Dewey Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Dewey Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Dewey Lake, KY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
This recreation area is part of Dewey Lake
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.
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.
$85 / 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.
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.
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.
$40 - $43 / night
Welcome to Breaks Interstate Park Campground, a fantastic spot near Breaks, Virginia. This place is a real treat for anyone looking to escape into nature. The campground is part of Breaks Interstate Park, often called the "Grand Canyon of the South," and it's easy to see why. The views here are absolutely stunning, with dramatic overlooks and a beautiful lake that make for some unforgettable sunsets.
The campground itself has a lot to offer. There are several loops to choose from, each with its own charm. Loop B is a favorite among visitors because it's close to hiking trails, a laundry facility, a basketball court, and a small camp store stocked with essentials like ice and firewood. The bathhouses are clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus.
If you're into hiking, you're in luck. The park has several trails, including some that are quite strenuous but worth the effort for the views. The trails are well-marked, and you'll find information boards at most overlooks to help you understand what you're seeing. Wildlife is abundant, so keep an eye out—you might spot deer or even a bear if you're lucky.
For those who prefer a bit more comfort, the park also offers cabins, a lodge, and even some glamping options. There's a restaurant on-site if you don't feel like cooking, and it gets good reviews from campers. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.
One thing to note: the roads leading to the park can be a bit challenging, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle. But once you're here, it's well worth the drive. Just make sure to bring all your supplies, as the nearest stores are a bit of a trek.
Overall, Breaks Interstate Park Campground is a fantastic place to unwind, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're here for the hiking, the views, or just some peace and quiet, you won't be disappointed.
$20 - $30 / night
$20 - $50 / night
Buckhorn Campground on Buckhorn Lake, provides the perfect outdoor escape in eastern Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The campground is packed with activities to entertain all ages, including monthly interpretive programs offered during summer months and convenient access for boating and fishing on Buckhorn Lake.
Buckhorn Lake welcomes fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, hunting and just plain relaxing. The campground provides access to a nature trail and fishing areas as well.
Buckhorn Lake welcomes fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, hunting and just plain relaxing. The campground provides access to a nature trail and fishing areas as well.
Buckhorn campground sits near the dam on Buckhorn Lake, surrounded by the beauty of the scenic Appalachian Mountain Range. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. Fed by the waters of the Kentucky River, Buckhorn Lake extends for 1,230 surface-acres, providing plenty of water recreation opportunities. Buckhorn Campground was also recently recongnized as the location for the largest River Birch Tree in the country by The National Register of Big Trees, the tree measures 205 inches around, 117 feet high and an 85 foot crown on top, making this tree surely a sight to see.
The park is just minutes from attractions like Carr Creek Lake and the Buckhorn Log Church. Rent a pontoon from Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, explore the Red River Gorge Geological Area or hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest.
$14 / night
Grayson Lake Dam Site Shelters are just seven miles south of Grayson, Kentucky on state Route 7 on Grayson Lake. Recreational activities abound on and around this 20-mile long lake. Boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting are the area's most popular draws.
Visitors flock to Grayson Lake for its numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. A marina is located at the dam site for convenient boat storage. Hikers enjoy the Api-su-ahts Trail, with four loops totaling over 22 miles. The trail offers scenic views of the lakeshore and mature hardwood forests as it winds through creek bottoms, hollows and ridgetops in the more secluded region of the Wildlife Management Area east of Grayson Lake.
This site contains four group picnic shelters with water and 15-amp electrical hookups, large grills and picnic tables. Accessible vault toilets are provided.Playgrounds are located next to each shelter!
Grayson Lake is known for its sculptured sandstone cliffs that rise 30 to 200 feet above the lake's surface, providing many narrow, scenic canyons just waiting to be explored. The gently sloping landscape around the lake is forested with a mixture of oak, white and yellow pine, elm, and Kentucky's state tree, the Tulip Poplar. Fall colors are particularly impressive at Grayson Lake.
The Grayson Game Refuge Area and Wildlife Management Area are both nearby, offering hiking, hunting, birding and fishing. Grayson Lake State Park is just a few minutes away, with an 18-hole golf course, camping, hiking and more great water activities.
$75 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Dewey Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Dewey Lake is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Dewey Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Dewey Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
