Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Star4.66
45 reviews
5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351
Family FriendlyPeace & QuietFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

$144/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 11 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Boat Gunnel Group Campground
$144.00 - $144.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Electric sites cost $144 per night during peak season (April 11 – October 25). Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$144.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 45 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspaciouslake

"The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with highlights on its privacy, cleanliness, and suitability for group events. The bathhouse and the presence of a friendly camp host are frequently praised."

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Campground Map

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Boat Gunnel Group Campground

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Driving directionsFrom Lexington, Kentucky, on I-64, take exit 133. Turn right at the top of the exit ramp to proceed south on KY-801. Proceed 8.4 miles on 801. The campground entrance is on the right.
Accessible via paved roads; no seasonal closures mentioned. 8.4 miles south of Interstate 64 exit 133.
Nearby places
Lexington (~58 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Morehead (~13 miles, ~20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
No specific information provided about grocery or camping supply stores
nearby Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds offer dump stations, boat ramps, and beach areas at an additional cost.

Best Time to Camp at Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Experience the gentle rhythm of Kentucky's seasons at Boat Gunnel, where crisp winter days bring light dustings of snow and refreshing breezes through the forest canopy. As spring awakens the landscape, wildflowers carpet the hillsides before giving way to warm summer days perfect for swimming and water sports on Cave Run Lake. The moderate winds keep even the hottest afternoons comfortable, making peak season an ideal time for outdoor gatherings and lakeside adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in KY

Peak season includes summer; popular for lake activities, boating and swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Northeastern KY hills and hardwoods imply strong fall color and continued trail access.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 8% in KY

Open from mid-April; spring is popular as lake and trails awaken and reviews note warmer months popularity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed to bookings outside Apr 11–Oct 25; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 11 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 11 to October 25 during peak seasons. Closed for bookings outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Cave Run Lake, Boat Gunnel Group Campground offers the perfect basecamp for unforgettable group adventures in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This spacious retreat welcomes large gatherings with thoughtfully designed amenities, including a modern bathhouse with hot showers, a covered picnic shelter for memorable meals together, and a classic horseshoe pit where friendly competitions unfold under towering trees. Fresh drinking water stations throughout the grounds ensure your group stays refreshed after days spent exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Boat Gunnel Group Campground is a group-oriented site with both RV and tent camping options. It features a large picnic shelter and exclusive access to the bathhouse.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of outdoor activities are available at Boat Gunnel Group Campground and the surrounding area. Campers have access to trails such as the Boat Gunnel Shoreline Trail, the Oak Ridge Trail, and the Wildlife Trail. Recreational opportunities on Cave Run Lake include sailing, fishing, and boating, among others.
HikingScenic trails near the campground include the Boat Gunnel Shoreline Trail, the Oak Ridge Trail, and the Wildlife Trail, offering hiking opportunities for varying skill levels.
FishingCave Run Lake is a prime fishing destination, known for being home to Kentucky's state record Muskie.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Cave Run Lake, accessible via nearby Twin Knobs Campground. A review highlighted the enjoyment of tying boats to the bank for convenience.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNone explicitly stated in the source material.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.

Weather at Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Reviews

4.7
45 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Boat Gunnel Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with highlights on its privacy, cleanliness, and suitability for group events. The bathhouse and the presence of a friendly camp host are frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, private and gated access, availability of showers and flush toilets, group-friendly layout, and picturesque surroundings near Cave Run Lake. Users also...
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Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include unclear rules regarding usage (e.g., whether it's exclusively for groups or open to individual campers) and occasional maintenance problems with the showers.
Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early to secure a reservation, as the campground is highly sought after. Bring extension cords and adapters if using electrical hookups, as noted by users managing multiple RVs. Consider using...
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Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the warmer months (spring and summer) due to its proximity to Cave Run Lake and associated activities.
Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The privacy is the best, being able to close the gate and not have to worry about cars coming in where the kids are riding their bikes and playing." - Karen P. "Clean and well taken care of! Our...
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Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is specifically suited for groups, offering a gated area, multiple electrical hookups, and tent sites. A user review noted, 'there are only two posts, each with a 50, 30, and 110...
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Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

While specific ADA-compliant features are not detailed, the campground's gated access and flat terrain make it more manageable for groups.
Based on 45 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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