Why You’ll Love the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup in Kentucky
The Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup is back for year two, and this time we are going bigger.
If you missed K25, you missed campfire jams, morning coffee with strangers who felt like old friends by Sunday, and the kind of easy weekend that reminds you why you started traveling in the first place.
K26 happens October 30 through November 2, 2026 at Hillman Ferry Campground inside Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky.
Halloween weekend. 🎃
All rigs welcome.
What Is the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup?
This is not a vendor expo. There are no keynote speakers, no registration fees, and no agenda you have to follow.
The Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup is a grassroots campout organized by nomads for nomads. You show up, find your site, meet your neighbors, and spend the weekend doing whatever feels right.
Some people stay by the fire the whole time. Some explore the trails. Some spend an hour walking the loop looking at everyone’s rigs and asking questions. All of it counts.
Whether you travel in a minivan, a full-size van, an RV, a skoolie, a tent, or something you built yourself out of stubbornness and YouTube videos, you belong here.
When and Where Is the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup?
Dates: October 30 to November 2, 2026
Check-in: Friday, October 30
Checkout: Monday, November 2 (book through Monday when reserving your site)
Location:
Hillman Ferry Campground, Section A1
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
820 Hillman Ferry Rd, Grand Rivers, KY 42045
How to Book Your Campsite for the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup
Sites for K26 are in Section A1 at Hillman Ferry Campground. These are 50 amp electric sites with water. There are also primitive sites nearby. Here are both ways to book:
Sites Available as of 5/22/2026:
A1: 4, 6, 9, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 21, 32
A2: 33, 36, 37, 43, 44, 45
Option 1: Book Online
- Go to lblweb.usedirect.com/camplbl
- Click the field that says “Search by campground or facility” and select Hillman Ferry
- Click “Select arrival – end date” and choose your arrival and departure dates (event runs October 30 to November 2)
- Under “What type of site are you looking for?” select Electric/Hookup sites
- Click Show Results
- Select Hillman Ferry from the results
- Select Section A1
- Choose your site and confirm availability
- Click ‘Book Now’ button
- At checkout, look for “Rate Classification” to apply your discount. If you are a veteran, active duty, or America the Beautiful pass holder and do not see those options, select “Senior” as it carries the same $30/night rate
- Use drop-down menu to select 3 nights for Fri, Sat, Sun or if you plan to arrive earlier or stay later, adjust to fit
- Complete your payment online
Note: a $10 reservation fee is added at checkout.
Option 2: Call the Campground
- Call Hillman Ferry Campground directly at 270-924-2183
- Ask for Janet or Michelle
- Tell them you are with the K26 meetup (this is your booking code, use it)
- Book your site and confirm your dates
Available main sites in Section A1 (as of May 2026): 4, 8, 9, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20. These are 50 amp electric sites with water hookup.
Sites can be split between two rigs, so if you are coming with a travel buddy, one site may cover both of you. Some sites are large enough to accommodate an extra vehicle for approximately $5 per night. Make sure to register the additional vehicle when you book or when you arrive
Nightly rates:
- Standard rate: $36/night
- Veterans, active duty, or America the Beautiful pass holders: $30/night (saves you $6/night)
Book early. Sites fill up, especially on Halloween weekend. Once they are gone, they are gone.
Your hosts will be set up near the entrance of Section A1. Sites are also available in Section A2, which is closer to the bathhouse. Book wherever works best for you.
What to Expect at the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup
K25 showed us what this community is capable of when you just give people a fire pit and a reason to show up. K26 builds on that. Here is what we have planned:
- “Show Us Your Rig” hike: we’ll actually do this one this year. Hike the loop and view other’s rigs around the loop, show off your setup, ask questions, get ideas
- Halloween costume contest: come dressed, win bragging rights. Nomad-themed costumes are encouraged but not required
- Campfire music and jam sessions: bring an instrument if you have one. No pressure, no performance, just good sound around a fire
- Campfire cooking contest: open fire and one-pot setups only. S’mores will be involved
- Morning coffee hangouts: the best conversations happen before 9 AM with a cup in your hand
- Cornhole, ladder golf, and other camp games: low stakes, high laughs
- Group hike or geocache: Land Between the Lakes has trails worth exploring
- Rock painting: sounds small, becomes a thing every time
- Halloween party favors and holiday snacks: we are leaning into the season
- Photo backdrop setup: get a shot worth keeping
We are still planning some of the finer details for K26. If you have a skill, a talent, or an idea you want to bring to the group, tell us in the RSVP form below.
Who Is Hosting the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup?
Your hosts are Marshall from Mellow Nomadic Adventures and Tim from Time4Xploring. Both are Kentucky-based nomads and content creators who started this event because the community asked for it and we had nowhere obvious to point them. K25 proved the concept. K26 is where it grows.
This event is self-funded, grassroots, and entirely for the community. Come as you are.
Get K26 Updates Straight to Your Inbox
Drop your email below and we will keep you posted as K26 details come together. No spam, just meetup updates.
RSVP to Attend the Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup
Let us know you are coming. This helps us plan activities, coordinate campfires, and make sure no one shows up to a ghost town. RSVP is free. Your campsite reservation is separate and handled directly with the campground.
Already going? Join the conversation in our Bluegrass Bounder Facebook group and let us know you’re coming.
Support the Meetup
K26 is free to attend. If you want to help cover firewood, party supplies, or s’mores materials, you can chip in here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to RSVP to attend?
RSVP is strongly encouraged but your campsite reservation is what guarantees your spot. Sites are first come, first served. Once they are booked, they are gone. RSVP helps us plan but your booking is what matters most.
Is this just for van lifers?
Not at all. Minivans, full-size vans, RVs, skoolies, SUVs, tents, and anything else you can sleep in are all welcome. If you travel, you belong here.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Keep them leashed, clean up after them, and make sure they are comfortable around people and other animals.
What are the bathroom and shower options?
Section A2 at Hillman Ferry has bathhouse access with toilets and hot showers.
Are generators allowed?
Yes. Be respectful of quiet hours. Solar setups are encouraged when possible.
Can I split a site with someone else?
Yes. Sites can be split between two rigs. Coordinate with your travel buddy and mention it when you call to book.
Can I attend for just one day without camping?
Yes. Day visitors are welcome. RSVP if you can and follow posted campground rules.
Is there a Halloween costume requirement?
No requirement. It is Halloween weekend and we are leaning into it with a costume contest and party extras, but come however you are comfortable.
The Bluegrass Bounder Nomad Meetup started with a simple idea: give the community a place to land. K25 delivered. K26 is where it becomes a tradition. We’ll see you October 30 at Hillman Ferry.
Find Your People: Nomadic, Vanlife, and RV Meetups:
Planning your first trip? Check out the 2026 Nomadic Gatherings Guide for minivan
camping meetups, vanlife events, and nomadic community gatherings happening
this year.
