Escape into nature and disconnect from daily life with glamping near Clearfield. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Clearfield experience while glamping. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping near Clearfield.
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
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.
Cave Run Lake is nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. It is located on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This 8,270-acre lake provides flood protection and a clean water supply to area communities. Tourists enjoy the lake for its scenery and excellent recreation opportunities. Submit your photosthat capture your recreation experiences (fishing, hiking, camping, boating, etc) at Cave Run Lake. Cave Run Lake Area Map Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors. Recreation Areas Campgrounds: The Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds provide nearly 400 campsites, some with RV hook-ups. The campgrounds also have swimming beaches and group-use picnic areas. Boat ramps: Cave Run Lake has 12 ramps for boat launching. A fee pass is required to use Alfrey, Claylick, Poppin Rock, Long Bow, Scott Creek and Warixboat ramps. Passes may be purchased at local vendors or at the Cumberland Ranger District office. Picnic areas: The Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas are popular locations near Cave Run Lake. Trails: Several trails are developed in the Cave Run Lake area. These trails wind through the forest, providing scenic views and glimpses of wildlife. View information about Cave Run Lake Nonmotorized Trailsfor horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking around Cave Run Lake. Check out the Cumberland Ranger District Habitat map showing Pioneer Weapons WMA, Wildfire Activity Since 2010, Wildlife Openings, Timber Harvests Since 2010 and Constructed Wildlife Wetlands. Cumberland District Habitat MapView map at: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c58fc9969c96499a9be878aa79aba0e2 Some of the most popular recreation areas around Cave Run Lake include: Twin Knobs Recreation Area Zilpo Recreation Area For camping reservations call NATIONAL RECREATION RESERVATION SERVICE: 877-444-6777 or 877-833-6777 for hearing impaired. White Sulphur Horse Camp Clear Creek Recreation Area Clay Lick Boat-in Campground
$55 / night
Near Red River Gorge and Natural bridge
Set back almost a mile from the main road on its own private drive, Lago Linda Hideaway provides security and privacy for its campers in a gorgeous setting. The 35 Piney Woods and Lazy Oaks campsites (which can be reserved in advance) lie on ridge tops among groves of oak trees, allowing campers to spread out and enjoy as much privacy as they wish. All of these campsites are graveled and have electrical hookups.
Each site has its own city water, picnic table, and fire ring. In addition, a large, grassy meadow provides ample overflow camping for tent and car campers, including a big, covered, cooking pavilion with electricity along with another covered area that provides additional shelter for a number of tents.
Lago Linda Hideaway has a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as Broadband Internet access. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome to this accommodating environment.
$12 - $86 / 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
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
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.
$8 - $20 / night
Ranger
We actually camped at Boat Gunnel which is a part of Twin Knobs Campground. We love this campground because it is a private area with 4 RV hookups and approximately 10 tent sites. You rent the entire place for $125 or $130 a night. 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 only reason that it didn't score perfect is that the showers need some attention. There was mud along side the blacktop path that led down to the fire pit that was full of mosquito larvae and smelled. Easy fix, but had to keep the kids and dogs away from it constantly. My sister took a nasty fall on the trail down to the waters edge and that would be an easy fix to make that trail a little smoother. I know we are camping, but with the price, it is actually glamping. We like this place because it is easy for my aging parents to come down and visit. Great, large shelter also.
Scout
I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather. If you want to mix up your trip besides going camping or doing any recreational activities: Jenny Wiley Theater, mid June-early August, Outdoor Theater, (kinda like Summer Stock); Theme or special dinners at the Lodge, (mostly on weekends), year round; the community/ state park swimming pool is currently being "refurbished" and will be reopening, (hopefully) in Summer 2019. And, speaking of recreation, you can "hit the links" at the Stone Crest Golf Course, nearby.
But, as for other recreational activities: there's bike riding, hiking, boating: recreational, travel, kayaking and fishing types. If you want to do any horseback riding, you have to bring your own horse and gear, but contact the JWSP office first on where you can ride your horse. Better yet, you can take about a 30 minute drive from the Lodge to the German Bridge Campground area up Cow Creek, which is also in the Dewey Lake area, Contact the Dewey Lake US Army Corps of Engineers for more details, (in other words, Google it). Plus, there are picnic shelters in different areas of JWSP, some of them right next to Dewey Lake.
Now, as for camping, you have 3 type choices... #1. reserving a cabin near the Lodge, (and Dewey's, the local "watering hole"), kinda like "glamping", but it's rougher. (BTW, this area and the Lodge are the best places for getting a cell phone signal). #2. RV (Recreational Vehicle) Camping. There is a RV camping site not far from where I used to live, but from my personal experience, call the JWSP office at least 2 weeks in advance before the date you plan to use the site to see if there is going to be anything available on the dates you want, before making your reservation. First come, first served! #3. A. There are tent campsites next to Dewey Lake in various areas around the lake accessible by boat only, which are overseen by the Corps of Engineers, contact them or the JWSP office. Best place in my opinion: Campsite near the Dewey Dam/ Spillway Area. B. Other Outdoor Camping: Contact the Corps of Engineers or the Park Ranger's at JWSP. If you want to see some wildlife also, contact the local KY State Fish & Wildlife office that handles JWSP and Dewey Lake.
But there's some stuff I've learned over the years living and camping in this area, that I think you must know, some of this you might have run into on other camping trips at other parks...
And last, but not least...
6. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE A MOTORBOAT! NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE BOAT! EVERY PERSON ON BOARD MUST BE WEARING A LIFE JACKET! The Fish & Wildlife officers do surprise checks on the recreational boats to see if the rules are being followed... if they aren't following the rules... you may have to pay a fine and/or do some time!
Ranger
Nice 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.
Guide
We originally were going to stay at Twin Knobs Campbrougnd, but after some research, we decided to switch the reservation to Zilpo. Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer. All the spots in the H Loop seemed like they would be great for a visit, but after walking around the whole section, we found H 26. It was a double spot with easy access to the lake and set up a beach fire for the night. The only issue was the bathroom nearest to us was shut down, but it really wasn't that much farther. Amazing seeing the Milky Way one evening.
Legend
Shawnee State Park was totally without any phone signal. Right on the border of Kentucky, in Ohio, you are in the small town almost South.
Beautiful countryside, fortunately I was on Rt 125 when I lost all clue where the park entrance was. Then I saw the Shawnee Range and kept on driving. Definitely get a map because the whole park offers a lot of out door opportunities.
Backpack trail, 23 and 40 miles loops with 7 camping areas, register and enjoy. Equestrians get 70 miles and primitive camping.
The camping area is small ( a good thing ) the restrooms are clean and basic. Showerhouse and laundry. The attendant was super helpful and knowledgeable.
TravelerBeen camping here for more than 40 years, as a kid we loved it, as an adult camping with kids, love it even more. A few of the sites we have stayed in recently are D011, G007, and I008. All were great, plenty of privacy, sites are far enough away that you don't feel right on top of each other but close enough to the amenities (trash, bathroom, etc.) that you don't feel lost in the wilderness!
This portion of Daniel Boone National Forest is peak beauty in the summer, the beautiful mature trees and well maintained sites make camping so much more enjoyable. The camp hosts are always helpful when needed but not overbearing. Amenities are near enough if you forget something, you'd never know staying here that there is a Walmart about 20 minutes away if you forget something important.
Get a site close to the water to bring your canoe/kayak or do some fishing from the shore. This is BY FAR our favorite place in Kentucky to camp. Happy Camping!
TravelerSuper 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.
TravelerThe campground is very well maintained. It’s quite and tucked away. Nature trails, ponds for relaxing and watching the wildlife or fishing.
RangerWe have stayed at Twin Knobs for several years. It has wooded lots that give you a feeling of privacy. The only problem that we encountered last May was that someone's dog had pooped everywhere on the grass on the site that we were on. So you couldn't get off the gravel. The site was surrounded by poison ivy so we had to watch very closely. The site was pretty level, we took a few wooden blocks for leveling help. Our current camper is 36 ft with slides and awning and it fit on the sites very well. We have been there with a 45 ft Fifthwheel and still had room. The bath house was well maintained and clean. There are plenty of trails to walk and explore. Some of the trails meander along the lake and make for a great sunrise walk. The hosts stick to the rule that only allow so many at a campsite unlike state parks that get a bit crowded and loud. The campground was full when we were there, but it doesn't seem overcrowded or too busy. There is a company that sets up on weekends at the boat ramp that have kayaks to rent.
ScoutGood to stay for a relaxing weekend with you're family. Nice spots by the lake and includes and beach area with a little store for any last minute supplies you may have forgotten.
Scoutnational forest campground with some full hookups, some water/electric and standard sites-double sites available as well. Easy access off Rt 64. Beach and boat launch are short drive.
ScoutTwin 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
ScoutYou camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines. Restrooms are clean and nice enough but water is heated by solar power. No playground on the twin knobs side of the lake. There is a camp store, beach and boat ramp.
Travelerlovely site, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup.
GuidePlenty to do. Hiking trails, horseback trails, beautiful fishing & boating lake. Large private sites. Hot showers , spotless restroom. You will love it. Come for a visit .red river gorge near by, Carter caves. Lots to do & see restaurants near by
RangerI have camped here in the spring and summer. This was my first trip in fall. The weather was wet and cold, but it couldn’t take away from the experience. The campsite that I was on was a double.(A30). It has electric, no water or sewage on the spot. We had 2 campers on the site with plenty of room. One is 37 ft and the other is 24 ft. There was plenty of downed trees to cut up. You should bring a bow saw. We also brought some wood. We were close to the water and trails. All of the teens that were with us had a ball(hiking, biking, basketball, and fishing). Sites are all clean and level and the bathrooms are clean.
GuideWe stayed at this campground one night on our drive from the east to west coast. This campground and area is beautiful and we lived our stay! It was mid-May and we had no neighbors in our primitive site. We were walking distance to the lake and the views were lovely. This was one of the best campsite we found on our whole trip.
RangerWe stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well. 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. We ended up putting up 4 popups because of the rain. The site is level and graveled. This is one of the most popular sites and we booked it 6 months in advance. 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. They also need more water hookups. I know, I'm a glamper. Still love this place and will continue to stay every chance I get.
TravelerPeaceful and beautiful
GuideBusy but nicely kept and spots are not right on top of each other. Great access to cave run lake in various places.
ScoutAwesome RV spot. Lots of the sites don’t have power.
ScoutPretty
GuideGrew up going here and still to this day it is my absolute favorite place to camp. You can tent camp which is what we did growing up or you places for campers. Most of all of the sites are shaded. Close walk to the lake with quite a few walking trails. Nice bathhouse’s.
GuideThis drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind. Twin Knobs is very clean and spacious campsites and most are on the water! This campground has basketball courts, a beach area, restrooms and more. Pet friendly but must stay on a leash.
TravelerCamp at twin knobs and hike at tater knob fire tower and lockegee lookout .
The site is good but remember to bring sleeping pad due to you only for site for tent
LegendThis 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. There are tent sites and RV sites here and the campground is gorgeous. It’s right on a lake(so expect boat traffic) and there are several loops all along the lake. Those loops are connected by a trail that I enjoyed walking on. Internet service is spotty there– our Verizon hotspot worked ok, but the Sprint was super slow. 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. However, there really isn’t a good view at the top. I loved this campground and would go back in a heartbeat! In fact, I didn’t want to leave!
GuideStayed 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. The campground has all the amenities you would need for a nice stay, with clean bathrooms, boat ramp, small camp store, and some trails. Access to the surrounding National Forest involves leaving the campground but, otherwise it’s a nice wooded lake side campground in the middle of nowhere. Plenty of campsites to for electric or non electric camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Clearfield, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Clearfield, KY is Zilpo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Clearfield, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 glamping camping locations near Clearfield, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
