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.
$28 - $94 / 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
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
Legend
"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.
ScoutStayed 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.
Guide
Park is nice with lots of trees and water. Small rental cabins surround the park. Owners are very nice and very helpful with tips and suggestions for the RV, and local eateries. We stayed one night on our way south from Indy. We wanted to visit The Ark and The Creation Museum, but cannot do both in one day. I deducted a star from overall and value rating only due to no direct sewer connection. Although they do have a dump station, I prefer to have a direct hook-up. Sites are pretty level, although we did have to unhook to keep truck from sticking out into road. SInce the park wasn't full, the owners let us park our truck in site next to us. We stayed in our 38' travel trailer with our Ford F250 truck.
ScoutNice primitive cabin with luxury
LegendThis 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.
Scout
We stayed in a cabin, didn't have any mattress in lol but the view was amazing
Guide
something for everyone ,rv to tent camping...also cabins and a lodge is available for reservations. great dinning at lodge. wonderful hiking trails...And cave tours.
Guide
beauty in ever direction. get a back country pass and head for one of the many trails or stay at one of the campgrounds in the area...cabins in area also.
ScoutPrimitive camping and rv space. You can rent a cabin and such. There is a resort. Everything always looks really nice. So many recreational activities, caves, hiking, horses and a lot more. I would really recommend visiting.
ScoutWe fell in love with The Gorge in April and will be back in September and at Christmas! Several kid friendly (ages 8, 4, & 2) spots and while we went the cabin route, we'll be tent camping next round!
Guide
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. Camp grounds are clean and well spaced out, and there's great fishing spots.
We still fish there on a regular basis.
TravelerIt’s peaceful and the area we were in was not too close to each other. They have spots for tents, campers and they also have cabins. It’s surrounded by a huge lake with fishing and a boat ramp. You do have to make sure you have all your supplies, the closest store is 30 to 40 minutes away.
Guide
I 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!
TravelerWe’re very familiar with twin knobs. Zilpo is the backwoods cousin. A bit more remote, but we found the campground to be fantastic. It is more densely wooded than twin knobs. The sites are generally just as good, but there is more variety between primitive/hookup/cabins. The beach is not quite as big, but plenty big, and wasn’t crowded over July 4 weekend. The beach store has bare essentials. There doesn’t seem to be ranger programming. Not all the loops have showers in the bathroom buildings.
LegendShort visit here, but it was enjoyable :) This park as a few shorter hiking trails, which were nice, as well as historic sites, mini golf, and a pool. The park has a lodge and cabins as well as a campground. In the campground area is basketball and volleyball. Campground is not very large, but ‘secluded’ is not a word I would use when describing it. The tent camping sites, ‘primitive’ were not :( It was an okay experience, but there was road noise and no seclusion (we were in a field essentially with the other tent campers).
ScoutThis campground should be a must visit on your list 🤗
We have camped in many places & this is definitely a 5 star 🌟 place. The spaces are so spacious & clean. The bathrooms & showers are so clean as well (Hardly see that anymore) The campground is relaxing & quiet 😁
The hosts & owners make you feel right at home & like family 💕 Beautiful views of the Ohio River & access to the water (beach) 🏖️ You can see the barges go by, watch the beautiful sky, & see the mountain range across the river. So much beauty to truly relax. Close to Cincinnati but far enough away to be in a peaceful relaxing place. You can tent, rent a cabin, or bring your own camper. Perfect for family camping 🏕️
Great events for families to enjoy.
Truly a wonderful place to be.
Love love love this campground 🏕️🏖️🛶🐟❤️🌟
GuideSandy Springs is our RV home away from home. From the beautiful views of the Ohio River, fishing, quiet out in nature, there is just not enough great words to describe this campground.
The owners Julie and Darcy are the best when making sure your stay is pleasant and we've made this our go to campground since 2018.
From the simple registration for RV/Tent spots as well as cabins, it doesn't get any easier to book a site. Unlike some campgrounds, where the full-timers get all of the premium spots, it is the opposite at Sandy Springs, the river view spots are left open for the "weekenders".
Some weekends, there are special events going on, from bands to bouncy houses and there are also those weekends where nothing is going on, it you are looking for the slower pace camping.
You cannot go wrong camping here :)
Feel free to reach out if you want more info, always glad to share,
Joe Testa
RangerVery clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close.
ScoutMy husband and I go to Red River Gorge any time we are looking to get away for a couple nights!
ScoutSandy Springs Campground is this awesome little gem on the Ohio River. It is a small family owned and family oriented Campground with some amazing views of the foothills of Ohio and Kentucky. The Campground is super clean and well maintained. They have full hookups and 30/50 Amp service. There are pull through sites and river front sites. They have several rental options and the coolest house boat over looking the river with a wrap around porch. They have really nice shower and laundry facilities. There is a pretty cool camp store there too. The best part is the friendly people and atmosphere. The owners work very hard here. They take very good care of the guests and there are always plenty of activities on the weekends and holidays. The prices are definitely affordable and can't be beat anywhere I have stayed before. Couldn't recommend a better place to stay on your next camping adventure.
Guide
Tight sites with some rowdy neighbors. Nice place to go with friends for a local weekend getaway. Not too far from Red River Gorge for more hiking and beautiful KY scenery.
GuideDefinitely get a tour of the caves while you’re here. Camping is among the trees without much geology to see nearby. Pros: nice tent-only loop, very forested, fairly private tent sites, wildlife, many activities (hiking, cave tours, fishing, kayak rentals, swim, put-put, ranger talks), especially friendly & informed guides/caretakers, horse camp is far enough away to not smell like a farm. Cons: pool was a little too chaotic for us (but that’s typical), campground is bustling during the day but quieted down well at sunset.
GuideFull disclosure 1st time here and last minute (night before) booking. The whole campground is nice depending on how you're camping. Some site are better than others in general, but some are better fitted for campers and other for tents. I'm not talking about electric/water hookup vs primitive, just layout. We booked Thursday night on a last minute cancellation for Friday-Sunday. A site with electric in the H loop. It was clean and the sites are nicely spaced so you're not right on top of another. Problem is it was all booked up online so we expected a busy campground and over 1/2 the sites booked were empty all weekend. Not that that was a bad thing. It just that better site were available. I think this is a problem with the online booking system that can be fixed. They have a mix of sites and small cabins. We will probably book one of those on a return trip. Despite what the maps show there are no sites that are "waterfront". The sites next to the water have steep drop offs so no back door fishing. It's easy to get to the water just not right at the sites. The swimming beach was a disappointment. The water was nice but the beach itself left a ton to be desired. It's lined with gravel that's not real bare foot friendly. In the heat of the summer when we were there the gravel was extremely hot and hard to walk on. Once I. The water was fine, but if you plan to lay out and tan bring something padded to lay on. Also. The goose poop.. Man was there a ton of goose poop on the beach. I mean all over the place. There is another sand beach that's a boat up to beach by the boat dock that's also accessible by shore but depending on the water level may not be that great. It was sand not gravel and didn't have much "beach. More like field next to water. It was much better. Still goose poop but not as much. The lake water was close to clear and clean. The staff was nice. There are a moderate amount of shower house bathrooms but some site may have a decent walk. There is one store in the campground by the beach but didn't have much in it. Boat traffic for the time didn't seem bad. Overall it was a good trip, and we will probably be back.
RangerNice caves & trails, but the campground is not best. Kentucky's sharing power poles make finding a level site with reachable power even tougher. Weekends are crazy crowded. Staff is friendly. Would never attempt to stay here without a reservaton.
GuideWhat a great little family owned and run campground. The only thing you'll hear are barges running up and down the Ohio River and an occasional train over on the Kentucky side. Spots are big, grounds are neat and clean and the service is friendly and accommodating.
ScoutMy wife and I have been camping for years. 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. Very friendly staff and delivered my firewood next to the fire pit. Loaned me an electric cord extension and it was a delight to stay there.
Guide
Search Northern Kentucky RV Park for the correct website. We only stayed one night and came in after the office closed, but we had a great experience in the time that we were there. The grounds are neat and taken care of and have plenty of shade. There's a nice playground. We didn't see any fire rings. And there was a bit of noise from highway and passing trains, but they weren't a big deal to us.
Cabin camping near Carlisle, Kentucky offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat.
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.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Carlisle, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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