Best Campgrounds near Campton, KY

The Red River Gorge area near Campton, Kentucky encompasses several campgrounds within Daniel Boone National Forest, offering a range of camping experiences from primitive sites to full-service facilities. Koomer Ridge Campground provides centralized access to hiking trails, while Natural Bridge State Resort Park features multiple camping areas including Middle Fork and Whittleton campgrounds. The region includes both public and private camping options, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins at locations like Red River Gorge Campground and Lago Linda Hideaway. Several sites near Cave Run Lake and Buckhorn Lake provide water-based recreation opportunities within a 30-minute drive of Campton.

Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during peak seasons from spring through fall. "Princess Arch is at the Red River George in KY. This is a primitive camping area. Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5," noted one camper. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation on narrow, winding forest roads. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many parts of the gorge area, particularly in valleys and remote camping areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms and potential flash flooding in low-lying areas. Winter camping is available at some sites but with reduced services.

Campers consistently highlight the natural features and hiking opportunities as major draws to the area. The sandstone formations, natural arches, and extensive trail systems make this region particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts. "The Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Gorge is one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region," according to one review. Campgrounds closer to popular climbing areas tend to fill quickly during weekends and holidays. Sites with water and electric hookups are available at several campgrounds including Middle Fork, Red River Gorge Campground, and Callie's Lake and Campground. Primitive backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas of the national forest with proper permits. Noise levels vary significantly between developed campgrounds and more remote sites, with some reviewers noting that weekends can be particularly busy at established campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Campton, Kentucky (80)

    1. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    6 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)."

    2. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."

    "Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though) Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"

    3. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    20 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Located off I-64 in eastern Kentucky, RRG and Natural Bridge offer a wide variety of activities including hiking, camping, backcountry camping, kayak and canoe rentals, and the area has various local"

    "Close to the Natural Bridge trail and multiple SUP Kentucky sites."

    4. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    8 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "For a few bucks per carload, Miguel’s camping spot is contains of a few open field areas situated between the Climbing Gear Shop and the famous pizza spot."

    "There is only a community fire pit - you can't have fires next to your tent. Here are some of the cool things at this campground.

    Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on-site restaurant."

    5. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    11 miles

    $10 / night

    "Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5."

    "Getting away from the busy life and into backcountry is like stepping into God's country. Don't have to worry about nothing and every day is a new adventure."

    6. Lago Linda Hideaway

    23 Reviews
    Beattyville, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 464-2876

    $12 - $86 / night

    "This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."

    "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."

    7. Natural Bridge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-9352

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Nice shaded creek on the outskirts of the campground. Running water, RR, a grill, & Fire ring. All perks. 🔥"

    "You cannot bring in firewood from outside of Natural Bridge State Park/Red River Gorge, so we purchased some with our reservation. They loaded up a wheel barrow for us and we took it to our site."

    8. Callie’s Lake and Campground

    18 Reviews
    Stanton, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 559-2554

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees."

    "This was a nice campground near the red river gorge. My friends and I stayed at a primitive campsite # 10."

    9. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    24 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."

    10. Red River Gorge Adventures

    8 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-1012

    $8 - $20 / night

    "With trails close by to explore!"

    "But they do have a trash bin and portable-potty’s scattered around and they sell firewood on site. Oh and the grass is always maintained."

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Recent Reviews near Campton, KY

577 Reviews of 80 Campton Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Relode BaseCamp

    Perfect small campground

    Bathhouse is immaculate! Super clean facilities! Also laundry available for a small fee, picnic pavilion for all guest with starlink internet FREE! Cheap and affordable place great for families or just a trip for 1! Pet friendly, and beautiful pond! Quiet, off the beaten path, affordable!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Renfro Valley RV Park

    Basic but accommodating

    We came mid week, with no concerts. The place was almost empty! Looks like it would be a really cool place to camp at for a show

  • Sam C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Well maintained and quiet.

    This is a nice place. I've got about two bars 4G through verizon via xfinity. I don't know if there's usually a fee, but there's not one right now. It's got gravel lots with picnic tables and fire pits.

  • 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.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

    Nice camp ground

    It’s well maintained and the staff are friendly. It’s easy to get to and set up. The sites are a bit too close together. And not perfectly level.

  • 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.


Guide to Campton

Camping options around Campton, Kentucky sit within a geological transition zone where the Cumberland Plateau meets the Appalachian foothills. The area's elevation typically ranges between 650-1,275 feet, creating diverse terrain and microclimates across campsites. During summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s while winters drop below freezing, limiting water availability at primitive sites from December through February.

What to do

Fishing access: 5 dollars per adult at Callie's Lake and Campground for catch and release fishing. "They have a general store stocked with necessities you may have forgotten. The store also sales live bait to fish in the lake with," notes David C.

Kayaking routes: 15 minutes from camping to popular water features. "This campground is only a two mile paddle to the infamous jump rock and swim hole," explains Josh J. from Red River Gorge Adventures. The camp sits directly on the river, allowing campers to launch their own watercraft or rent from the campground.

Creek exploration: Multiple access points throughout the region provide opportunities for wading and swimming. At Lago Linda Hideaway, "The lake is perfect for swimming in and has a dock and life jackets for campers use," according to Heather K. The gravel road to the lake is steep, so walking down is recommended over driving.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campers value separation between camping areas. At Koomer Ridge Campground, "The sites are wooded, level and drain well. The prices are reasonable and the shower house is clean," according to Janice C., who brought a group of 15 people.

Multiple trail connections: Direct access to hiking from camping areas. "Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature. Campground is heavily wooded, too, so plenty of shade should be available during the summer months," writes Jeffrey A. about Koomer Ridge.

Water features near sites: Creeks and streams run through several campgrounds. "We stayed at B29 at Middle Fork next to the creek that runs through the campground. We really enjoyed swimming in and following the creek upstream," shares Daniel S. about his experience at Middle Fork Campground.

What you should know

Backcountry camping requirements: A permit costs $5 for three days. "Princess Arch is at the Red River George in KY. This is a primitive camping area. Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY," explains Wayne H.

Crowding varies by season: Weekends from April through October see highest visitation. "Campsites are tight! Had trouble backing in our 32' bumper pull," reports Chris C. about Whittleton Campground, indicating the tight quarters during busy periods.

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. "Verizon is ok here couple bars that go in and out," notes Joe I. about Whittleton Campground. Other campgrounds may have no service at all, particularly in valleys and gorge areas.

Weather impacts: Flash flooding can occur in low-lying campsites. "It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day," observed Sarah H. at Lago Linda Hideaway, highlighting how quickly water features can change after rainfall.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "In season, there is a small mini-golf course. Trout fishing is permitted. Closer to the cottages is a lodge, playground, and pool," reports Lee D. about Middle Fork Campground.

Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter loop options under 1 mile. "Koomer ridge is a great campground if you don't want to hike to camp, it's kid and dog friendly!" shares Brittany S. about one of the best places to camp near Campton, Kentucky.

Swimming spots for children: Designated areas with gentle entry points. "A nice plus was definitely the little creek, perfect for the dogs to play in," notes Katrin M. about Whittleton Campground, which applies equally well for families with small children who enjoy water play.

Tips from RVers

Site levelness varies: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven sites. "Our site was level and in a great spot with a view of the lake in front," mentions Bobby C. about Natural Bridge Campground, though experiences vary between sites.

Hookup limitations: Water pressure fluctuates between 30-45 PSI. "Our site had 30 amp hook ups and the water pressure was about 40 psi. It's nestled in between to mountains, so it was a little place for our youngest to hike," reports Marissa G. about her stay at Natural Bridge Campground.

Road challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds have tight turns. "The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow. The area for RV's is a little tight in the trees and probably won't accommodate an extremely large vehicle," advises Heather K. about Lago Linda Hideaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Campton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Campton, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Campton, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Campton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Campton, KY is Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 47 reviews.

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

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

What parks are near Campton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Campton, KY that allow camping, notably Daniel Boone National Forest and Buckhorn Lake.