Best Campgrounds near Elkhorn City, KY

Camping opportunities near Elkhorn City, Kentucky center around the Russell Fork River and surrounding Appalachian highlands. The area features several established campgrounds including Breaks Interstate Park Campground, which sits atop a 1,000-foot canyon along the Virginia-Kentucky border. Thunder River Campground provides riverside camping with electric, water and sewer hookups. Accommodation options range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces, with some locations like Breaks Interstate Park also offering cabins, yurts, and glamping facilities within reach of hiking trails and scenic overlooks.

Road access to many campgrounds requires navigating winding mountain roads that can challenge larger vehicles. Breaks Interstate Park is particularly noted for its remote location, with many visitors mentioning the twisting two-lane roads leading to the park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with full services typically available from April through October. Cellular coverage is limited throughout the area, and campers should arrive prepared with supplies as the nearest grocery stores may be 20+ minutes away on mountain roads. A camper noted: "Be careful when choosing a site as some are challenging to get into with larger units. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads."

Several visitors highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities as the primary draw despite some campground limitations. The Russell Fork River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and seasonal whitewater rafting, with the river cutting through dramatic sandstone formations. Breaks Interstate Park features numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous 4-5 hour loops that are described as "not heavily trafficked." Wildlife viewing is common, with many reviewers mentioning encounters with white-tailed deer. While most campground facilities receive positive reviews for cleanliness, sites often require significant leveling. As one review mentioned: "Prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail took us to see the northern lights one evening. I highly suggest stopping here for a few nights, an under rated area."

Best Camping Sites Near Elkhorn City, Kentucky (49)

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Recent Reviews near Elkhorn City, KY

187 Reviews of 49 Elkhorn City Campgrounds


  • Todd C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Fall trip

    Beautiful campground, site can be a little small. We stayed in the C loop so we never used the bath house or anything. The camp hosts and staff were amazing and lots of help.

  • cyndy B.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Lower Twin Campground (VA)

    Good

    Great host,, very clean.. Has showers ,, bost ramp, hiking,, etc... ONLY downfall about the place is SNAKES... Be on the lookout for copperheads and rattlesnakes !!!

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Private location - challanging hills

    The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it. There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night. Outside of that pretty quiet cool fern filled Forrest and lake.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Sugar Hollow Campground

    Gorgeous Secluded park

    Love this place. Very secluded feeling, we had no one around us. Very clean and close to town conveniences.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots of activities

    Small sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    My Eastern KY Fav!

    This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.

    The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.

    Lots of boating and fishing occurred.

    Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.

    We've already made reservations for next season!

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.


Guide to Elkhorn City

Camping sites near Elkhorn City, Kentucky sit in the Appalachian foothills where elevation ranges between 800-1,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. The Russell Fork River basin creates a network of valleys and ridges that influence camping conditions, with riverside sites often experiencing morning fog and higher humidity.

What to do

Horseback riding trails: Located 30 miles from Elkhorn City, Jenny Wiley State Park Campground offers several equestrian trails for visitors with their own horses. "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," notes a frequent visitor.

Geocaching opportunities: The Breaks Interstate Park area provides multiple geocaching sites for treasure-hunting enthusiasts. As one camper explained, "If you don't Geocache, never heard of it, your in for a treat. It's like treasure hunting and you get to see some sights/facts/history you may have missed otherwise."

Fishing in Dewey Lake: At Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, fishing opportunities abound. "The fishing on Dewey Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake," reports a regular visitor. Catfishing is particularly productive in the warmer months.

What campers like

Hiking variety: Breaks Interstate Park Campground features numerous hiking options ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. A camper noted, "Wonderful park for pretty much everything from zip line to water park, and to some of the most gorgeous trails in the region."

Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing. According to one visitor at Breaks Interstate Park, "White tail deer are frequent, and very tame." Multiple campers mention bear activity in the area, so proper food storage is essential.

Restaurant options: Some campgrounds offer dining facilities that receive high marks. At Breaks Interstate Park, "They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate," mentions one satisfied camper. This saves trips to town when supplies run low.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have restricted connectivity. At Thunder River Campground, despite having WiFi, cellular reception remains spotty. Even at larger facilities like Jenny Wiley, "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception."

Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. Thunder River Campground visitors note, "The railroad tracks are very close, so there is occasional train noise." Light sleepers should consider earplugs or selecting sites furthest from tracks.

Wildlife precautions: The region has active black bear populations. One camper at Breaks Interstate Park observed, "Apparently there is a lot of bear activity, although we did not encounter one." Park rangers recommend bear-resistant food containers or storing food in vehicles.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities options: Pound River Campground offers safe water recreation areas. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay," mentions one visitor. The calmer waters make it suitable for families with children learning water sports.

Bathroom facility assessment: When camping with children, bathroom quality becomes important. At Breaks Interstate Park, "Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers." However, not all campgrounds offer equivalent facilities.

Entertainment alternatives: Some locations provide family programming. At Jenny Wiley State Park, "they are beyond talented" at the Jenny Wiley theater which runs performances throughout summer months. These shows provide evening entertainment after a day outdoors.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region require equipment for leveling. At Cane Patch Campground, "A few sites have electric hookup, but not all." Bring leveling blocks and a level to ensure comfort.

Water hookup positioning: The utility layouts at some campgrounds can be unusual. At Jenny Wiley State Park, "you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section." RVers recommend bringing at least 50 feet of drinking-water-safe hose.

Mountain road navigation: Roads leading to camping areas often present challenges for larger vehicles. As one camper noted about Backwoods Camping & RV Park, "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting." Arrival during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safe navigation.

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 49 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkhorn City, KY and 3 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 4.3-star rating from 24 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Elkhorn City, KY.

What parks are near Elkhorn City, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 parks near Elkhorn City, KY that allow camping, notably John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir and Fishtrap Lake.