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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Possum Ridge Ranch

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents375 acres · West Liberty, KY

Our remote 375 acres part farm and part natural woodland nestled up to Daniel Boone Forest is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. There are several hiking trails onsite and plenty of woods to explore. ATVs or side by sides are welcome to be used on the main gravel roads and some designated areas of our property. There is plenty of wildlife around but no hunting is allowed. Our designated tent sites do have firepits and picnic tables. Our trek in sites do not have those options. Pets are welcome for $10 per pet/per booking and they do need to be leashed/under control at all times. This is an extra so please be sure to add that if you plan to bring your pet. Please pick up after them. We are a short driving distance from West Liberty, Cave Run Lake, Grayson Lake, Carter Caves, Morehead, Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge. We are approximately 20 minutes from the nearest store so you'll want to come prepared. We are located in West Liberty (Morgan County). There is a centrally located bathhouse with toilet, shower and sink and a hose for potable water. We have firewood for sale for $15 per bundle and is an extra option when booking(use what you need during your stay and it is located at the tent sites), you can bring your own and you are welcome to gather from the surrounding area but please do not cut down any living trees/limbs.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Close to Adventure

1 site · RV, Tent44 acres · Frenchburg, KY

My place is secluded and peaceful. Its a wooded country setting and is a primitive site. There are no facilities or utilities, there is an outhouse/self composting (follow up your business with dropping leaves in after). It may not be suitable for children as there are active brush/wood burn piles on the land. See all photos and ask questions, please. I want it to be enjoyable for all who book. It’s also noteworthy that there are dogs in the area that roam free, it’s way out in the country, there are no leash laws. I’ve never had any issues with unfriendly dogs, but always be aware. It’s at a dead end road, no thru traffic. You can stay and enjoy some amazing stargazing, (there is minimal lighting and a very dark, clear view of the night sky) and lots of peace and quiet or explore the Daniel Boone National Forest surrounding the property or travel a short distance and see so many nearby amazing areas…Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, NADA Tunnel, Sky Bridge, Cave Run Lake, Twin Knobs and Zilpo Recreation Areas, Carter Caves State Park, Grayson Lake, Rudy’s Ranch. Learn more about this land:

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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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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.

Rose Hollow Cabins

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Stanton, KY

Welcome to Rose Hollow Cabins. The Deer Run and The Mountain Laurel are located on 10 private mountainous acres just 15 minutes from Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. Both cabins are furnished and equipped to make your stay comfortable and provide the feeling of being in a rural mountain home while enjoying all the outdoor adventures that Stanton, Kentucky and surrounding areas have to offer!

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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.

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.