Best Campgrounds near Frenchburg, KY

Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds Frenchburg, Kentucky, with a range of camping options from established campgrounds to primitive sites. The Clear Creek Recreation Area, located about 30 minutes from Frenchburg, provides tent and RV sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and basic amenities. Several facilities in the nearby Red River Gorge Geological Area offer camping experiences ranging from primitive sites to more developed campgrounds with cabins. Twin Knobs Recreation Area and Zilpo Campground on Cave Run Lake provide waterfront camping with electric and water hookups, while Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers both tent and RV camping with proximity to hiking trails and natural features.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with many sites in the Daniel Boone National Forest open from April through early November. Forest Service roads leading to primitive sites may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. One visitor noted, "Clear Creek Lake just up the street was quiet and great for some lazy kayaking. I used this as a base camp for trail running at multiple parks. No cell signal (verizon)." Permits for dispersed camping in the Red River Gorge area cost approximately $5 for multiple days, available at local gas stations and visitor centers. Most established campgrounds in the region provide vault toilets, while developed sites may offer electric hookups, potable water, and occasional shower facilities.

Campers consistently praise the region's natural features and recreational opportunities. The Red River Gorge area receives particular attention for its rock formations and hiking trails, with many visitors mentioning the scenic views from established trails. "This is a primitive camping area," one reviewer explained about a site near Princess Arch. "Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station. A three days pass is $5." Water access represents a significant draw for many visitors, with Clear Creek and Cave Run Lake providing swimming and paddling opportunities. Campgrounds near water tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. While road noise affects some camping areas near highways, backcountry sites offer greater solitude. Several campers mentioned appreciating the lack of cell service as a feature rather than a drawback, noting it enhanced their wilderness experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Frenchburg, Kentucky (81)

    1. Zilpo Campground

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

    $28 - $94 / night

    "Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."

    "E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."

    2. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    12 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."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    3. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."

    "It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."

    4. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    "I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."

    "Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though) Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"

    5. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    10 miles

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "The Tarr Ridge parking area is located on highway 77 on Tarr ridge rd in the red river gorge."

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

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    12 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    20 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    13 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."

    8. Callie’s Lake and Campground

    18 Reviews
    Stanton, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 559-2554

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees."

    "This was a nice campground near the red river gorge. My friends and I stayed at a primitive campsite # 10."

    9. Clear Creek Rec Area

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

    "We couldn't have asked for a better place to end this portion of our kentucky adventures This camp ground is pretty basic and lovely."

    "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."

    10. Natural Bridge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-9352

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Nice shaded creek on the outskirts of the campground. Running water, RR, a grill, & Fire ring. All perks. 🔥"

    "You cannot bring in firewood from outside of Natural Bridge State Park/Red River Gorge, so we purchased some with our reservation. They loaded up a wheel barrow for us and we took it to our site."

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Recent Reviews near Frenchburg, KY

632 Reviews of 81 Frenchburg Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Relode BaseCamp

    Perfect small campground

    Bathhouse is immaculate! Super clean facilities! Also laundry available for a small fee, picnic pavilion for all guest with starlink internet FREE! Cheap and affordable place great for families or just a trip for 1! Pet friendly, and beautiful pond! Quiet, off the beaten path, affordable!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • Sam C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Well maintained and quiet.

    This is a nice place. I've got about two bars 4G through verizon via xfinity. I don't know if there's usually a fee, but there's not one right now. It's got gravel lots with picnic tables and fire pits.

  • John M.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    A Wonderful Campground!

    We had a wonderful weekend stay at this campground; we were fortunate to get a river view site which was amazing. It is so peaceful to watch the river and see the occasional boat or barge go by. The campground is a very nice facility with unique cabins and nice full hook up sites. They have a nice store, restroom and shower facilities and they even have a small menu that they can prepare and bring to your site including a delicious chocolate chip cookie desert!

    The owners are the real gem here; they are so friendly and accommodating and go out of their way to make you feel at home! We had a grandchild visit and we forgot a jacket and Julie(owner) went out of her way to find a hoodie out of her Halloween stock, so he would have something for the weekend. 

    We will be back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice spots on the Ohio River

    We had a riverfront site. The camp hosts are very nice and attentive to your needs. We will return

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Beautifuly kept and right next to the amazing horse park

    We spent two nights here and were pleasantly surprised that most of the campsites had probably at least 50 to 60 feet between each one and lots of grass and trees. The campsite we stayed in, 140, was a pull through so that was bonus. Most of the campsites look like they had at least water and electric and I think there might have been some sites that had sewer as well. Right next-door to the Kentucky Horse Park, which is a must see. Very interesting museum and lots of barn with different types of horses in them to visit. If you buy your ticket at the campground, you would get five dollars off the admission fee.

  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.


Guide to Frenchburg

Daniel Boone National Forest extends across 708,000 acres of eastern Kentucky, encompassing the camping areas near Frenchburg. The forest sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet, creating diverse microclimates that support over 100 tree species and numerous wildlife habitats. Most camping spots near Frenchburg, Kentucky are accessible via Kentucky Route 77, which winds through rocky outcroppings and densely wooded terrain.

What to do

Fishing at Clear Creek Lake: Located 12 miles from Frenchburg at Clear Creek Recreation Area, this 40-acre lake provides calm waters for fishing and paddling. "I used this as a base camp for trail running at multiple parks. No cell signal (verizon). I definitely will be back for getting off the grid and relaxing!" notes a visitor to Clear Creek Rec Area.

Rock climbing at Red River Gorge: The gorge contains over 1,600 established climbing routes across various difficulty levels. A visitor to Koomer Ridge Campground shared: "We looked at this campground and the state parks in the area. There is a great trail right off the parking lot and you're close to a great many other trails and activities. Rock climbing, canoeing and even kayaking in a cave are just a few of the many activities near here."

Visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo: Within walking distance of Natural Bridge Campground, this educational facility houses over 75 species of reptiles. "It's right next to the KY reptile zoo, which was super cool. Right down the road you have lots of cool shops, places to eat and of course, natural bridge," explains a camper from Natural Bridge Campground.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Zilpo Campground on Cave Run Lake offers private sites with water access. "Great campground with a lot of privacy! One of my wife and I favorite spot! Great campground with great views of lake and easy way to the beach," notes a reviewer at Zilpo Campground.

Trail connections from campsites: Many campgrounds feature direct trail access without driving. A camper at Whittleton Campground explained: "There are 2 trails that you can hike from the campground. Both were dog friendly, the rest of the park is not. The whole area is absolutely gorgeous."

On-site food options: Some privately operated campgrounds provide meal services. At Callie's Lake and Campground, one visitor mentioned: "They have a general store stocked with necessities you may have forgotten. The store also sales live bait to fish in the lake with. The best part about the store is the food!!!"

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited or no connectivity. "We have Verizon and had 3 bars of LTE, but sometimes struggled to load rich content. As a remote worker I purchased 72 hours of WiFi for $20, which was great but only worked for 1 device," explains a visitor at Callie's Lake and Campground.

Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some sites offer modern facilities while others provide basic services. "The bathhouse was very clean. One of the 2 showers had no bench, which makes it difficult to keep all your stuff dry while you shower," notes a Whittleton Campground visitor.

Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Zilpo Campground operates from April 25 to November 2, while other facilities may have different schedules. Always verify opening dates before planning trips.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming areas: Clear Creek and Cave Run Lake provide designated swimming spots for children. "We had a wonderful time here. We plan to return soon!" shares a visitor at Koomer Ridge Campground.

Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer structured recreation for younger campers. A Zilpo visitor mentioned: "It was fun and lots of things for the kids to do."

Site selection for families: Choose sites away from highways to reduce noise. "We stayed in one of the 'premium' sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot," reports a Twin Knobs visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring careful positioning. At Middle Fork Campground, a visitor noted: "Sites are level; some were paved, and some were gravel (riverfront sites tended to be gravel). Most are back-in, but the middle row has pull-thru sites."

Hookup limitations: Water and electric connections may be shared or limited. "We had plenty of room on the campsite. We had two campers on the site lined up on one side. One is a 22 ft. and the other a 37 ft. I wish they had more electric loops as more people are camping in a camper of some sort," explains a reviewer at Twin Knobs Recreation Area.

Dump station access: Not all sites with hookups provide sewer connections. At Twin Knobs, campers have access to a sanitary dump station but must relocate their RV for dumping before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Frenchburg, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Frenchburg, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Frenchburg, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Frenchburg, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Frenchburg, KY is Zilpo Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 49 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Frenchburg, KY?

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

What parks are near Frenchburg, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 parks near Frenchburg, KY that allow camping, notably Daniel Boone National Forest and Grayson Lake.