National Monument

Camp Nelson National Monument

Camp Nelson National Monument is a National Monument in Kentucky. The NPS currently lists 0 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.

Kentucky National Monument No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

A paved path leads to a gray wooden building with US Flag flying.
Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center · Photo: NPS/A. Goetz (via nps.gov)

About the park

“The US Army established Camp Nelson as a fortified supply depot in April 1863. Over the next 3 years, the site evolved into a massive recruitment and training center for United States Colored Troops and a refugee camp for their families.”

Active alerts

0

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

The NPS listed no active alerts for this park in the Oct 28, 2026 snapshot. Conditions can change; check current conditions on nps.gov before you go.

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

Activities the NPS lists for Camp Nelson.

HikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum Exhibits

Operating hours

The grounds featuring nearly 5-miles of unpaved trails and dozens of wayside exhibits explaining the significance of Camp Nelson, are open 7-days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Camp Nelson National Monument
DayHours
MondaySunrise to Sunset
TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
FridaySunrise to Sunset
SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
SundaySunrise to Sunset

Weather: Kentucky has a moderate climate, where summers are humid with highs typically in the upper 80s, and winter highs are in the low 40s.

Contact and directions

Phone
(859) 881-5716
Email
[email protected]
Address
6614 Old Danville Loop 2 Road, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Coordinates
37.7970, -84.5982· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and BarracksMon Closed · Tue All Day · Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM859-881-5716Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Kentucky

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical ParkBig South Fork National River & Recreation AreaCumberland Gap National Historical ParkFort Donelson National BattlefieldLewis & Clark National Historic TrailMammoth Cave National ParkMill Springs Battlefield National MonumentTrail Of Tears National Historic TrailAll in Kentucky

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/cane/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.