The Daniel Boone National Forest dominates the camping landscape surrounding Clearfield, Kentucky, with several established campgrounds and dispersed options within a 20-mile radius. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area provides primitive tent camping directly adjacent to Clearfield, while Twin Knobs Recreation Area and Zilpo Campground offer more developed facilities around Cave Run Lake. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Clear Creek Recreation Area maintains year-round operations with electric hookups and drinking water but limited amenities compared to larger facilities in the region.
Camping in this region requires advance planning due to seasonal closures at many sites, with most larger campgrounds operating from April through early November. Summer weekends often reach capacity at the more developed sites, particularly those with water access. The natural geography features rolling hills and forested areas surrounding Cave Run Lake, with moderate humidity during summer months. As one visitor noted, "We stayed at site B9. Had electric and water. This is one of the best sites at this campground. The stream in the background is amazing." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many remote areas having limited or no coverage. Several campgrounds offer electric and water hookups but lack sewer connections, requiring use of dump stations.
Campers consistently praise the natural beauty of the area, particularly highlighting waterfront sites and forested camping areas. Cave Run Lake serves as a focal point for recreation, with boat ramps and swimming areas available at several campgrounds. A camper described their experience: "We originally were going to stay at Twin Knobs Campground, but after some research, we decided to switch the reservation to Zilpo. Amazing seeing the Milky Way one evening." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with visitors reporting encounters with deer, wild turkeys, and rabbits. The proximity to hiking trails within Daniel Boone National Forest provides additional recreational opportunities beyond water activities. Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering only basic facilities while others provide shower houses, laundry facilities, and camp stores.
$31 - $105 / night
"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"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."
$35 - $150 / night
"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
"The proximity to the river and kayaking is a big priority for me. They have kayaks for rent at the campground or you can bring your own. "
"We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run."
$20 - $80 / night
"Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."
"Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."
"With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. "
"This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups."
"We couldn't have asked for a better place to end this portion of our kentucky adventures This camp ground is pretty basic and lovely."
"We stayed in spot 17 which had its own access to a smaller creek. You can take a short walk up the small creek to get to Clear creek. Spots deep enough for swimming. Our dogs loved this place."
$30 - $75 / night
"There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours. The next morning I met the owner and she was a wonderful, nice person."
$175 / night
"It is just a short walk over the hill to the lake where we keep our boats tied up to the bank. It is located behind Scott Creek Marina."
"All people around are super nice and helpful. They really know how to let you get away and enjoy yourself."
$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."
$27 - $45 / night
"We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."
"It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."
RangerThis is my “go to” campground when I need to get away for a few days and reset in nature. Hosts are great! You can pay via Venmo when you arrive / super easy. There is tons of primitive camping and quite a few sites with electric and water. There are plenty of bathrooms and showers. Love this place!! Will be back!!
GuideThe first thing I would say is the bath house is the absolute cleanest bathroom I’ve seen at a campground, they are individual rooms with full doors, no men’s or women’s. This area is in the center of it all. Close to tons of trails, it’s pretty quiet, some light hwy noise but not bad. They have a water fountain in the lake, very well maintained grass, the lots are tight, only gravel, but overall it’s nice with water/ electric and they have a dump station as well. The office has wood, ice, and essentials in case you forget something. We are coming back! Oh and plan to visit the reptile zoo at the front of the park! It’s impressive!
TravelerWe were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
TravelerWe got to RRG national forest campground and every spot was booked. So headed on over to Woodstock campground. I had seen this campground across from Creation Falls road. The owner is so kind and helpful. We had an awesome weekend at this primitive campground
ScoutLove this place! The owners are a family and they treat guests like an extension of family. We stayed at RV campsite 10 which was a river front site. It was full hook up which was convenient. The view of the Ohio river was really lovely. There was a boat launch very close by and we took our inflatable SUPs and put in at the boat launch which was nice and sandy. The owner gave us lots of good ideas of things to do. We ended up going on two nature hikes in preserves that are part of the Arc of Appalachia, one being literally across the road from Sandy Springs. We also drove down to Portsmouth to check out the flood murals at the suggestion of the owers which was pretty cool. I loved having a view of the river in one direction and a view of the Appalchian foothills in the other direction. This place is peaceful, quiet, and you can tell the owners are very thoughtful about infrastructure with the experience of their campers in mind. There's also small cabins to rent, including a houseboat!
ScoutThis is our first time here, and we very impressed! Owners are wonderful, very accommodating. We arrived a day late, and they were so friendly and helpful! Even upgraded us to a site with a deck. Right on the river bank, everything is very clean. Will definitely make this a yearly trip!
GuideNice camp spots right right on the river. Lots of fish jumping and minimal traffic noise. I will say, there was some trash and lots of broken glass (watch your doggos so they don’t cut their paws!!). Overall really enjoyed the spot.
GuideThis is a great place to camp if you are looking for a local area driving distance to the mini trails in the gorge. There are not very many mature trees., and the highway is very loud. However, they have full hook ups, and the lots are very spacious., they have an amazing restaurant called toads in the back of the camp, we had amazing food and drink drinks there, and they have beautiful outdoor seating.
RangerThis is a great campground! The owners are awesome. Plenty of sites (some with electric and water, some with nothing). Bathrooms and showers. Even has a lounge with books/TV and a cafe. Also has cabins on a lake.
Camping sites near Clearfield, Kentucky cluster around Daniel Boone National Forest and Cave Run Lake with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with overnight lows around 65°F. The region's terrain consists primarily of oak-hickory forest with limestone outcroppings and creek valleys offering diverse camping environments.
Kayaking on the Licking River: The Ole Cornfield campground offers kayak rentals and shuttle service. As one camper noted, "They shuttle you up to the dam and it takes a couple of hours to get back down to their campground. Justin pulls your kayaks out and takes them up the hill for you, which is great for this old woman."
Stargazing at secluded sites: Zilpo Campground provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. According to a visitor, "This campsite is amazing. Perfect for stargazers. Nobody is there during the weekday. But the weekend is usually packed."
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers guided cave tours and natural bridge viewing. A visitor explained, "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen."
Fishing in Clear Creek: Clear Creek Recreation Area provides access to both creek and lake fishing. One visitor mentioned, "Clear Creek Lake just up the street was quiet and great for some lazy kayaking. I used this as a base camp for trail running at multiple parks."
Private wooded sites: Twin Knobs Recreation Area offers secluded campsites separated by natural barriers. A camper described, "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites. There are shower and toilet facilities close by."
Riverside camping: The Ole Cornfield provides camping spots along the Licking River. One reviewer shared, "The camping is just so relaxing, right on the river, open space, beautiful land! We can't wait to visit again."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Primitive camping areas offer chances to observe local wildlife. A camper at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area noted, "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."
Year-round accessibility: Unlike many seasonal sites, Clear Creek Recreation Area remains open throughout the year. A visitor mentioned, "This is a nice little campground east of Cave Run Lake. I think it was $15-20 per night. First come first serve. Some cool spots next to the creek."
Facility variations: Campgrounds range from primitive to full-service. At Zilpo Campground, "The campground has a very nice set up along with some great trails!"
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from April through early November. As one review noted about Twin Knobs, "This time of year (October) this campground is walk up only. We got there as quick as we could and are glad we did as we were able to grab an awesome site."
Variable cell service: Many remote areas have limited connectivity. A camper at Clear Creek noted, "No cell signal (Verizon). $15/night. I definitely will be back for getting off the grid and relaxing!"
Trash management concerns: Some dispersed areas require pack-in/pack-out practices. A visitor to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area observed, "We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash."
Playground access: Outpost Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly facilities. A visitor shared, "There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours."
Creek exploration for children: Shallow water areas provide safe activities. A camper at The Ole Cornfield described, "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such."
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded family spaces. A camper at Boat Gunnel Group Campground explained, "I love this place because you can let the kids run around and play without worrying about traffic."
Swimming access: Many sites offer water recreation opportunities. A visitor noted, "There is a camp store, beach and boat ramp" at Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Hookup placement: Koomer Ridge Campground offers level sites but requires planning. A camper advised, "The site was level and graveled. This is one of the most popular sites and we booked it 6 months in advance."
Water and electric distance: Some sites have distant utilities. A Twin Knobs visitor warned, "lovely site, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup."
Drainage considerations: Gravel sites provide better rain protection. As one camper noted, "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines."
Site spacing: RV sites vary in size and proximity. At The Ole Cornfield, a visitor reported, "Water and electric on site with a wide spot. We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clearfield, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clearfield, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Clearfield, KY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clearfield, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clearfield, KY is Zilpo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clearfield, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Clearfield, KY.
What parks are near Clearfield, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Clearfield, KY that allow camping, notably Daniel Boone National Forest and Grayson Lake.
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