Cave Run Lake offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options near Grahn, Kentucky, at an elevation of 730 feet. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, camping opportunities range from established campgrounds to primitive sites in Daniel Boone National Forest. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though some facilities maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Cave exploring: Tour the extensive limestone formations at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground. "My family have been coming here for 5 generations. Canoe the Tygart, take a trail ride, spelunk a Cave, eat a S'more, hike the red trail, see the natural bridge, come for pioneer week, Halloween is a hoot, watch out for skunks," notes Becky H.
Water recreation: Fish for muskie and bass at Cave Run Lake. "Very clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close," writes Todd C. The 8,270-acre lake provides opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and motorized boating.
Hiking: Explore the Three Bridge Trail. The moderate 3.5-mile loop showcases natural limestone bridges. "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen," reports Amanda S. from Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded separation between campsites. "Great campground with a lot of privacy!" says Angie F. about Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake. The campground features secluded sites with trees and vegetation creating natural barriers.
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and recreation areas keep children entertained. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee. Pool was small but big enough to enjoy," reports Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Lake access: Waterfront campsites provide convenient lake entry. "Great spot right on the water," notes Elizabeth C. about Zilpo Campground. Many sites offer direct access to Cave Run Lake and Grayson Lake for swimming and fishing.
What you should know
Hookup distances: Electric and water connections may require extensions. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground. Some sites place utilities up to 50 feet from parking pads.
Weather preparedness: Spring camping brings frequent rain. "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well," shares Karen P. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area. Campers should pack tarps and rain gear, particularly in spring.
Site selection: Research specific campsite features before booking. "The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on," observes Lisa S. about Carter Caves. Sites vary significantly in size, privacy, and amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Cave tours: Schedule ranger-led cave explorations appropriate for children. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" recommends Chris B.
Halloween festivities: Plan a fall camping trip for special events. "We went to the campground during the Halloween festivities in October 2017. There are a lot of activities to do while at the state park, caving, hiking, kayaking, mini golf, golf, etc.," shares Karen P. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Multiple recreation options: Choose campgrounds with diverse amenities. "Just a beautiful park. Clean well maintained. Lots of amenities. Paddle boats, marina, 18 hole disc golf, bike park, huge dog park, store, archery range, playground and trails," reports John R. about Shawnee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Choose gravel sites for better drainage. "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines," advises Kellie Dawn T. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area. Gravel sites help prevent pooling water during rainstorms.
Yurt camping options: Book yurt accommodations at Outpost Campground & RV Park near Grahn, Kentucky. "A great family get-away campground. Great for a weekend or a whole summer. There are a lot of regular campers that come back all the time," says Dan T. Yurts provide an elevated camping experience with solid floors and real beds.
Pull-through access: Reserve appropriate sites for larger rigs. "The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins," reports Jason G. about Outpost Campground & RV Park. Call ahead to confirm turning radius and length accommodations for specific sites.
