Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
00 review3380 Beaver Road, Union, Kentucky, 41091, United States
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
$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 $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Additional fees may apply during holiday periods. Minimum stay requirements vary based on season and weekends.
About this campground
Step into a world where prehistoric giants once roamed at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, celebrated as the 'Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology.' This extraordinary campground invites you to pitch your tent or park your RV at one of 62 generously sized sites, each offering modern conveniences including utility hookups. After a day of fossil hunting and hiking, refresh yourself with hot showers, clean restroom facilities, and convenient on-site laundry services, making your journey through time as comfortable as it is fascinating.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site offers versatile camping options, including sites suitable for RVs and tents. Group and primitive camping options are available within a 10-mile radius of the park.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at this remarkable site, where in 1807, William Clark himself excavated fossils that would revolutionize our understanding of prehistoric America. As an official Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Site, Big Bone Lick connects visitors to the legendary expedition that mapped our nation. Here, the story of American paleontology began, making every trail and every fossil discovery a link to our continent's ancient past and the brave explorers who first documented its wonders.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Kentucky's dynamic seasons at Big Bone Lick, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Bundle up for crisp winter adventures when temperatures dance around 29°F, creating frost-kissed mornings perfect for wildlife watching. Spring arrives with gentle coolness, awakening the ancient salt springs and bringing fresh life to the trails. Summer transforms the campground into a warm retreat, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 87°F—ideal for evening campfires and stargazing. Throughout the year, moderate rainfall nourishes the lush landscape, with occasional dramatic downpours that remind visitors of the powerful forces that shaped this prehistoric wonderland.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Big Bone Lick creates an accessible landscape for explorers of all ages, where ancient geological forces have crafted a unique topography perfect for camping and discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that time forgot, where mysterious salt springs bubble up from the earth just as they did when mastodons gathered here thousands of years ago. Wander through atmospheric swamplands that preserve echoes of the Pleistocene Epoch, then emerge onto wooded trails that wind through diverse ecosystems. The crown jewel of the park awaits at the bison enclosure, where a living herd grazes peacefully—descendants of the mighty beasts that once dominated these lands. This rare combination of wetlands, mineral springs, and forest creates a photographer's paradise and a naturalist's dream.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Boone County, Kentucky, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site showcases a geological marvel where ancient salt springs created a prehistoric magnet for Ice Age megafauna. These mineral-rich waters, combined with the surrounding swampland, formed nature's perfect preservation chamber, trapping and fossilizing the remains of mastodons, mammoths, and giant ground sloths. Today, visitors can explore this Pleistocene time capsule, where every bubbling spring and marshy hollow tells the story of a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological drama.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site offers a disabled-accessible Discovery Trail and amenities designed for accessibility, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy the park and its facilities.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 62 utility-equipped campsites suitable for a range of setups, from RVs to tents.
Sites PrivacyThe source does not specify the level of privacy at individual campsites.
Total Campsites62 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for site selection based on privacy, views, or amenities are not provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites were highlighted as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time details are not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time details are not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Details on the maximum number of guests per site are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 62 sites with utility hookups and a central service building with restrooms and laundry facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with peak seasons aligning with Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Kentucky State Parks' website or call centers.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details are provided about walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must align with the reservation window, with adjustments made for holidays and peak seasons. Details on penalties for cancellation are not explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site provides a mix of recreational and educational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking on the Discovery Trail and Big Bone Creek Trail, viewing the live bison herd, fishing in the 7.5-acre lake, and participating in sports like volleyball, basketball, and softball. The park also hosts seasonal programs, including an annual Salt Festival.
Hiking
Hiking trails include the disabled-accessible Discovery Trail, which is part of the Outdoor Museum, and the paved Big Bone Creek Trail that explores the swampland and salt-sulphur spring.Fishing
Fishing is available in a 7.5-acre lake that contains largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, primarily for bank fishing.Swimming
A swimming pool is available for visitors to enjoy; however, no details on size, operating hours, or specific seasonal availability are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include observing a live bison herd as part of the site's efforts to reestablish the American bison. The park's natural areas also support diverse flora and fauna.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs include displays at the museum that showcase the site's paleontological significance, as well as interpretive programs covering history, archaeology, and nature.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not referenced in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but campers must use firewood purchased from the park to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include natural wildlife, such as bison, and the terrain of the salt springs and swampland.
Active alertsNo current advisories or warnings were provided in the authoritative source.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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 available within 10 miles, including a hospital and medical clinic.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season weekends require a two-night minimum stay, except at Kentucky Horse Park.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but no specific details on locations or pickup schedules are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near a 7.5-acre lake offering fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Common complaintsNo recurring issues or complaints were explicitly noted.
HostA campground host is available on-site.
Campground Map
3380 Beaver Road, Union, Kentucky, 41091, United States
Driving directionsThe park is located 22 miles southwest of Covington on KY 338, off US 42 - 127 and I-71/I-75.
The campground is accessible via KY 338, off US 42 - 127 and I-71/I-75. Roads are paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Covington, KY - 22 miles (approximately 30 minutes)
Cincinnati, OH - Approximately 30 miles (45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Basic camp supplies are available on-site at the camp store. Additional supplies, groceries, and fuel are accessible within a 10-mile radius.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects of the campground include its educational opportunities, the availability of utility hookups, and the unique bison viewing experiences.
Common Concerns
No specific complaints were recorded in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations were documented.
Seasonal Insights
There are no user reviews to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available in the provided source materials.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no site-specific reviews available.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like the Discovery Trail are noted, but no user reviews address accessibility experiences directly.
Pet-Friendly Features
The source does not address pet policies or provide reviews from pet owners.
Last updated August 10, 2025