North Fork (Ky)
4.29123 reviews9077 South Highway 259
North Fork (Ky)
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$60.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type. Standard electric sites are $30 or $60 per night depending on location. Non-electric sites are $20 per night. Group shelter electric sites are $50 per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky, North Fork Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 81 thoughtfully designed campsites spread across a landscape where forest meets water. Half of these sites feature electric hookups, while waterfront locations offer campers the chance to wake up to gentle lake breezes and stunning sunrise views. Whether you're seeking a lakeside retreat or a peaceful spot tucked among the trees, this recreational haven provides the perfect basecamp for your Kentucky adventure.
North Fork Campground accommodates RV and tent camping, as well as group sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time and explore the rich heritage surrounding North Fork Campground. The nearby historic Green Farm offers glimpses into Kentucky's agricultural past, while the world-famous Mammoth Cave National Park—home to the planet's longest known cave system—lies within easy reach. History buffs will delight in discovering the architectural treasures of the region, including the stately Holt House in Hardinsburg and the charming Jack Thomas House in Leitchfield, each telling unique stories of Kentucky's frontier days.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, North Fork Campground welcomes visitors with Kentucky's signature seasonal charm. Spring arrives with mild temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, while summer brings warm, languid days ideal for swimming and water sports on Rough River Lake. Early fall treats campers to comfortable evenings around the campfire as the surrounding forest begins its colorful transformation.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details for the campground remain unrecorded, the varied terrain creates natural vantage points throughout the property, offering campers diverse perspectives of the surrounding landscape and lake views.
Natural Features and SceneryNorth Fork Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn, where rolling hills clothed in dense forest give way to dramatic sandstone cliffs that tell stories millions of years in the making. These ancient formations of sandstone, shale, and limestone bear witness to the patient work of water over eons, creating a landscape punctuated by mysterious caverns and fascinating geological sinks that invite exploration and wonder.
Geological RegionSet within the captivating karst topography of south central Kentucky's rolling hills, North Fork Campground offers a front-row seat to geological drama. Here, Rough River Lake reflects towering cliffs composed of ancient sandstone, shale, and limestone layers, each band revealing chapters from Earth's distant past. This remarkable landscape, sculpted by both surface streams and underground rivers over millennia, has created an intricate network of caves, sinks, and caverns that make this region a natural wonderland for curious adventurers and geology enthusiasts alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible bathrooms and showers are noted in user reviews.
Sites SizeSites range from small to large, accommodating up to 43’ fifth wheels in some areas.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy depending on site placement. Some sites offer seclusion while others, particularly those near the road or waterfront, lack privacy.
Total Campsites81 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPrimitive sites away from the highway offer more peace and quiet, while electric hookup sites provide convenience but may have more noise.
Best CampsitesSites near the water are highly rated, such as site 007 and others in loops E and D.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limits per site are unspecified.
Groups
Two group shelters are available with electric hookups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops (A, B, C, D, E, F), with waterfront sites available. Some loops are closer to highways.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from May 15 to September 2.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is generally possible but not guaranteed; reservations should be made in advance for peak times.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (the day before or the day of scheduled arrival) also forfeit the first night's use fee. No-show reservations result in a $20 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of recreational activities is available at North Fork Campground, including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. The lake is popular for bass tournaments, and local marinas offer pontoon, johnboat, and jet ski rentals.
Hiking
Limited hiking opportunities, mostly on roads rather than nature trails. Several reviews indicated a lack of dedicated trails.Fishing
Fishing is popular, targeting bass, crappie, and catfish. Bass tournaments are held throughout the year.Swimming
Swimming is available at the public beach and lake, though some reviews noted closures due to flooding or low water levels.Boating
Boating is supported with facilities like a boat ramp. Nearby marinas offer rentals for pontoon boats, johnboats, and jet skis.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife observations include migratory songbirds and waterfowl. The area’s natural features provide varied habitats.Beach activities
Beach activities are available but were described as needing cleanup after flooding. Reviews also mentioned glass and sticks on the beach.Water Sports
Pontoon boating, jet skiing, and fishing are popular water-based activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must adhere to local guidelines.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks, poison ivy, and flooding are potential hazards noted by users. Some sites are close to highways and may experience road noise.
Active alertsSome reviews mention closures of bathhouses and maintenance issues such as untrimmed grass and lack of toilet paper.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.9 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 located in nearby towns such as Hardinsburg (approx. 15 miles) or Leitchfield (approx. 20 miles), which include hospitals and police stations. Park rangers can also be contacted on-site.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 2
Trash and recyclingSeveral dumpsters are located throughout the campground. Maintenance issues, such as overflowing trash, have been noted in reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on Rough River Lake, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include overcrowding, maintenance problems with bathrooms, noisy neighbors, and proximity to highways.
HostReviews highlight attentive campground hosts. Patricia is specifically noted for her friendly and helpful demeanor.
Campground Map
9077 South Highway 259
Driving directionsBegin at ramp onto I-64 West toward New Albany/St. Louis, traveling 22.3 miles. Take the IN-135, Exit Number 105, toward Palmyra/Corydon, onto IN-135 South toward Corydon, traveling 16.7 miles. Continue on Bypass Road KY-79 for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto KY-79, traveling 10.1 miles. Continue on 1st Avenue, KY-79S for 495 feet. Turn a slight right onto US-60, traveling 11.8 miles. Turn left onto KY-259/KY-79, traveling 9.1 miles. End at 9077 South Highway 259, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 72 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Road access is primarily paved and suitable for standard vehicles. No major seasonal closures or terrain challenges noted.Nearby places
McDaniels (0 miles), Hardinsburg (approx. 15 miles), Leitchfield (approx. 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping equipment, and fuel can be found at nearby facilities, including Dollar General and Little Dave's hardware store near the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
123 reviews
North Fork (Ky) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed. The campground is praised for its cleanliness, family-friendly atmosphere, and accommodating staff, especially the camp host. However, there are complaints about maintenance issues, crowded waterfront sites, and noise from nearby roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 123 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention clean bathrooms and showers, friendly hosts, and shaded sites. The campground’s proximity to Rough River Lake is a major draw.
Based on 123 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include maintenance problems in restrooms, crowded waterfront sites, and noise from the road. Other complaints involve tall grass and ticks during peak camping times.
Based on 123 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend booking waterfront sites early, bringing extra toilet paper, and avoiding holidays for quieter experiences. Several users advised against camping in sites near the road due to...
Based on 123 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busy during summer weekends and holidays, with notable issues like maintenance delays and overcrowding. Fall visits are described as peaceful, with better upkeep.
Based on 123 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The sites on the water are very nice. There are many shaded sites." "Camping spots have water and electricity." "Bathrooms are plentiful and have clean showers." "You will be camping on top of each...
Based on 123 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 007 offers proximity to the water but is noisy due to the road. Site F071 received negative feedback for poor restroom conditions. Sites E056 and E064 were criticized for crowding and noise.
Based on 123 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible bathrooms and showers are noted by several users. One review highlighted a pleasant experience with a disabled shower facility.
Based on 123 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Mixed reviews. Some users noted dogs off-leash and overcrowding on waterfront sites.
Based on 123 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025