Camp Nelson National Monument Visitor Center and Museum
Photo: NPS/A. Goetz
About
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.
Location
6614 Old Danville Loop 2 Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Hours
wednesdaySunrise to Sunset
mondaySunrise to Sunset
thursdaySunrise to Sunset
sundaySunrise to Sunset
tuesdaySunrise to Sunset
fridaySunrise to Sunset
saturdaySunrise to Sunset
Activities
HikingFront-Country HikingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmMuseum Exhibits
Directions
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 Cemetery.
Get directions →Weather
Kentucky 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 temperatures on occasion. The wettest months are March - July when about 4 inches of rain per month are expected, with other months of the year are usually drier.