🌤 Weather at Columbus-Belmont State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–79 °F | 65–90 °F | 36–83 °F | 26–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Bardwell 2 E, 10 mi away, elevation 410 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a public state park in Kentucky near Columbus in Hickman County. Spanning 156 acres and established in 1934, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Nearest City | Columbus |
| County | Hickman County |
| Park Size | 156 acres |
| Established | 1934 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Columbus-Belmont State Park is located near Columbus, Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 36.7667, -89.1000.
Things to Do
Kentucky state parks are characterized by the state’s extensive waterways, rolling Bluegrass hills, and the rugged Appalachian foothills. They are renowned as “resort parks,” offering excellent amenities alongside outdoor recreation. Activities center heavily around massive recreational lakes perfect for boating, water skiing, and world-class bass fishing. Land activities include hiking forested trails, camping, golfing on championship-level park courses, horseback riding, and exploring massive underground cave networks. The parks also preserve significant Civil War and frontier pioneer history.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring (April–May) offers blooming dogwoods, excellent fishing, and comfortable hiking weather. Fall (October) brings beautiful foliage to the forested hills and perfect camping temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and very humid, making it the primary season for lake boating and swimming. Winter is generally quiet, though the Resort Park lodges offer cozy, peaceful off-season getaways with discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The system is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” which feature full-service lodges, restaurants (often serving traditional Kentucky cuisine), and 18-hole golf courses, making them great destinations for those who prefer modern amenities over tent camping. If you plan to camp, book well in advance for summer and fall weekends. Note that some park marinas and pools operate strictly on a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule.
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
Columbus-Belmont State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Columbus-Belmont SP — site of the Battle of Belmont (November 7, 1861) — Ulysses S. Grant’s first combat command of the Civil War. The Confederates created a “Gibraltar of the West” here — stretching a massive chain across the Mississippi River to block Union gunboats. The park’s Mississippi River bluffs and forest support bald eagles and great blue herons.
Nearby Attractions
Columbus — adjacent. Mississippi River — at the park. Hickman County — surrounding.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site (a short drive away) and Kentucky Dam Village SRP (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Columbus-Belmont State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 35 sites — Standard Electric: 31 sites (back-in, 53 ft equipment length, electric and water hookup; sites 024-027 have 50-amp full hookups with sewer); Group Area/Overflow: 4 sites (48 ft equipment length). |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday; max 8 occupants per site, additional adults over 4 charged $5/night; park phone (270) 677-2327. |
| Special sites | Dump station on-site; Site 008 is ADA-accessible; group/overflow area available. |
| Season notes | Open year-round; peak seasons May 20–August 31 and October 1–31; non-peak September and November–May 15. |
Camping questions about Columbus-Belmont State Park
Can you camp at Columbus-Belmont State Park?
Yes. Columbus-Belmont State Park has 35 campsites. Standard Electric: 31 sites (back-in, 53 ft equipment length, electric and water hookup; sites 024-027 have 50-amp full hookups with sewer); Group Area/Overflow: 4 sites (48 ft equipment length).
How do you reserve a campsite at Columbus-Belmont State Park?
Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday; max 8 occupants per site, additional adults over 4 charged $5/night; park phone (270) 677-2327.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Columbus-Belmont State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at Columbus-Belmont State Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Columbus-Belmont State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
