Best Cabin Camping near Carlisle, KY

Cabin accommodations near Carlisle include both rustic and furnished options across several parks and campgrounds. Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park provides cabin rentals with electricity, water hookups, and shower facilities for visitors seeking comfort during their stay. Zilpo Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest features small wooden cabins with bunk beds. "The cabin is about 10 x 20. The front room has two chairs a bench and table and the air conditioner. The second room has four single bunk beds," noted one visitor about their stay at Zilpo. Most cabin sites include picnic tables, fire rings with attached grills, and access to bathrooms with flush toilets.

Rustic log cabins at Zilpo Campground require guests to bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, as the bunks come without mattresses. Electric hookups are available at most cabin sites for $5 nightly, with some locations offering air conditioning units during summer months. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground permits pets at their cabin sites, though specific rules vary by location. Twin Knobs Recreation Area and Red River Gorge Campground maintain cabins open seasonally, with most closing by late October. One camper shared: "The campsite had a fire pit with a grill that can be lowered or raised to cook on. It had three lantern poles and two picnic tables."

Most cabin locations provide only basic furnishings, with guests expected to bring bedding, pillows, and cooking supplies. Cabins typically include electricity but kitchen facilities vary considerably between locations. Some offer only outdoor fire rings for cooking while others provide indoor tables and refrigeration. Camp stores at Blue Licks and Twin Knobs sell firewood, ice, and limited groceries. Bathroom facilities range from shared shower houses to more rustic options. Sandy Springs Campground stands out with thoughtful bathroom amenities including heaters and reading materials. For larger grocery runs, most visitors stock up before arrival as stores near campgrounds carry only essentials.

Best Cabin Sites Near Carlisle, Kentucky (20)

    1. Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

    16 Reviews
    Carlisle, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 289-5507

    $20 - $32 / night

    "There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade."

    "Blue licks features a great lodge, restaurant and cabins. Our family used to visit the restaurant a few times a month for its down home cooking on the buffet."

    2. Zilpo Campground

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

    $28 - $94 / night

    "When you follow the steps down, there was a very large camping area with the fire ring. We were able to set an RV mat with our ez-up and then set up our cooking kitchen across the way."

    "tab=fees

    Cabin Electric$75.00 Standard Electric$30.00 Standard Electric Other$41.00 Standard Nonelectric$22.00 Standard Nonelectric Other$27.00 Standard Nonelectric Double Site$33.00

    Limit"

    3. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Good picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are not far from any of the site in the loop. Will update after we use the shower house."

    "Stayed on the F Loop next to the lake, fire pit, picnic table, level tent site and bathroom showers a short walk. Camp hosts very friendly and helpful. campsite are close together."

    4. Three Springs Campground

    17 Reviews
    Sadieville, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 823-0258

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Final approach/exit to the park is very steep. Beautiful sites but fairly close together. Gravelled roads and pads surrounded by forest with three small streams cutting through."

    "We decided to come to Kentucky to visit the Ark and the Creation Museum. I found this little campground by joining The Dyrt. Three springs, was the best choice this summer."

    5. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    38 miles

    $10 / night

    "Well traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect."

    "Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop. There are bathrooms and trash bins at the parking loop."

    6. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

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

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Park was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."

    "The campground was a little confusing at first because the sign says next left, when the next left is the out driveway."

    7. Sandy Springs Campground

    33 Reviews
    Stout, OH
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 640-7858

    $35 - $125 / night

    "This is a peaceful and quiet campground located along the Ohio River. All sites have 50 amp and water hook ups. Most have fire rings and picnic tables."

    "Small and clean private campground. I was looking for somewhere to sleep on our way back north and saw this highly reviewed on Dyrt, so naturally we took the chance. Glad we did."

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

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    42 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "I think they just put that sign up there to let visitors know that its not a place to go to be noisy and obnoxious all night long; there are quiet hours that are typically well respected, beginning at"

    "You have food for purchase, paid showers, great community, and picnic tables/ pavilions if you want to bust out the stove and cook for yourself."

    9. Laurel Bend

    1 Review
    Falmouth, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 302-1009

    $20 - $250 / night

    "We were traveling near the Licking River, and needed a spot to pitch the tent for the night.. I never got a chance to explore past just staying the night and leaving early in the morning."

    10. Natural Bridge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    41 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. 🔥"

    "There is so much to do nearby. Awesome stores and adventures. Campground has WiFi, fishing for kids, and is in a great location."

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Cabin Reviews near Carlisle, KY

282 Reviews of 20 Carlisle Campgrounds


  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2021

    Zilpo Campground

    A Week of Relaxation

    This was a week long trip for our 7th Anniversary. We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip. We've never been to this campground before so we tried to do some research on reviews - the good, the bad the ugly. We found that the H loop seemed to be the way to go so we reserved H006. It had a very level pad for our camper - that was a plus and it included electric. There was a tent pad at the top where we would sit in the morning with coffee. When you follow the steps down, there was a very large camping area with the fire ring. We were able to set an RV mat with our ez-up and then set up our cooking kitchen across the way. The picnic table was huge (no gaps!) and provide plenty of seating for more than just the two of us. There were three lantern/food polls available to use, one at the top and two at the bottom. Across the street was extra parking and a path that led down to your own private beach. We didn't have to go to the beach (which was closed for the season) to enjoy the lake. We loved our site and although we had sites on either side - you weren't on top of each other. 

    There was a man-made path you could follow down to the lower road and take a short walk to the shower house. The shower house was ok - three toilets (one broken) and three showers (the handicap out of order). The toilets flushed "hard", in other words, be read to step out as you hit the flush button as it tends to splash more than it should. The showers had a door, a small bench for clothes and a very small stall. It was kept clean, but still covered in bugs/cobwebs/etc. There are two shower houses in H loop.

    We walked the H loop at least twice a day - almost a mile around. There are not very many electric sites on the loop. Some sites were single and some were double (much larger). We did get to walk/drive through the other loops - they were ok as well, but I would only go back knowing we'd be in H. 

    We drove out to do a couple of short hikes. No bears, but lots of nature - tons of mushrooms! We even drove through the Clear Creek campground - not a lot there, drop toilets and the water main was broken. Very low key if that's what you're looking for. We stopped by a small park and saw the old iron furnace, pretty cool and lot's of places to picnic. 

    We loved our site, the H loop and the variety of things we got to do while we were there.

  • K
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Zilpo Campground

    Land and Lake Beauty

    This campground has it all:)  I picked this campsite as it is further south in the Daniel Boone National Forest so it isn't near the chaos of the climbing that is found further North.  

    "Peak Season Rates as listed on website - https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232370?tab=fees

    Cabin Electric$75.00 Standard Electric$30.00 Standard Electric Other$41.00 Standard Nonelectric$22.00 Standard Nonelectric Other$27.00 Standard Nonelectric Double Site$33.00

    Limit 6 people and 2 vehicles per single campsite; additional vehicles will be charged$8/night; additional campers will be charged$1/night A$5 nightly fee is charged for electric hookups Each cabin has 2 double bunk beds with out mattresses, Please bring your own sleeping bags or other bedding."

    We wanted to check out the cabins as they looked so darling.  We couldn't quite tell if the cabins had AC or heat. 

    As for the beach, it was a blast and we spent pretty much the whole day there and every day with the heat. At night the beach is sadly closed but if you go up a little more on the road you will find another "beach" spot that isn't closed so you can look at the stars over the lake. 

    It is a pain to get back to town in my opinion so make sure you have what you need.

  • D
    Aug. 4, 2022

    Zilpo Campground

    Great semi rustic

    Stayed at cabin D11. Nicely maintained.  A bit on the small side but good for a place to lay your head. This cabin is directly opposite the restrooms for this loop. Cabin is about 10 x 20. The front room has two chairs a bench and table and the air conditioner. The second room has four single bunk beds.

    The grounds around the cabin are nice with gravel area for setting up an outdoor kitchen or tent or lounge chairs.

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 12, 2017

    Zilpo Campground

    OVER RATED

    "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."

    We were planning on staying multiple night because of the reviews online but it ended up being a whole lot of families with kids running around like wild beasts for hours on end. it truly annoyed us the entire time we were there and left early in the morning. I'm sure we could have spoke to some one and moved sites. It is advertised as above as fun for the whole family so we felt like dicks haha. whatever. moving along now.

  • Anthony I.
    May. 3, 2022

    Zilpo Campground

    Nice and quiet.

    A lovely campground that is well-maintained and very peaceful. We opted for a site with electricity and it had a nice level pad for our trailer and truck, a fire ring, a picnic table and post for our lantern. The campground itself is quite large, taking up the whole peninsula, there are not many public areas to access the beach for swimming, but there are a few moderate to easy hiking trails and during our visit other than ice and firewood there was nothing available as the store was closed. We were at our campsite at the beginning of May, and I will say be very careful as I pulled more ticks off of myself and my dog than I ever have in my life, so be sure to triple check.

  • Steve Z.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

    Great place for passers through or staycationers.

    We have stayed in four sites her during the past couple of month. There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade. [Site 10 is presently inhabited by a large family with a sign that says “Camp Host out front. I have not seen them do anything for campers here, and the site is kept in disgraceful cluttered condition.] we next stayed on Lot 13, which backs up to the primitive campground. Quite nice, but beware: this site as well as about half of the other sites at this campground require the use of electrical and water extensions because the connections are on the “wrong” side of the RV, and quite a distance away. For Lot 13, I needed over 50’ of extensions. We then stayed on walk-in lot 51. I was able to “self permit” at the gate…it’s first come first served, no online reservations. Nice, but no shade. Finally, we’re on Lot 47. Eureka! This is my favorite so far. It’s one of the “premium sites” with wooden deck and nicer picnic table for only $2 additional per night. View is phenomenal, and it’s close enough to dumpsters and gatehouse. Notice that I didn’t mention anything about sewer hookups. That’s because there are none. There is a single, very popular dump station near the entrance/exit.
    There are several miles of decent trails here, a swimming pool, putt putt golf, a pioneer museum, and a lodge with a good restaurant. The campground is easily accessible and is very kid and pet friendly. Nice sites for tent camping. Facilities are a bit dated, but clean and well maintained. All RV sites are back-in, and some are limited length. (Though some campers have rather cleverly managed to pull through a couple of the sites.) Some are quite unlevel.
    Overall good family campground on rich historical site.

  • Alisha R.
    Apr. 1, 2023

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Twin Knobs cozy camping spots

    Good level spots. Quiet the first week of April. Good picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are not far from any of the site in the loop. Will update after we use the shower house. I thought that we would be able to walk from our location to the camp store. It is possible but not easy. The camp store and laundry were closed March 31, bought firewood at entry for $8 a bundle.

  • Shari C.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Natural Bridge Campground

    God’s country explored.

    Nice management. Basic site with all necessities meet. Nice shaded creek on the outskirts of the campground. Running water, RR, a grill, & Fire ring. All perks. 🔥

  • Jen K.
    Dec. 1, 2021

    4 Guys RV Park at Red River Gorge

    Wonderful!!!

    If you are looking for a campground that is near all of the hiking trails and sights in and around the red river gorge this is the place to be!! Loads of amenities; clean/hot showers, playgrounds, pool, full hookups, campstore, fire rings & picnic tables at each sight and nice views. Staff was great to deal with and the WiFi/cell service if great.


Guide to Carlisle

Carlisle, Kentucky sits in the northeastern part of the state at approximately 750 feet above sea level. The region features a mix of rolling hills, forests, and waterways that provide diverse terrain for campers. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 55-75°F with occasional rainfall.

What to do

Explore limestone caves: At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, visitors can experience underground adventures. "The scenery is always relaxing, and the campgrounds are always welcoming. The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," writes Chris B.

Fishing opportunities: Several campsites offer access to lakes and rivers. "We still fish there on a regular basis," mentions a visitor at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park about their frequent returns to the water. The park combines historical sites with outdoor recreation.

Hiking through geological formations: The Daniel Boone National Forest area provides numerous trails. "I would recommend this place to any not only because of the area but because the park is so well maintained and clean," notes Nick P. about Zilpo Campground, which offers access to Cave Run Lake.

Backcountry camping experiences: For more remote options, the forests around Carlisle provide solitude. "We always go to Indian Creek in the RRG. My family loves it. Getting away from the busy life and into backcountry is like stepping into God's country," shares Vandee K.

What campers like

Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings. "I love Zilpo because of the wooded lots. You don't feel like you are camping on your neighbors. The lots are spread out enough that you have some privacy," explains Karen P.

River views: Sites along waterways rank highly among visitors. "It's a delightful little campground with great atmosphere," writes Randy G. about Three Springs Campground, noting the friendly owners who "escort you to your site and guides you into your spot."

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses matter to campers. "Very friendly and helpful staff... nice showers was a plus!" reports Helen F. about Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, highlighting the importance of good amenities.

Historical connections: The region's rich history adds depth to camping experiences. "We enjoyed the history at this state park. I enjoyed learning about the salt making process and also Daniel Boone. They had a lovely museum for a small fee," shares Kenpocentaur K.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. Blue Licks Battlefield State Park runs from April 1 to October 31, while Zilpo Campground operates from April 25 to November 2.

Campsite spacing varies: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "The campsites are ample size and do have electricity. The restrooms were good. My camp partner did hear some road noise so be sure to bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper," advises a camper at Blue Licks.

Water access considerations: Not all waterfront sites provide easy access. "Nice place nestled in the trees close to the water. Can't easily access the water though," notes Curtis B. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Carlisle, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Carlisle, KY is Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Carlisle, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Carlisle, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.