Forest Service roads wind through Daniel Boone National Forest to reach Koomer Ridge Campground, where campers find themselves on a wooded hillside overlooking the Red River Gorge area. The campground sits as the only developed camping option within this geological region, drawing visitors who want direct trail access from their campsite.
Sites spread across varied terrain with many positioned on slopes that work well for tent camping but challenge RV setups. Lucy P. notes "a lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV, but amazing for tent camping." The more angled sites offer increased privacy, though sound carries between campsites due to the terrain's natural acoustics. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and gravel tent pad, with water spigots distributed throughout the campground.
Multiple hiking trails depart directly from the campground into the Red River Gorge, connecting to the area's network of paths leading to rock formations and overlooks. The facility includes a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets near the entrance, plus pit toilets scattered throughout. An amphitheater hosts occasional programs like nighttime moth watching events. Cell service varies by carrier, with some campers reporting extended network coverage.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with sites costing $25 for single occupancy. Traffic noise from the nearby Mountain Parkway reaches some areas, particularly noticeable for tent campers. Heavy tree cover provides shade but limits solar charging capabilities. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore dog-friendly campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest for pets-welcome alternatives.
Visit during early summer or fall when temperatures make hiking more comfortable and the forest shows seasonal changes.
Description
Overview
This Campground offers dozens of shaded, wooded campsites. 54 suitable for tents and 19 suitable for a trailer. Camping and fires are prohibited in rock shelters.
Recreation
The Red River Gorge offers untouched beauty for hiking enthusiasts. From the campground access: Hidden Arch Trail, Koomer Ridge Trail, Cliff Trail and Silvermine Arch Trail.
Facilities
All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Accessible vault toilets are available year round. Flush toilets and showers are available seasonally: April 1 through October 31. Drinking water is available seasonally: April 1 through October 31.
Natural Features
Koomer Ridge is located in the heart of the Red River Gorge on the Cumberland District in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Scenic sweeping views and amazing hiking trails.
Nearby Attractions
Red River Gorge, NADA Tunnel, Zilpo Campground, Tater Knob, Natural Bridge, Sky Bridge, Clifty Wilderness.
Location
Public CampgroundKoomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest 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
37.7840317 N
83.6326338 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/19/25
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 11/19/25
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/28/26
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
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 53 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 45 min from Huntington, WV
- 1 hr 54 min from Cincinnati, OH
- 2 hrs 54 min from Kingsport, TN


















































