Cave Run Lake campground sits within Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky, where forested terrain meets the shoreline of Cave Run Lake. Access comes by car, boat, or foot, though reviewers note the route in can be rough. Sites include electric and water hookups, and a dump station, showers, and drinking water are on-site. Reservations are recommended. Campers report the grounds are consistently clean, and the lake gives direct access to fishing, swimming, and boating, with a marina and boat rentals nearby. Double sites provide extra room. Anglers, paddlers, and hikers who want full hookups alongside water access will find this campground a practical base. Those wanting to compare options across the forest can browse places to camp around Daniel Boone National Forest. Nearby, Zilpo Rec Area sits roughly a mile north.
Description
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCave Run Lake is located in Kentucky near Daniel Boone National Forest
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 18 min from Huntington, WV
- 2 hrs 13 min from Cincinnati, OH
