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. It served as a shelter for civilians fleeing war and for enslaved people hoping to
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe 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. Please see the Visitor Center tab for openi
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact (859) 881-5716 · cane_info@nps.gov
Camp Nelson National Monument is located along US 27 about 20 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky, 6 miles south of Nicholasville on US 27, and 16 miles north of Danville, KY on US 27. The Park entrance is on the original Danville Pike, adjacent to US 27, one mile north of the Camp Nelson National Ce
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Camp Nelson National Monument — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Camp Nelson National Monument?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Barracks Loop Trail, Connector trail to Fort Putnam, Depot Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the 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. Please see the Visitor Center tab for openi
Nearby sites
Daniel Boone National Forest
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
The original uploader was Sayeth at English Wikipedia . / Attribution · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kentucky River
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
