Twin Knobs Campground

Star4.45
1.0K reviews
5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$31 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open March 23 - Nove...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Twin Knobs Campground
$31.00 - $67.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $31 to $67 depending on site type. Additional fees apply for electric hookups ($8 extra per day). Discounts available for Interagency...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$48.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$128.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
606-780-7818vista@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 1.0K reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"Twin Knobs Campground has received mixed reviews, ranging from extremely positive to critical. Praise centers around spacious sites, clean facilities, and scenic views. Key complaints include inconsistent maintenance, overcrowding, and unfriendly staff."

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Campground Map

5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH

Twin Knobs Campground

5195 KY HWY 801 SOUTH

Driving directionsComing from 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.
The campground is accessible via KY-801, which is a paved road. The entrance is clearly marked and easily reachable from Interstate 64. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.
Nearby places
Morehead is 8.4 miles away
Lexington, KY is approximately 65 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores and camping supplies are available in Morehead, which is a 15-minute drive from the campground. Additional options include smaller local stores nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Twin Knobs Campground

Each season paints Twin Knobs in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for diving into Cave Run Lake's refreshing waters, while autumn sets the forest ablaze with brilliant reds and golds against crisp, comfortable temperatures. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland where snow occasionally dusts the towering trees, creating a serene retreat for hardy campers. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and mild weather, making it an ideal time for hiking and wildlife watching.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm lake swimming and boating but reviews note overcrowding, poison ivy and seasonal maintenance issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn foliage and cool weather get very positive mentions; clean facilities highlighted in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews favorable: cool weather, clean facilities and good wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 2 - Mar 22; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 23 - November 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 23 - November 1 (Peak Season). Closed November 2 - March 22.

About Twin Knobs Campground

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.
Twin Knobs Campground caters to various camping styles, including group, tent, and RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Reservation rules limit stays to a maximum of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Twin Knobs Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Highlights include hiking trails, fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing, and cultural programs. The campground is suited for family-oriented outdoor activities.
HikingTwin Knobs features the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail. Some reviews noted that trails are 'overgrown' and 'covered in poison ivy,' while others describe them as 'spectacular and accessible.'
FishingFishing is popular at Cave Run Lake, with some reviewers praising it as 'decent.' However, others noted challenges such as limited facilities for recharging boat batteries.
SwimmingThe campground offers access to a beach area, though reviewers complained about water quality and overcrowding: 'The beach was gross, muddy, and crowded,' noted Christopher H.
BikingCampground roads and trails provide opportunities for biking. However, issues were raised about enforcement of rules regarding electric bikes.
BoatingBoating activities include motor boating, sailing, and kayaking. There is a boat ramp for easy access to Cave Run Lake.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are common, including deer and birds. 'Truly out in the woods, animals all around,' remarked Matthew S.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy and yellow jackets are common hazards mentioned in user reviews. Some sites have uneven terrain and steep approaches.
Food Storage RequiredBear safety protocols require food storage, but availability of lockers is not explicitly noted.

Weather at Twin Knobs Campground

Reviews

4.5
1.0K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Twin Knobs Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Twin Knobs Campground has received mixed reviews, ranging from extremely positive to critical. Praise centers around spacious sites, clean facilities, and scenic views. Key complaints include inconsistent maintenance, overcrowding, and unfriendly staff.
Review Summaries
Based on 1040 reviews

What Campers Love

'Campsites are spacious and separated by trees,' 'bathrooms are clean and modern,' 'beautiful views of Cave Run Lake,' and 'helpful and friendly staff' are frequently highlighted.
Based on 1040 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with water pressure in showers, dirty or locked bathrooms, poison ivy along trails, and unfriendly behavior from some staff members. 'Dangerously boiling showers; no way to...
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Based on 1040 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring long hoses for water hookups, wear hiking boots to navigate overgrown trails, and reserve sites well in advance due to high demand. Avoid sites near the sewage plant or dumpsters due to odor...
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Based on 1040 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally favorable during spring and fall, highlighting cool weather and clean facilities. Summer reviews often note overcrowding, poison ivy issues, and maintenance challenges.
Based on 1040 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Twin Knobs is always clean and well-maintained,' shared Emily N. 'One of the best campgrounds I've ever visited,' commented Jennifer B. 'The campground was beautiful but not very pet friendly,'...
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Based on 1040 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site J016 is praised for privacy and accessibility, while site A039 received complaints about uneven ground and tall fire rings.
Based on 1040 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback: 'Accessible facilities are great,' but 'road conditions and uneven terrain make it challenging for those with mobility impairments.'
Based on 1040 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some restrictions apply. 'The campground was beautiful but not very pet friendly,' noted Amber P.
Based on 1040 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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