Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

Star4.32
962 reviews
8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$28 - $94/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

355 campsites

Season

Peak season: March 2...

Cell

Has Service

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
Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
$28.00 - $94.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range depending on the site type: cabins (up to $94 per night), standard electric sites ($39–$50 per night), and non-electric sites ($28–$42 per...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$50.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
606-768-2722vista@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 962 reviews

398 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakestaff

"Zilpo Campground enjoys a mix of positive and critical reviews. Common praises include the scenic location, spacious campsites with good privacy, and friendly staff. However, complaints often highlight maintenance issues, such as unkempt trails, outdated facilities, and tick infestations."

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Campground Map

8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371

Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371

Driving directionsIn Salt Lick, KY, at the intersection of State Route 211 and U.S. Route 60, take Route 211 south for 3.6 miles to the Forest Recreation sign. Turn left at the sign, onto Clear Creek Road and go 3.9 miles to Zilpo Campground sign. Turn left at the sign onto Forest Route 918 and drive 8.7 miles to the campground.
Roads are paved and accessible but include sharp turns. The last 15 miles may challenge some drivers due to winding and curvy roads.
Nearby places
Salt Lick (12 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The campground store sells ice, firewood, and limited essentials. For extensive groceries or supplies, the nearest store is in Salt Lick, 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

Summer at Zilpo brings sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and boating, while evenings cool down to comfortable temperatures ideal for campfire gatherings. The remote location creates a peaceful atmosphere where the sounds of nature replace city noise, though visitors should come prepared with tick protection during the warmer months when these tiny hitchhikers are most active. The campground's isolation becomes its greatest asset, offering a true escape into tranquility.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer supports swimming, boating and nature programs; busy and higher tick activity in peak weeks.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall offers foliage and quieter visits; campground closes Oct 26 for winter.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens Mar 23; spring brings milder temps, fewer crowds and reopening of lake activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed from Oct 26 to Mar 22; winter season not offered on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 23 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season: March 23–October 25. Closed from October 26 to March 22.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal flooding may close the beach or limit trail access. Site maintenance issues, including limited restroom facilities, have been reported.

About Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

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.
Zilpo Campground offers a variety of camping accommodations suitable for primitive, RV, and tent camping. Cabins are also available for rent, making it a versatile option for all camping preferences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights maximum

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Zilpo Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, thanks to its location on the scenic Cave Run Lake. Offerings include hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. Hikers will appreciate the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail, while anglers can challenge themselves with the abundant muskie, bass, and catfish in the lake. The sandy beach and scenic surroundings offer additional outdoor recreation.
HikingThe Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail spans 2.25 miles and connects to a network of other trails around the lake. Hikers have appreciated the moderate difficulty and scenic views. However, some reviews note overgrown and poorly marked trails.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Cave Run Lake. Anglers target muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. One user stated, 'Fishing is good. Wildlife is beautiful.'
SwimmingSwimming facilities include a sandy beach that operates seasonally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, the beach area has been described as 'rocky,' and some users recommend swim shoes.
BoatingBoating is a key recreational activity, supported by a concrete boat ramp. Many campers bring kayaks and boats to explore the lake.
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting opportunities abound, with frequent sightings of turkeys, hawks, owls, and deer. 'Every day we saw an abundance of wildlife,' one review noted.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are available, but reviews indicate that the beach area contains gravel and small rocks, which some visitors found uncomfortable for barefoot use.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are a significant concern during warm months. Poison ivy is prevalent in some campsites. Sharp turns on the access road may challenge drivers.
Active AlertsSeasonal flooding may close the beach or limit trail access. Site maintenance issues, including limited restroom facilities, have been reported.

Weather at Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

Reviews

4.3
962 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For. is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Zilpo Campground enjoys a mix of positive and critical reviews. Common praises include the scenic location, spacious campsites with good privacy, and friendly staff. However, complaints often highlight maintenance issues, such as unkempt trails, outdated facilities, and tick infestations.
Review Summaries
Based on 962 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful lake views, well-spaced campsites, clean and functional cabins, and a friendly and accommodating staff. Many users also praised the natural setting and wildlife.
Based on 962 reviews

Common Concerns

Outdated bathroom facilities, inconsistent cell service, rocky beach areas, and issues with maintenance such as overgrown trails and a lack of hot water in showers.
Based on 962 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring swim shoes for the rocky beach, carry bug spray to deal with ticks, and ensure all necessary supplies are packed due to the remote location.
Based on 962 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) brings well-attended nature programs and beach activities but also sees higher tick activity. Off-season visits provide serene and less crowded conditions.
Based on 962 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Campsites are large, clean, and well-spaced.' 'Ticks are a real issue - bug spray is a must!' 'The lake access and views are stunning.'
Based on 962 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop H receives high praise for its proximity to the lake and spacious sites, with Site 27 frequently mentioned for its private beach access. However, some cabins were criticized for bed bug...
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Based on 962 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible cabins are appreciated, but overgrown trails and uneven pathways are a concern for some visitors.
Based on 962 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs are not permitted at the beach. Cabins 41, 120, 121, and 123 are pet-friendly.
Based on 962 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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