Cabin camping near Elkhorn City, Kentucky puts visitors within reach of the Jefferson National Forest and the rugged Appalachian terrain that defines this region. The area sits at elevations between 900-2,000 feet with an average annual rainfall of 42 inches. Mountain streams and limestone formations characterize this section of the Cumberland Plateau where cabins often require advance booking during peak spring and fall seasons.
What to do
**Hiking trails: Near Breaks Interstate Park Campground, multiple trail options range from easy walks to challenging terrain. "Hiked & biked a lot. We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail (Grassy Overlook trail) took us to see the northern lights one evening," notes visitor Bob M.
**Chairlift rides: At Natural Tunnel State Park Campground, a chairlift provides access to view the tunnel. "It is a great hike and even better when you use the ski lift going up. The tunnel is at the base of a massive rock and a train drives through it very slowly each day," reports one camper.
**Water activities: Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist at several parks. "Nestled in the Mountains of Eastern Ky, this is a nice little getaway. The fishing on Dewy Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake," mentions David O. about his experience at Jenny Wiley State Park.
**Wildlife viewing: Several parks maintain animal exhibits for educational purposes. "There's a wildlife center where you can see bears, bobcats and raptors in enclosures for a $2.00 donation," explains a visitor to Chief Logan State Park.
What campers like
**Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain varying levels of cleanliness. "The campground was extremely clean including bathrooms and showers that are immaculate. There are tons of sites to accommodate pretty much any rig," states Paul C. about his experience at Breaks Interstate Park.
**Secluded settings: Smaller campgrounds provide more private experiences. "Several cabins, RV spots and grassy tent areas. The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot," explains J.A. about Backwoods Camping & RV Park.
**Varied accommodation options: From tent sites to deluxe cabins. "We 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!" notes Sarah C. about her Natural Tunnel State Park stay.
**Relaxing atmospheres: Creekside and mountain settings create peaceful environments. "An amazing Campground, and area! The Roar of the creek at the base of the campground is very therapeutic. They stock the creek twice a month with trout," shares Zach P. about Rainbow Campground.
What you should know
**Limited services: Many locations lack nearby conveniences. "Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads," advises Robert L. after visiting Breaks Interstate Park.
**Cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "We had great cell and hot spot service (ATT & Verizon)," reports Gary P. about Natural Tunnel State Park, while other parks have limited or no service.
**Seasonal operations: Many park amenities follow restricted schedules. "Year round with the exception of seasonal hours for other amenities such as the store," notes one reviewer about Breaks Interstate Park operating times.
**Weather considerations: Mountain climate affects camping conditions. "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," warns Jeffrey A. about Cabwaylingo State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. "It's a short walk from any of the sites to the nice playground and the older but completely serviceable showerhouse," describes Jeffrey A. about Cabwaylingo State Forest facilities.
**Educational opportunities: Wildlife exhibits provide learning experiences. "This park has so many things to do and is fun for all ages. They have campgrounds, cabins and Yurts. There are nice hiking trails, chairlift to view the tunnel, picnic areas, swimming pool and so much more," shares Kathy L. regarding Natural Tunnel State Park Primitive Camping.
**Pool facilities: Swimming options exist at select parks. "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," notes Jeremiah S.
**Entertainment venues: Some parks host performances. "Actors had just wrapped a sold-out run of 'Deadly Divide' about the bloody Hatfields and McCoys and were practicing for the 'Lion King, Jr.' Chief Logan also has an entertainment venue called 'Pickin' In The Park,' where you can hear some local bluegrass music on the weekends," explains Jennifer B.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Choose carefully based on rig size. "Nice Campground, once you get here. The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting. We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle. We didn't have a lot of issues getting here but it is quite mountainous with a lot of climbs," explains Robert L. about his experience at Breaks Interstate Park.
**Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some parks. "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over," shares Jeremiah S. about Chief Logan State Park Campground.
**Road conditions: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The drive to Cabwaylingo State Forest is half the adventure. You'll be motoring through the heart of southern West Virginia's coal country where you'll cross several single-lane bridges and pass through at least one historic tunnel chiseled out of the surrounding rock," warns Jennifer B.
**Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some parks. "The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling," advises Bob M. about Breaks Interstate Park Campground.
