General Burnside Island State Park Campground

burnside state park

For Kentuckians seeking a premier outdoor escape with unparalleled access to one of the state's most beloved waterways, General Burnside Island State Park Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled on Kentucky's only island state park in the middle of Lake Cumberland, this campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and abundant recreational opportunities. Whether you're an avid boater, a golf enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene and impeccably clean place to unwind, General Burnside Island provides the perfect setting for your next Kentucky adventure.

This state park campground is renowned for its well-maintained facilities and friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among local campers. It's a destination where you can truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts that make for a relaxing and hassle-free stay. General Burnside Island State Park, named for Civil War General Ambrose Burnside who patrolled the Cumberland River in this area, became a state park in 1958 when the Corps of Engineers deeded the land to the Commonwealth of Kentucky after the creation of Lake Cumberland. From cool lake breezes to stunning views, General Burnside Island State Park Campground promises a memorable experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, right here in the heart of the Bluegrass State.

General Burnside Island State Park Campground is strategically located at 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA. This prime address places it just south of Burnside, a charming community in Pulaski County. What makes this location truly special is its setting on a 430-acre island in the middle of Lake Cumberland, offering unique lakeside access and picturesque views from virtually every angle. This geographical distinction makes it a singular camping experience within the Kentucky State Park system.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward for Kentuckians, with US Highway 27 providing a direct route. Its position makes it a convenient drive for residents from various parts of the state, particularly those in Central and Southern Kentucky. While the campground offers a sense of being "away from it all" due to its island setting, it remains highly accessible, minimizing travel time and maximizing your stay. Furthermore, its immediate proximity to Lake Cumberland's vast waters and a well-maintained, multi-lane boat ramp means that all the lake's renowned activities are just moments away. This seamless blend of remote tranquility and easy access makes General Burnside Island State Park Campground an ideal local getaway for any Kentucky outdoor enthusiast looking for convenience combined with natural beauty.

Services Offered:

• 94 Spacious Campsites: The campground features 94 well-equipped campsites, designed to accommodate both RVs and tents. Please note that a maximum of 8 occupants are allowed per campsite (4 adults and children 16 and under are included in the base rate, with an additional $5.00 per night per adult if more than 4 adults). Max units per site is (2), allowing for one camper unit plus one tent, or two tents if no camper unit.
• Utility Hookups: Most sites offer water and electric hookups (including 30 and 50-amp service), with many also providing sewer hookups for full convenience.
• Modern Restrooms and Shower Facilities: There are two central service buildings with showers and restrooms. These facilities are consistently praised for being "immaculate," "very clean," and in "good order," with showers featuring temperature control and continuous flow (not push-button timed), a highly appreciated amenity.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and grill, perfect for outdoor meals and camp cooking.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers.
• Five-Lane Boat Launch Ramp: The park boasts a very nice, paved, multi-lane boat ramp that provides excellent, fee-free access to Lake Cumberland. It's wide enough for at least five trailers to launch simultaneously, ensuring quick turnover even during prime season. Note: During prime season, ramp parking can get extremely crowded, potentially requiring use of overflow lots which are quite a hike.
• Adjacent Marina: A marina next to the park offers boat rentals (fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, houseboats) and slip space, providing all necessary supplies for a day on the lake.
• 18-Hole Regulation Golf Course: The park features a redesigned 18-hole golf course (Par 71, 6394 yards) with a pro shop and cart rentals, offering a scenic and challenging golfing experience. This course is part of Kentucky State Parks' Golf Trail.
• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are available for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Picnic Shelters: Picnic shelters are available for rent, some with restrooms, ideal for group gatherings and events.
• Ice and Firewood for Sale: Conveniently, ice and firewood are available for purchase on-site.
• Wi-Fi Access: Good Wi-Fi service is available within the park to help you stay connected.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground if kept on a leash and restrained.
• Golf Cart Permits: Golf carts are permitted in the campground with the purchase of a permit ($25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year, annual permits valid at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds). Disabled guests with a valid hanging tag do not require a permit.

Features / Highlights:

• Immaculate Facilities: Campers consistently highlight the exceptional cleanliness of the bathhouses and the entire state park campground, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.
• Friendly and Informative Camp Hosts: Visitors frequently praise the camp hosts for being very friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, providing helpful information about the park and surrounding area.
• Temperature-Controlled, Non-Timed Showers: A significant convenience feature, allowing campers to enjoy comfortable, uninterrupted hot showers at their preferred temperature.
• Direct Access to Lake Cumberland: The park's unique island location provides unparalleled and direct access to Lake Cumberland for boating, fishing, and various water sports.
• Excellent and Efficient Boat Ramp: The large, multi-lane paved boat ramp ensures quick and easy launching, even during busy periods, facilitating more time on the water.
• Award-Winning Golf Course: The 18-hole golf course, designed by Brian Ault, is recognized as one of the best public courses in Kentucky, offering stunning views, Zoysia fairways, and bent grass tees and greens for a high-quality golfing experience.
• Spacious Sites (with some exceptions): Many sites offer good spacing, providing a sense of privacy and room to relax, though some in the middle sections can be closer together, and some are not ideal for very large units.
• Gorgeous Views: Surrounded by panoramic views of Lake Cumberland and forested hills, the park offers a visually stunning environment that enhances the camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With well-maintained playgrounds and ample open green space, it's an ideal spot for families traveling with children.
• Convenient On-Site Supplies: Availability of ice and firewood on-site adds to the convenience for campers, eliminating the need for off-site trips.
• High Likelihood of Return Visits: Many first-time visitors express a strong desire to return for future stays, indicating a high level of satisfaction with their experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA

Phone: (606) 561-3625

Mobile Phone: +1 606-561-3625

General Burnside Island State Park Campground is an exceptional destination for Kentuckians, offering a comprehensive and high-quality outdoor experience right in their backyard. For locals, its unique setting as Kentucky's only island state park in the heart of Lake Cumberland provides a distinct advantage, offering immediate and direct access to unparalleled water recreation. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing or water skiing, or simply enjoying the cool lake breezes from your campsite, the convenience is unmatched.

The consistent commitment to cleanliness, from the immaculate bathhouses with their user-friendly, temperature-controlled showers to the well-maintained grounds, ensures a comfortable and worry-free stay. The presence of friendly and informative camp hosts further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. Beyond the water, the award-winning 18-hole golf course, recognized as one of the best public courses in Kentucky, offers another significant draw for local enthusiasts. While some sites may be closer than others or not ideal for the largest rigs, the overall quality and range of services—including full hookups, playgrounds, a pet-friendly policy, and on-site supplies—make it a highly suitable choice for diverse camping needs. For any Kentuckian seeking a well-rounded and delightful state park experience that combines natural beauty with modern amenities and a vibrant recreational scene, General Burnside Island State Park Campground is a top recommendation for creating lasting memories close to home.

General Burnside Island State Park Campground

8801 US-27, Burnside, KY 42519, USA