Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Glamping near Blue River is the perfect choice. The Dyrt can help find the best glamping in and around Blue River, KY. You're sure to find glamping for your Blue River camping adventure.
This recreation area is part of Dewey Lake
Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites. Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area.
Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding.
Zilpo sits on a peninsula in the middle portion of Cave Run Lake at an elevation of 800 feet. The lake spans 8,270 acres with soft, sandy beaches. The campground is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods, and campsites have good privacy.
The nearest community is 12 miles away.
$28 - $94 / night
$20 - $30 / night
Nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this camp is part of the larger Twin Knobs Recreation Area. There are more than 200 sites spread out over 10 loops under a dense forest of mixed conifer and deciduous trees. The recreation area includes two reservable group picnic areas. Group camping is also available.
Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.
The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region. Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky.
The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.
$31 - $128 / night
Buckhorn Campground on Buckhorn Lake, provides the perfect outdoor escape in eastern Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The campground is packed with activities to entertain all ages, including monthly interpretive programs offered during summer months and convenient access for boating and fishing on Buckhorn Lake.
Buckhorn Lake welcomes fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, hunting and just plain relaxing. The campground provides access to a nature trail and fishing areas as well.
Buckhorn campground sits near the dam on Buckhorn Lake, surrounded by the beauty of the scenic Appalachian Mountain Range. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. Fed by the waters of the Kentucky River, Buckhorn Lake extends for 1,230 surface-acres, providing plenty of water recreation opportunities. Buckhorn Campground was also recently recongnized as the location for the largest River Birch Tree in the country by The National Register of Big Trees, the tree measures 205 inches around, 117 feet high and an 85 foot crown on top, making this tree surely a sight to see.
The park is just minutes from attractions like Carr Creek Lake and the Buckhorn Log Church. Rent a pontoon from Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, explore the Red River Gorge Geological Area or hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest.
$14 - $60 / night
$20 - $50 / night
The Trace Branch Campground, located on Buckhorn Lake, is a great launchpad for outdoor activities in Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The facility features plenty of shade and open grassy areas for spreading out and enjoying the landscape of the Appalachian Mountain Range.
Buckhorn lake offers ideal conditions for anglers including seclusion from fishing pressure and boat traffic, producing some of the best muskie fishing in the area. With comfortable water temperatures,swimming and water skiing are popular in summer months and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of the area's many miles of trails.
Buckhorn Lake is situated in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. The Kentucky River feeds the lake, originating in the southeast of the state and flowing generally northwestward.
Nearby destinations include the Lilley Cornett Woods, Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area.
$24 - $60 / night
$14 / night
The campground is on 10 acres of tree lined frontage on the Red River. There is a mix of trees/shade and open fields. It is a primitive campground, meaning that there are no power hook-ups or running water. There is an excellent canoe/kayak take-out. It's location in the heart of the Gorge makes it the perfect place for riverside camping and provides access to hiking trails.
$8 - $20 / night
Due to flooding, the campground will be closed for the 2023 season
Ranger
We actually camped at Boat Gunnel which is a part of Twin Knobs Campground. We love this campground because it is a private area with 4 RV hookups and approximately 10 tent sites. You rent the entire place for $125 or $130 a night. It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it. The only reason that it didn't score perfect is that the showers need some attention. There was mud along side the blacktop path that led down to the fire pit that was full of mosquito larvae and smelled. Easy fix, but had to keep the kids and dogs away from it constantly. My sister took a nasty fall on the trail down to the waters edge and that would be an easy fix to make that trail a little smoother. I know we are camping, but with the price, it is actually glamping. We like this place because it is easy for my aging parents to come down and visit. Great, large shelter also.
Scout
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. If you want to mix up your trip besides going camping or doing any recreational activities: Jenny Wiley Theater, mid June-early August, Outdoor Theater, (kinda like Summer Stock); Theme or special dinners at the Lodge, (mostly on weekends), year round; the community/ state park swimming pool is currently being "refurbished" and will be reopening, (hopefully) in Summer 2019. And, speaking of recreation, you can "hit the links" at the Stone Crest Golf Course, nearby.
But, as for other recreational activities: there's bike riding, hiking, boating: recreational, travel, kayaking and fishing types. If you want to do any horseback riding, you have to bring your own horse and gear, but contact the JWSP office first on where you can ride your horse. Better yet, you can take about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge to the German Bridge Campground area up Cow Creek, which is also in the Dewey Lake area, Contact the Dewey Lake US Army Corps of Engineers for more details, (in other words, Google it). Plus, there are picnic shelters in different areas of JWSP, some of them right next to Dewey Lake.
Now, as for camping, you have 3 type choices... #1. reserving a cabin near the Lodge, (and Dewey's, the local "watering hole"), kinda like "glamping", but it's rougher. (BTW, this area and the Lodge are the best places for getting a cell phone signal). #2. RV (Recreational Vehicle) Camping. There is a RV camping site not far from where I used to live, but from my personal experience, call the JWSP office at least 2 weeks in advance before the date you plan to use the site to see if there is going to be anything available on the dates you want, before making your reservation. First come, first served! #3. A. There are tent campsites next to Dewey Lake in various areas around the lake accessible by boat only, which are overseen by the Corps of Engineers, contact them or the JWSP office. Best place in my opinion: Campsite near the Dewey Dam/ Spillway Area. B. Other Outdoor Camping: Contact the Corps of Engineers or the Park Ranger's at JWSP. If you want to see some wildlife also, contact the local KY State Fish & Wildlife office that handles JWSP and Dewey Lake.
But there's some stuff I've learned over the years living and camping in this area, that I think you must know, some of this you might have run into on other camping trips at other parks...
And last, but not least...
6. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE A MOTORBOAT! NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BOAT! EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks on the recreational boats to see if the rules are being followed... if they aren't following the rules... you may have to pay a fine and/or do some time!
Guide
We originally were going to stay at Twin Knobs Campbrougnd, but after some research, we decided to switch the reservation to Zilpo. Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer. All the spots in the H Loop seemed like they would be great for a visit, but after walking around the whole section, we found H 26. It was a double spot with easy access to the lake and set up a beach fire for the night. The only issue was the bathroom nearest to us was shut down, but it really wasn't that much farther. Amazing seeing the Milky Way one evening.
Guide
Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky! There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table. The nearby shelter house provides restrooms and trash cans. The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking (there is a water fountain across from the CG, but it wasn't turned on and there is running water in the restrooms). The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none. The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired. We look forward to camping there again!
Guide
First off, I want to warn everyone; DO NOT TAKE "PLEASANT VALLEY RD" into the campgrounds! That road takes you on a single lane road and if you meet another vehicle, someone will have to backup. The road is extremely washed out and huge chunks are gone. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! We took Louis Branch Rd, then turn right on 3425, after you go under the highway bridge take the next left on Kentucky River Bridge. After you cross the bridge turn right on 257/Drywall road. You will pass a walking bridge for U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS. Take the next bridge across the river CR-1475, then turn right on Mosley Bend road. Then, you will come to Krypton-Toulouse-Yerkes Rd. Turn left (it's a very sharp left). Take the next left at the dumpsters and that will take you into the campground.
The employees are fantastic! The bathroom did run out of toilet paper so remember to always take your own!
TravelerBeen camping here for more than 40 years, as a kid we loved it, as an adult camping with kids, love it even more. A few of the sites we have stayed in recently are D011, G007, and I008. All were great, plenty of privacy, sites are far enough away that you don't feel right on top of each other but close enough to the amenities (trash, bathroom, etc.) that you don't feel lost in the wilderness!
This portion of Daniel Boone National Forest is peak beauty in the summer, the beautiful mature trees and well maintained sites make camping so much more enjoyable. The camp hosts are always helpful when needed but not overbearing. Amenities are near enough if you forget something, you'd never know staying here that there is a Walmart about 20 minutes away if you forget something important.
Get a site close to the water to bring your canoe/kayak or do some fishing from the shore. This is BY FAR our favorite place in Kentucky to camp. Happy Camping!
Guide
This has ranked #1 for campgrounds for our family this season.
Nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, this campground has all the things your family could want to do in nature.
Check in was super easy and the staff was great.
The site was very easy to get to.
We were on site 13 and it was nearly perfectly level from left to right. It had both 30 and 50 amp hookups and water (about 35psi on pressure). Each site has a charcoal grill, a fire pit with a grate for cooking and a large picnic table.
Our site backed up to the creek and a nice little levee for fishing. You could also go up back the park and fish right at the spillway from Buckhorn Lake Dam. Really fun experience.
Hands down the best playground for kids we have seen in a campground.
They had a large bathhouse with super clean bathrooms. Unsure about showers as I use the one in my TT.
There were horseshoe pits in two locations in the campsite. Several locations to dispose of trash. They also provided trash bags upon arrival.
Laundry facilities onsite and firewood you could purchase.
The dump station was clean and easily accessible with a hose for flushing.
Erica and her husband are the hosts and were so friendly and helpful. We were there over Mother’s Day weekend and they provided coffee juice and doughnuts for Mother’s Day.
A ton of kiddos for kids to play with and a great area for their bikes, etc.
We 100% will be back to this campground this season.
GuideThere are tons of sites for backcountry camping throughout the park. These are primarily situated around Dewey Lake. I have never actually stayed in the camping facilities as it's always seemed more fun to go "off grid" and visit a more private site. Be warned, the lake is gross. People using house boats are known to dump waste directly into the lake. If you don't plan on diving in and would rather just fish and hike, make time to take a trip here.
RangerThe park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer. The park is kind of famous for having elk, which are common out west, but we didn’t get to see any. If you have horses there are trails but AFAIK the park doesn’t let you hire them (not sure about outside companies). None of the campsites are alone or very close to the lake. All the ones we saw were very open but along the trees, so no lakeside views either. They also have cabins. Nice built-up modern KY state park with enough to do to fill a whole weekend for all of your family. Never been in the water so can’t comment on Carrie J’s assessment of the lake being gross.
GuideOlder campground but quit and peaceful. Not much to do. No WiFi no tv reception. Campsites are set up were the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose
GuideState park that needs a lot of TLC.
ScoutThe campground and general area is beautiful with a welcoming vibe. It can get a little crowded in the campground at certain times due to holidays but it's not hard to lose the crowd. Everyone is always extremely kind and treat you like family. The list of activities is almost endless……. boating, fishing and anything else you can do on the lake, trails in every direction, secluded spots on and off the lake for picnics, camping or whatever, stargazing, pool, wildlife everywhere, games and general activities at the campground, community center, dam, parks, and it's really close to town in case you want to check it out. Make sure you check out the Jenny Wiley theater if you can, they are beyond talented.
GuideNestled in the Mountains of Eastern Ky, this is a nice little getaway. The fishing on Dewy Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake .
TravelerI spent a Friday night there in late June 2020. Most of the campers were in RVs. I found a site at the end of a cul-de-sac away from the other campers. It appeared that the campers observed the quiet hours rules. Sites are close together so there’s not a lot of privacy. Modern amenities, showers, flush toilets. There’s a large lake at the park that accommodates speed boats and jet skis so I didn’t put my kayak in.
TravelerThis park is listed as a resort so I took my pandemic bound family here in a mini vacation. Perhaps it was back in 1967.
The camping spaces were not very deep but that was ok because we are in the mountains. What’s odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section. There was only one hole for grey and black water, which I’ve never seen.
The other section of the grounds seemed more family and that everyone reserved spaces across multiple sections for reunions and parties.
The restrooms and showers were good although I still wear a mask at all parks and inside areas and others do not. You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception. Also, the trails are not quite right for the Jenny Wiley Trail that starts from the campgrounds. You have to go immediately up when you take the trail from there vs the natural worn path.
As for the rest of the park, it’s left in 1968. The lodge is nice but the food is all frozen and fried. Camping guests are not permitted to use the pool even though the reservation site sort of implies that you can. The marina was very busy and you could call and reserve boats but we had no service so we just went in person. We did reserve a small boat and went swimming off of it but do regret it after a UTI and seeing all the trash and debris in the lake. I’ve never seen so much garbage in a lake in my life. It was actually sad and broke my heart.
Had I read one of these reviews earlier, we would not have stayed at this park. Lesson learned!
GuideCampsites trashed. Campground trashed. Dump station overflowed and closed. Toilets broken, plugged or poop all over toilets and floor. People parking 4-30' campers in one site, on the grass. One person left in the evening, got stuck and had 1' deep ruts. 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.
ScoutWe stayed at this “resort” park and were very disappointed.
Campsite was super dirty, food left behind on the ground everywhere, beans, egg shells, etc., were dumped in the creek.
Showers and restrooms were disgusting.
This park needs some TLC.
Hopefully people can respect nature and learn were to dispose their garbage.
ScoutOur campsite was supposed to be 38’ long but my 28’ camper was all that could fit, barely. Water spigot is far away from the site so I had to go purchase another water hose. Zero cell reception and no wifi. No television reception either. Almost everyone’s site was not flat and took a lot of work to get campers close to level, (watched people pull out after an hour trying to level). No extra parking for vehicles, just drive up into whatever muddy area is around your site. “No outside alcohol” signs everywhere.
GuideStayed a couple of nights and we had a blast. Hiking right near the campground and lake is not far away at all.
RangerWe were there on Thursday thru Saturday. Thursday was so nice and quiet and then the weekend crew came in on Friday and it filled up fast. Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!! We stayed in loop A, the other loops had many campers set up for the recent flood victims. Loop A was our favorite and it was close to the lake!
ScoutRoads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.
ScoutVery clean and well maintained. Locating directly in the river makes it a very serene atmosphere. We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay.
Ranger
love the trails
GuidePark is gorgeous. Campsites we're very small and on top of each other. Limited hours for the visitor center. Staff had little to no knowledge about the hiking trails.
TravelerAbsolutely beautiful park. Nice sized campsites. Perfect for tent camping. Good white water rafting w/dam openings daily
Trails: Needs better signage on trail, especially as trails merge. Very steep switchbacks and difficult trails. Trail markers difficult to read or non existent in some spots. Wash outs and downed trees blocking trail common. Seems to be common in VA state parks, most staff had zero knowledge of their trails.
20 minute drive to grocery, restaurants, etc
TravelerBeautiful, does not have wifi nor cable tv, lots of trails to hike but also have a lot of bears.
TravelerTent camped here a few weeks ago. Been on several day trips to the park. I love the trails, the waterpark and the views. Camp site is nice, but could use some work and an update.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Blue River, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
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