27, Burnside , Kentucky, 42519, United States
Driving directionsGeneral Burnside Island State Park is located in Burnside, 8 miles south of Somerset on US 27.
Accessible directly from US 27, located 8 miles south of Somerset.Nearby places
Somerset: 8 miles (about 10 minutes)
Burnside: adjacent.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available less than 1 mile away, including retail stores and marinas.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
General Burnside State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, the park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, amenities, and accessibility. Campers appreciate the friendly and informative camp hosts and the well-maintained facilities. However, some concerns were raised about the proximity of certain campsites and challenges for large units.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained shower facilities, friendly camp hosts, a spacious and well-designed boat ramp.
Common Concerns
Sites in the middle are too close together; some campsites are unsuitable for large units due to terrain.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
For those bringing boats, plan for overflow parking during prime seasons. Certain campsites may not accommodate large vehicles well, so choose carefully.
Seasonal Insights
During peak seasons, the boat ramp's parking can become overcrowded, necessitating the use of overflow lots. This makes it less convenient for boat users.
Camper Quotes
Kevin W: 'This is a very clean state park campground. The camp hosts we talked with were very friendly and informative.' Karen Wiesner: 'Nice clean place. Close to a nice boat ramp. Not too many...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Kevin W mentions that 'the sites basically up the middle are very close together,' while other sites have 'good spacing.'
Accessibility Features
Golf cart permits are available for $25 a week or $100 annually. Disabled guests with a disability tag do not need to purchase a permit.
Last updated August 10, 2025