We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Ashland. The Dyrt is the ultimate place to find cabins for your next outdoor adventure near Ashland. You're sure to find the perfect cabin rental for your Ashland camping adventure.
Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers. The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake.
Our campground is located along the banks of the Ohio River. Easy to access right on the Ohio River Scenic Byway or US Highway 52. View river barges and tugs as they go by several times a day. Take in the sites of the Kentucky Appalachian foothills on the other side of the river. Wake up to the sounds of many birds that make their home in the scenic Ohio River bluffs. Toss a line in as you fish the river from our boat ramp. Take a hot shower or do laundry in our well stocked and clean bath house. Our hookups include 50/30 amp electric, sewer and water at each site. For your convenience we also offer honey wagon services and a dump station.
$35 - $43 / night
Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.
Boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Vesuvius are the area's most popular activities. Anglers may catch bass, catfish, crappie or bluegill. More than 40 miles of trails exist in the area, with trailheads beginning at or near the campground. A 1/2-mile hiking trail connects the campground to Lake Vesuvius. Lake Shore Trail offers an 8-mile loop around the lake and shorter trails lead to Rock House Cave, a grand, tunnel-like sandstone cave that was once used by Native Americans for shelter.
Iron Ridge Campground is located on a wooded ridge above 143-acre Lake Vesuvius. A scenic forest of mature eastern hardwoods covers the area.
The closest town is Ironton, Ohio, less than 10 miles from the campground.
$34 / night
$24 / night
This recreation area is part of Beech Fork Lake
$28 / night
Traveler
The people that work here are so very nice. I love the relaxed chill atmosphere. I always come on a Sunday or a weeknights it is pretty empty and the campsites are too close together for me to go on a weekend. I think the sites should be less than $40 on a slow night but I still love it here.
Traveler
The campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family! One of the most fun places we’ve ever stayed! My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities! And they had things for the adults as well and a lot of things for everyone to do together!
Traveler
A very nice state park with an abundance of natural resources surrounding the campground. There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds. The caves themselves are quite the treat.
The staff are all very friendly and there are camping sites for tents or rigs. However, like many state parks that have not been updated, navigating into some of the spots with a large rig can be challenging. On the one hand, this is nice as there are mature trees throughout. On the other hand, they could increase the size / length of the existing campsites. There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten.
The lodge is available down the road (within the state park) for dinner if you are looking to mix up the trip. Not fine dining, but decent food. There is also a pool available at a discounted rate for campers - which our kids enjoyed. Note: there are no full hookup sites, which is not uncommon for KY State Parks.
ScoutLevel site. Staff cleans the bathhouse every hour.
ScoutWe stayed in sites along the river. Wow, what a peaceful beautiful place. We will be back again and again
Traveler
The staff and people were nice and helpful. However, based on the picture I thought it was like KOA or Jellystone and it might have been in its past but not now. It felt more like a workcamp then a campground. Many long stay residents and their sites looked like it. Heavily patched campers that will most likely never move again and one site looked like a junkard. The resident did seem to love fishing in the pond, which I guess has very large catfish so if you like that you might like it.
Traveler
This is a very cozy park tucked in between US60 and I64. We are in site 14 and its not quite level, but they were generous with gravel so the drainage is good! No parking in puddles!The staff is great, friendly, upbeat. The gentleman who led us to the site helped us get positioned, and squared up.The site has a patio, bench, picnic table, fire pit, and a huge gas grill. There is more privacy than usual at KOA, pine trees between sites.Well be back! You do have to watch for the entrance, there is a big KOA sign but its not aligned with the actual turn, so be careful.
TravelerThe view!!!!!! Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming. Watching the barges going up and down is never boring. The owners go out of their way to make sure that you are ok or if you need anything.
ScoutThis is a very nice KOA camp. I arrived after dark so I didn’t get a good look at the place but the entrance is well marked. The family restrooms are very nice and comfortable. The sites have great electric and water, I’ll try the sewer before I leave. It’s damp and muddy but it’s December so that’s expected. I took off a star for the street noise. The campground is right next to a major highway. There is car and truck noise all day long and all night too. Maybe it would be better in the summer when there are leaves on the trees. At least that would block the view.
Scout
I would give it a zero if possible. The cabin we stayed in was absolutely filthy-dirt and dead bugs on the floor, coffee pot was nasty, extremely small counter was dirty, no access to running water(no even a sink in the bathhouse) and I could go on but I think you get the point. The bathhouse looked like a shed and was also dirty. Were told there were groups going out every weekend, all day long and also night riding. Trails are not marked so you really can't go out on your own. We paid for 3 nights, but only stayed for 2. And of course, we were never offered a refund or partial refund. Like Share
ScoutWe went with three small kids. Great facilities, hiking, caving etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough to do all the things we wanted to. The tent sites are close together so we may not have enjoyed it as much if it were busier but we were lucky enough to get a site with no immediate neighbors. Pictures online made it appear that tree cover was not as good as it actually was.
ScoutWe arrived late and the hosts were so kind and communicative. We were met at the office and given a site right on the river. We had a peaceful night and awoke to fog on the river which was beautiful and quickly lifted. A sweet kitty visited with us during our walk down to the water and breakfast. Electric and water hookups were fine and the showers were great - individual rooms with toilet, sink and shower were roomy and had surfaces for resting your toiletries. We were just passing through so only stayed one night but I’d definitely go back. Highly recommend.
ScoutGreat secluded campsite with privacy and lots of space
Scout
Campsites 40-43 are for close friends of family. Spur of the moment plans landed us here for the weekend. We booked 42 site unseen.. when we put out our awning we touched camper in front of us.. camp host let us switch campsites. Plenty of fishing and biking trails. Campsites we're just too close for us.
ScoutThere’s a quiet time reserved for after 11pm. Apparently no one cares because people were LOUD the first night we were there. The second night was less crowded and much more enjoyable. There’s so much to do at Carter caves that I didn’t mind it too much. Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too.
ScoutIf you are looking for good old wholesome camping take advantage of Sandy Springs Campground any time of the year.
Guide
Tent camping sites were set back, in the woods, down a private path (about 75’) and totally secluded.
The park had a clean, nice outdoor movie theater, mini golf, and a lake with rentables.
TravelerMy family of 5 stayed in the houseboat for several days, and what a wonderful unique experience. Our family includes two adults and three kids (ages 2 to 13), and the houseboat sleeping arrangements worked out well for us (older kids sleeping in the belly of the whale...an almost cave-like experience that they loved) and wife and I sleeping in the beds towards the rear of the boat, with a pack n play for our toddler between our two beds.
The campground is on the smaller side, which is a positive as it creates a more friendly, peaceful and cozy experience. We had the perfect weather (warm during the day and cool at night). It rained one day, which we used to go explore the nearby State Park and grab a bite to eat in a nearby city (appx 30 min away), in addition to relaxing in the houseboat.
The campground owners and their family are probably the most down-to-earth people I've met at any campground, and they take time to get to know you and your family, and vice versa.
The campground was always clean and safe, and we stayed during a holiday weekend, where the campground was full and had numerous activities going on. The playground was a favorite of my youngest two.
The Campground bathrooms/showers were also clean and well-maintained. The houseboat has its own shower, but it's about the size of a phone booth, which I enjoyed using, but at least one of the kids preferred more space, so the option is there to use the campground showers.
For a smaller sized campground, I was impressed with the size of the camp store and it's offerings.
Finally, the icing on the cake...the location of the campground and the gorgeous views, especially from the houseboat. It's located between the shores of the Ohio River and a forested area. Lots of shade and lots of scenic views. Also, there's something both relaxing and adventurous in watching the long barges, tugboats and other boats traveling the Ohio river. I don't know, makes me feel a little Mark Twain-ish.
I'm attaching some pictures from our trip. The nature of where we were staying was a complete surprise for my family, so when we pulled up and I announced "a 1970's houseboat", they were super excited. I also ordered some sea captain accessories from Amazon for us to create some memorable photos.
GuideI found this jewel during the pandemic. I wanted to stay closer to home than usual for vacation. It was the cutest, most affordable, safe for solo female campers, clean, wonderful owners, tons of things to do, or just relaxing. I fell in love and have returned many, many times. I have stayed in all of the cabins and campers except SS Sandy Springs and Flair. I am familiar with this area and Shawnee State Forest, aka, The Little Smokies!
TravelerWe found sandy springs took a chance and we LOVE IT. We have been with multiple family members. Twice. They all wanted to go back. The place is very clean. the owners are amazing. Very accommodating. Even though we have full hook ups we used the clean personal shower rooms. We dont like to keep our camper at one spot. We do like to roam. BUT I would here. Love Julie and Darcy. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this campground ....unless we need the spot. Lol
ScoutAlways clean and friendly. Beautiful area. The owners always make sure your stay is enjoyable. And this is a beautiful area. The water and hills
GuideSandy Springs is our RV home away from home. From the beautiful views of the Ohio River, fishing, quiet out in nature, there is just not enough great words to describe this campground.
The owners Julie and Darcy are the best when making sure your stay is pleasant and we've made this our go to campground since 2018.
From the simple registration for RV/Tent spots as well as cabins, it doesn't get any easier to book a site. Unlike some campgrounds, where the full-timers get all of the premium spots, it is the opposite at Sandy Springs, the river view spots are left open for the "weekenders".
Some weekends, there are special events going on, from bands to bouncy houses and there are also those weekends where nothing is going on, it you are looking for the slower pace camping.
You cannot go wrong camping here :)
Feel free to reach out if you want more info, always glad to share,
Joe Testa
ScoutThis campground should be a must visit on your list 🤗
We have camped in many places & this is definitely a 5 star 🌟 place. The spaces are so spacious & clean. The bathrooms & showers are so clean as well (Hardly see that anymore) The campground is relaxing & quiet 😁
The hosts & owners make you feel right at home & like family 💕 Beautiful views of the Ohio River & access to the water (beach) 🏖️ You can see the barges go by, watch the beautiful sky, & see the mountain range across the river. So much beauty to truly relax. Close to Cincinnati but far enough away to be in a peaceful relaxing place. You can tent, rent a cabin, or bring your own camper. Perfect for family camping 🏕️
Great events for families to enjoy.
Truly a wonderful place to be.
Love love love this campground 🏕️🏖️🛶🐟❤️🌟
ScoutSandy Springs Campground is this awesome little gem on the Ohio River. It is a small family owned and family oriented Campground with some amazing views of the foothills of Ohio and Kentucky. The Campground is super clean and well maintained. They have full hookups and 30/50 Amp service. There are pull through sites and river front sites. They have several rental options and the coolest house boat over looking the river with a wrap around porch. They have really nice shower and laundry facilities. There is a pretty cool camp store there too. The best part is the friendly people and atmosphere. The owners work very hard here. They take very good care of the guests and there are always plenty of activities on the weekends and holidays. The prices are definitely affordable and can't be beat anywhere I have stayed before. Couldn't recommend a better place to stay on your next camping adventure.
ScoutA great place to stay! The owners are friendly and helpful. You can't beat the view of the river!
ScoutWe stayed at Sandy Springs last year for the first time. We stayed there again this year and have another trip scheduled for August. If you aren’t made to feel at home here, you’ll never will!! Julie, Darcy, and there son go over and above, all the time! Makes you feel like family.
Listening to barges and trains just have that sound that takes you back in time. You get to the point that you pick up that distant sound of a barge or a train on the Kentucky side.
The time and effort from these fine people, shows their commitment!!
Well done Sandy Springs. This is by far our favorite!!
ScoutIt only took one visit to Sandy Springs for it to become a favorite of ours! The owners do a great job of keeping everything clean, running smoothly and still taking time to interact with their guests.
Camping near Ashland, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Ashland, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Ashland, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Ashland, KY is Carter Caves State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Ashland, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 cabin camping locations near Ashland, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
