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Axtel

USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — McDaniels · Kentucky · Rough River Lake

AgencyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
AreaRough River Lake
LocationMcDaniels · Kentucky · Rough River Lake · 37.62250, -86.45306 · Map
Sites153 public sites counted from the federal listing — 111 standard electric; 41 standard nonelectric; 1 zone
Getting a siteReservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below.
HookupsElectric at 111 of 153 sites (up to 50 amp where reported)
Water hookups at 111 of 153 sites
Sewer hookups at 4 of 153 sites
Full hookups (all three at one site) at 4 of 153 sites
Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way.
Max RV lengthLongest reported site fits 80 ft
Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 137 sites · 30 ft: 135 sites · 35 ft: 103 sites · 40 ft: 95 sites
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesNot reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground.
Check-in / outIn 5:00 PM · Out 3:00 PM (most common in the listing)
PetsAllowed at 152 sites, as reported
Accessible sites2 marked accessible in the listing
AccessibilityN
Phone270-257-2584

Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.

From the official listing

Overview Axtel 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. 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. Facilities Axtel Campground is a large facility with 158 campsites, many of which have electric hookups. All campsites provide sweeping views of the lake.

A swimming area, boat ramp, dump station, flush toilets, playground, showers, drinking water, fish-cleaning station, and short trail are also provided.

Wi-fi is available from an outside source.

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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (270) 257-2584. 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. Charges & 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 you 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.

Directions, from the listing

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 9.7 miles. Turn right to stay on KY-79, traveling .7 miles. End at 663 South Highway 79, McDaniels, KY. Distance is approximately 74 miles with an approximate travel time of 1 hour, 20 minutes.

Nearest federal campgrounds

USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersNorth Fork (Ky)
1 mi straight-line · McDaniels Kentucky
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLaurel Branch
1 mi straight-line · McDaniels Kentucky
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCave Creek
4 mi straight-line · Falls of Rough Kentucky
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMoutardier
24 mi straight-line · Leitchfield Kentucky
USACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMoutardier Day Use
25 mi straight-line · Leitchfield Kentucky

Trip Card — Axtel

McDaniels · Kentucky · Rough River Lake

AgencyUSACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
LocationMcDaniels · Kentucky · Rough River Lake
FeesNot reported in the federal data
Getting a siteReservable
HookupsElectric at 111 · full hookups at 4
Max RVUp to 80 ft
Months openNot in federal data
Sites153 sites

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233408 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.