58 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Koomer Ridge Campground accepts dogs across its spacious, well-maintained sites in Daniel Boone National Forest. Pets must be leashed at all times while on campground property, with many campsites featuring sufficient space for pet exercise. The sites are nicely spaced with plenty of shade trees, providing comfortable conditions for dogs in warmer weather. Campers frequently note the well-maintained bathhouse facilities and direct trail access that makes dog walking convenient. Both tent and small RV camping options accommodate pet owners, though no electric hookups are available at individual sites. Red River Gorge Campground also welcomes pets with similar policies and offers cabin options for those seeking more comfortable accommodations with their dogs.
Several hiking trails accessible directly from Koomer Ridge Campground provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs. The Cliff Trail, Silvermine Arch Trail, and Hidden Arch Trail all begin from the campground, creating convenient walking routes without needing to drive elsewhere. Water sources are available throughout the campground, though the heavily chlorinated water means bringing separate drinking water for pets is advisable. The surrounding Red River Gorge area offers numerous pet-friendly hiking opportunities with natural water features where dogs can cool off during warmer months. The central location puts campers within minutes of major trailheads and attractions like Sky Bridge and Chimney Top Rock, making this area particularly convenient for those camping with pets who want to explore. Most sites require first-come, first-served arrival, with Thursday or Friday morning being the recommended time to secure a spot during peak seasons.
"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."
"There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Unless you are a distance hiker you will have to drive to most of the attractions from the campground because they aren’t close. So that’s a pro and a con."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"I love the creek that runs through the campground (we were in the Whittleton loop)...and the trail that starts in the back of the campground."
"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"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Well traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect."
"Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5."
from $10 / night
"This allows users to easily search for and discover new camping destinations based on location, amenities, and user ratings."
"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."
from $12 - $104 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip."
from $31 - $105 / night
Check Availability"This drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind."
"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."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe have stayed here many times. Very clean campground.the staff is helpful and friendly. The shower and bathrooms have always been clean . Just wish that they had a fenced in dog park
RangerWe arrived at 3 pm on a Friday and stayed 2 night. Have yet to see any employees. Our paperwork was ready and on the board in the front of the building. Sites are roomy, however the roads and sites could use updating. They go from paved to gravel. The laundry room had 3 washers with only 1 working. 2 dryers with only 1 working. We stopped twice for propane but the office door was always locked. They do have a playground for kids and a cute teepee. A small dog park. There was absolutely nothing level on any of these sites.
ScoutBathhouse 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!
TravelerIt was my first time camping. So much to do on site. Great shade. I love this place. Pet friendly.
GuideThis drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind. Twin Knobs is very clean and spacious campsites and most are on the water! This campground has basketball courts, a beach area, restrooms and more. Pet friendly but must stay on a leash.
GuideGot there in April and basically no one was there which was awesome. Although we did lose our long haired cat named Trouble, she has her collar and chip but there were dogs around and she never came back. Attached is a picture. Other than the weather and losing Trouble it was great.
ScoutOne key feature of The Dyrt is its extensive campground database, which includes over 44,000 campgrounds nationwide. This allows users to easily search for and discover new camping destinations based on location, amenities, and user ratings. The app also offers offline maps and filters for specific preferences such as pet-friendly sites, RV accessibility, and more.
GuideI was extremely thankful to get a last minute tent site during my trip to run the Rugged Red. Locationwise, it's perfect and right at the start of the race. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to go back!! I love the creek that runs through the campground (we were in the Whittleton loop)...and the trail that starts in the back of the campground. It poured all night while we were there, but we stayed dry...our site didn't flood or anything.
I only have two complaints. The website said free wi-fi, but evidently that's only on the other larger loop. It was misleading. Also, this trail is one of the only ones in the area where dogs are allowed. That's a huge issue for me, since I always camp and hike with my sidekick. That's a state park issue, not an isolated campground issue. It's pet friendly!!
GuideWell traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect. Local food is good a lot of small mom an pop establishments. 30/50 amp service at most if the campgrounds all have tent camping. Cell service is very spotty WiFi was the same pet friendly. Did see signs for ADA sites. Found food and supplies available found a few outfitters for camping and rafting gear
Koomer Ridge Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest sits at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet within the Cumberland Plateau region. The campground's ridgetop location affects drainage patterns during rainfall, with most sites drying quickly due to the natural contours. Weather fluctuates seasonally from humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F to crisp fall nights that can drop below 40°F by October.
Hike the lesser-known trails: Access multiple trail systems directly from Koomer Ridge Campground. "We love to camp at Koomer Ridge when we decide not to primitive camp. The campground has a very nice set up along with some great trails!" notes Brittany P.
Fish at nearby lakes: Callie's Lake and Campground offers fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. "The views were pretty and our spot was right on the lake. They also have a little store which was really convenient!" shares Kimberly L. A fishing permit is required, and the lake operates as catch-and-release only.
Explore rock formations: The geological area contains over 100 natural stone arches accessible via day hikes. "Princess Arch is at the Red River George in, KY. Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop," explains Wayne H. who visited Red River Gorge Geological Area.
Mountain biking options: Several trails accommodate biking within minutes of most campgrounds. "Koomer Ridge campground has a great location for mountain biking (what we went for), hiking, fishing - anything really! The Daniel Boone Nat Forest is, I think, at its most beautiful in late spring," states Erin H.
Private, well-spaced sites: Campers appreciate the natural buffers between sites at most campgrounds in the region. "Sites were nice and spread out. The bathrooms were clean. I would definitely return to hike some of the trails," reports Will K. about his experience at Koomer Ridge.
Water features: Access to streams and lakes ranks high among visitor preferences. At Whittleton Campground, "A big plus was definitely the little creek, perfect for the dogs to play in," according to Katrin M., who camped with her dogs. This offers pets a natural place to cool off during hot weather.
Proximity to climbing areas: For outdoor enthusiasts, being near world-class climbing destinations matters. "A fantastic place for primitive backpack camping! There are 100's of rock climbs on bullet proof rock!" explains Alan B. about the Red River Gorge Geological Area. Most climbing areas remain accessible year-round, though spring and fall offer the best conditions.
On-site amenities: Convenience stores and food options at some locations reduce the need for trips into town. "They have a general store stocked with necessities you may have forgotten. The store also sales live bait to fish in the lake with. The best part about the store is the food!!!" Josh N. shares about Callie's Lake and Campground.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate strictly first-come, first-served while others accept advance bookings. Jeffrey A. notes about Koomer Ridge: "As of April 2023 all sites were first-come, first-serve (no prior reservations permitted). We camped one night and thoroughly enjoyed it!"
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent throughout the region. At Natural Bridge Campground, "Verizon is ok here couple bars that go in and out," according to Joe I. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Wildlife considerations: Ticks remain active from spring through fall. "I will say we found a few lone star ticks (dead thanks to her prevention) on our dog. Just as a heads up to campers. Always do your tick checks!" warns Lena L. who camped at Lago Linda Hideaway.
Bathroom facilities: Restrooms vary significantly between locations. "Only one sink had hot water. The shower was wimpy at best. Took a long time to coax hot water, and then the flow was very weak," reports Lee D. about Middle Fork Campground. Some campgrounds offer no shower facilities at all.
Look for dedicated swimming areas: Middle Fork Campground provides water access appropriate for children. "We really enjoyed swimming in and following the creek upstream," notes Daniel S. The creek depth varies seasonally but generally remains shallow enough for supervised play during summer months.
Choose sites away from noise: For quieter family experiences, avoid campgrounds near main roads. "Because of its proximity to Route 11, you will hear road noise at many of the sites, including the tent sites. The cabins are situated further back in the woods, so you won't hear the road noise there," advises Lee D. about Middle Fork Campground.
Consider campgrounds with playgrounds: Some locations offer built-in entertainment for children. "There is a play ground for the kids. They had a small store with camping supplies and they served food. Staff seemed to be pretty friendly as well," describes David C. about his stay at Callie's Lake and Campground.
Pack extra water for pets: Despite water availability at most campgrounds, quality varies for pet consumption. Natural water sources may contain bacteria harmful to dogs, and campground water sometimes contains high mineral content or chlorine. Bring dedicated water supplies for pet-friendly camping near Campton.
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds in the Red River Gorge area have size limitations. "Had trouble backing in our 32' bumper pull. Close to the Natural Bridge trail and multiple SUP Kentucky sites," reports Chris C. about his experience at Whittleton Campground. Some loops cannot accommodate larger rigs.
Plan for uneven terrain: The mountainous landscape creates leveling challenges. "All sites were level; some were paved, and some were gravel (riverfront sites tended to be gravel). Most are back-in, but the middle row has pull-thru sites, however, if you had a large RV with a toad, you would likely not have room for both in your site," notes Lee D. about camping at Middle Fork Campground.
Limited hookup options: Full-service sites remain scarce in this region. "No hook-ups but the site was level for a 21" campervan and had a HUGE tent pad, 2 lantern posts, fire ring and picnic table in a spacious site," explains Jeffrey A. about Koomer Ridge. Most RV-friendly campgrounds offer electric service, but water and sewer connections are less common.
Consider seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region close during winter months. Those requiring pet-friendly camping near Campton should verify operating dates before planning trips between November and April as many facilities shut down completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Campton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Campton, KY is Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Campton, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 58 dog-friendly camping locations near Campton, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
