The best camping near Cave Run Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cave Run Lake adventure.

Discover Cave Run Lake's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Cave Run Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Cave Run Lake

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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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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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Kinner Kamping

9 sites · Lodging10 acres · Winchester, KY

My husband, Jason and I would love to host you on our farm in Winchester Ky! We have 4 themed campers and 2 primitive tent sites. Two things we can promise are inexpensive prices and an unique experience! Come visit the home of Kentucky’s soft drink-ALE81! Only 35 miles from Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge!

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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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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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Ohio River Private Paradise

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Stout, OH

Enjoy our private paradise with over 800 feet of riverfront on 17 acres along the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. We have a great landing for fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The sunsets are fantastic and the night sky incredible! Behold the barges passing by on the river as you unwind and relax in the peacefulness of nature! This is a primitive camp with three sites available for you to consider. Some things to know: We will provide a key code close to your arrival time so you can enter the gate by the road. If you are coming by river, we will put a flag on our landing. You can drive your vehicle right down to the sites. The farm is flat and easily navigated as long as it is dry. There will be a 5 gallon cooler of potable water for you to use. More water is available if we are at the property. We have 2 outhouses located on either end of the property. Firewood is plentiful by the river. We have some wood under a black tarp by the pavilion fire pit available for an additional fee. We have one neighbor who can make some noise with ORVs especially on weekends. Activities in the area include: 4 nature preserves The Conservancy properties Adams Lake State Park Lynx Prairie Serpent Mound Cedar Falls Moondoggie Livery Shawnee State Park Shawnee State Forest with over 60,000 acres and 8.000 acres of wilderness. Horse and ATV trails The Buckeye Trail The Ohio River Way Lewis and Clark Trail

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Rush Creek RV Campsite

9 sites · RVs3 acres · Cannonsburg, KY

Experience our small and private RV sites in a quiet location in the rural town of Rush, near Ashland KY. We provide full hook ups with 30 amp electric connection, water, and sewage. We also provide wifi throughout the property. We are an 8 minute drive from Rush Off-Road - a 7,000 acre off-road park with over 100 miles of trails with new trails being opened up regularly. The RV sites can accommodate up to a 50 ft RV or trailer as well as parking for an additional car or truck. The site dimensions are 30ft wide by 60ft long. Your RV/trailer must be self-contained as we do not have a toilet onsite. The sites are flat and guests will have to back-in. Pets are welcome but you must keep them on leash. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. PLEASE NOTE, I can provide a discount if you are booking for one month or more. Please contact me for the discount code if you're interested in booking a long-term stay.

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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. 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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The Mill @ Slate Creek

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Mount Sterling, KY

The Mill @ Slate Creek is a small creekside farm nestled in Montgomery County, Kentucky. As a newly established farm, we're excited to embark on this journey. Our primary focus is on berries. In the spring of 2024, we planted 100 blackberry plants, anticipating our first harvest in 2025. The future holds endless possibilities, and we dream of expanding our offerings beyond berries. Currently, we offer just one camping spot, but we have plans to increase that number soon. Our site boasts electric and water hookups, providing convenience and comfort for our guests. Join us at The Mill @ Slate Creek for a tranquil getaway amidst nature's beauty.

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Backwoods Hideaway

1 site · Lodging85 acres · Morehead, KY

This is a camping cabin, in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest. We are about 85 acres, surrounded by hundreds of acres of national Forest. We are located about 2 minutes from the Sheltowee Trail, and approximately 30 minutes away from Cave Run Lake. This is a cabin with comfort. You can camp and also enjoy nature.

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The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

6 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 provides an area for rest and relaxation for those wanting to camp. while enjoying the outdoors. The KILNS got its name from large charcoal kilns that was a thriving family business in the late 50's early 60's. Although they are no longer in functioning, they are part of our history. The camping area is nestled on a small 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. Coordinates: 37.75254° N, 83.60836° W Address: 300 Johnson Ln. Campton, KY 41301

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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.

The best camping near Cave Run Lake guide

Overview

About

For those seeking a serene escape with endless recreational opportunities, camping near Cave Run Lake is the answer for you. Nestled among the rolling hills and part of the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, this 8,000-acre lake is more than just a picturesque water body. It plays a crucial role in flood protection and ensuring a clean water supply for nearby communities. A Cave Run Lake camping trip is unique not just for its scenic beauty but also for the plethora of activities it offers. From boating and camping to hiking and hunting, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. Fishing aficionados will be particularly drawn to the lake's diverse fish population, boasting species like bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The lake's reputation as a fishing hotspot is further cemented by the numerous tournaments it hosts throughout the year. Beyond fishing, the lake's clear waters invite swimmers, water skiers, and jet skiers to dive into aquatic adventures. With several boat ramps and marinas dotting its perimeter, access is a breeze for boaters. And for those who prefer dry land, the trails around Cave Run Lake offer scenic views and glimpses of wildlife, making it a hiker's paradise. Popular spots like the Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas provide perfect settings for leisurely lunches or sunset views. Whether you're casting a line, setting up camp, or simply soaking in the views, camping near Cave Run Lake promises a refreshing blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of Kentucky's natural beauty.

When to go

The best time to visit Cave Run Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are less ideal due to colder weather, which may limit some outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and pack extra layers for variable temperatures.
Be mindful of wildlife and maintain a safe distance at all times.
Remember to carry out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
Office hours are from 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, but it's best to call ahead as times may vary.