Best Tent Camping near Clay City, KY

Searching for a tent campsite near Clay City? Find the best information on tent camping near Clay City, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Clay City campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Clay City, KY (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Campground

    1. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    124 Photos
    377 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

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

    19 Reviews
    36 Photos
    84 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures
    Camper-submitted photo from Red River Gorge Adventures

    3. Red River Gorge Adventures

    8 Reviews
    43 Photos
    94 Saves
    Slade, Kentucky

    The campground is on 10 acres of tree lined frontage on the Red River. There is a mix of trees/shade and open fields. It is a primitive campground, meaning that there are no power hook-ups or running water. There is an excellent canoe/kayak take-out. It's location in the heart of the Gorge makes it the perfect place for riverside camping and provides access to hiking trails.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $8 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
    Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield

    4. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    52 Saves
    Salt Lick, Kentucky

    Local Family Owned & Operated est.2012 Riverside Campground RV & Tent Camping 50amp, 30amp, 110v NEW Bathhouse Kayak/Canoe Rental & Shuttle Service

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways
    Camper-submitted photo from HomeGrown HideAways

    5. HomeGrown HideAways

    3 Reviews
    22 Photos
    44 Saves
    Bighill, Kentucky

    You can spend a weekend in our Treehouse Yurt, experience comfort and seclusion in our Yome Away From Home, park your RV, pitch your tent, or hang your hammock.

    We are also available for your wedding, retreat, reunion, fundraiser, or festival.

    We are a farm in the mountains so be prepared to encounter INSECTS (mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers), WILDLIFE (deer, turkey, snakes, toads, and dare we mention the bear track we spotted one spring?), WEATHER (hot, cold, rain, snow), TOXIC PLANTS (poison ivy, stinging nettle, wild mushrooms), just to name a few.

    We DO NOT have internet or cell service, though we do have a phone for emergency use (trust us, your "people" aren't out here). Instead, we do encourage other forms of entertainment: instruments, hiking shoes, fishing poles, bubbles, hula hoops, etc.

    We also DO NOT have trash service. We will have recycling bins set up for plastic, cans, paper, and compost for your food waste, but plan to take your trash with you when you leave. We will have extra bags for those that forget. We also encourage you to bring your own dishes & cutlery to minimize excess trash as well.

    You're always welcome to try our home line before 9pm at 859.Yum.Dirt (986.3478), but the best way to catch us (usually) is via email at Jessa@HomeGrownHideAways.org.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $15 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    6. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    43 Photos
    76 Saves
    Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

    Paragon is a primitive camping area with 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Alert: August 21, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service opened a section of Paragon Road on Friday, August 16, 2019. The gate closest to Highway 519 was opened and motor vehicles will be able to drive to the first two loops commonly used for camping, swimming, and fishing. The new gate has been installed to allow vehicle access into the area while road work and repairs continue. The new gate will also allow the two camping loops to remain open when Cave Run Lake is 1.5 to 2 feet above summer pool and inundating the lowest portions of Paragon Road, which has occurred many times in the last decade and resulted in closure of the entire road and camping area. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your trip to this area. Learn more... The campground is located on the Cumberland Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie.This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Nearby facilities: Poppin Rock Boat Ramp

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp
    • No image available

      8. White Sulphur Horse Only Camp

      Be the first to review!
      Salt Lick, Kentucky

      White Sulphur Horse Camp, located near Cave Run Lake on the Cumberland Ranger District, is developed as a primitive campground for horseback riders. The camp provides access to over 50 miles of multiple-use trails winding along forested hills and limestone ridges. Ideal for individual riders as well as organized groups, the facilities at the horse camp bring riders into the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area, and the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. View information about Cave Run Lake Nonmotorized Trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking around Cave Run Lake. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to this campground. Learn more... Cave Run Lake area map The parking area can accommodate up to 30 vehicles with a trailer, up to 50 feet long. Picket lines and a watering trough are available for horses. The campground has no electricity.

      • Tents
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        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Clay City

        542 Reviews of 13 Clay City Campgrounds


        • DD
          Camper-submitted photo from The Ole Cornfield
          Nov. 17, 2024

          The Ole Cornfield

          This Place is Awesome! Favorite Camping Spot Ever

          James, Lauren and their crew were the best! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The camping is just so relaxing, right on the river, open space, beautiful land! We can't wait to visit again.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River
          Nov. 10, 2024

          Cummins Ferry RV Park, Campground on the Kentucky River

          Excellent first time!

          We spent 2 nights at Cummins Ferry with 2 other families! We absolutely LOVED it! The staff was friendly and the scenery was amazing! Our sites overlooked the river and we loved the walking trails along the river! We had kids that fished and played in the playground and sat by the fire every night! We will absolutely return!

        • BThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground
          Nov. 7, 2024

          Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

          big, lots of trees and noisy

          Stayed here a week. Had the place pretty much to myself especially on the rainy days. Outstanding features for me were the 4 pull thrus, one of which I scored,. Water is available here and there but not at every site. One side of the campground abuts an asphalt plant which was quit noisy at times. The park is on the river at the bottom of a valley. The highway traffic comes down one side with engine brakes bellowing and the passing lane going back up is almost as loud with truck drivers using every gear to stay up to speed. I noticed the number of dump trucks near the park/asphalt plant on my way in. Near quitting time for the plant the highway many feet above you sounds like the scene in full metal jacket on the beach with the helicopters coming and going,  the plant is on the same side of the river next to the bridge. I was very close.

        • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
          Oct. 19, 2024

          Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

          Beautiful location just off a paved road

          We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.

          Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.

          The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!

          The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.

          While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!

        • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Rockcastle Riverside
          Oct. 14, 2024

          Rockcastle Riverside

          Easy access to Daniel Boone National Forest

          We stayed here as the kick off to the KAT.  The sites are grassy right next to the river.  Bathroom is clean, and there is also a small camp store.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
          Oct. 12, 2024

          Natural Bridge Campground

          Not as advertised

          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.

        • Patti W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Callie’s Lake and Campground
          Sep. 26, 2024

          Callie’s Lake and Campground

          NOT happy,

          Made reservations almost a month in advance, arrived on given day and could not level our RV on a very unlevel lot couldnt even get our steps to come out as they hit gravel. Tried to move the RV around for over an hour and finally went to the store to inform them of our trouble. We were told they had no other space for us, so we had no choice but to leave. This was NOT our choice, they did not deliver what they had promised, yet no refund, or even a partial refund was offered. 3 years being full time on the road, this was a first such experience, and their lack of concern made us not happy.

          .UPDATE Callie and I have talked and our issues have been resolved. We visited Callies Lake& Campground, no overnight stay

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Buckhorn Dam Campground
          Sep. 19, 2024

          Buckhorn Dam Campground

          Ghost Town

          The map for this campground isn’t quite accurate. Also, the price is $24 p/ night not $14. Not quite what we were looking for.

        • BThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Clear Creek Rec Area
          Sep. 13, 2024

          Clear Creek Rec Area

          Beautiful creek

          Pros: Beautiful little creek. Well spaced sites. Low usage. Some sites are long. Nice hiking trails from campsite. Most sites are shaded.

          Cons: Close to a moderately used road.

          Pit toilets, picnic tables, gravel pads.

        • Chaz M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
          Sep. 12, 2024

          Natural Bridge Campground

          A lot to do

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

        • T
          Camper-submitted photo from Lago Linda Hideaway
          Jul. 18, 2024

          Lago Linda Hideaway

          The dyrt

          One 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.

        • Karen S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground
          Jul. 15, 2024

          Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

          Family friendly

          We 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

        • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Foot Campground
          Jul. 8, 2024

          Turkey Foot Campground

          Excellent find in the woods!

          Found the perfect spot for our trailer and our friends car camping. Clean vault toilets. Each site has fire ring and picnic table. Pack in pack out even though some didn’t get the memo yet park service was there in the morning to clean. Limited to no cell service.

        • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Zilpo Campground
          Jul. 7, 2024

          Zilpo Campground

          Beautiful campground

          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.

        • Katrin M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
          Jun. 23, 2024

          Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

          Very nice campground

          We camped here over the weekend in a double campsite. It was very spacious and clean. The site had 2 picnic tables, 2 lantern poles, and and a fire pit. Everything was leveled, so the tent set up was really easy. The campground is very well maintained. Some sites have stairs in order to reach the tent pads. There is a bathhouse with flushing toilets and nice showers. They also have pit toilets, which I never used. There are several trails, that start from the campground. The area is absolutely stunning, but it was extremely hot, so we couldn't do too much hiking. But the plan is to return in fall.

        • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Woodstock Campground
          Jun. 8, 2024

          Woodstock Campground

          Our fave primitive camp in the RRG!

          We LOVE Woodstock! Such a beautiful, open, peaceful property and each site has its own handmade benches and firepit. Literally right off the road for Red River Gorge so you’re 10 minutes from creation falls, sky bridge, chimney top rock, etc. Also right down the road from Sky Station and The Brick for beers, ice cream and coffee. Also just 15 minutes from the amazing Muir Valley climbing area. Literally couldn’t ask for a better location for a weekend in RRG. Not to mention how peaceful it is, away from the hustle and bustle of the other camps in Slade.

          Ronnie is the kindest host, very considerate and welcoming. He helped us when we pulled in to guide our big rig to the best spot (35 foot camper). He has tent sites and space for RVs but it is primitive camping so be prepared - no water or bathrooms available. Oh and cash only!

          We can’t wait to be back. Thanks Ronnie!

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
          May. 27, 2024

          Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

          Well Maintained Campground in RRG

          We stayed here while some of our group did some rock climbing in the area.  The camp staff was super helpful and offered to rearrange a few sites that were open so that our tents would fit better.  It was during the week, so not all of the sites were full which gave him some flexibility.   Some of the sites in the RV area are pretty small so do some checking when you select.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge Campground
          May. 25, 2024

          Natural Bridge Campground

          Okay

          Sites 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.

        • David A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Zilpo Campground
          May. 9, 2024

          Zilpo Campground

          Wonderfully Quite Place

          Stay 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!

        • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
          May. 6, 2024

          Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

          Excellent little campground!

          One of the best forest service campgrounds I’ve stayed in. Beautiful and well maintained, lots of great hiking trails leaving directly from campground.

          A lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV, but amazing for tent camping. If you’re staying in a vehicle I recommend doing first come first serve or extensive research. The more slanted sites also are much more secluded - we couldn’t even see our neighbors most of the time. Unfortunately sound echoes so you can hear everything.

          No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult. Was on Verizon extended network and had hotspot service from at and t and t mobile.

        • AThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from S-Tree Campground
          Apr. 27, 2024

          S-Tree Campground

          Great Campsite!!!

          Bathrooms were clean. Campsite was clean. Campground very well maintained. So peaceful!! I have cell service with Verizon. I was able to make & receive calls. Internet signal was not the best, but I wasn't there for that anyway!

        • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Kentucky Horse Park Campground
          Apr. 7, 2024

          Kentucky Horse Park Campground

          Quiet offseason stay

          Beautiful campground surrounded by horse country. Slightly rolling hills in campground but mostly level sites. We chose site 13 because it looked level in pics and had some open green space behind for our dog (neighboring site did as well). Able to set up with no boards or leveling blocks.

          Lots of trees in campground (leaves hadn’t started back yet) and medium size lots with water and electric only. Two dump stations available. 2 laundromats, a pool (closed when we were here), and large camp store.

        • Jeremy K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
          Mar. 24, 2024

          Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

          Nice little campground

          We stayed a weekend at Middle Fork. Nice campground. Spaces are pretty tight. Has a creek stocked with trout. Bathhouse was clean. Staff was sit friendly. Make sure bring extra power cord and water hose. The hookups are not located on the correct side at each site. All and all it is a nice place. Good place for kids to ride bikes. Most sites are pretty level.



        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clay City, KY?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clay City, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Clay City, KY?

          TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Clay City, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.