Army Corps of Engineers · Kentucky

Axtel

Army Corps of Engineers · Kentucky, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
153
Hookups
111 electric, 112 with water, 41 no hookups
Season
April 9 to November 1
Max RV length
80 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Showers
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
525 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 3
Cell coverage
T-Mobile weak · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Rough River Lake
Nearest town
McDaniels
Address
663 South Highway 79, McDaniels, KY, 40152
Phone
270-257-2584
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Marina, Swimming

153 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January40°28°2°67°10 of 11
February48°31°5°72°11 of 11
March59°41°19°81°7 of 11
April69°50°32°84°0 of 11
May79°63°43°90°0 of 11
June86°67°53°97°0 of 11
July88°72°65°97°0 of 11
August86°71°62°96°0 of 11
September84°66°54°97°0 of 11
October68°50°36°85°0 of 10
November57°40°18°77°4 of 10
December48°33°9°67°9 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Kentucky · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.