Pennyrile Forest State Park Campground in Kentucky on map
Pennyrile Forest State Park Campground
This state park is large in size and beauty.
The first "camper" at Pennyrile Forest was a fellow named John Thompson. He had traveled west from Virginia way back in 1808, looking for a new place to homestead. He pushed west, over the Cumberland Gap, across the Great Wilderness, and onward, eventually making what is now known as the Tradewater River (you cross it on the way in from Dawson Springs). Winter was approaching, so оГ John decided to house himself and his family under a big rock shelter, located on park grounds. He lived for more than a year under the rock and then settled down for good in a house he built, with a few families joining him in later years. As decades passed, much of the area farmland became worn out, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which has managed the 15,000 acres as a state forest and park since the 1940s, acquired it. I can't say for sure, but I think John Thompson would like the family campground and the activities that now take place in and around the hollow where he settled. Just bring your tent so you won't have to camp under a rock.
The campground has plenty of sites but is not too big. Pass the combination camp store and registration station. It is open Wednesday through Sunday during the warm season. Pass a loop on your left. Numerically, this is the last loop. A shaded miniature golf course is on the right. Come to the first loop on the right, just beyond the course. Large sites are both in the shade and sun and circle around a fully equipped bathhouse. The slope of the paved auto pull-ins keeps RVs away. Enter the main camping road, which has campsites on both sides of it on a more level area. Tall, attractive pine trees and a few dogwoods shade the camping area.
Grass grows around the large gravel camping pads. The pines give way to deciduous trees at a small auto turnaround. Beyond here begin the park's eight equestrian sites. The campground used to have more sites, but some were converted to equestrian sites, and the campground numbering system still reflects the old number of campsites. The campground rarely fills, save for summer holiday weekends.
For nearby fun, in addition to the immediate miniature golf course, which is lighted for night play, there is Pennyrile Lake. Campers can easily walk down to the water. There is a scenic swim beach here, set in a cove against a tall stone bluff. The 56-acre lake also holds a few fish, namely bass, bluegill, and catfish. During the warm season, campers can rent rowboats, paddleboats, and trolling motors to get around this quiet impoundment and try their luck.
The state forest surrounds the state park. For hikers and bikers there is no appreciable distinction between the state park and state forest. But know this: Hikers have 23 miles of trails to walk, and there is an additional set of mountain bike routes ranging from 2 to 19 miles long. The hiking trails near the campground pass rockhouses (such as that where Thompson stayed), circle the lake, cruise along creeks, and meander through rich woods. The Macedonia Trail is in the state forest and offers loops from 1 to 5 miles in length. Grab a map at the registration station. If you need to get supplies not found at the park, just walk the Pennyrile Nature Trail. This path goes 13 miles back to Dawson Springs. Of course, that would make it a 26-mile round trip, with supplies on your back. On second thought, you'd better take the car, or your bicycle, as it is open to the two-wheeled set.
Getting to Pennyrile Forest State Park Campground
From Exit 24 on the Wendell H. Ford Parkway near Dawson Springs, head south on KY 109 10 miles to KY 398. Turn right on KY 398, and follow it 2 miles to enter the park.
GPS COORDINATES N37° 4.377 W87° 39.353'
Key information about Pennyrile Forest State Park Campground
FACILITIES: Hot showers, water spigots, laundry, phone
PARKING: At campsites only
FEE: $20-$24, $32-$36 equestrian sites
ELEVATION: 600 feet
RESTRICTIONS
¦ Pets: On 6-foot leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: Prohibited
¦ Vehicles: None
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit
ADDRESS: 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd., Dawson Springs, KY 42408
OPERATED BY: Kentucky State Parks
CONTACT: 270-797-3421, parks.ky.gov
OPEN: April-October
SITES: 36 plus 8 equestrian sites
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring, electricity, water
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground hut
