Situated smack-dab in the middle of Kentucky, Green River Lake State Park and campground is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The shining star of the state park, 8,200-acre Green River Lake, offers dozens of recreation opportunities, ranging from boating and fishing to lounging on the beach and mountain biking. Best of all, Green River Lake State Park’s convenient-from-everywhere location means planning a trip couldn’t be easier — it’s close enough to sneak in quick overnights or weekends! 

Here are eight excellent reasons to book your RV camping trip at this Kentucky state park, stat. 

Why Green River Lake State Park Should Be at the Top of Your Kentucky Bucket List

Perhaps you’re a local Kentuckian looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Or maybe you’re visiting from out of state and want to experience the best of the Bluegrass State’s natural beauty. Either way, book a spot at the Green River Lake State Park campground! 

1. Award-winning Waterfront Camping

All 200-plus sites at the Green River Lake State Park Campground — 167 with water and electricity hookups, 60 primitive — are on the waterfront, enjoying unbeatable views in every season (fall foliage is especially out of this world here!). Campsites are also notably clean, well-maintained, and level. It’s no wonder Kentucky Living awarded the park first place for camping in its “Best of Kentucky” awards in 2020 and 2021!

2. You Never Have to Leave Camp

Green River Lake State Park has just about every imaginable amenity and necessity for campers. The basics are all top-notch, such as sparkling clean restrooms and showers, plenty of laundry machines, and the availability of a dump station. This Kentucky state park takes things to a whole different level, though, with its onsite grocery store, strong Wi-Fi, two playgrounds, and even a miniature golf course. 

3. An Outdoor Lover’s Paradise

In addition to Green River Lake itself, the state park has nearly 30 miles of well-maintained, multi-use trails for hiking, biking, trail running, and horseback riding. There are also volleyball and basketball courts, and overnight campers can even check out sports equipment for free! And we haven’t even touched on Green River Lake State Park’s fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities yet! 

4. Water Recreation

If you enjoy spending time on the water, it’s hard to top the Green River Lake State Park campground. The scenic lake offers seemingly endless opportunities for boating (including houseboating — Kentucky Living has named this one of the state’s best houseboating lakes!), paddling, tubing, jet and water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Green River Lake is home to several fish species, including muskie, crappie, and a few types of bass. Bring your own boat and take advantage of the 200 boat slips or if you don’t have your own, rent a pontoon or houseboats onsite!

5. An Authentic Sandy Beach

More of a landlubber? Not to worry, Green River Lake State Park has its very own sandy beach for you to enjoy! Walk the shoreline, splash in the water, build sand castles, or simply relax and soak up some sun with a good book. 

6. Atkinson-Griffin Civil War Cabin

Built in 1840, the Atkinson-Griffin Log House was a Confederate hospital following the Battle of Tebbs Bend in 1863. Today, visitors can check out the key from the Green River Lake State Park visitor center and go on a self-guided tour. There’s an impressive collection of Civil War memorabilia, including uniforms and even preserved blood spatter in an upstairs room. 

7. Convenient Location

Green River Lake State Park is equidistant to several major Kentucky cities, making it easy and convenient to visit from almost anywhere! It’s right around 1.5 hours from Bowling Green, Lexington and Louisville, and just one hour from the must-visit Mammoth Caves National Park!

8. No Admission Fees!

Finally, one of the best reasons to visit Green River Lake State Park is the fact that you can do so without paying admission or day-use fees! Kentucky state parks are always free to enjoy! Sites at the Green River Lake State Park campground, marina slips, and watercraft rentals do cost nominal fees, but everyone is welcome to enjoy the lake and park itself free of charge. 

“Cruise” Into the Green River Lake State Park Campground

There’s so much to see and do. You’re going to want to stay awhile when you visit Green River Lake State Park. Cruise America RV rentals can make your camping trip even better, providing all the comforts of home so you can pull up and simply enjoy the lake and your surroundings. 

With several RV models to choose from and about 130 convenient rental locations, including one in Louisville, it’s never been easier to visit Green River Lake State Park from anywhere!