📍 Location: Beattyville, Kentucky
📅 Stay: July 2026
🏕 Accommodation: Premium full-hookup RV site with casita
💰 Price: RV sites currently start at $47 per night; premium sites and other accommodations vary

Our stay at Firefly Hills was hosted as part of a campground collaboration. As always, the experiences and opinions shared here are entirely our own.

Ready to experience Firefly Hills for yourself? Check current availability and pricing here and use code CALMINCHAOS for 10% off your stay.

At a Glance

Category	Our Rating
Family Friendly	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Internet	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Bathrooms	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laundry	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Quiet	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kids’ Activities	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would We Return?	Absolutely

Why We Chose Firefly Hills

When I first discovered Firefly Hills, it was the play spaces that caught my attention. With three active young boys, I’m always looking for places where they can get outside, move their bodies, and explore without needing a structured activity every minute.

Firefly Hills doesn’t have a traditional plastic-and-metal playground. Instead, the owners have created natural spaces that invite children to climb, build, imagine, and play.

There are giant webs in the woods, cars and a tractor carved from logs, a natural log seesaw, a mud kitchen, swings, hammocks, sports areas, and places where children can create their own adventures.

The main play areas are (click for our instagram reel!):

• Hidden Hangout
• Whimsical Woods
• Hammock Circle and swings
• Active play area with pickleball, basketball, and gaga ball
• Fishing ponds
• Mud Kitchen
• Dog Park
• Barn and Feeding the Animals

This wasn’t simply a campground with something added to keep children occupied. It felt like children—and the way they naturally play—had been considered from the beginning.

Arrival and First Impressions

Arrival was incredibly easy. Before our stay, we received the information needed to go directly to our site. No standing at a counter, searching for an office, or trying to navigate a crowded check-in area with three tired children.

The staff planned to check in with us after we had time to arrive and settle.

Our first impression was that Firefly Hills felt clean, welcoming, and intentionally designed. The campsites are arranged in circles, creating open shared spaces and encouraging connection without forcing it.

The staff was also incredibly responsive. We may have challenged them for the campground record for most questions asked during a single stay, and they were patient and helpful every time.

The Campsites

Firefly Hills currently offers spacious, back-in, full-hookup RV sites. According to the campground, the standard RV pads are approximately 12 feet wide by 70 feet long, with additional adjoining parking.

Our observations:

• Site size: Long and very spacious
• Site surface: Level gravel parking pad
• Privacy: Open, but the sites are comfortably spaced
• Shade: Limited in the main RV area
• Utilities: Water, sewer, and 50/30/20-amp electric service
• Electricity: Metered, so guests pay for their own usage
• Parking: Plenty of room at the site, with additional parking near the bathhouse
• Fire pits: A community fire pit is available; individual fire pits can be added to a site for a fee
• Big rigs: The long, level sites make this a practical option for larger RVs

There are relatively few trees immediately surrounding the RV pads, so shade can be limited during hot weather. If you need air conditioning, additional indoor space, or a quiet place to work or decompress, the casita included with a premium site is worth considering.

Our casita gave the boys more room to move and gave me a comfortable place to work and rest when lupus demanded that I slow down.

Amenities

Firefly Hills is still growing, but the amenities already in place feel thoughtful and well maintained.

Bathhouse

The newer bathhouse contains three private bathrooms, each with its own shower. One bathroom is officially ADA-accessible.

The layout was especially helpful for our family. After the mud kitchen, I needed to help my six-year-old shower. There was enough separation between the shower and the rest of the bathroom to give him his “much-needed” privacy while still allowing me to assist him.

This setup would also work well for:

• Parents helping younger children
• Guests who need a caregiver’s assistance
• People who need more room to maneuver
• Anyone uncomfortable with communal shower stalls

The floors had smooth transitions, the rooms were spacious, and everything was exceptionally clean.

Laundry

An on-site laundry room is located in the bathhouse. This is particularly helpful for longer stays, full-time travelers, and families whose children fully commit to the mud-kitchen experience.

Natural Play Areas

The play spaces were one of the highlights of our stay. Instead of directing children toward one specific way to play, the spaces encourage climbing, building, pretend play, problem-solving, and exploration.

Dog Area

There is a large designated area where dogs can move and play. This is a valuable feature for families traveling with pets, especially during longer RV stays.

Community Spaces

Throughout the property, we found hammocks, tables, benches, gathering spaces, and quiet areas. Blossom Hall provides space for events and group activities, while the community fire pit creates a natural gathering place in the evening.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Accessibility and inclusion aren’t treated as marketing language at Firefly Hills. You can see the thought behind them in the campground’s physical design, communication, atmosphere, and future plans.

That does not mean every inch of this approximately 90-acre mountain property is wheelchair accessible. The terrain is naturally challenging in places, and the historic farmhouse has limitations that cannot easily be changed. However, the main guest areas have been designed with accessibility in mind, and alternatives are offered when certain activities or paths cannot be accessed.

Mobility

The primary campground areas are relatively open and easy to navigate. Parking is plentiful, the RV sites are long, and additional parking is available near the bathhouse.

The bathhouse includes a designated ADA-accessible bathroom, although all three private bathrooms felt spacious. The smooth floor transitions and open layouts make it easier for guests who use mobility equipment or need assistance from a caregiver.

The farmhouse dates to the 1920s and would not be considered wheelchair accessible. As someone with lupus and multiple joint replacements, I was personally able to navigate it. The pathways and railings were sufficient for my needs, but another guest’s experience may be different.

Blossom Hall was particularly impressive. The main entrance is accessible, and the sliding door has a nearly seamless transition. This allows guests using mobility devices to remain with their group as activities move between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sensory Considerations

Firefly Hills offers numerous places to step away and decompress. There are hammocks, wooded areas, benches, quiet gathering spaces, and even a “thinking spot” with reflective questions in a jar.

Other sensory-friendly features we noticed included:

• Minimal fluorescent lighting
• Dimmable lighting in newer areas
• Outdoor lights directed downward
• Limited nighttime noise during our stay
• Plenty of physical space between activity areas
• Natural rather than highly stimulating play equipment
• Quiet spaces that do not require leaving the main property

The downward-facing outdoor lighting makes it safer to reach the bathhouse at night without overpowering the night sky.

Our premium-site casita was especially helpful. It gave our family an additional controlled environment when someone needed quiet, movement, air conditioning, or time away from the camper.

Neurodivergent-Friendly Features

For neurodivergent children, predictability and choice can make a significant difference.

The easy arrival process removed the uncertainty of a traditional check-in. The campground’s open layout made it easier to understand where things were located, while the separate play and quiet areas gave our children choices based on their needs at the time.

Instead of expecting every child to participate in the same activity, Firefly Hills provides opportunities to:

• Engage in active play
• Explore independently
• Use imaginative play
• Spend time with animals and nature
• Join other children
• Step away and decompress
• Participate in community activities without being pressured

Chronic-Illness Considerations

No campground can remove the challenges of traveling with chronic illness, but certain features can make a stay significantly more manageable.

For me, those included:

• Level campsites
• Accessible, spacious bathrooms
• Benches and seating throughout the property
• Shorter distances between the main RV area and bathhouse
• On-site laundry
• Quiet surroundings
• Additional air-conditioned space in our casita
• Plenty of opportunities to rest while still supervising the kids. I love when we get to play where we stay!

The main limitation is shade. The RV area is relatively open, so guests who are heat- or sun-sensitive should plan accordingly.

Community in Circles

During our stay, Hudson told me, “Circles can grow bigger.”

That simple observation captured what Firefly Hills is trying to create. Community works better in circles.

The circular arrangement of the campsites encourages interaction, but the spacing still allows families to maintain their own space. Children have room to play naturally, and adults can choose whether to gather around the community fire or enjoy a quieter evening at their site.

That sense of community extends beyond campground guests. Firefly Hills participates in area service projects, including river cleanups, and has involved local students in projects such as building picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.

This isn’t a campground that happens to be located near a community. It is actively trying to become part of that community.

The Story Behind Firefly Hills

Owners Tonja and Troy Lesmeister spent four years traveling full-time by RV and raised their children and foster children through worldschooling. They understood both the freedom of traveling and the isolation that traveling families can experience.

Firefly Hills opened in 2023 with a vision of creating something more than a place to park an RV. They wanted travelers to have opportunities to build relationships, contribute to service projects, learn homesteading skills, work on their RVs, and feel a sense of belonging.

Their vision is still unfolding. New trails, expanded lodging, river access, and additional guest experiences are among the plans for the growing property. Read more about the campground’s story.

Roadschool Rating: 5/5

Firefly Hills is a wonderful roadschool destination because learning happens naturally throughout the property.

Children can explore:

• Appalachian history and culture
• Farm and homesteading skills
• Gardening and food production
• Local plants and wildlife
• Pond ecosystems
• Conservation and river stewardship
• Carpentry and community projects
• The geography of the Red River Gorge
• The headwaters and formation of the Kentucky River

The natural play spaces also encourage engineering, problem-solving, cooperation, and creativity without making the experience feel like school.

Nearby Attractions

Firefly Hills works well as a home base for exploring Beattyville and the Red River Gorge region.

Popular area attractions include:

• Red River Gorge Geological Area
• Natural Bridge State Resort Park
• Daniel Boone National Forest
• Downtown Beattyville
• Kentucky River recreation
• Area hiking, climbing, paddling, and mountain-biking opportunities
• Local restaurants, shops, and seasonal festivals

The campground also provides detailed travel, food, outdoor-adventure, climbing, and map guides for guests.

Pros

• Exceptionally spacious RV sites
• Long, level pads suitable for large rigs
• Full hookups
• Thoughtful natural play spaces
• Quiet atmosphere
• Clean, private bathrooms
• ADA-accessible bathroom
• On-site laundry
• Family- and neurodivergent-friendly environment
• Plenty of room for children to move
• Strong focus on inclusion
• Responsive, visible owners and staff
• Community activities and service opportunities
• Premium sites offer air-conditioned casitas
• Convenient base for exploring Red River Gorge

Things to Consider

• Shade is limited in the main RV area
• Individual fire pits cost extra
• Electricity is metered and charged based on usage
• The open site design offers community but less visual privacy
• Some parts of the large, mountainous property are not mobility accessible
• The historic farmhouse is not wheelchair accessible
• Cell and internet performance may depend on location, carrier, and campground occupancy
• This is a growing campground, so some planned features may still be under development

Who Will Love Firefly Hills?

Firefly Hills is especially well suited for:

• Families with active or imaginative children
• Roadschooling and homeschooling families
• Neurodivergent travelers
• Full-time RV families looking for community
• Big-rig owners
• Remote workers who reserve a premium site with a casita
• Couples who appreciate quiet, natural surroundings
• Guests who value inclusive spaces
• Travelers exploring Red River Gorge
• People interested in community service or homesteading

Who May Want to Choose Somewhere Else?

This may not be the best match for travelers seeking:

• A resort-style swimming pool
• Organized nightlife or constant entertainment
• Heavily shaded RV sites
• A completely private or wooded campsite
• A fully wheelchair-accessible wilderness property
• A traditional commercial playground
• A campground where every planned amenity is already complete

Our Calm and Chaos Scores

🌿 Calm Score: 9/10

Firefly Hills was peaceful, spacious, and easy to navigate during our stay. The quiet areas, natural surroundings, thoughtful lighting, and casita gave us several ways to regulate, rest, or step away when needed.

😂 Chaos Score: 8/10

Most of the chaos came from our own children—and the mud kitchen. There was plenty for them to do, but the play spaces were spread out enough that the campground never felt overwhelmingly busy.

Packing Tips

Consider bringing:

• Bug spray (make sure you’re educated on tics, lots of trails to explore!)
• Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
• Bikes or outdoor toys
• Fishing equipment
• Closed-toe shoes for wooded play areas
• Mud-friendly clothes
• An outdoor rug or shade canopy
• Groceries. There’s a Save-a-lot and Dollar General near by, but you’ll want to make sure you have your necessities. I spent way too much time one day trying to find coffee beans.
• A laundry bag specifically for extremely muddy children

Final Thoughts

Firefly Hills is still growing, but its identity is already clear. I’m excited to see what they look like next time we visit, because this is one place we will need to make our way back to.

This is not simply a campground near Red River Gorge with large sites and clean bathrooms. It is a place being intentionally built around natural play, accessibility, service, inclusion, and community.

Not every part of a 90-acre mountain property can be accessible to every person. What stood out to me was the willingness to think about barriers, provide alternatives where possible, and continue improving.

Our boys had room to climb, explore, imagine, get muddy, and simply be children. I had places to work, rest, and manage the realities of traveling with lupus. As a family, we felt welcomed without being overwhelmed.

And Hudson was right: circles can grow bigger.

We would absolutely return.