Best Camping near Elkhorn City, KY

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Elkhorn City. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Elkhorn City camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Elkhorn City, KY (50)

Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Elkhorn City

Recent Reviews In Elkhorn City

176 Reviews of 50 Elkhorn City Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley WMA
    September 2, 2024

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Great peaceful place

    Dispersed camping free permit with Va wildlife, fishing, or use permit up to 14 days. Porta Jon available at campground and boat dock. Plenty of dead wood for fires. Trash cans available. Rocks for fire pits and no tables.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Tumbling Creek
    September 2, 2024

    Little Tumbling Creek

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Laurel bed lake at top is beautiful. Waterfalls on way up and good fishing along the way in tumbling creek. Flat field area for camping on way. Several spots by creek for van or tent camping.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park
    August 4, 2024

    Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive at its finest

    Booked a 3 night stay over the weekend and had the primitive camping area to ourselves. 5 spots with tent pads, picnic tables, fire pit, hanging poles, and bear box. Then there is a very large, communal fire pit, and an open but covered shelter with picnic tables and an outlet to charge your tech things. Water spigot at top, a little walk, uphill, for water. The camp store people said they are unable to use spigot nearby common shelter because it’s no good. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Glad we brought our large bladder so we weren’t constantly going up and down the hill for water. Camp store with some basics at entrance, and person on golf cart drives around checking on things. Trash dumpster, up the hill just past water spigot. Couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful place, especially for the price, $15/night. Took advantage of some of the hiking trails, which were well maintained and marked. Also, went and checked out the natural tunnel via chairlift. The other two campgrounds looked nice, with big, fancy bathhouses. And the cabins, wow, fancy! Hooray for Virginia State Parks!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cavitts Creek Park
    July 22, 2024

    Cavitts Creek Park

    Not suitable for motorcycle tent camping, wouldn't stay again

    Most campground reviews are from the RV crowd.  This is from the tent camper perspective, particularly motorcycle tent camping.  The roads/lanes in the park are paved, but otherwise where you would ride are lousy for motorcycles.  The "gravel" parking lot from the road to the office and in the RV/electric loop is more like rocks, and you stand a good chance of dropping your bike.  Park your bike on the asphalt drive and walk up to the office.  In addition, the tent parking spots are sloped upwards with some very slick crushed rock and are challenging for a motorcycle.  The office closes at 5 (4 on Sunday and probably Saturday) and there is no campground map posted to see where the tent camping area is. They have copies of the campground map in the office and I suggested they put one on the outside of the office door so people arriving after they close have a map to view.   The tent camping (primitive) is off a paved lane a lot further down the hill past the office.  The sign for the lane says primitive.  Straight up at the top of the hill for that lane is site 6 which is somewhat acceptable for motorcycle parking although you are not going to get good enough of a cell signal there to use any internet apps. You might get one bar to make calls or text.   At the top of that hill, take a left and go up a steep hill to the shower house and where sites 1 &2 are at.  At sites 1&2 and outside the shower house you can get a good enough signal (2 bars) to use internet apps.  The campground does have an open wifi, but it doesn't reach to the tent camping sites.  They should add some directional antennas to extend to that area.  Sites 1&2 are best for motorcycles if you can reserve one of them.  2 has a wide enough turn around that you could easily park a group of motorcycles there.  When you check in you are assigned a 4 digit code to unlock the shower house doors.  If you arrive after hours you'll have to ask another camper if they'll share their code with you like we had to.  Don't bother trying to call the campground number after hours to check in or ask for a code because you'll just their voicemail.  Bring a hammer or find a rock to hammer your tent stakes in because the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock.  Being primitive there is no electric at the tent sites.  There is an outlet by the sink in the shower house if you need to charge your phone.  There aren't any external outlets at the shower house.  There is a spigot outside the shower house, but I did not open it to make sure it worked.  We got our water using the shower house sink.  The rate as of July 2024 is $10.50 PER TENT per night.  There is no discount for only using one site with several tents.  We (four bikes with 4 tents) stayed there four nights.  We would have left after the first night, but had paid for all four nights and also didn't want to have to pack everything up to look for a different campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chief Logan State Park Campground
    July 8, 2024

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots to do

    Chief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together.

    Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite. There was solar event with super rare aurora light show for this part of the world while we were there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Wiley State Park Campground
    June 14, 2024

    Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    Needs to be updated and repaired

    Roads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
    November 3, 2023

    Cove View Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Primitive Heaven.

    A “secret spot” that holds a special place in my heart.

    I spend on average 10 days at a time camping in the primitive grounds (April/May, Aug/Sep & end of October 2023 ) all five spaces are nicely kept and a large communal fire pit is wonderful. Even when all sites are full. There’s plenty of space. Porter Johns on site as well (and nicely maintained for what that’s worth! )

    By far - the best camp ground I’ve visited in terms of Hosts, rangers, amenities if needed, scenery and solitude.

    Take bear and coyote warnings SERIOUSLY my friends. I’ve seen plenty out there but never had a problem taking proper precautions. Also the crows - smarter than normal haha they WILL wake you up earlier than the other birds demanding you make breakfast and leave so they can then hop around your camp.

    Your cell service will be spotty / non existent on trails around the area… even when you see a road running parallel to your hike .. plan accordingly. (And bear spray people. Please. Just take it)

    Plenty of wood split ($4 a bundle. Ice $2 a bag) and hosts will graciously bring wood to your camp site <3

    The “trail” off the primitive site doesn’t seem to be on a map - and I heard many different variations of where it went. So I hiked the whole thing just for y’all! It’s an in and out(maybe a mile give or take total) that dead ends to PRIVATE property. (So obviously don’t proceed past gate) Lots of beautiful growth, cool in the summer with shade - nice quiet trail for dogs - half way is definitely less of a beaten path. Use caution.

    HIGHLY recommend getting in before last light. Especially if you’re towing anything, roads are steep and winding getting to and from camp/cabins. And lotssss of deer / rabbits at dawn and dusk jumping around.

    In a nutshell - this park gets a 10/10 from a solo female camper. Everyone is mindful of one another’s space and solitude - however in true Appalachian fashion everyone also looks out for you and always ready to lend a helping hand.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Chief Logan State Park Campground
    October 23, 2023

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots to do!

    Beautiful, quiet spot. The staff was very easy to work with and very friendly. The wildlife exhibit is a fun detour ($2/person). We saw a water slide, putt-putt, and enjoyed the restaurant at the lodge. They have tours for the local elk there too. The town itself is cute and we enjoyed a date night at the local steakhouse. Great spot, perfect getaway!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Breath of Dawn
    October 19, 2023

    Breath of Dawn

    Great place to relax and enjoy mountain top views.

    Plenty of space with short grass. Small rock fire pit and log bench. Excellent views and lots of deer and birds about.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground
    October 10, 2023

    Flag Rock Recreation Area Campground

    Quiet with nice views

    We drove up a twisty road with a few hairpin turns, wondering if there is really a campground. We got to the top and there were two loops of campsites wuth electric, and we were the only ones there. We were surprised to find clean flush toilets and hot showers. 

    It's an old style campground where you put $20 in an envelope. Continuing on there is a short walk to a lovely overlook. There are very nice picnic shelters. 

    Our only complaint was the place had a number of lampoles with lights that were on all night. I realize people like to be able to see the roads and bathrooms, it was just a bit strange to be so remote and not have it darker.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
    September 19, 2023

    Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    Very secluded and peaceful camping adventure

    Had a great camping weekend with a buddy at Cliffhanger Ranch. The cabin we stayed in is very cozy and good size for two people. We were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views. What makes this place great is that the entrance is directly across from the Jefferson National Forrest. There we were able to kayak at Bark Camp Lake which was not busy at all and hike at Little Stoney Falls. Plenty to do and see in this area. Would highly recommend!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost
    July 20, 2023

    Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost

    Escape to the forests and a simpler life

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Staying at The Cliffhanger Ranch places you in a quiet area surrounded by forests and a small downtown nearby, perfect for adventuring around a new area.  Check them out and share of your favorite parts of the trip on the Dyrt!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Backwoods Camping & RV Park
    June 13, 2023

    Backwoods Camping & RV Park

    Wonderful night

    The staff was awesome. They were kind and helpful. We tent camped and there were only a couple rvs in the park so it was quiet besides the motorcycles and rvs up and down the main road. They have showers and bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic tables.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park
    June 4, 2023

    Lover's Leap Campground — Natural Tunnel State Park

    Excellent all around

    We camped here for 2 nights. We reserved a spot at the Lovers Leap Campground. The sites are very spacious and private. It comes with the usual amenities like a fire ring, picnic table, and a lantern pole. There was even an extra little wooden table on every site. The campground is very well maintained. Everybody from rangers to volunteers was super nice and helpful. The bathhouse is extremely clean. The showers are separate from the restrooms. The other campground, Cove View, is not as private and spacious. We also drove by the cabins and the primitive campsites. The cabins look fantastic from the outside. For more adventures you can also rent a yurt. There is also a little campstore that has firewood and some essentials. The area is very scenic. There are not many trails but there is still a lot to see. The tunnel is spectacular. Make sure you ride the chairlift (dogs allowed to ride with you) down to see the tunnel and creek. Also plan a quick trip to see the blockhouse and learn about the history. The park has a lot of activities for all ages. Check out the calender and see what you like. We would definitely visit again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cabwaylingo State Forest
    April 25, 2023

    Cabwaylingo State Forest

    Small, Spartan SF Campground

    We stayed one night in Spruce Creek Campground at Cabwaylingo SF in April of 2023.  The campground is small, tucked into a side hollow just off the main road through the State Forest with tiny Spruce Creek flowing right through it.  Be advised: heavy rains can cause the creek to partially flood the campground and the moderate rains we experienced turned some of the sites into a soggy mess.  Site #1 is a paved, level pull-through that easily accommodated our 21' campervan, and that site has electric and water hookups.  It's a short walk from any of the sites to the nice playground and the older but completely serviceable showerhouse.  Firewood was available from the camp store/office, which has limited hours as of this writing.  The wood was okay, cut & split but a touch damp to truly burn well.

    There are multi-use trails and hiking-only trails that run right through the Spruce Creek campground, and we saw light ORV/ATV traffic driving through in the late afternoon of our stay.  This is a real bonus if you're wishing to drive those trails during your stay, I'm sure!  Our goal was fishing, which was a bust.  We only discovered after our arrival that Twelvepole Creek - while described as a stocked trout stream - has nearly all of the trout caught & removed by overzealous anglers within a few days of each stocking, according to the rangers.  Additionally, the streams and creeks in the State Forest were all pretty heavily littered with refuse, a real shame considering the potential natural beauty to be had.

    All of the staff with whom we interacted were courteous, polite and extremely helpful - really wonderful people work at Cabwaylingo!  The cabins looked nice from the outside and the other facilities seemed pleasant but rather dated.  There are no good gas stations or markets in the immediate vicinity so definitely plan accordingly!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hollow Campground
    December 23, 2022

    Sugar Hollow Campground

    Good quiet place

    Back in the woods very close to city but very quiet shade for most of the day has Wi-Fi and cable only down fall is theirs not water at every site bath house is dated but clean

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground
    September 18, 2022

    Riverside Campground

    Urban camping

    This campsite is more suited for r.v’s and trailer’s. Really nice staff and very clean. Very well taken care of park Unfortunately if you are a tent camper. There’s no privacy between site’s. I understand it’s a small site. But would be nice if the tent sites were further away from the trailers and rv camper’s. Kinda felt like I set my tent up in the backyard. But still a really nicely kept and clean facility.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hollow Campground
    September 16, 2022

    Sugar Hollow Campground

    Campground in the forrest, all day shade

    Not too much space for RV’s. Ground not always levelled. But beautifully sited in the woods. Great for high temperatures. And realy inexpensive (we payed $ 20 per night).

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jenny Wiley State Park Campground
    September 13, 2022

    Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    Nice for weekdays

    We were there on Thursday thru Saturday. Thursday was so nice and quiet and then the weekend crew came in on Friday and it filled up fast. Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!! We stayed in loop A, the other loops had many campers set up for the recent flood victims. Loop A was our favorite and it was close to the lake!



Guide to Elkhorn City

Camping near Elkhorn City, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Natural Tunnel State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The ranger programs are fantastic. We recommend the Stockton Creek hike." Another said, "The trails out of and around the campground are worth the hikes."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "We love fishing on Paintsville Lake! The boat dock is just above the playground."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Breaks Interstate Park Campground have spotted various wildlife. One review stated, "Wildlife is not fearful of us, or the dogs."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground said, "The bath house was older and could use fresh paint, but it was meticulously clean all week."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Yatesville Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Clean, sites are spread out, and not a very large campground."
  • Friendly Staff: Visitors often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A review for Grindstone Campground noted, "The hosts were extremely friendly and can answer all of your questions."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Little Oak Campground mentioned, "Verizon cell service is spotty at best, but sometimes this is welcomed."
  • Primitive Camping Options: Some campgrounds, like Jefferson National Forest Beartree Campground, offer primitive camping without water or electric hookups. A review stated, "There are not any water or electric hook-ups."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each site. For example, Grindstone Campground is open from April 26 to November 23.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One reviewer at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground said, "They have a full docket of activities, ranger-led hikes, games, crafts, and wildlife lectures."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy stay. A camper at Hungry Mother State Park mentioned, "The campground was easy to navigate, and the bathroom facilities were very clean."
  • Plan for Meals: Consider cooking meals together. A review for Paintsville Lake State Park Campground noted, "The sites are nice and not on top of each other. They are a nice finer type gravel and mostly level."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to read site descriptions carefully. A camper at Warriors' Path State Park Main Campground advised, "Be sure to read site descriptions and check the suggested trailer size."
  • Bring a Generator: If you're staying at a primitive site, a generator can be helpful. A review for Grindstone Campground mentioned, "We used a small ultra quiet generator."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Breaks Interstate Park Campground said, "There is a dumpster and dump station."

Camping near Elkhorn City, Kentucky, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Elkhorn City, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Elkhorn City, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 50 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkhorn City, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Elkhorn City, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkhorn City, KY is Breaks Interstate Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkhorn City, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Elkhorn City, KY.

  • What parks are near Elkhorn City, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Elkhorn City, KY that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.