$17 - $30 / night

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Nature

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People

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Activities

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Roads

Established Camping

Koomer Ridge Campground

46 Reviews

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About

USDA Forest Service

Daniel Boone National Forest

Koomer Ridge Campground, located on Cumberland Ranger District in the Red River Gorge, features semi-primitive camping in a tranquil forest setting. The campground provides access to trails in the Red River Gorge. View Koomer Ridge guide & map. The campground amphitheater opens Memorial Day weekend and features a program each Saturday through Labor Day. The programs usually begin at dusk. Check the campground bulletin board or contact the Gladie Visitor Center for more information. Hiking/backpacking trails in the area: Cliff Trail #206 (.5 mile) Koomer Ridge Trail #220 (2.75 miles) Silvermine Arch Trail #225 (1.5 miles) Hidden Arch Trail #208 (1 mile). ACTIVITIES Camping: The Koomer Ridge Campground features semi-primitive camping in a tranquil forest setting. Interpretive Programs: Visitor programs are held on weekends. Recreational Vehicles

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Location

Koomer Ridge Campground is located in Kentucky

Directions

Traveling east on the Mountain Parkway, take exit 33 at Slade. Turn left and then right onto KY 15. This campground is 5 miles on the left.

Coordinates

37.78436677225807 N
83.6312141070177 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Poor
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Available
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

$17 - $30

/ night

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

First Come - First Served

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Contact

General Info

Lucy P.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 6, 2024

Excellent little campground!

One of the best forest service campgrounds I’ve stayed in. Beautiful and well maintained, lots of great hiking trails leaving directly from campground.

A lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV, but amazing for tent camping. If you’re staying in a vehicle I recommend doing first come first serve or extensive research. The more slanted sites also are much more secluded - we couldn’t even see our neighbors most of the time. Unfortunately sound echoes so you can hear everything.

No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult. Was on Verizon extended network and had hotspot service from at and t and t mobile.

Site26

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Dana M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2023

A favorite tradition

We camp here every time we go to KY! Gravel level sites. Typically very quiet. Pit toilets in camping loops but there is a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets.

Site34

Month of VisitAugust

Jeffrey A.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Lovely NF Campground

Koomer Ridge is really an excellent campground! As of April 2023 all sites were first-come, first-serve (no prior reservations permitted). We camped one night and thoroughly enjoyed it! No hook-ups but the site was level for a 21" campervan and had a HUGE tent pad, 2 lantern posts, fire ring and picnic table in a spacious site. Plenty of trees for hammocks, too! Sites were more than adequately spaced out around the campground and some were quite private. Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature. Campground is heavily wooded, too, so plenty of shade should be available during the summer months.

The shower house is next to Site 14 and was clean though chilly but had hot & cold running water and was modern/updated. Only ding here was that a couple of the toilets were out of service during our stay - no big deal as the campground was fairly empty and I hope they'll be addressed before summer crowds arrive.

The campground is on a ridge - so apart from the sites themselves, there is very little flat ground to be had. Not a drawback, just an observation. But the hills make for a lovely setting and beautiful sunsets/sunrises filtering through the trees. Only criticism is the proximity to the Mountain Parkway nearby; had we been tent camping, the traffic noise would have been a nuisance all night. But in the campervan it wasn't noticeable, fortunately! Not enough to cost a star, but worth noting if you're using a tent or soft-sided camper.

Red River Gorge is an extraordinary and beautiful place to explore, and Koomer Ridge is an excellent basecamp from which to do so!

Site14

Month of VisitMay

APPA A.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 27, 2022

Spacious sites

We went mid week and were surprised to find it less than half full. Spacious sites, the loop near the developed bathroom is convenient both for the bathroom (obviously) and a cliff view trail that was really nice.

The bathroom did get backed up the morning we left, assuming it was taken care of promptly considering we’ll saw several rangers doing various other things in the campground while we were there.

Site14

Month of VisitJune

Steven D.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 14, 2022

Great Location

Really enjoyed how this campground connects to Red River Gorge via a few different trails. Made it easy to go out on a day hike and return back to your site.

Month of VisitNovember

(9) View All

Kenny P.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2021

Koomer Ridge Campground

First come first serve campground. Has a mix of back in sites and walk in sites. Plenty of photo opportunities and hiking trails.

Site7

Month of VisitAugust

Noreen

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Great camping trip

I liked the camp site and would love to come back again. People we met were very friendly and we had a great time. Got up early in the morning and watched the sun rise - just beautiful! I also sat very still, while a baby doe came very close to me, and I watched her munching on some grass. Great memory of a beautiful place!

Month of VisitSeptember

Levi H.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Not bad for last minute

Came in looking for a site and they had one available. Nice location but the bathrooms aren’t very clean unfortunately.

Site2

Month of VisitJuly

Micah N.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Amazing area

We stayed at one of the walk in sites and loved it. We felt like we had the forest to ourselves. Beautiful area with amazing hiking. The

Site53

Month of VisitMay

Brian N.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Amazing home base camping!

The campsites are great and spaced out nice! Most sites have small pea gravel and are very clean. Bath house is open but no showers are at of March. Three great trails that you can do right from the campgrounds. Miles more within a few minutes drive

(10) View All

Will K.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2020

nice and primitive

This was a nice, quiet and primitive campground. The sites were nice and spread out. The bathrooms were clean. I would definitely return to hike some of the trails.

Rica Z.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2020

Koomer Ridge Camp

A great first experience camping with our pup. He’s a little too cautious with strangers and dogs so having the other campsite at a distance is a huge preference for us. The campsites were nice and well maintained. There was sufficient bathrooms and every time we went in them they were clean. The camp is close to the trail so if you plan to hike all the way up to the arch this is a pretty decent place to start.

(12) View All

Corey K.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2020

Primitive Campground with Natural Appeal

You won't find full hookups or fancy bath houses, but what this campground lacks in amenities it makes up in scenic beauty. The campground has several trails, ranging in length, that let you explore some of the natural beauty of Red River Gorge. Sites are first come, first serve - which can be a pain…but if you plan for a Thursday / Friday morning arrival you shouldn't have a problem. Sites are well spaced and have major trees. The majority of campers were in tents, but there are a few sites that would work well for RVs. Some vault restrooms with a central bath house (showers, flush toilets, etc.) - nothing fancy, but gets the job done. Venture out of the campground and enjoy all Red River Gorge has to offer!

Month of VisitSeptember

Anne D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Super!

Stayed 2 nights mid week and campground wasn’t busy. Many nice tent sites and also good level RV sites. Easy access to hiking. Helpful resident manager. Management by Thousand Trails, although the campground is not associated at all with Thousand Trails. No reservations accepted. Self register and pay at the entrance.

(4) View All

Debbie W.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Close to the Arch!

This is a nice campground near the Arch Bridge. The reason for a four star is there is no electricity or water at the sites. There is a communal water spigot which is helpful. Dyrt needs to make these corrections. It is very shaded which is great for a hot summer day!

David K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Great campsite located in Daniel Boone national forest, close to Red River

This campground is run by the parks dept so it’s first come first serve, you pay at the pay box in cash or check( $25 for single sites with one car, doubles are available and there is a charge for additional cars). We arrived Thursday morning and had lots of options by Saturday the campground was full. The sites are fairly large and private. They have great gravel bases so the tents stay dry, and are equipped with a picnic table and really nice fire pit. There is water sources for every few sites through out the campground. There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance. The campground is surrounded with hiking trails that have some great views of the gorges and rock formations you can get to within mins. From your tent just by walking. There is an amphitheater that they host different events at(there was black light moth watching when we were there). The campground is dog friendly and located close to the Mountain Parkway in Sloane, KY. I would definitely recommend this if you are in the Red River Gorge Geological area, also hot up Daniel Boone Coffee for a snack, drink or coffee.

Site21

Month of VisitAugust

(6) View All

John C.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Great homebase with cell service

We used this as a homebase for hikes atound Red River Gorge area. We have a 40 footer and there were a few spots that accommodated us; maybe 4 or 5. Website says only 35’ limit but we did it. The showerhouse and modern day toilets are only in the front loop. The back loop has the typical modern day outhouse of federal properties.

Hannah L.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2019

Red River Gorge

I thought it was a little too crowded for my liking. I prefer sites a little more secluded though. Still enjoyed my stay.

Rebecca A.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Daniel Boone National Forest

Loved this campground! Was near the red river gorge, which is such a beautiful area. Also, if you camp here, go check out nada tunnel! This is a must do in my opinion. This campground had very secluded sites, bathrooms and showers!

(8) View All

Gary W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2019

Super clean and well kept.

This site was awesome. Super clean, located right in the center of most of the good trailheads for the red river gorge area. A little on the cramped side if all of the sites are full you will be a little close to other campers, luckily it was not full when I went so that was not an issue. Drinking water and running water near the sites and plenty of restrooms close by. No showers near our site but we didn't stay long enough for that to be an issue.

(10) View All

Janice C.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019

Best campground in the Red River Gorge area

We looked at this campground and the state parks on the area. The sites are wooded, level and drain well. The prices are reasonable and the shower house is clean. The camp host is amiable and helpful. We had a group of 15 people who had a wonderful time. There is a great trail right off the parking lot and you're close to a great many other trails and activities. Rock climbing, canoeing and even kayaking in a cave are just a few of the many activities near here

Site6 & 15

Month of VisitAugust

Matt A.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2019

Camping 4th of July weekend

We have camped several times at the Koomer Ridge Camp ground but it had been at least 10 years since we had and it is almost frozen in time. Great camp ground with simple amenities, water available without having to walk miles and miles. Bathrooms were clean, sites have a nice distance between them so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor campers. Plenty of trees over head so even though it was hot the shade keeps you cool. And this camp ground is close to Red River Gorge and miles of great trails several start at Koomer ridge camp ground.

(5) View All

Monika L.

Guide

Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Best place in the area!

Great campsite! Sites not to closely packed next to each other. Can find your peace within a well maintained campground! Many trails easily accessible from the campground. The trails within the forest connect very well together and are very well maintained and marked! Can easily make a big loop and see many beautiful arches! Went on a 3 week road trip through this area and this spot was hands down my favorite! So many things to see and do and this campground was a great home base! And the host is so amazing and helpful!

(5) View All

Drew W.

Scout

Reviewed May. 30, 2019

Clean and well managed

The main campground has a lot of camp sites very close together with a central restroom with running water. There are two secluded camp sites and a walk in site with no running water at either facility. The camp ground is very clean and well managed. All sites are very close to some sort of hiking trails. It is centrally located to other trails that are about a 15 minute drive away.

Site44/45

Month of VisitMay

Kenny P.

Guide

Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Peaceful and Quiet

Stayed mid-week so it wasn’t crowded. Everyone was spaced out thru the campground and we never heard a sound from the other campers. Hiked the Cliff, Silvermine Arch and Hidden Arch Trails which all start from KRC. We’ll definitely stay here again!

(13) View All

Pecos E.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2018

The place to stay in the Gorge

Always a great place to plot your adventure.

Holly N.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2018

Best family trips every year

Myself and my family have traveled to this campground for as long as I can remember. Have many great memories and loved the trails to the amphitheatres to over look the cliffs. Plus one of them we have our initials carved into the rock. Best memories I have.

Month of VisitOctober

Zoe C.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2018

Beautiful and perfectly secluded yet safe

I have only camped here once, but when I did it was an awesome experience! We felt safe but we also felt secluded, as one usually prefers to be while camping for only one night. Amazing stargazing and mountain views not too far away, and not too difficult to find the sites. Would most definitely do it again!

Olivia K.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

friendly, clean and safe

spacious sites with nice fire pits and picnic tables. Restrooms were clean and well stocked!

Kyle H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2018

The place to be when visiting the Red

Koomer Ridge Campground is the only developed site within the Red River Gorge area. It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself). Once you get off the highway, stop in at the Shell station there and you can purchase your park passes for being in the Gorge area. The people there are incredibly friendly and are used to all manner of campers and climbers stopping in to get passes there. They also have excellent local knowledge of the area - don't be afraid to just ask!

The campground is just a few miles down the road from there on the left hand side. It is a beautiful area on a hillside and there are many terrain features that make this place feel different from ordinary campground sites. We stayed in the back section which is a bit elevated, almost a plateau area in Site 34. The sites are not on top of each other and offer better than average privacy compared to many other locations I've been to.

There is running water and pit toilets that were in pretty good shape for what they are (which is just pit toilets).

Overall, this place is in excellent condition, great access to the Red, and quite scenic.

SiteSite 34

Month of VisitMay