How much does camping cost at Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Camping fees at Boat Gunnel Group Campground range from $175/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Boat Gunnel Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Boat Gunnel Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Boat Gunnel Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Boat Gunnel Group Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Boat Gunnel Group Campground is open April 10 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Yes, Boat Gunnel Group Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Boat Gunnel Group Campground have?

Boat Gunnel Group Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Boat Gunnel Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Boat Gunnel Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Boat Gunnel Group Campground

4.46

45 reviews

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Top 1% in KYSummer

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Kentucky#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Kentucky Camping Near Red River Gorge +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 11 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

$175/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open April 11 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

ElectricShowers

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Boat Gunnel Group Campground

$175.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $175.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$144.00

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Provider

vista@vista-rec.com

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Campground Map

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Boat Gunnel Group Campground

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Nearby places

Lexington (~58 miles, ~1 hour drive)

Morehead (~13 miles, ~20 minutes drive)

Weather at Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Current alerts(6)

A maximum amount of 100 people are permitted.
A maximum amount of 4 RVs are permitted.
Additional fee for extra vehicles will be collected at the campground.
No ATV's or ORV's allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Cave Run Lake recreation — expect warm, humid days with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-90s °F and evenings in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Boating, swimming, fishing, and full use of group facilities (covered shelter, bathhouse, boat ramps) are at their peak, making it ideal for large group gatherings and lake-centered trips. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so reserve early and arrive prepared for mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in KY

Peak season for lake activities; warm weather and full access make summer the best time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 11 to October 25 during peak seasons. Closed for bookings outside these dates.

About Boat Gunnel Group Campground

Boat Gunnel Group Campground sits on Cave Run Lake in Daniel Boone National Forest near Morehead, Kentucky. Operated by Vista Recreation, this gated group facility offers electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a covered picnic shelter for gatherings of families or organizations. Visitors use the boat ramps for fishing and swimming, and camp hosts maintain the grounds throughout the season.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Cave Run Lake recreation — expect warm, humid days with daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-90s °F and evenings in the mid-50s to mid-60s. Boating, swimming, fishing, and full use of group facilities (covered shelter, bathhouse, boat ramps) are at their peak, making it ideal for large group gatherings and lake-centered trips. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so reserve early and arrive prepared for mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms. Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation807 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within the forested hills of the Cumberland Plateau, where sandstone cliffs rise above Cave Run Lake. Hardwoods provide shade across the property, and the lake's shoreline offers direct water access. The surrounding terrain shows the plateau's characteristic steep slopes and narrow ravines, with the water reflecting the ridgelines. Morning fog is common over the lake during summer months.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity not clearly stated.

Groups

The group site can accommodate both RVs and tents, with space for multiple travel trailers and about 10 tent sites. Each tent site offers a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern pole. A user mentioned, 'there is space for about 10 tent sites' and praised the layout and privacy.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible features such as a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers, a picnic shelter with electricity, and designated tent pads. However, specific details about ADA compliance are not provided.

Site SizeThe group campground includes spacious areas for both RVs and tents. Users noted the presence of two electrical posts supporting 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110-volt outlets, as well as space for multiple travel trailers and tent setups.

PrivacyThe campground is highly private, with gated access. A user review remarked, '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.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommended for groups due to private accommodations and spacious tent and RV sites.

Best CampsitesReviews mention the Group Standard Electric sites work well for large gatherings. The electrical posts are positioned to serve multiple RVs, though you'll want extension cords and adapters if you're running several trailers off the same post. The layout accommodates both tent campers and RVs simultaneously.

Need help booking Boat Gunnel Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Boat Gunnel Group Campground within the Daniel Boone National Forest offers a wide array of amenities designed to cater to large groups. It features a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers, a picnic shelter with a grill, serving table, and electricity. Campers also have access to a horseshoe pit, drinking water, and a large communal fire pit with benches. Each tent site within the campground is equipped with its own fire ring, picnic table, and lantern pole.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

45 reviews

Recommended

Boat Gunnel Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're planning a large group gathering and want private lakefront access with full amenities and boat ramps.

Skip if

You need a first-come site or want to camp outside the busy season when reservations fill quickly.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.5

(1040)

Twin Knobs Campground

5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH

Twin Knobs Campground sits on the wooded shores of Cave Run Lake in Daniel Boone National Forest, operated by Vista Recreation. This very large campground offers spacious, tree-separated sites with electric hookups, modern showers, and full amenities including a camp store and laundry. Campers fish, boat, hike forest trails, and swim in the lake, with fall foliage drawing peak crowds in mid-to-late October.