Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Museum
Camp Nelson National Monument
National Monument · KY
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 secure their freedom and aid in the destruction of slavery.
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available5 activities
Park Name
InfoCamp Nelson National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoKY
Phone
Info(859) 881-5716
cane_info@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe 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 opening and closing hours, and seasonal changes.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center, Museum, and Barracks
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Hiking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Front-Country Hiking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Junior Ranger Program
InfoAvailable
Activity: Park Film
InfoAvailable
Activity: Museum Exhibits
InfoAvailable
Theme: African American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: National Cemetery
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Enslavement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Forts
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Military
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Infantry and Militia
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Artillery
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoKentucky has a moderate climate, where summers are humid with highs typically in the upper 80s, and winter highs are in the low 40s. Of course, be aware of the possibility of storms or more extreme te
Getting There
InfoCamp 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 entranc
GPS Coordinates
Info37.7970° N, -84.5982° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website