Clear Creek Rec Area, near Salt Lick, Kentucky, is a charming campground that offers a peaceful escape for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and enjoying the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including pit toilets and drinking water, which make camping a bit more comfortable. Visitors have praised the serene atmosphere, with one camper noting, “It was very dark and quiet, super low traffic for a summer Friday night.” The nearby creek adds to the charm, providing a lovely backdrop for exploration and relaxation.

For adventure seekers, Clear Creek Rec Area is close to hiking trails and a small lake, making it easy to dive into outdoor activities. Campers have enjoyed kayaking and swimming in the nearby Clear Creek Lake, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking in the area. If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll be glad to know that they’re welcome here too.

While the campground is basic, it has a friendly vibe, and many visitors have appreciated the presence of a camp host who’s always ready to help. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Clear Creek Rec Area offers a simple yet enjoyable camping experience.

Clear Creek Campground Guide View Clear Creek Campground Guide (pdf) Clear Creek Campground is located on Cumberland Ranger District off Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway near a quiet stream. Cave Run Lake is nearby. Each campsite has a tent pad, grill and lantern pole. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to this campground. Learn more... Visit the nearby Clear Creek Iron Furnace, located at the Clear Creek Picnic Area. This historic landmark dates back to the early 1800s. An interpretive sign at the furnace explains how the furnace was used in the region's early development. Nearby facilities: Clear Creek Boat Ramp Clear Creek Picnic Area Clear Creek Shooting Range Nearby trails: Buck Creek Trail #118 Clear Creek Lake Trail and spur #103/A

Clear Creek Rec Area

Daniel Boone National Forest, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Daniel Boone National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Daniel Boone National Forest

The Best Camping Near Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

After several weeks of exploring the daniel boon national forrest, natural bridge, and the red river gorge we ended up at our final stop at clear creek campground. We couldn't have asked for a better place to end this portion of our kentucky adventures This camp ground is pretty basic and lovely. It has vault toilets which were very clean..sometimes those things can be nasty. There was also drinking water here which was great because we weren't feeling like treating our water.

There is hiking, biking, kayaking canoeing, swimming, and climbing in the area. There was some historical landmark that we checked out which was an old furnace of some kind apparently used the 1800's cool to check out. We also went for a dip at the the nearby cave run lake. We were able to use our blow up paddle board and cruise around. It was the first time using it so that made our experience here even more wonderful. Do a little exploring you never know what you'll find in the area.

Cheers!

I always loved Daniel Boone

Loved this place so much we stayed a few nights on our trek cross country. We stayed in spot 17 which had its own access to a smaller creek. You can take a short walk up the small creek to get to Clear creek. Spots deep enough for swimming. Our dogs loved this place. Would recommend if you’re looking for a cheap night with few amenities 😊

Quiet little spot 

Pit toilet, running water, RV hookups. The Camp Host Walt is super nice, ask him about his musician days and he might even let you borrow an old CD of his! Festus the cat was very welcoming too.

Nice camp by the creek

I stayed 3 nights and I was the only person there the whole time. My site was a good size, a nice camping pad, picnic table, fire ring,  Clean bathrooms, multiple water taps. Note there is a shooting range nearby, I think the hours were 9am-9pm. Didn't bother me during the day, but definitely could hear it. Clear Creek Lake just up the street was quiet and great for some lazy kayaking. I used this as a base camp for trail running at multiple parks. No cell signal (verizon).  $15/night. I definitely will be back for getting off the grid and relaxing!

Quiet and simple

This isn’t a very big campground but provides nice tent pads, picnic table and fire ring. There are pit toilets and some sites are next to the creek. Unfortunately there was a water main break. There is a camp host available if needed. Right down the road is a nice picnic area with an old iron furnace and a nice lake too. 

Basic with nature

This is a nice little campground east of Cave Run Lake. I think it was $15-20 per night. First come first serve. Some cool spots next to the creek. Good hiking and the lake are a short drive away. 

Small quaint campground 

If you’re anything like me, taking 15 minutes to get off, the interstate can be worth it in terms of sleep. I was in late and out early, but there appeared to be trails and a small lake nearby. Campsites were spacious and back up to a small creek. very dark and quiet, super low traffic for a summer Friday night. Forest service camping at its best!

Worth the trip from 64

We stayed and the primitive area almost to leatherwood boat ramp . So beautiful and perfect . Site was clean of trash and debris and ready for tents . Saw a few hikers and some beautiful horses from the trails nearby . Creek was clean and fun to explore . 

Peaceful and relaxing 

Pros:  Beautiful little creek.  Well spaced sites.  Low usage.  Some sites are long.  Nice hiking trails from campsite.  Most sites are shaded.

Cons:  Close to a moderately used road.  

Pit toilets, picnic tables, gravel pads.

Photos of Clear Creek Rec Area

Real photos from real campers