End of Summer Outdoor Adventures

Cathy Peabody • July 24, 2024

Four ways to squeeze out the last bit of summer fun in Campbellsville, KY.

If you’re looking for a late summer vacation or planning your visit to Campbellsville for the beginning of the Campbellsville University academic year, make time for memorable Kentucky outdoor activities.

1. Late Summer Fishing

Anglers…get ready for the Kentucky Bass Federation State Championship,

September 6-8 at Green River Lake, one of the most popular Kentucky outdoor

attractions. With an average depth of 50 feet and one mile at its widest point, Green River Lake is a favorite among Kentucky fishing lakes. It’s some of the best Kentucky fishing for largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. One of the expert fishing guide services can help you locate the best fishing spots on the lake. Green River Lake State Park and Campground is also a popular destination for boating, and water skiing, and a sandy swimming beach.

2. Take to the Trails

One of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate the environment, history and culture of an area is from the outdoors. Campbellsville is a designated Kentucky Trail Town, recognized for over 50 miles of trails in and around this vibrant historic city and nearby Green River Lake and Green River - including kayak and canoe paddling trails, horseback riding trails, and hiking trails.

Clay Hill Memorial Forest trails, with four trails and nearly six miles of hiking trails for every skill level, sits on an historic 1800’s farm just outside Campbellsville. Clay Hill is part of a regional center for education and research managed by Campbellsville University and includes Ken Weddle Learning Center for Sight-Impaired Children, as well as a wastewater purification wetland, a pond observation deck and five miles of trails perfect for birdwatching.

3. History and Heritage

Nature lovers and Civil War history buffs will enjoy hikes along the Tebbs Bend Green River Battlefield, the site of a significant Civil War battle in Kentucky which includes over seven miles of hiking trails, a museum and information stops. The trailhead continues to Homeplace on Green River.

Homeplace on Green River has been a working farm for over 200 years and is still treasured today as “Kentucky’s Outdoor Classroom”. The 227-acre Homeplace focuses on education, conservation and agritourism and sustainability. With programs directed to students, scout troops and other groups, Homeplace also hosts special events like the upcoming Fall Heritage Festival September 7. This festival is a family favorite among Kentucky Farm Tours with a look back to farm life in days gone by, and of course lots of food, music and fun for all.

Registration is open now for the upcoming Central Kentucky Third Annual Heartland Homesteading Conference on November 8-10 at Homestead at Green River. Hands-on workshops and lectures cover topics from gardening and orchard care to animal husbandry and food preservation and valuable knowledge about homesteading.

Homestead at Green River is also available for weddings, reunions, meetings and other special events…what a beautiful and memorable setting!

4. Enjoy the Charm of Historic Downtown Campbellsville.

In addition to a selection of Green River Lake cabin rentals, you’ll also find plenty of places to stay in Campbellsville, including vacation rentals, Airbnb’s, as well as a great choices for hotels and motels.

After a day outside on the water or trails, choose from an array of restaurants and places to eat to satisfy any appetite, from local favorites like Druthers serving up mouthwatering Southern cooking, to incredible barbecue at Brothers, the best fried chicken ever at Creekside Restaurant and even The Alley, a full-service bowling alley restaurant.

If you’re looking to wet your whistle, choose a craft beer at The East First Taproom and Microbrewery. For a relaxing, easy place to hang out, The Bourbon Boutique serves up a full bar for delicious cocktails, and of course a tempting selection of Kentucky bourbons.

Bourbon enthusiasts, don’t miss Oak & Match Cocktail Lounge and Tobacconists

Club, reminiscent of a 1920’s speakeasy, for cozy, relaxed ambience and an impressive collection of Kentucky bourbons, delicious cocktails concocted by talented mixologists, and for cigar lovers a visit to the well-stocked humidor. Check their calendar for a schedule of live music to complete this unique experience.

Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the

beautiful Green River Lake are a short drive from all directions:

Lexington KY – 83 miles

Louisville KY – 85 miles

Nashville, TN – 134 miles

Cincinnati OH – 163 miles

Indianapolis IN – 200 miles

Atlanta, GA – 320 miles

Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about

Kentucky!

Campbellsville!

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Planning Fall Fun in Central Kentucky

By Cathy Peabody • October 4, 2025

It’s time to focus your peepers on the beautiful fall foliage and make plans for some inspiring days of fun, history and heritage in Campbellsville and Central Kentucky.

Time for some old-fashioned Fall Fun

By Cathy Peabody • September 14, 2025

Campbellsville is right in the middle of beautiful Central Kentucky, with rolling hills dotted with scenic farms and barns adorned with painted quilts. You’ll find lots of reasons to enjoy the colorful, crisp days of Fall.

Savoring the end of Summer

By Cathy Peabody • August 19, 2025

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, but that doesn’t have to be the end of summer fun and Campbellsville outdoor adventures. There are so many reasons to go outside and play!

What’s to love about Summer in Campbellsville and Taylor County Kentucky? Everything!!

By Cathy Peabody • June 13, 2025

Pull out your calendar and get ready to fill it up with Independence Day fun and fantastic summer long events in Campbellsville.

Summer Fun – from Horse Power to Horsepower

By Cathy Peabody • May 5, 2025

When most people think of Kentucky, The Bourbon Trail , the legendary Kentucky Derby and the rolling hills of Bluegrass Country come to mind. But there’s a lot to discover in Historic Campbellsville and the surrounding Green River Lake area. As horse enthusiasts eagerly await the coming of the annual Run for the Roses in Louisville each May, equestrians and outdoor lovers turn to the trails and beautiful scenery surrounding Campbellsville, a certified Kentucky Trail Town, in spring and early summer. What a great time to plan your Green River Lake State Park vacation and spend some relaxing outdoor fun with family and perhaps meet new friends. There’s a reason Kentucky Magazine readers voted Green River Lake State Park the best camping or RV spot, the best public hunting and fishing area, and the best water tourism spot for 2024! Saddle Up for Campbellsville Outdoor Adventures The Kentucky Back Country Horsemen’s Association will hold its annual meet up at Quiet Woods Green River Stables at Green River Lake State Park in Campbellsville on Saturday, June 4 . Here’s your chance to hear first-hand about the trail experiences of long-term BCHA member Roy Cornett, who has ridden and explored trails all over the country, and to enjoy riding with fellow horsemen and outdoors enthusiasts. Quiet Woods Stables is a horse and RV campground located about a mile from Green River Lake with over 17 acres of woods and more than 30 miles of equestrian, hiking and biking trails. All types of RVs, campers and horse trailers are welcome, with comfortable accommodations for you and your equine friends: 90 full hookup RV and camping sites 51 individual horse stalls 4 bathhouses and laundry facilities A western themed lodge with live music and karaoke Book your camper site and reserve a stall for your horses soon for the KYBCHA event or for fun all summer long. You don’t want to miss out on these fun Campbellsville Ky outdoor activities! Beyond recreation, horseback riding also provides therapeutic value. The REATH Center for Therapeutic Riding , just outside Campbellsville, is a non-profit organization founded to provide therapeutic programs for children with special needs. The owners and instructors are certified by PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and under their instruction, riders have developed social skills, improved balance, overcome sensory issues, began walking, and increased range of movement. Summer Fun Starts with Campbellsville Ky Events It's not too early to start planning your summer getaway and especially your favorite Campbellsville Ky event, the spectacular 4 th of July week-long celebration, June 28 – July 5 . In Campbellsville, the annual celebration is BIG--a week filled with “Stars, Stripes, and Summer nights ”, and with music, parades, family friendly activities and races of all kinds, car shows and the biggest fireworks display in Central Kentucky . Speaking of car shows...rev up for Crusin’ on Main , presented by Graveyard Relics Car Club , the 3 rd Friday of every month through October. What a great chance to show off your sweet ride or enjoy the parade of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. And car lovers…don’t miss the 4 th of July Car Show presented by Tri-County Car Club and Campbellsville University …which beauties will be named the top 100, Best of Show and the CU President’s choice? Stay Awhile There’s so much to do in the Historic downtown area, fascinating Campbellsville history to explore, and Green River Lake outdoor activities to enjoy, you’ll want to stay a few days. You’ll find a variety of Campbellsville lodging choices , including hotels, cabins, cottages and Airbnbs, along with a great selection of delectable restaurants, cafes, breweries, a bourbon bar and a fabulous 1920’s speakeasy style lounge. Campbellsville is a short distance from favorite Kentucky destinations and an easy drive from all directions. Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Hodgenville Kentucky Bourbon Trail Mammoth Cave National Park Lexington, Louisville & Kentucky Bluegrass & Horse Country Nashville, TN – 135 miles Cincinnati OH – 163 miles Indianapolis IN – 200 miles Atlanta, GA -- 320 miles Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky! Campbellsville!