Best Glamping near Carlisle, KY

Outpost Campground & RV Park and Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins house upscale glamping accommodations near Carlisle, Kentucky, with both properties offering yurt options that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. These circular canvas structures feature comfortable beds, electricity, and climate control systems for year-round enjoyment. "We loved our site, the H loop and the variety of things we got to do while we were there," shared one visitor who appreciated the spacious accommodations and private setting. The glamping yurts at Outpost provide scenic views of Cave Run Lake, while Sheltowee's luxury canvas accommodations include private decks for enjoying the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest. Both locations maintain a perfect balance between wilderness immersion and boutique camping amenities, with several sites offering direct lake access and well-maintained facilities.

Twin Knobs Recreation Area provides exceptional glamping experiences with waterfront access to Cave Run Lake and private beach areas accessible from select accommodations. Guests particularly enjoy stargazing opportunities, with one camper noting, "It's too bad they close at the end of October. I bet winter camping there would be a treat." The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest offers extensive hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, with many glamping sites positioned for optimal forest and lake views. Most luxury camping accommodations remain open from April through early November, with peak season running May through September. The nearby Red River Gorge provides additional adventure opportunities including world-class rock climbing, canoeing, and kayaking. Reservations for premium glamping sites should be made six months in advance, especially for waterfront locations that provide the most immersive luxury camping experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Carlisle, Kentucky

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Best Glamping Sites Near Carlisle, Kentucky (13)

1. Zilpo Campground
49 Reviews
Salt Lick, KY
34 miles
Website
+1 (606) 768-2722
$28 - $94 / night
"We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip."

"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."
2. Twin Knobs Recreation Area
42 Reviews
Salt Lick, KY
32 miles
Website
+1 (606) 780-7818
$31 - $128 / night
"We love how the outer loop sites have such quick access to the water.

Both sites are shaded very well and the sites themselves are huge."

"Twin Knobs Campground

We stayed in the F loop on site F22 primitive camping. It had a short path to the lake, easy access for shore swimming or fishing. Great for kids and adults."

3. Three Springs Campground
17 Reviews
Sadieville, KY
31 miles
Website
+1 (859) 823-0258
$40 - $60 / night
"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."

"Quiet lil place clean showers and bathrooms extremely friendly staff who will go out of their way to help you set up. (Was offered hoses and power cords if needed)."
4. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground
46 Reviews
Olive Hill, KY
50 miles
Website
+1 (606) 286-4411
$20 - $120 / night
"Yes it can get crowded, yes there are kids and lots of noise. they’re coming here to have fun too! I grew up in the primitive campground with a huge canvas tent."

"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."

5. Outpost Campground & RV Park
4 Reviews
Salt Lick, KY
28 miles
Website
+1 (606) 683-2311
$30 - $75 / night
"We were fully set up in 15 mins. There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours."

"Laundry was inexpensive and accessible all hours."
6. Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins
2 Reviews
Clearfield, KY
32 miles
Website
+1 (606) 356-0363
$55 / night
"It’s quite and tucked away. Nature trails, ponds for relaxing and watching the wildlife or fishing."

"Super 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."

7. A.J. Jolly Park & Campground
11 Reviews
Alexandria, KY
43 miles
Website
"The Bathhouse is super nice and clean. The sites I’m at are on a hillside so think theatrical style site. None are level looking so you will need to know what your doing. I’m o level your rig."

"Stall accommodations are excellent, even include bedding. The camp Ranger/host, Larry?, was incredibly helpful and kind."
8. Red River Gorge Adventures
8 Reviews
Slade, KY
42 miles
Website
+1 (606) 663-1012
$8 - $20 / night
"They do not have any water or electric hookups and no cell service, which is all a plus in my opinion."

"All the sites had a fire pit and I believe tables at the sites. They close the gates at night and don’t open the gates till 8 am was the only drawback."

9. Cave Run Lake
3 Reviews
Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
35 miles
"Great place for riding bike , hiking , walks. swimming, fishing. Staff are friendly, campground is clean. We love going there. Double sites have plenty of room."

"Very clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close."
10. 4 Guys RV Park at Red River Gorge
4 Reviews
Slade, KY
39 miles
Website
+1 (606) 481-1611
$50 / night
"The park is super clean, tons of showers in the bath house, nice little pool, lots of amenities at the camp store, fire pits and picnic tables at every site, a little creek access to wade in, and everyone"

"Friendly staff and campers. They have a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground. They are very close to Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge area"

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Recent Glamping Photos near Carlisle, KY

10 Photos of 13 Carlisle Campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Carlisle, KY

199 Reviews of 13 Carlisle Campgrounds

Shannon G.
Legend
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.
D
Doug M.
Scout
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.
Chris H.
Traveler
Oct. 27, 2020
Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Hidden Gem
We've stayed at Twin Knobs twice now in our popup camper. First time was at F26, second was at F24. We love how the outer loop sites have such quick access to the water.

Both sites are shaded very well and the sites themselves are huge. We could see other campers through the trees but we felt pretty well secluded.

Each site has several tall poles with hooks for trash bags/food storage. as well each site has a large fire pit with flip-over grill for cooking.

The firewood bundles are a bit pricey ($7) at the checkin shack, but I'm glad they are available. we purchased at least 7 bundles to have a pretty much constant fire through the day and night.

The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There was a bit of an overflow issue our first day on site but it was resolved in less than an hour by the loop hosts.

Pop's bbq was a hit both nights we were there. We ordered carryout (covid) and ate at camp on the provided picnic tables. The Dollar General is also adequately stocked.

All in all a fantastic visit which we will repeat ASAP. it's too bad they close at the end of October. I bet winter camping there would be a treat.

Cheers,

Chris
Big Tank F.
Guide
Oct. 25, 2021
Zilpo Campground
Amazing experience !
Took my son on a 3 day trip and stayed on site G17. It was on a high place with great drainage (it rained quite a few times). Well kept and the tent pad was gravel. The bath house had good hot water for showers, and for its age, very well kept. We took our jon boat out on the lake and had a blast! The scenery was breathtaking, from the drive up the mountain to the park, all the way down to the lake. Great fall trip to say the least. Very much recommended
David C.
Guide
Jul. 20, 2020
Zilpo Campground
Zilpo Campground
The website to reserve campsites needs a lot of work but otherwise it was a great weekend of camping. 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. Fire pit with a grill connected. Two poles to with four hooks each to hang lanterns or bags. We tied a line across it and hung our towels and wet clothes. The camp ground sits next to Cave Run Lake. There is a place to launch a boat and a nice beach area for swimming. They have a store next to the beach but we didn’t go in. “Billy” did chase away from the beach after hours though. The check in station sells ice and fire wood. We saw plenty of rabbits, a wild turkey, and a deer got about 20 feet from out camp site.
W
Warren S.
Scout
Oct. 27, 2020
Three Springs Campground
Nice things come in small packages !
My 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.
Wesley S.
Scout
Jun. 4, 2018
Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Twin Knobs Campground
Twin Knobs Campground

We stayed in the F loop on site F22 primitive camping. It had a short path to the lake, easy access for shore swimming or fishing. Great for kids and adults. Bathhouse was close and had private bathrooms/ showers.

We rented a pontoon boat from Scott's Creek Marina about 5 minutes away and had a great day on the lake. Be sure to stop into the Cave Run Bait Shop and ask them about Jiggin the Bondy.

Clean sites, clean bathrooms, firepits with grill attached, walking trails close to the water, good tree coverage around the sites
David C.
Guide
Aug. 16, 2020
Zilpo Campground
Great Spot
This time we camped at H-36. This spot was a double and had plenty of space for 5 tents. It was set in a beautifully shaded area. The water pump was right next to the site. The bath house was a very short walk away. There was a path from the site that lead right down to Cave Run Lake and we were able to swim, kayak fish (although we didn’t catch anything), and hang out on the shore without really leaving the campsite. There aren’t any campsites directly to the right or left, the only neighbor is across the road. The campsite had a fire pit with a grill that can be lowered or raised to cook on. It had three lateen poles and two picnic tables.
Becky H.
Traveler
Jun. 6, 2018
Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground
5 generations of my family have loved this place
my family have been coming here for 5 generations. it’s definitely a family favorite. Yes it can get crowded, yes there are kids and lots of noise. they’re coming here to have fun too! I grew up in the primitive campground with a huge canvas tent. We’ve graduated to an RV and are on the other side of the campgrounds now but still loving it. I’ve never stayed on the side with the horse camping but we usually run down there for the showers. Canoe the Tygart, take a trail ride, spelunk a Cave, eat a S’more, hike the red trail, see the natural bridge, come for pioneer week, Halloween is a hoot, watch out for skunks, hope you see a wildcat or two, tell a ghost story, play some corn hole, watch out for bears. Anyway go to the caves, you’ll love it.