Best Campgrounds near Auxier, KY

Auxier, Kentucky sits within driving distance of several well-established campgrounds across eastern Kentucky, including Jenny Wiley State Park and Grayson Lake State Park. The area combines developed campgrounds with more primitive options throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most established sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, while several state parks also offer cabin rentals. Campgrounds like Koomer Ridge serve as primary bases for exploring the Red River Gorge area, while mixed-use facilities at Yatesville Lake and Paintsville Lake provide water recreation opportunities.

Many campgrounds in eastern Kentucky operate seasonally, with state park facilities typically open from April through October. "This is a very nice campground at a small state park roughly 10 miles from Carter Caves. Most of it is campground & golf course, with 2 trails," noted one visitor to Grayson Lake State Park. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with several reviewers mentioning limited or no reception at sites in the Red River Gorge area. Roads can be challenging, especially for larger RVs, with some campgrounds having narrow access roads and tight campsites. Weather patterns should be considered when planning trips, as spring rainfall can affect trail conditions and summer heat makes waterfront sites particularly desirable.

The Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Gorge area receives consistently high ratings from campers seeking hiking opportunities and scenic landscapes. Visitors frequently mention the area's rock formations, hiking trails, and opportunities for paddling as key attractions. Several campgrounds feature direct water access, making them popular for fishing and boating activities. Reviewers particularly value sites that offer some privacy between campsites, noting that weekend crowding can be an issue during peak summer months. One camper described the Red River Gorge as "one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region" with "seemingly endless trails." While some campgrounds receive praise for clean facilities and helpful staff, others face criticism for maintenance issues or lack of rule enforcement during busy periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Auxier, Kentucky (75)

    1. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 889-1790

    $30 - $35 / night

    "The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."

    "I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."

    2. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 297-8488

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."

    "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."

    3. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 789-4521

    "this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"

    "There is a lake nearby, and most of the other campers were boating or horseback riding.

    Showers and bathrooms."

    4. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Adams, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 673-1492

    $18 - $30 / night

    "In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in."

    "It's been a few years since I've visited Yatesville Lake State Park Campgrounds but it used to be a staple of my summer. The campsites are a LONG distance from each other."

    5. Wildcat Camping and Fishing

    2 Reviews
    Flatgap, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 265-3629

    $50 / night

    "Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels."

    7. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    $28 - $94 / night

    "Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."

    "E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."

    8. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    47 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    9. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 474-9727

    $30 / night

    "Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground."

    "This stunning Eastern Kentucky State Park offers spectacular views of rock formations, tree lined roads, and a stunning lake."

    10. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

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Recent Reviews near Auxier, KY

520 Reviews of 75 Auxier Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • Paul K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Fantastic.

    We stayed in one of the "premium" sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots of activities

    Small sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    Very Nice State Park!

    Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground. I was fortunate to find a site at Grayson Lake for Wednesday & Thursday night. 

    This is a very nice campground at a small state park roughly 10 miles from Carter Caves. Most of it is campground & golf course, with 2 trails.

     Grayson Lake has 71 sites with water& electric. There's a dump station. There's 2 playgrounds. 2 bathhouses. They are on the high side of state park clean. I didn't see any spider webs or bugs.

     The area was meticulously mowed & clean- no trash at the site or fire pit. The staff at check were friendly & helpful. 

    We were at site 19 close to the bathhouse. A nice site, but that row had full sun. There were many nice sites, but many had a serious incline. Stay away from site 39 - that has a good view of the wastewater treatment plant!

    Grayson Lake is part of a larger area managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. There's a lot of boating & fishing. We had a good time & if in the area would stay again!

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    My Eastern KY Fav!

    This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.

    The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.

    Lots of boating and fishing occurred.

    Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.

    We've already made reservations for next season!

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.


Guide to Auxier

Eastern Kentucky camping sites near Auxier offer diverse terrain within the expansive Daniel Boone National Forest region. The area features elevations ranging from 800 to 1,300 feet with typical summer temperatures reaching the mid-80s and winter lows near freezing. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the camping areas, with stronger signals typically found at higher elevations and state park lodges.

What to do

Paddle the lake waters: At Yatesville Lake State Park Campground, kayaking opportunities abound with clean water conditions. "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room," notes a visitor.

Explore multiple cave systems: The region features extensive underground formations with guided tours available. "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen," reports a camper who visited the area.

Fish for multiple species: Local lakes provide productive fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. One visitor at Paintsville Lake State Park mentioned, "The water was down so there were a lot of places to paddle onto the shore and wade fish. There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water."

Enjoy seasonal programming: Several parks host special events during peak season. One camper described the Halloween festivities: "We went to the campground during the Halloween festivities in October 2017. There are a lot of activities to do while at the state park, caving, hiking, kayaking, mini golf, golf, etc."

What campers like

Spacious, well-designed sites: Many eastern Kentucky campgrounds feature thoughtfully laid-out spaces. At Wild Cat Camping and Fishing, visitors appreciate the "Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels."

Diverse camping options: The region offers everything from primitive spots to full-service sites. At German Bridge - Dewey Lake, a camper noted, "This campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. But easy access to the lake. And great view."

Trail access from campsites: Multiple campgrounds feature direct trail connections. "There is a nice trail right off the parking lot and you're close to a great many other trails. Rock climbing, canoeing and even kayaking in a cave are just a few of the many activities near here," explains a visitor.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "The bathrooms were immaculate and the grass green and trimmed! Our camping spot didn't have shade which was challenging since we tent camp, but we learned which spot to try and get next time."

What you should know

Site-specific challenges: Many campgrounds feature unique setup requirements. "Campsites are set up where the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose," advises one camper about the area.

Seasonal variability: Weather affects campground conditions substantially. A reviewer noted, "Had to leave to get another truck. It didn't help that there was also 5"-8"+/- rain over the 3 days. In 8 years never experience such a mess."

Wildlife encounters: Local animals sometimes visit campgrounds. At Koomer Ridge Campground, campers mention, "There are raccoons who like to eat so be sure to put your food up at night."

Noise considerations: Traffic sounds can be heard at some locations. One visitor observed, "Only criticism is the proximity to the Mountain Parkway nearby; had we been tent camping, the traffic noise would have been a nuisance all night."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature child-specific amenities. "There is a playground for children. Lots of boating and fishing occurred," reports a camper who enjoyed family activities.

Consider swim access: Lake entry points vary by location. "There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water. I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water."

Check reservation windows: Popular family sites book quickly, especially during summer months. "I tried for two years before I finally got a reservation. While we were camping (last weekend in March), I checked again and it was all booked up all summer, crazy."

Plan for privacy needs: Site layouts vary significantly in terms of privacy. At Zilpo Campground, a visitor noted, "Great campground with a lot of privacy! This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level."

Tips from RVers

Check elevation changes: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "Bring all the leveling blocks you own because very few sites are level and most are very sloped."

Water and power logistics: Hookup locations can be unusual at some campgrounds. "Also bring a very long hose/hose extensions as the sites are well-spaced with water between them, requiring everyone to have long hoses."

Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. "The road to the lake could use a little TLC," notes one reviewer describing the condition of approach roads.

Book early for full-hookup sites: Sites with sewer connections are limited and popular. "The line of sites along the road into the campground all have sewer holes. Also make sure to check in the details, which sites have sewer as they don't label it full hookups up front."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Auxier, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Auxier, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Auxier, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Auxier, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Auxier, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Auxier, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Auxier, KY.

What parks are near Auxier, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Auxier, KY that allow camping, notably Dewey Lake and Fishtrap Lake.