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Facilities

Established Camping

Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake in Kentucky offers camping near a large reservoir surrounded by forested hills. Temperatures range from the 30s in winter to the 80s in summer. Visitors can explore the Daniel Boone National Forest and enjoy activities like hiking and fishing at the lake.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Cave Run Lake is nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. It is located on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This 8,270-acre lake provides flood protection and a clean water supply to area communities. Tourists enjoy the lake for its scenery and excellent recreation opportunities. Submit your photosthat capture your recreation experiences (fishing, hiking, camping, boating, etc) at Cave Run Lake. Cave Run Lake Area Map Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Recreation Areas Campgrounds: The Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds provide nearly 400 campsites, some with RV hook-ups. The campgrounds also have swimming beaches and group-use picnic areas. Boat ramps: Cave Run Lake has 12 ramps for boat launching. A fee pass is required to use Alfrey, Claylick, Poppin Rock, Long Bow, Scott Creek and Warixboat ramps. Passes may be purchased at local vendors or at the Cumberland Ranger District office. Picnic areas: The Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas are popular locations near Cave Run Lake. Trails: Several trails are developed in the Cave Run Lake area. These trails wind through the forest, providing scenic views and glimpses of wildlife. View information about Cave Run Lake Nonmotorized Trailsfor horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking around Cave Run Lake. Check out the Cumberland Ranger District Habitat map showing Pioneer Weapons WMA, Wildfire Activity Since 2010, Wildlife Openings, Timber Harvests Since 2010 and Constructed Wildlife Wetlands. Cumberland District Habitat MapView map at: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c58fc9969c96499a9be878aa79aba0e2 Some of the most popular recreation areas around Cave Run Lake include: Twin Knobs Recreation Area Zilpo Recreation Area For camping reservations call NATIONAL RECREATION RESERVATION SERVICE: 877-444-6777 or 877-833-6777 for hearing impaired. White Sulphur Horse Camp Clear Creek Recreation Area Clay Lick Boat-in Campground

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Location

Cave Run Lake is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

The lake is 60 miles east of Lexington, Kentucky. Exits 123, 133, and 137 off Interstate 64 provide the primary access routes.  

Coordinates

38.06024015 N
83.48001818 W

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The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Gateway to the woods

We stayed in a cabin, didn't have any mattress in lol but the view was amazing

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2018

Awesome Lake

Very clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close.

  • Review photo of Cave Run Lake by Todd C., October 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Run Lake by Todd C., October 10, 2018
  • Review photo of Cave Run Lake by Todd C., October 10, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Cave Run Lake have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Cave Run Lake has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Cave Run Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cave Run Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Cave Run Lake have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cave Run Lake does have wifi.