RV Parks In Bardstown, Kentucky
37.8092° N, 85.4669° W
Quick Overview
Bardstown is the kind of stop we plan a trip around. It sits right in the heart of bourbon country between Louisville and Elizabethtown, off the Bluegrass Parkway at US-31E and US-150, and it's a genuine RV destination thanks to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, My Old Kentucky Home, and a walkable historic downtown. We've found a healthy mix of camping here, split between one public option and several private parks, so you can match your rig and your budget to the trip you want.
The public choice is the My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, run by Kentucky State Parks. It reopened in fall 2025 after a $4 million renovation that rebuilt 39 full-service sites, including eight pull-throughs, plus a modern bathhouse. It's the closest base to the mansion, the golf course, and the downtown distilleries, and the price is the friendliest in town. Book it through Kentucky State Parks on ReserveAmerica.
On the private side, Little Patch of Heaven Campground runs 33 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service, pull-throughs up to 50 feet, free Wi-Fi, laundry, a fishing pond, and a walking trail, and it stays open year-round. White Acres Campground sits about five minutes from downtown with full 50-amp hookups and room for fifth wheels and larger rigs. If you want a bigger amenity package or you're pairing Bardstown with Louisville, the Louisville South KOA in nearby Shepherdsville has 90-foot pull-throughs and 50-amp service about 15 miles north toward I-65.
Most travelers here are touring distilleries, catching the Stephen Foster outdoor drama, riding the dinner train, or working the wider Bourbon Trail with day trips to Maker's Mark. Hookups are easy to find, reservations matter most in September for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and big rigs do best on pull-through sites. The one tight spot is downtown itself, where US-31E and US-150 meet at a roundabout and historic streets get narrow, so we treat camp as base and tour in a smaller vehicle. We'll walk through routes, costs, seasons, and the local details that make a Bardstown stop smooth, whether you're here for a long bourbon weekend or just breaking up a run along I-65.
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All Dump Stations Near Bardstown
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Old Kentucky Home Campground | 0.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Little Patch Of Heaven | 2.3 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| White Acres Campground & Gifts | 2.7 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Campground Church | 9.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Grandma's RV Camping | 17.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Jacks Campground | 17.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Louisville South KOA | 17.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Louisville South Koa Holiday | 17.8 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Taylorsville RV Park And Boat Storage | 18.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Taylorsville Lake State Park | 19.3 mi | 4.4 | RV Park | Varies |
My Old Kentucky Home Campground
0.9 miLittle Patch Of Heaven
2.3 miWhite Acres Campground & Gifts
2.7 miCampground Church
9.9 miGrandma's RV Camping
17.4 miJacks Campground
17.5 miLouisville South KOA
17.6 miLouisville South Koa Holiday
17.8 miTaylorsville RV Park And Boat Storage
18.0 miTaylorsville Lake State Park
19.3 miTraveling to Bardstown by RV
Getting into Bardstown with a big rig is straightforward if you use the Bluegrass Parkway. Take Exit 21 for US-31E or Exit 25 for US-150 and you're a couple of minutes from town and the campgrounds. Coming from the west on I-65, pick up the parkway at the Elizabethtown end about 20 miles out; from the north, KY-245 connects Clermont and I-65 down into Bardstown. Louisville International Airport (SDF) is roughly 40 miles northwest, and Elizabethtown, 20 miles west on I-65, is your closest spot for fuel, groceries, and RV service.
One heads-up downtown: US-31E and US-150 split at a roundabout in the center of town, and the historic streets get tight. We stage the rig at the campground and tour distilleries and downtown in the toad or a rental, which makes parking a non-issue. The state park sits close enough to walk to the mansion and grounds, and the private parks are all a short drive from the distillery cluster northeast of downtown. If you're traveling I-65, the Elizabethtown end of the parkway is the cleaner big-rig entry than threading through smaller US routes, and it keeps you near fuel and service on the way in.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bardstown, Kentucky, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Bardstown
Camping costs here split cleanly between public and private. The public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground runs in the typical Kentucky State Parks range, roughly $25 to $45 a night for a full-service site, which is the best value in town and walking distance to the main attractions. Private parks cost more for the year-round operation and amenities: Little Patch of Heaven starts around $78 a night, White Acres lands roughly in the $35 to $55 range, and the Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville typically runs about $50 to $80. Expect to pay toward the top of each band on festival weekends in September, and watch for minimum-stay rules then. Booking midweek or in spring and late fall is the cheapest way to enjoy the Bourbon Trail, and it usually means easier availability at the closer-in parks too. One more budget note: the public state park is the only walk-to-downtown option, so if saving a few dollars and skipping the drive both matter, check its availability first and treat the private parks as your backup.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Bardstown by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
28 - 45
Crowds: Low
Cold and quiet. The state park scales back while private parks and the KOA stay open for year-round travelers and bourbon visitors.
Spring
Mar - May
45 - 67
Crowds: Medium
Green and rainy with building crowds into May. A good-value shoulder season before the summer rush hits.
Summer
Jun - Aug
67 - 87
Crowds: High
Warm and humid with afternoon storms. The outdoor drama runs and distilleries stay busy; 50-amp sites keep the AC happy.
Fall
Sep - Oct
47 - 70
Crowds: High
Peak camping season. September's Kentucky Bourbon Festival packs the parks, so book well ahead; October brings mild days and color.
Explore the Bardstown Area
A few things we've learned about camping Bardstown. First, treat your campground as base camp and tour bourbon in a smaller vehicle; the roundabout and historic downtown aren't fun in a 38-footer, and several distilleries have limited rig parking. Second, September is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the single busiest stretch of the year, so lock in reservations months ahead if that's your window. Third, the public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground reopened in fall 2025 after its renovation, so confirm current rates and open dates before you roll in. Fourth, fuel and full-size groceries are easiest in Elizabethtown or off I-65 if you're approaching from the west, since in-town options are smaller. Finally, Kentucky State Parks prohibit out-of-state firewood to slow pest spread, and they sell firewood on site, so plan to buy local rather than haul your own in.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bardstown
Is there a public campground in Bardstown?
Yes. The My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is the public option, run by Kentucky State Parks right in town. It reopened in fall 2025 after a $4 million renovation that rebuilt 39 full-service sites, including eight pull-throughs, along with a modern bathhouse and a dump station. It's the closest base to the My Old Kentucky Home mansion, the golf course, and the downtown distilleries, and it's the cheapest place to camp in the area. You reserve it through Kentucky State Parks on the ReserveAmerica system, from one day out up to twelve months in advance. Because it's the only public campground here and sits walking distance from the main attractions, weekends fill quickly, so book ahead.
What private RV parks are near Bardstown?
There are several good private parks. Little Patch of Heaven Campground runs 33 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service, mostly pull-throughs up to 50 feet, plus laundry, free Wi-Fi, a fishing pond, and a walking trail, and it stays open year-round. White Acres Campground sits about five minutes from downtown with full 50-amp hookups and room for fifth wheels and larger rigs. If you want more amenities or you're pairing Bardstown with Louisville sightseeing, the Louisville South KOA in nearby Shepherdsville has 90-foot pull-throughs and 50-amp service about fifteen miles north toward I-65. Between the public state park and these private parks, you can match the trip and budget you have in mind.
Are the campgrounds big-rig friendly?
Yes, with a little planning. The smart move anywhere in Bardstown is to request a pull-through site if you're running 35 feet or more. The state park has eight pull-throughs from its renovation, Little Patch of Heaven handles rigs up to 50 feet, White Acres has spacious sites that take fifth wheels and larger rigs, and the Louisville South KOA has 90-foot pull-throughs that swallow the biggest setups. The Bluegrass Parkway approach via Exit 21 or Exit 25 is easy driving. The one tight spot is downtown itself, where US-31E and US-150 meet at a roundabout, so we stage the rig at camp and tour in a smaller vehicle.
Do the parks have full hookups?
Most do. The renovated My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground offers full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer, plus a dump station for any sites without sewer. Little Patch of Heaven has full hookups with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer at all sites. White Acres provides full hookups with 50-amp service, and the Louisville South KOA offers full hookups with 50-amp as well. In short, you can get water, sewer, and 50-amp power at the private parks and the renovated state-park sites. If you have a specific need like sewer at your exact site or 50-amp for two air conditioners, just confirm when you book, since site mixes vary within each park.
How do I make reservations?
It depends on the park. The public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground books through Kentucky State Parks on the ReserveAmerica system, where you can reserve from one day before arrival up to twelve months out. The private parks take direct reservations: Little Patch of Heaven through its own website or by phone, White Acres by phone, and the Louisville South KOA through the KOA booking system or by phone. For normal weekends, two to four weeks of lead time is usually plenty at the private parks, and a bit more at the state park. For the September Kentucky Bourbon Festival, book months ahead because that's the busiest stretch of the year and sites go fast.
When is the best time to camp in Bardstown?
Fall is the classic season. September draws bourbon fans for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and October delivers mild days, cool nights, and great color, though September weekends are packed and need early booking. Spring is a quieter, green shoulder season with good value before summer crowds arrive, with rain to plan around. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon storms, busy distilleries, and the outdoor drama running, and you'll want 50-amp for air conditioning. Winter is cold and slow; the state park scales back, but the private parks and the KOA stay open year-round if you're chasing bourbon in the off-season or just passing through on I-65.
What's there to do besides distilleries?
Plenty. My Old Kentucky Home State Park has the antebellum mansion that inspired the Stephen Foster song, with grounds, a golf course, and the long-running outdoor drama in summer. The My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train is a fun evening out. Historic downtown Bardstown is walkable and full of shops, restaurants, and old architecture, and the Civil War Museum of the Western Theater is one of the larger museums focused on that campaign. The campgrounds themselves add fishing ponds and walking trails. Of course bourbon is the headline, with Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, and Willett in town and Maker's Mark a short drive south, but there's a full slate of history and outdoor time to round out a stay.
How far is Bardstown from Louisville?
Bardstown is about 40 miles southeast of Louisville, and Louisville International Airport (SDF) is roughly the same distance to the northwest. The usual route is KY-245 connecting to I-65, or US-31E running north toward the city. That makes Bardstown a comfortable base for day trips into Louisville for more distilleries, dining, and attractions while you keep the rig parked in quieter bourbon country. If you'd rather split the difference, the Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville sits about fifteen miles north of Bardstown toward I-65, which trims the Louisville drive while keeping you close to the Bardstown distilleries and My Old Kentucky Home.
Can I get RV service and supplies nearby?
Yes, though you'll do best to plan around the bigger towns. Bardstown has groceries, fuel, propane, and the basics, but for full-size grocery runs, diesel, and RV service the easiest options are in Elizabethtown, about 20 miles west on I-65, or up toward the Louisville metro via KY-245. If you're approaching from the west, top off fuel and stock up before you turn onto the Bluegrass Parkway, since in-town stations are smaller and tighter for big rigs. The private campgrounds have laundry and Wi-Fi on site, and the renovated state park added a modern bathhouse, so day-to-day camp needs are covered.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds?
Generally yes. Little Patch of Heaven is pet-friendly, and most private parks in the area welcome leashed dogs, with the Louisville South KOA offering a dog park. Kentucky State Parks campgrounds, including My Old Kentucky Home, allow pets in the campground when they're leashed and attended, though pets typically aren't allowed inside historic buildings or certain facilities. As always, clean up after your dog, keep them leashed on the trails and around other campers, and don't leave them unattended at your site, especially in summer heat. If you're traveling with a pet, it's worth a quick call to your specific park to confirm any breed, size, or fee rules before you arrive.
Do I need to book ahead for the Bourbon Festival?
Absolutely. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September is the single busiest stretch of the year in Bardstown, and campgrounds across the area fill up well in advance. If you want to camp during the festival, book months ahead, especially at the public state park and the closer private parks, and expect higher nightly rates and possible minimum-stay requirements that weekend. The same goes for big distillery-release weekends. Outside of September, you have far more flexibility, and midweek stays in spring or late fall are easy to land with a week or less of notice. The bottom line is that fall demand is real, so plan the festival trip early.
Is the state park campground open after its renovation?
Yes. The My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground closed for a roughly $4 million renovation and reopened in fall 2025. The project rebuilt 39 full-service campsites, including eight pull-throughs, and added a modern bathhouse with updated showers and restrooms. Because the reopening is recent, we'd confirm current nightly rates, open dates, and which loops are operating directly with Kentucky State Parks or on the ReserveAmerica reservation page before you arrive, since details can shift in the first season back. It's the closest, cheapest, and most scenic base in town, so it's worth checking availability there first, then falling back to the private parks if your dates are full.
What does it cost to camp in Bardstown?
Costs split by public versus private. The public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground runs in the typical Kentucky State Parks range, roughly $25 to $45 a night for a full-service site, which is the best value and walking distance to the attractions. Private parks cost more for year-round operation and amenities: Little Patch of Heaven starts around $78 a night, White Acres lands roughly in the $35 to $55 band, and the Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville typically runs about $50 to $80. Plan for the top of each range on September festival weekends, when minimum stays may also apply. To save money, camp midweek or in the spring and late-fall shoulder seasons when rates and crowds both ease off.
Is there a public campground in Bardstown?
Yes. The My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground is the public option, run by Kentucky State Parks right in town. It reopened in fall 2025 after a $4 million renovation that rebuilt 39 full-service sites, including eight pull-throughs, along with a modern bathhouse and a dump station. It's the closest base to the My Old Kentucky Home mansion, the golf course, and the downtown distilleries, and it's the cheapest place to camp in the area. You reserve it through Kentucky State Parks on the ReserveAmerica system, from one day out up to twelve months in advance. Because it's the only public campground here and sits walking distance from the main attractions, weekends fill quickly, so book ahead.
What private RV parks are near Bardstown?
There are several good private parks. Little Patch of Heaven Campground runs 33 full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp service, mostly pull-throughs up to 50 feet, plus laundry, free Wi-Fi, a fishing pond, and a walking trail, and it stays open year-round. White Acres Campground sits about five minutes from downtown with full 50-amp hookups and room for fifth wheels and larger rigs. If you want more amenities or you're pairing Bardstown with Louisville sightseeing, the Louisville South KOA in nearby Shepherdsville has 90-foot pull-throughs and 50-amp service about fifteen miles north toward I-65. Between the public state park and these private parks, you can match the trip and budget you have in mind.
Are the campgrounds big-rig friendly?
Yes, with a little planning. The smart move anywhere in Bardstown is to request a pull-through site if you're running 35 feet or more. The state park has eight pull-throughs from its renovation, Little Patch of Heaven handles rigs up to 50 feet, White Acres has spacious sites that take fifth wheels and larger rigs, and the Louisville South KOA has 90-foot pull-throughs that swallow the biggest setups. The Bluegrass Parkway approach via Exit 21 or Exit 25 is easy driving. The one tight spot is downtown itself, where US-31E and US-150 meet at a roundabout, so we stage the rig at camp and tour in a smaller vehicle.
Do the parks have full hookups?
Most do. The renovated My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground offers full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer, plus a dump station for any sites without sewer. Little Patch of Heaven has full hookups with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer at all sites. White Acres provides full hookups with 50-amp service, and the Louisville South KOA offers full hookups with 50-amp as well. In short, you can get water, sewer, and 50-amp power at the private parks and the renovated state-park sites. If you have a specific need like sewer at your exact site or 50-amp for two air conditioners, just confirm when you book, since site mixes vary within each park.
How do I make reservations?
It depends on the park. The public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground books through Kentucky State Parks on the ReserveAmerica system, where you can reserve from one day before arrival up to twelve months out. The private parks take direct reservations: Little Patch of Heaven through its own website or by phone, White Acres by phone, and the Louisville South KOA through the KOA booking system or by phone. For normal weekends, two to four weeks of lead time is usually plenty at the private parks, and a bit more at the state park. For the September Kentucky Bourbon Festival, book months ahead because that's the busiest stretch of the year and sites go fast.
When is the best time to camp in Bardstown?
Fall is the classic season. September draws bourbon fans for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and October delivers mild days, cool nights, and great color, though September weekends are packed and need early booking. Spring is a quieter, green shoulder season with good value before summer crowds arrive, with rain to plan around. Summer is warm and humid with afternoon storms, busy distilleries, and the outdoor drama running, and you'll want 50-amp for air conditioning. Winter is cold and slow; the state park scales back, but the private parks and the KOA stay open year-round if you're chasing bourbon in the off-season or just passing through on I-65.
What's there to do besides distilleries?
Plenty. My Old Kentucky Home State Park has the antebellum mansion that inspired the Stephen Foster song, with grounds, a golf course, and the long-running outdoor drama in summer. The My Old Kentucky Home Dinner Train is a fun evening out. Historic downtown Bardstown is walkable and full of shops, restaurants, and old architecture, and the Civil War Museum of the Western Theater is one of the larger museums focused on that campaign. The campgrounds themselves add fishing ponds and walking trails. Of course bourbon is the headline, with Heaven Hill, Barton 1792, and Willett in town and Maker's Mark a short drive south, but there's a full slate of history and outdoor time to round out a stay.
How far is Bardstown from Louisville?
Bardstown is about 40 miles southeast of Louisville, and Louisville International Airport (SDF) is roughly the same distance to the northwest. The usual route is KY-245 connecting to I-65, or US-31E running north toward the city. That makes Bardstown a comfortable base for day trips into Louisville for more distilleries, dining, and attractions while you keep the rig parked in quieter bourbon country. If you'd rather split the difference, the Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville sits about fifteen miles north of Bardstown toward I-65, which trims the Louisville drive while keeping you close to the Bardstown distilleries and My Old Kentucky Home.
Can I get RV service and supplies nearby?
Yes, though you'll do best to plan around the bigger towns. Bardstown has groceries, fuel, propane, and the basics, but for full-size grocery runs, diesel, and RV service the easiest options are in Elizabethtown, about 20 miles west on I-65, or up toward the Louisville metro via KY-245. If you're approaching from the west, top off fuel and stock up before you turn onto the Bluegrass Parkway, since in-town stations are smaller and tighter for big rigs. The private campgrounds have laundry and Wi-Fi on site, and the renovated state park added a modern bathhouse, so day-to-day camp needs are covered.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds?
Generally yes. Little Patch of Heaven is pet-friendly, and most private parks in the area welcome leashed dogs, with the Louisville South KOA offering a dog park. Kentucky State Parks campgrounds, including My Old Kentucky Home, allow pets in the campground when they're leashed and attended, though pets typically aren't allowed inside historic buildings or certain facilities. As always, clean up after your dog, keep them leashed on the trails and around other campers, and don't leave them unattended at your site, especially in summer heat. If you're traveling with a pet, it's worth a quick call to your specific park to confirm any breed, size, or fee rules before you arrive.
Do I need to book ahead for the Bourbon Festival?
Absolutely. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September is the single busiest stretch of the year in Bardstown, and campgrounds across the area fill up well in advance. If you want to camp during the festival, book months ahead, especially at the public state park and the closer private parks, and expect higher nightly rates and possible minimum-stay requirements that weekend. The same goes for big distillery-release weekends. Outside of September, you have far more flexibility, and midweek stays in spring or late fall are easy to land with a week or less of notice. The bottom line is that fall demand is real, so plan the festival trip early.
Is the state park campground open after its renovation?
Yes. The My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground closed for a roughly $4 million renovation and reopened in fall 2025. The project rebuilt 39 full-service campsites, including eight pull-throughs, and added a modern bathhouse with updated showers and restrooms. Because the reopening is recent, we'd confirm current nightly rates, open dates, and which loops are operating directly with Kentucky State Parks or on the ReserveAmerica reservation page before you arrive, since details can shift in the first season back. It's the closest, cheapest, and most scenic base in town, so it's worth checking availability there first, then falling back to the private parks if your dates are full.
What does it cost to camp in Bardstown?
Costs split by public versus private. The public My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground runs in the typical Kentucky State Parks range, roughly $25 to $45 a night for a full-service site, which is the best value and walking distance to the attractions. Private parks cost more for year-round operation and amenities: Little Patch of Heaven starts around $78 a night, White Acres lands roughly in the $35 to $55 band, and the Louisville South KOA in Shepherdsville typically runs about $50 to $80. Plan for the top of each range on September festival weekends, when minimum stays may also apply. To save money, camp midweek or in the spring and late-fall shoulder seasons when rates and crowds both ease off.
Are there free dump stations in Bardstown?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Bardstown.
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