Cabins and glamping options near Clearfield, Kentucky range from basic to high-end accommodations throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest. The area sits at approximately 740 feet elevation with rolling wooded terrain surrounding Cave Run Lake, which spans 8,270 acres. Fall temperatures typically range from 50-70°F during the day, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access from campsites at Twin Knobs Recreation Area connects visitors to diverse terrain. "There are mountain biking trails that you can access right from the campground so that was nice. You can also go on a short hike up one of the knobs," notes a reviewer who appreciated the convenience of trail access.
Water activities: Swimming and boating during summer months are popular at Zilpo Campground. "Great campground with great views of lake and easy way to the beach," shares one camper. The location offers designated swimming areas with sandy beaches and boat launches for kayaks and fishing boats.
Cave exploration: Guided tours available at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground provide geological education opportunities. "One of my all time favorite places in KY to camp. The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," explains a visitor who found variety beyond just cave tours.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing at 4 Guys RV Park. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites," explains one reviewer. The natural barriers between camping areas provide a sense of seclusion even when the campground is full.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank high in camper preferences. According to one visitor at Twin Knobs Recreation Area, "The staff are constantly working to keep everything clean and repaired. We had two campers on the site lined up on one side. One is a 22 ft. and the other a 37 ft. We had plenty of room on the campsite."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear skies away from light pollution make this area ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "This campsite is amazing. Perfect for stargazers. Nobody is there during the weekday," shares a Zilpo Campground visitor, highlighting the combination of dark skies and weekday solitude.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "We took there as quick as we could and are glad we did as we were able to grab an awesome site," notes a Twin Knobs visitor about off-season availability. Reservations often open 6 months in advance for peak summer dates.
Utility connections: Water and electric access varies significantly between sites. "I wish they had more electric loops as more people are camping in a camper of some sort. We had a lot of kids, so we ended up running out of water. I had to carry water from about 500 or 600 ft away," explains a camper detailing the infrastructure limitations.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate from late April through early November. Cave Run Lake maintains this schedule with reduced services during shoulder seasons. One camper confirms the appeal despite seasonal limitations: "Gateway to the woods. We stayed in a cabin, didn't have any mattress in lol but the view was amazing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campsites near play areas for convenience with children. At 4 Guys RV Park, "They have a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground," making it suitable for families with varied interests and energy levels.
Swimming options: Beach areas with gradual entry points work best for young swimmers. "In walking distance to the lake so you can have a nice swim. Always beautiful," reports a Zilpo visitor, noting the accessibility factor important for families with small children.
Educational opportunities: Lago Linda Hideaway offers nature programs during summer months. "The lake is perfect for swimming in and has a dock and life jackets for campers use," mentions a reviewer, highlighting the safety equipment availability that parents appreciate.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require minimal adjustment. At Carter Caves State Resort Park, "The site was very level and nicely maintained," according to one RVer, though they noted the campground can feel tight when full.
Utility placement awareness: Electric and water hookups are sometimes positioned inconveniently. "You should bring a bow saw. We also brought some wood. We were close to the water and trails," advises an RVer who emphasized preparation for various conditions.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "Internet service is spotty there–our Verizon hotspot worked ok, but the Sprint was super slow," reports a camper who needed connectivity during their stay.
