Red River Gorge Geological Area

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Tucked away in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Turkey Foot Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This hidden gem features 15 secluded campsites scattered through a canopy of mature forest along the babbling waters of War Fork Creek. As a true primitive camping destination, Turkey Foot provides the essentials for a memorable outdoor adventure – each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table for gathering, a fire ring for evening stories, a level tent pad for comfortable sleeping, and a lantern pole to light your way. Modern conveniences are limited to well-maintained vault toilets, keeping the focus on the natural world around you. Best of all, this slice of wilderness comes without a price tag – all sites are completely free, making it perfect for budget-conscious adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity.

2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, Kentucky, 40376, United States

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's breathtaking wilderness, Natural Bridge State Resort Park beckons adventurers with its spectacular 22 miles of winding trails, a pristine 60-acre lake that mirrors the sky, and direct access to the legendary Red River Gorge. Whether you're seeking the simplicity of primitive tent camping under starlit skies, the comfort of grassy sites perfect for family gatherings, or convenient RV accommodations with modern amenities, this natural sanctuary offers an authentic outdoor experience for every type of explorer.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Nestled among towering hardwoods on a scenic ridgeline, Koomer Ridge Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the legendary Red River Gorge. Each wooded site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, while modern amenities like flush toilets and hot showers await during peak season, with vault toilets ensuring year-round access to this wilderness gateway.

Koomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Escape to Koomer Ridge Campground, where towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral above your tent and the whisper of wind through leaves becomes your evening soundtrack. This semi-primitive sanctuary in the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area beckons those who seek authentic connection with Kentucky's wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the protective canopy or navigating a small RV through the winding forest roads, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's embrace. While modern hookups are absent, the essentials remain: a welcoming bathhouse with seasonal showers, fresh mountain water, and trails that begin right at your doorstep. Each campsite feels like a private woodland retreat, where dense foliage creates natural walls between neighbors and filtered sunlight dapples the forest floor.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Clear Creek Campground, Clear Creek Road, Kentucky

Tucked away in the heart of a verdant mixed hardwood and pine forest, Clear Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with 20 thoughtfully spaced sites that welcome both tent campers and RV adventurers. Each site comes fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay – from sturdy tent pads and grills to lantern poles that cast a warm glow as evening falls. Gather around your fire ring under towering trees, or enjoy meals at your personal picnic table while listening to the whisper of seasonal creeks nearby. Modern restrooms and fresh drinking water ensure convenience doesn't compromise your wilderness experience. The well-separated sites and open forest canopy create the perfect balance of privacy and spaciousness, making this primitive campground a hidden gem for those seeking peaceful forest accommodations.

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Escape to the tranquil shores of Cave Run Lake at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, where 10 primitive campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with a lantern post to guide your evening wanderings and a fire ring perfect for starlit storytelling sessions. Nestled along a narrow, intimate section of the lake, this hidden gem invites paddlers and kayakers to explore calm waters where motorboats rarely venture, creating a peaceful haven for those who prefer the gentle splash of oars to the roar of engines.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Adventure awaits at Claylick Boat-in Campground, where 13 primitive campsites nestle along the shores of Cave Run Lake, accessible only by watercraft or a scenic half-mile trek from Claylick Boat Ramp. This secluded retreat offers boat moorings and the kind of tranquility that only comes from leaving the road behind.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest

8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371

Nestled along the pristine shores of Cave Run Lake, Zilpo Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. This expansive lakeside retreat offers something for every camping style – from traditional tent sites tucked beneath towering trees to modern RV spots with electric hookups, coveted waterfront locations with stunning sunrise views, and cozy cabins for those seeking a touch of comfort. Well-appointed with essential amenities including fresh drinking water throughout, clean flush toilets and hot showers, a convenient dump station for RVs, and direct lake access via the campground's own boat ramp, Zilpo makes it easy to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing convenience. Scenic trails wind through the property, inviting morning hikes and evening strolls along the water's edge.

5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH

Nestled along the pristine shores of Cave Run Lake, Twin Knobs Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sprawling collection of over 200 sites thoughtfully distributed across 10 distinct loops. As the crown jewel of the Twin Knobs Recreation Area, this forest sanctuary transforms camping into a full-scale adventure, where evenings come alive with amphitheater performances under starlit skies, days buzz with friendly volleyball matches and horseshoe tournaments, and miles of hiking trails wind through ancient woodlands waiting to share their secrets.

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

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.

Cave Run Lake

Nestled just below the impressive Cave Run Lake Dam, Tailwater Recreation Area offers a perfect day-use escape where the Licking River beckons anglers and boaters alike. With two welcoming picnic shelters and five first-come, first-served sites tucked into a landscape nearly embraced by the legendary Daniel Boone National Forest, this riverside retreat provides an intimate gateway to Kentucky's wild heart.

Clear Creek Campground, Clear Creek Road, Kentucky

Koomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371

2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, Kentucky, 40376, United States

5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH

Daniel Boone National Forest

5195 Kentucky 801 South, Morehead, KY 40351

Daniel Boone National Forest

Cave Run Lake

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, LONDON, KY 40744, USA

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's wilderness, Craigs Creek Group Area stands as the perfect basecamp for unforgettable group adventures. This exclusive tent-only retreat welcomes gatherings of 30 to 60 people, where memories are forged around crackling campfires and laughter echoes across pristine sports fields. With thoughtfully designed picnic areas, convenient grills for group cookouts, and spotless facilities, this hidden gem near the sparkling waters of Laurel River Lake transforms ordinary reunions into extraordinary outdoor experiences.

80 Kendall Road

Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Wolf Creek Dam, Kendall Campground serves as your gateway to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Cumberland, where endless adventures await. This well-appointed retreat features 116 spacious campsites, each equipped with water and electric hookups, making it perfect for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers seeking modern conveniences. Launch your boat from the on-site ramp for a day of fishing or water sports, then return to clean your catch at the dedicated fish cleaning station. When you're ready to explore on foot, scenic hiking trails wind through the property, while families can gather at the playgrounds and picnic shelters scattered throughout the grounds. The entire campground is embraced by a canopy of mature hardwood forests, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves and wildlife moves quietly through the underbrush.

1802 St. Rt. 1271, Kuttawa, KY 42055

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Barkley, Eureka Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This charming Corps of Engineers-managed retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtful amenities, including water and electric hookups, refreshing hot showers, and a delightful playground for young adventurers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp and explore the lake's hidden coves, or simply wade into the designated swimming area for a refreshing dip on warm afternoons.

10000 HWY 761, Nancy, KY, 42544, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky, Cumberland Point Campground offers a peaceful 30-acre retreat where water and woodland converge. This lakeside haven features 30 thoughtfully positioned campsites shaded by towering hardwoods, with 14 coveted waterfront spots that put you just steps from the water's edge. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with natural beauty, including clean flush toilets and hot showers, fresh drinking water throughout the grounds, and a convenient dump station. Adventure awaits with an on-site boat ramp providing direct lake access, while families can gather at the day-use area, relax under the picnic shelter, or watch children explore the playground as the sun sets over the water.

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Perched high on a forested ridge above the winding Horse Lick Creek, S-Tree Campground offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive mountaintop retreat has become a beloved basecamp for OHV enthusiasts who come to explore the surrounding trail networks. Each wooded campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, level tent pad, and traditional lantern pole—creating the perfect blend of rustic charm and practical comfort. The centerpiece of the campground is a beautifully preserved 1930s stone picnic shelter, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who helped shape these forests. Modern vault toilets provide necessary facilities while maintaining the campground's wilderness character.

P O Box 93, Dunmor, Kentucky, 42339, United States

Nestled along the serene shores of a 788-acre lake, Lake Malone State Park offers an intimate camping experience with 25 thoughtfully positioned sites. Whether you're seeking a peaceful tent camping spot beneath the canopy or prefer the convenience of water and electric hookups for your RV, this small but charming campground provides the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. The shaded sites offer welcome relief from summer sun, while the proximity to the water ensures fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers are just steps away from their next adventure.

Koomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Escape to Koomer Ridge Campground, where towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral above your tent and the whisper of wind through leaves becomes your evening soundtrack. This semi-primitive sanctuary in the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area beckons those who seek authentic connection with Kentucky's wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the protective canopy or navigating a small RV through the winding forest roads, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's embrace. While modern hookups are absent, the essentials remain: a welcoming bathhouse with seasonal showers, fresh mountain water, and trails that begin right at your doorstep. Each campsite feels like a private woodland retreat, where dense foliage creates natural walls between neighbors and filtered sunlight dapples the forest floor.

991 Laurel Branch Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Laurel Branch Campground offers an idyllic escape where the water meets the forest. With 71 thoughtfully positioned campsites—many offering breathtaking waterfront views or easy lake access—this outdoor haven provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern comfort. Families and adventurers alike will appreciate the full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a welcoming playground for young explorers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, cast a line from the shore, or simply relax on the public beach as the sun sets over the water. Well-maintained nature trails wind through the surrounding landscape, while practical touches like a fish cleaning station and fresh drinking water ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

1543 Cave Creek Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Cave Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 65 thoughtfully positioned campsites amid rolling hills and ancient forests. Whether you prefer the convenience of one of the 36 electric hookup sites or the rustic charm of primitive camping, you'll find modern comforts including hot showers and a convenient dump station. Beyond your tent or RV, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through the trees, a peaceful fishing pier extending into the lake, and a family-friendly playground where children's laughter mingles with birdsong.

P.O. BOX 9, COLUMBUS, Kentucky, 42032, United States

Where history meets the mighty Mississippi, Columbus-Belmont State Park offers campers a unique journey through time. This intimate 39-site campground invites RV enthusiasts and tent campers alike to sleep where Confederate soldiers once stood guard over the river. Beyond your campsite, explore preserved Civil War earthworks, wander through a fascinating museum, and soak in sweeping vistas of America's great river from atop ancient bluffs.