Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Daniel Boone National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Daniel Boone National Forest (55)

    1. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    $28 - $94 / night

    "Zilpo Campground is nestled in the Daniel Boone National forest, so there's plenty of wildlife. Also the fishing is amazing ."

    "This campground has it all:)  I picked this campsite as it is further south in the Daniel Boone National Forest so it isn't near the chaos of the climbing that is found further North.  "

    2. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "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."

    "This 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."

    3. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    18 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / 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."

    "There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance."

    4. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Natural Bridge State Park is within Daniel Boone National Forest and Middle Fork is the campground in the State Park."

    "The bathroom (toilets, showers, sinks) was decently kept (facilities were in the front half of the campground so we had to walk over that hill to get to it)."

    5. Clear Creek Rec Area

    9 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    "Festus the cat was very welcoming too."

    "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."

    6. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    7 miles
    Website

    "The RV sites are new, drive through and flat , with electric , and water. There something cool to be facing the cornfield and being in unique open space. Our dog loved it !

    Highly Recommend!!"

    "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. "

    7. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    17 miles

    $10 / night

    "Well traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect."

    "Getting away from the busy life and into backcountry is like stepping into God's country. Don't have to worry about nothing and every day is a new adventure."

    8. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 784-6428

    "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."

    9. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    20 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Located off I-64 in eastern Kentucky, RRG and Natural Bridge offer a wide variety of activities including hiking, camping, backcountry camping, kayak and canoe rentals, and the area has various local"

    "Close to the Natural Bridge trail and multiple SUP Kentucky sites."

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

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    19 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "There is only a community fire pit - you can't have fires next to your tent.

    Here are some of the cool things at this campground.

    Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on-site restaurant."

    "For a few bucks per carload, Miguel’s camping spot is contains of a few open field areas situated between the Climbing Gear Shop and the famous pizza spot."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Daniel Boone National Forest

640 Reviews of 55 Daniel Boone National Forest Campgrounds


  • David O.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    Zilpo Campground

    Great Getaway

    Are you looking for a real camping experience? Sure you are or you wouldn't be reading this. Zilpo Campground is nestled in the Daniel Boone National forest, so there's plenty of wildlife. Also the fishing is amazing . You can literally walk straight from your campsite to the Lake and bank fish.

  • B
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Backcountry camping

    The Daniel Boone National Forest is an amazing and beautiful place to visit or a day or camp over night with some back country camping. A permit is required. They have an app you can download which makes navigating easier because service is not great.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2020

    Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    Long Walk

    Natural Bridge State Park is within Daniel Boone National Forest and Middle Fork is the campground in the State Park. Unless you are a distance hiker you will have to drive to most of the attractions from the campground because they aren’t close. So that’s a pro and a con. The campground is not in the traffic flow but it’s not conveniently located either. My favorite sites are in the back row, shaded and more private. Otherwise it’s a mid size campground that can get a little busy when it’s full. Well maintained. Check out Hoedown Island on Saturday’s , Miguel’s for food and no dogs allowed on the Natural Bridge trails.

  • n
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Most Beautiful Campground Around!

    Been 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!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2020

    Lago Linda Hideaway

    Excellent Base Camp

    Lago Linda near Beattyville, Ky is in the Red River Gorge Area of Daniel Boone National Forest. Lago Linda’s staff is AWESOME, they will go out of their way to accommodate your camping needs. I’ve stayed in the cabins and campground and enjoyed both. The full electric hookups are limited so when you make your reservation make sure you have the site you need for your toys, etc. If your going full dispersed there are lots of sites to pick from. There is a new addition going up in the back with a brand new shower and camping area. On my last visit I discovered the trails within the camp and they are pretty sweet. Excellent for group get togethers check them out!

  • Jasmine B.
    Mar. 27, 2022

    Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    We'll be back!

    There are two campgrounds within Natural Bridge State Resort Park—Whittleton and Middlefork. Three friends and I stayed at Middlefork, with a tent site right along the Middlefork Creek. The front part of this campground is RV/hookup, and you have to go over this hill to get to the primitive sites. The bathroom (toilets, showers, sinks) was decently kept (facilities were in the front half of the campground so we had to walk over that hill to get to it). We were able to purchase firewood on the grounds. The sites were pretty well spread out, but if you're looking to hang a hammock, it's not the most ideal spot with the trees tucked away or spread really far apart. We were a short drive from the park/bridge and several other hiking opportunities. The bridge was definitely busy, even at the end of September, but all of the trails we were on otherwise were pretty quiet. You can access some trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest by the Whittleton Campground. Overall, we had a great time, and plan to return!

  • n
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    Campground not nearly as impressive as the views!

    Stayed at Middle Fork Campground in March 2021, love Daniel Boone National Forest and love the hikes/views at Natural Bridge but the campground is not what we had hoped for. Primitive tent sites are almost right on top of each other with little to no foliage to create privacy. Tent sites are a hike from the restrooms, if you have to go in the middle of the night just hope no one is driving over the ridge from the RV lot, you likely will get surprised! Though the area itself is beautiful, we will not stay at this primitive site again. We have reservations coming up for Whittleton, the other campground across the street, and are eager to see if it is right for us. This is only a short drive for us and a great distance to get away for the weekend. Happy camping!

  • K
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Zilpo Campground

    Land and Lake Beauty

    This campground has it all:)  I picked this campsite as it is further south in the Daniel Boone National Forest so it isn't near the chaos of the climbing that is found further North.  

    "Peak Season Rates as listed on website - https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232370?tab=fees

    Cabin Electric$75.00 Standard Electric$30.00 Standard Electric Other$41.00 Standard Nonelectric$22.00 Standard Nonelectric Other$27.00 Standard Nonelectric Double Site$33.00

    Limit 6 people and 2 vehicles per single campsite; additional vehicles will be charged$8/night; additional campers will be charged$1/night A$5 nightly fee is charged for electric hookups Each cabin has 2 double bunk beds with out mattresses, Please bring your own sleeping bags or other bedding."

    We wanted to check out the cabins as they looked so darling.  We couldn't quite tell if the cabins had AC or heat. 

    As for the beach, it was a blast and we spent pretty much the whole day there and every day with the heat. At night the beach is sadly closed but if you go up a little more on the road you will find another "beach" spot that isn't closed so you can look at the stars over the lake. 

    It is a pain to get back to town in my opinion so make sure you have what you need.


Guide to Daniel Boone National Forest

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.

Dog owners appreciate the spacious and well-maintained sites

  • At Zilpo Campground, campers can enjoy spacious sites with electric hookups and drinking water, perfect for a comfortable stay with pets.
  • Koomer Ridge Campground features well-maintained sites that are ideal for tent camping, allowing your dog to enjoy the great outdoors alongside you.
  • Twin Knobs Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, with plenty of space for pets to roam.

Tips for camping with dogs near Daniel Boone National Forest

  • Bring plenty of water and a portable bowl to keep your dog hydrated, especially at Middle Fork Campground, where drinking water is available but may require some planning.
  • Ensure your pet is leashed at all times, particularly in areas like Red River Gorge Campground, where wildlife is abundant and trails can be busy.
  • Pack a pet-friendly first aid kit and any necessary medications, as facilities may be limited at campgrounds like Natural Bridge Campground.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Daniel Boone National Forest

  • Enjoy hiking with your dog on the trails that start right from Koomer Ridge Campground, offering stunning views and plenty of exploration opportunities.
  • Take your dog for a swim at the beach area near Twin Knobs Recreation Area, where both you and your pet can cool off during warm days.
  • Explore the scenic surroundings of Callie’s Lake and Campground, which provides a peaceful environment for fishing and relaxing with your pet by your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Daniel Boone National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Daniel Boone National Forest is Zilpo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 49 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Daniel Boone National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Daniel Boone National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.