For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Carlisle camping trip. Find the best information on cabin camping near Carlisle, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Carlisle's most popular destinations.
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.
$85 / 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.
$40 - $43 / night
Three Springs Campground, located just 10 miles south of the NEW Ark Encounter, has been family-owned and operated for over 54 years. The Heltons are the 4th family to own the park, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mtns. The park boasts a protected ecosystem and brings "Nature" back to camping for those inclined to share in the beauty of the outdoors. Come see why Three Springs is so highly recommended!
$40 - $60 / night
Red River Gorge Campground is known for its picturesque surroundings and range of outdoor activities. The campground is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, a geological wonderland with soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches and deep gorges. The area is popular with hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous trails for all levels of experience, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and fishing. Red River Gorge Campground provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in Kentucky.
$10 / night
Our campground is located along the banks of the Ohio River. Easy to access right on the Ohio River Scenic Byway or US Highway 52. View river barges and tugs as they go by several times a day. Take in the sites of the Kentucky Appalachian foothills on the other side of the river. Wake up to the sounds of many birds that make their home in the scenic Ohio River bluffs. Toss a line in as you fish the river from our boat ramp. Take a hot shower or do laundry in our well stocked and clean bath house. Our hookups include 50/30 amp electric, sewer and water at each site. For your convenience we also offer honey wagon services and a dump station.
$35 - $125 / night
Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers. The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake.
Natural Bridge Campground is Under New Management!
Take some time to orient yourself with our spacious red river camping experience and Red River Gorge weather. Bring your family on a walk and find out all the different locations that you can spend the day at while staying with us at Red River Gorge Campground. Spend the day exploring and come back and sit around the campfire. Make sure to bring some s’mores for the little ones to enjoy. Go around the circle telling scary stories or share old stories from your childhood with your family and friends.
$20 - $40 / night
Come visit our newly renovated 90 site campground in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, just minutes from beautiful Cave Run Lake. Full hookup, 50 amp sites, pull through sites, pet and big rig friendly. Laundry, Bath, free wifi, and pool!
$30 - $75 / night
$55 / night
Scout
The amenities are not worth the price. The bathrooms are not clean. We paid for a campsite that had water and electric but we had to share water with another site. Luckily there were a splitter available. The sites in the 30s look like they may be spacious but you are on top of one another.
The 5 star review on here is regarding the state park camping, not this site. Would not return.
Guide
Well kept campground with a pond. Bathrooms were well maintained and clean. Lots of stars at night!
Traveler
We stayed from Sunday until Tuesday and didn't want to leave! The campground offers something for everyone: playground equipment, basketball hoop and various balls, access to the river for fishing, and absolutely stunning views of the Ohio as well as the surrounding hills.
The campers were friendly. Nobody was loud and obnoxious. The owners Julie and Darcy are super nice and helpful.
We liked the campground so much we're returning in a few weeks!
ScoutFinal 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. Sites are not particularly level. Bathrooms are clean and the hosts are attentive. The only trash bin is near the office by the out of service pool.
RangerThere is so much to do nearby. Awesome stores and adventures. Campground has WiFi, fishing for kids, and is in a great location.
TravelerThe campsite is totally geared towards family fun! The owners are so hospitable, that you feel like family! One of the most fun places we’ve ever stayed! My kids were busy nonstop with planned fun activities! And they had things for the adults as well and a lot of things for everyone to do together!
Traveler
A very nice state park with an abundance of natural resources surrounding the campground. There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds. The caves themselves are quite the treat.
The staff are all very friendly and there are camping sites for tents or rigs. However, like many state parks that have not been updated, navigating into some of the spots with a large rig can be challenging. On the one hand, this is nice as there are mature trees throughout. On the other hand, they could increase the size / length of the existing campsites. There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten.
The lodge is available down the road (within the state park) for dinner if you are looking to mix up the trip. Not fine dining, but decent food. There is also a pool available at a discounted rate for campers - which our kids enjoyed. Note: there are no full hookup sites, which is not uncommon for KY State Parks.
Scout
Quiet, less utilized campground on Cave Run Lake. Campsites have more privacy and are more primitive. There is a bathhouse, but it is not regularly maintained. This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches.
ScoutLevel site. Staff cleans the bathhouse every hour.
TravelerSites are okay. We had one with trees so got some shade. Staff is friendly. The restrooms didn’t get cleaned the entire 5 nights we were here. The floor was swept but the same dead fly on the sink was there all week too. There are only 2 men’s and two women’s shower/toilet rooms for the entire camp. During the week it was not an issue but the place got full on Friday night and having two toilets for each sec is not a good plan, especially if two men want to shower leaving no men’s facilities until they’re done. Probably would not return.
TravelerStay 6 nights, very peaceful and quite place, this time of year! Campground empty, no one there. Beautiful sites, large, all fine gravel and paved pull offs, very nice! Bathrooms could use a update, easily Lot’s of bug in May, but huge amount of ticks 🕷️ Campground sets back off main road about 10 miles, so no traffic noise at all. Has boat lunch, beach, camp store, 2 dump stations, 7 loops host at most of them, very nice people. We had great time, will defiantly be back to stay again!
ScoutWe stayed in sites along the river. Wow, what a peaceful beautiful place. We will be back again and again
TravelerThe view!!!!!! Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming. Watching the barges going up and down is never boring. The owners go out of their way to make sure that you are ok or if you need anything.
Scout
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.
Scout
We love this campground! Had a great time here, the staff was friendly and helpful and kind and it felt extremely remote and secluded and private too! The campsites are very large and spacious - they have firewood and porta-potties on site and its right along the river. Our favorite campsite in the gorge - especially because it has no cell service! :)
ScoutWe went with three small kids. Great facilities, hiking, caving etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough to do all the things we wanted to. The tent sites are close together so we may not have enjoyed it as much if it were busier but we were lucky enough to get a site with no immediate neighbors. Pictures online made it appear that tree cover was not as good as it actually was.
ScoutWe arrived late and the hosts were so kind and communicative. We were met at the office and given a site right on the river. We had a peaceful night and awoke to fog on the river which was beautiful and quickly lifted. A sweet kitty visited with us during our walk down to the water and breakfast. Electric and water hookups were fine and the showers were great - individual rooms with toilet, sink and shower were roomy and had surfaces for resting your toiletries. We were just passing through so only stayed one night but I’d definitely go back. Highly recommend.
ScoutOver all the stay was nice. Quiet and close to everything. Only complaint was they wanted us to buy wood their but the wood was to wet to even burn so I could use it. . Also the Bathrooms were pretty nasty and run down same with the showers.
Blood under one of the toilet sees. Pretty nasty. Staff was pretty nice though and everyone was friendly
ScoutThis is a super clean campground. Like amazingly maintained. If you are looking for a family campground I wouldn't stay here. This is not a kid friendly place. There is not space for them to run around. There is supposed to be a playground but there isn't which is why I did 4 stars.
If you want somewhere clean, to stay in your camper or just in a chair right outside, This is perfect. If you need somewhere to be for a night to leave the next day it's great.
It's not a good campground to explore or do anything at. Not a good one for kids under the age of 16, there is just nothing to do. When we were here 2 if the 3 trails were closed. We won't stay here again because it just isn't a good fit for us. But if you aren't looking for a family campground, then this is probably ideal for you.
TravelerSuper close to all the sightseeing. Perfect prices and just really enjoyed it. The sites are a little tight but overall very nice and kept up to date.
ScoutSites too close together. Clean showers and restrooms. Not much for a family to do.
No playground for the kiddos, a small water hole for catch-and-release fishing.
Really nice for off-site attractions (Creation Museum, Ark Encounter)
No The Dyrt discount, Did offer Senior and Museum discount of 10%
ScoutWe always make sure this is our #1 spot to go it's our home base campground , love the mature trees in the campground and the trail around the lake . It's beautiful ❤️ down here must visit.
ScoutThere’s a quiet time reserved for after 11pm. Apparently no one cares because people were LOUD the first night we were there. The second night was less crowded and much more enjoyable. There’s so much to do at Carter caves that I didn’t mind it too much. Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too.
TravelerIt wasn’t exactly rustic but you couldn’t ask for much more just 10 miles from the ark . They have a few hiking trails and a creek the kids caught crawfish in.
ScoutIf you are looking for good old wholesome camping take advantage of Sandy Springs Campground any time of the year.
TravelerMy family of 5 stayed in the houseboat for several days, and what a wonderful unique experience. Our family includes two adults and three kids (ages 2 to 13), and the houseboat sleeping arrangements worked out well for us (older kids sleeping in the belly of the whale...an almost cave-like experience that they loved) and wife and I sleeping in the beds towards the rear of the boat, with a pack n play for our toddler between our two beds.
The campground is on the smaller side, which is a positive as it creates a more friendly, peaceful and cozy experience. We had the perfect weather (warm during the day and cool at night). It rained one day, which we used to go explore the nearby State Park and grab a bite to eat in a nearby city (appx 30 min away), in addition to relaxing in the houseboat.
The campground owners and their family are probably the most down-to-earth people I've met at any campground, and they take time to get to know you and your family, and vice versa.
The campground was always clean and safe, and we stayed during a holiday weekend, where the campground was full and had numerous activities going on. The playground was a favorite of my youngest two.
The Campground bathrooms/showers were also clean and well-maintained. The houseboat has its own shower, but it's about the size of a phone booth, which I enjoyed using, but at least one of the kids preferred more space, so the option is there to use the campground showers.
For a smaller sized campground, I was impressed with the size of the camp store and it's offerings.
Finally, the icing on the cake...the location of the campground and the gorgeous views, especially from the houseboat. It's located between the shores of the Ohio River and a forested area. Lots of shade and lots of scenic views. Also, there's something both relaxing and adventurous in watching the long barges, tugboats and other boats traveling the Ohio river. I don't know, makes me feel a little Mark Twain-ish.
I'm attaching some pictures from our trip. The nature of where we were staying was a complete surprise for my family, so when we pulled up and I announced "a 1970's houseboat", they were super excited. I also ordered some sea captain accessories from Amazon for us to create some memorable photos.
GuideI found this jewel during the pandemic. I wanted to stay closer to home than usual for vacation. It was the cutest, most affordable, safe for solo female campers, clean, wonderful owners, tons of things to do, or just relaxing. I fell in love and have returned many, many times. I have stayed in all of the cabins and campers except SS Sandy Springs and Flair. I am familiar with this area and Shawnee State Forest, aka, The Little Smokies!
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 Zilpo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 49 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.
