North Fork (KY)

Rough River Lake

North Fork Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.

The 5,100-acre lake is a hometown paradise for visitors who love the outdoors, and more than two million visitors camp, picnic, fish, swim, boat and relax on the lake shore each year.

North Fork Campground offers 81 sites, 50 of which have electric hookups. Several campsites are on the waterfront, while others are just a short walk away.

Additional amenities include a dump station, playground, public beach, showers, two group shelters, boat ramp, basketball court, fishing pier and a day use picnic area.

Wi-fi is available from an outside source at an additional fee.

Need to Know

Off-road vehicles are not permitted
Park Attendant can be reached while on duty at 270-257-8139. If no answer, contact the Rough River Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office at 270-257-2061.
$5 per day boat ramp fee or $40 for an annual boat ramp pass. Purchase at the Fee Station near the boat ramp.
Reservations will not be marked in advance at the campsite. Do not set up at any campsite without reserving the site first.
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. Generators and other noise-producing devices must be turned off during this time.

Natural Features

The rolling, forested hills of rural south central Kentucky offer an extraordinary setting for those who visit the lake. Rough River Lake provides views of ancient sandstone, shale and limestone cliffs.

An abundance of water in the area, both surface and underground, has carved through limestone to create a myriad of sinks and caverns.

The lake itself is home to numerous species of wildlife, including migratory songbirds and waterfowl.

Nearby Attractions

The historic Green Farm is adjacent to the lake. It consists of about 3,000 acres, a large ancestral home, an old water-powered mill and store and a golf course. George Washington once owned part of the land.

Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts the longest cave system in the world with more than 240 miles of mapped passageways, is about a one-hour drive away.

Other nearby attractions also include the historic Holt House in Hardinsburg, the Jack Thomas House in Leitchfield, and the new Aquatic Center in Leitchfield.

Recreation

A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are provided at the lake, including ample opportunities for boating and fishing.

The most sought after fish are bass, crappie and catfish, and bass tournaments occur at the lake throughout the year.

Additionally, pontoon, johnboat and jet ski rentals are available at the nearby marinas.

Changes & Cancellations

Once a reservation has been created, there will be a $10 fee to cancel your reservation, change sites, or change dates. Cancellations made the day before you are scheduled to arrive through the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first night's use fee. No-show's are charged a $20 fee plus the first night's use fee. If your reservation is for only 1 night, and you have been charged the first night's use fee, there is no $10 or $20 service fee charged.

Contact Information

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9077 South Highway 259 McDaniels KY 40152

Physical Address

9077 South Highway 259 McDaniels KY 40152

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 270-257-8139

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Begin 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.

Available Campsites

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