Map showing campground location near Henderson, Kentucky

Camper submitted image from John James Audubon State Park Campground

John James Audubon State Park Campground

Within John James Audubon State Park, this campground sits at the front entrance along Highway 41, providing full hookup sites for RVs and basic amenities from April through November. The layout runs parallel to the busy highway, creating constant traffic noise that carries across the compact camping area.

Sites pack tightly together with minimal privacy between neighbors. Laura E. notes "the sites are small and tightly packed" while business lights from gas stations and quick marts across Highway 41 shine into the campground at night. Several reviewers mention finding numerous trailers on permanent blocks during their visits, suggesting a mix of short-term and long-term occupancy.

The bathhouse receives consistent praise for cleanliness, and staff earn positive marks when present. The park offers hiking trails, though only one allows dogs. A museum and nature center provide indoor activities. Sites include electric, water, and sewer hookups with a dump station available.

For campers wanting quick highway access, Cracker Barrel — Henderson offers overnight parking just over a mile southwest.

Description

John James Audubon State Park is located just south of the Ohio river in western Kentucky. The park preserves the peaceful woods where John James Audubon walked as he studied the subjects of his paintings. The park is highlighted by the John James Audubon Museum and Nature Center. Enjoy camping, golf, fishing, hiking, tennis, picknicking, playgrounds, and boat rentals.

Campground is open Mid-March to Mid-November. Campground personnel available Mid-March to Mid-November.

30 Day passes are no longer available.

Please note:

The maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance to the date.
New Inventory is made available when the call center opens.
There is a 1 night minimum stay during the week at all parks.
There is a 2 night minimum stay on peak season weekends at all parks with the exception of the Kentucky Horse Park.
The minimum stay on peak season weekends at the Kentucky Horse Park is 1 night.
Customers may arrive on a Friday or Saturday and stay a minimum of two nights.
Customer service is authorized to fill in any empty spaces caused by the 2-night weekend stay rule.

Please note the following:

Longer minimum night stays are required at most campgrounds during holiday periods.
Parks prohibits the importation of firewood by campers from any state outside of Kentucky. This is in an effort to help prevent the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. Firewood is available for sale in the state park campgrounds.https://parks.ky.gov/firewood-policy
Golf carts are allowed in the campground by purchasing a permit at check-in. Permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Annual permits can be used at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds and the Kentucky Horse Park. Disabled guests are not required to purchase a permit if they display their disability hanging tag.

May 14th and 15th - Homegrown Bluegrass and Creative Arts Festival - Friday night - Bluegrass concerts 4pm - 8pm. Saturday night - Bluegrass Concerts, Art booths, Festival Food, Kids events, demonstrations and more 9am - 8pm. Visit www.friendsofaudubon.org.

October 2nd and 3rd - Lion Arts and Crafts Festival

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.

Location

Public Campground

John James Audubon State Park Campground is located in Kentucky

Directions

The park is located on US 41 in the northern outskirts of Henderson. It is 1/2 mile south of the US 41 bridge over the Ohio River and Evansville IN. The park is on the left heading south and the right heading north.

Address

P.O. Box 576
Henderson, KY 42420

Coordinates

37.87400017 N
87.55200067 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
Picnic Table
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

11 min from Evansville, IN
27 min from Owensboro, KY
1 hr 31 min from Bowling Green, KY
1 hr 41 min from Paducah, KY

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Guests commonly noted clean facilities and friendly staff at this compact state park campground. Highway noise and limited dog trails were recurring concerns, while the uncrowded atmosphere appeals to families seeking last-minute getaways.

John D.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2025

Last Time

This is the 3rd or 4th time. Usually last stop before home. 3pm on Saturday and not one staff on site when we arrived. Car on loop area making it hard to get trailer into site, just missing the car with my truck. No picnic table at site so unable to get grill out. 15-20 trailers resting on blocks and above ground dump at each site. Large propane tanks. Looks like permanent sites and most didn't have anyone there. A bit disappointed

Site22

Month of VisitOctober

Ashley

Scout

Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Small intimate campground

We camped here during Memorial Day weekend so it was super PACKED! But still very nice. The staff was super friendly and the bathrooms were very clean. Only downside is if you pick a campsite along the right side of the area, the other side of the fence is highway 41 so you will get traffic noise at all times.

Site015

Month of VisitMay

Laura E.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2023

Not great

First, the good- the staff was very nice and the bathhouse was very clean. The bad- the campground is layed out parallel to highway 41. The sound of traffic whizzing by on the highway is constant. There are businesses like gas stations and quick marts on the other side of 41 and the lights of those businesses shine into the campground. In addition to the light and noise, the sites are small and tightly packed. There is no privacy at all.

Site45

Month of VisitApril

Drew C.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2018

Good campground, trails not pet friendly

I just want to start by saying this is a really neat park. The only problem that I have with it is if you have a dog there’s only one trail that is dog friendly. The campground itself is nice. Primitive is available. But nice campground.

Month of VisitJuly

Jamie B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Besutiful Campgrounds

This campsite is more for a light camper. It is not primative and they have losging available. It is a beautiful area of land with a gorgwous lake.

Month of VisitJune

MISTY P.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 20, 2018

Small but nice for a quiet weekend getaway

Probably one of the smallest campsites I've been to and it's never been crowded when we went which is nice for our family. There are some very nice hiking trails and a great museum and nature center. We live right across the Ohio in Evansville thus this is our go to park for a last minute getaway where we don't have to worry about making reservations months in advance to get a decent spot.

Month of VisitMay

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2017

History now

John J Audubon State Park has some awesome architecture and the feel of old school parks.

Near Henderson, Ky off the Pennyrile Parkway and a stone throw away from Evansville, In.

The campground is at the front of the park. Not huge, and it was not crowded when we visited. Plenty of sites to pick from.

The trails are nice, there is only one that allows dogs. The onsite buildings are old school and have to be seen to be appreciated. Worth the trip or a nice stop off enroute somewhere else.

Month of VisitJuly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you rent cabins at John James Audubon State Park?

Yes, lodging is available at John James Audubon State Park. The park offers cabin rentals for visitors who prefer more comfortable accommodations rather than tent or RV camping. This makes it a good option for less experienced campers or those who want some additional amenities during their stay. For specific cabin availability, features, and current rates, contact the park office directly to make reservations.

What camping options are available at John James Audubon State Park?

John James Audubon State Park offers both developed and primitive camping options. The campground is relatively small and rarely crowded, making it ideal for families seeking a peaceful getaway. Standard campsites include amenities with a clean bathhouse facility. Primitive camping is also available for those who prefer a more basic experience. The campground is located near the front entrance of the park, providing easy access to the park's hiking trails, museum, and nature center.

Where is John James Audubon State Park located and how do I get there?

John James Audubon State Park is located near Henderson, Kentucky, just off Highway 41 (also accessible from the Pennyrile Parkway). The park is very close to Evansville, Indiana, just across the Ohio River, making it easily accessible from both states. The campground is situated at the front of the park, so it's simple to find upon arrival. Be aware that the proximity to Highway 41 means some traffic noise is audible from certain campsites, particularly those along the right side of the camping area.

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