Camping in the Red River Gorge
Caving, climbing, and camping are on the agenda at this national geological area.
97% (1425 reviews)
- Red River Gorge
97% (1425 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Red River Gorge
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds in Red River Gorge
98%
(50)
Bar on the Mountain
2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Beattyville, KY
*ADDITIONAL SITE ADDED* Check out our new site, Top Shelf added March 2024!
Primitive camping at its PEAK! Located in the heart of Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge, this secluded camping ground offers an experience above the rest - literally!
Accommodates tents and RV/campers 24ft and under.
360 degree views including a front row seat to an Appalachian Mountain sunrise!
Minutes from Hollerwood Offroad Park, Gorge-ous climbing and hiking trails, fishing/boating/swimming at Mill Creek Lake, restaurants including Miguel's Pizza, Rockhouse, La Cabana Mexican, and Thatcher's BBQ to name a few!
Close access to Hollerwood Offroad Park.
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$50
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99%
(101)
Camp Middle Fork
4 sites · Tents180 acres · Irvine, KY
Learn more about this land:
Come stay at Middle Fork Camp: two acres of grass and eleven acres of wooded hillside overlooking a valley meadow in the Daniel Boone National Forest region. Just forty minutes from the Red River Gorge and past homesite of pioneer settlers, the property features an outdoor kitchen, potable spring water, an outdoor shower, WiFi, and 110V and RV-type electric outlets. There is a yoga deck, picnic table, and wood benches with stone ring fireplaces for your use. Help yourself to vegetables from the veggie patch in season!
There are ample hiking and trail running opportunities from the site, starting right behind the (private) A-frame cabin, up and over the limestone cliffs or out the gravel road. I have established hiking/running trail loops to scenic points ranging from 1 - 15 miles in length and will be happy to provide detailed information, including GPS tracks upon request. Enjoy!
Note: Camp Middle Fork is a true nature area: in season there are ticks, you may see a snake, and common to this region, there is poison ivy in the woods. If you are sensitive, dress accordingly.
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$30
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98%
(247)
Serenity Camp
26 sites · RVs, Tents175 acres · Beattyville, KY
I moved back here a few years ago to my home place where I grew up. To me it is the most relaxing thing I can do to just sit by a bonfire and look at the view.
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$12
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95%
(41)
Boone Valley Campground
50 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Beattyville, KY
Boone Valley Campground is a family owned and operated business that offers 30 acres of primitive, RV, and Van camping. Conveniently located only 1 mile away from the Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve, 7 miles from the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, and 15 miles from the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Red River Gorge Area. Boone Valley is perfect for outdoor adventurers and families who want to spend and enjoyable weekend in nature.
Enjoy local events! Boone Valley is located 5 miles from downtown Beattyville, KY. Camp with us on weekends of local festivals such as the Bourbon and Moonshine Festival and the Woolly Worm Festival.
Onsite enjoy weekend live music, bonfires, and home cooking from the Boone Valley Kitchen.
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$20
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75%
(4)
Lago Linda Hideaway
48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents454 acres · Beattyville, KY
Our Cabins, RV sites, and Campground are near Kentucky’s breathtaking Red River Gorge!
Situated on a magnificent 410-acre expanse within the enchanting Daniel Boone National Forest, we offer a range of accommodations to suit your preferences. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky as you choose from our cozy cabins, comfortable bunk houses, RV sites with electricity and water, or the simplicity of tent camping. For those seeking a back-to-basics experience, we also provide primitive camping options.
One of our most notable features is our fully stocked 5-acre lake, inviting you to indulge in fishing or swimming. Embrace the great outdoors in our expansive field, which features well-maintained primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Our well-appointed bathhouse ensures your comfort and even offers laundry facilities for your convenience.
RV enthusiasts will find our sites equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, and we provide a convenient dump station within the Campground. If you’re in the mood for adventure, explore our hiking trails or take one of our kayaks out on the water.
When hunger strikes, our on-site Café awaits, offering delicious meals to satisfy your cravings. At Lago Linda Hideaway, we strive to provide everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.
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$20
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92%
(12)
Nocoma’s Pass
6 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Ravenna, KY
We searched all over for a piece of property in the mountains of Kentucky! We fell in love with our 50 acres nestled in between 3 mountains. With waterfalls a cave 2 streams beautiful star filled nights tucked away in the middle of a wooded utopia!
Totally away from the modern world but close enough to be there in 30 minutes!
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$35
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100%
(23)
The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge
4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Campton, KY
Located 1 mile from the Red River Gorge in Pine Ridge KY between Mt. Parkway Exit 40 East and Exit 40 West and 8 miles to Natural Bridge State Park. The KILNS is nestled on a family farm with 5 acres designated for PRIMATIVE Tent or Van Camping. The property is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and a lush green field, freshly manicured. It is easy access to Red River Gorge, Local Restaurants, General Stores all while secluded from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come relax and enjoy, we look forward to seeing you!
Here are the coordinates: the maps sometimes take you to Campton, but the coordinates are accurate.
Address:
300 Johnson Ln. Campton, KY 41301
Coordinates:
37.75254° N, 83.60836° W
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$25
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(1)
Serene Haven Retreat
30 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Zoe, KY
Escape to the tranquility of our 30-acre property nestled in the heart of the RRG, where nature's beauty meets adventure.
With a picturesque 2-acre pond, it's a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy fishing, hiking, riding, and climbing, all within reach. Experience serenity and adventure in one unforgettable camping getaway.
We currently have 10 sites set up, but please do not hesitate to reach out if more are needed. We have more than enough room.
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$10
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Furnace Mountain Rustic Retreat
6 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Stanton, KY
Enjoy the cool breeze through the trees on this historic mountaintop! Formerly a strip mine over 20 years ago, come witness the ongoing natural regrowth process. With 25 acres at your disposal, you can hike, fish, nature watch, ride your UTV, and more. Just minutes away from Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest, this rustic getaway is exactly what you've been craving. Bring your ATV or UTV, or rent one from us as an add-on. We have one cabin available to rent on the property, as well as a number of mobile campers or tents for rent. Park and hike to your primitive site for a true outdoor experience! Although this space is rustic, we have big plans. A stay with us helps ensure that we restore this former strip mine into a beautiful retreat for centuries to come, complete with animals and fresh-grown fruits and vegetables for guests to enjoy.
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Red River Gorge Glamp Camp
3 sites · Lodging20 acres · KY
There are many vacation listings claiming to be "in the Gorge", actually almost all of them are miles away. Don't be mislead, check our location on the map!
The Glamp Camp is a very rare private property actually inside the Red River Gorge. It is surrounded by 30,000 acres of scenic, mostly uninhabited Forest Service land.
No need to drive to distant trails. Walk from the camp into miles of primitive forests. Massive cliffs, giant boulders and pristine streams surround the camp. Walk to the Red River and world-class climbing sites.
Short drive to major trail heads, caves, waterfalls and stunning arches. *Ask me about where to go and what to see, I'm happy to help. Free map in your glamper.
Dunkan Branch, a pristine, babbling stream flows feet from the Glamper. The property is gated and access restricted to our guests only.
Guests get 10% discounts for kayaking with Red River Adventure, and at Mill Creek Lake at nearby Natural Bridge State Park.
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$139
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(23)
Savvy Retreat
2 sites · RVs3 acres · Berea, KY
Peaceful and private camping spot with a 50 foot Pavilion to park a camper or pitch a few tents under to enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding you. 25 minutes from the historic downtown of Berea and the Pinnacle Trails. 30 minutes from Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area & Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Down the road from Rock Lick that gives you access to four wheeling trails. Very pet friendly. Come enjoy the beauty that our small town has to offer, surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forrest.
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$50
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The LAAAAND (just you & 50 acres)
2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Frenchburg, KY
When you want to get away to nature, what do you envision? We're a family that loves to camp; and while we love a stop at a KOA or community campground, we sometimes crave quiet time in nature without the noise and distraction of other campers.
That's what makes The LAAAAND so special (yes, you say it with an accent;). The property is comprised of 50 pristine acres, with a mix of fields and woods, that bump up against another 250 acres owned by our family friends. The southern perimeter of the property is all cliff line, so you feel truly remote. The possibilities of sound pollution are limited to a far-off dog barking, horses being ridden down a nearby trail, or the possible hum of a distant lumber yard. Other than that, you'll mostly hear the wind rustling trees, deer and critters making their way through the woods, and possibly a waterfall at certain times of the year. Oh, and you will absolutely hear whipoorwhills, most likely at a time you'd rather not (we've decided they're charming).
Over the nearly 2 decades we've owned this property we have spent countless weekends enjoying the simplest of pleasures; watching butterflies dance in the tree canopy, having dance parties at sunset on the deck, forging new trails and hiking into the unkown, sitting in the truck bed late at night gazing at a star-covered sky counting shooting stars.
If you are looking for a space and place to reset and reconnect, The LAAAAND is waiting for you.
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Star Hosts in Red River Gorge
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Camping in the Red River Gorge guide
Overview
Real-life adventure playgrounds rarely come as impressive as Kentucky's Red River Gorge. Carved out by the Wild and Scenic Red River and cocooned within Daniel Boone National Forest, the soaring cliffs, natural arches, and cascading waterfalls provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities. Rock climbing is the quintessential pastime—"The Red" is one of the world’s top destinations—but you can also hike, horseback ride, kayak, or zipline. Four-season camping is possible at Red River, but we recommend spring or fall, when mild weather combines with seasonal wildflowers and epic fall foliage views.
Where to go
Central Red River Gorge
Follow the 46-mile Red River Gorge Scenic Byway for spectacular views across the gorge, admire the unique rock formations and natural arches along the Angel Window or Sheltowee trails, or put your rock climbing and rappelling skills to the test. Koomer Ridge campground is the only developed campground in the main gorge area, but you’ll also find private campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and treehouses with views of the gorge.
Northwest & Daniel Boone
The 900-foot-long Nada Tunnel marks the western entrance to the Red River Gorge, and some of the most renowned rock formations and arches can be found nearby. Further north, the Daniel Boone National Forest is nirvana for hikers, and self-sufficient campers can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the national forest land. Or, for a change of scenery, head away from the gorge to enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside camping at Cave Run Lake.
Southwest & Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park encompasses much of the southwestern region of the Red River Gorge, where you’ll find some of the most easily accessible hikes and campgrounds. Hike or ride the Skylift to the park’s namesake Natural Bridge, rent a kayak or canoe along the river, then check in one of the campgrounds or rent a cozy cottage. Nearby, Muir Valley is a popular spot for rock climbing, while Campton is the starting point for ziplining excursions across the gorge.
East & Clifty Wilderness
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, pack your tent and hit the trails of the vast Clifty Wilderness area. Dense forests, rugged ridges, and streams provide plenty of tranquil backcountry camping spots, or you can bring your kayak or canoe to paddle the wild waterways of the Red River. In the southeastern corner of the gorge, the Rock Bridge Trail is a perennial favorite, with views of the natural bridge and waterfall.
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