Are you planning a tent camping trip to Irvine? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in Kentucky with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Irvine, Kentucky's most popular destinations.
Red River Gorge Campground is known for its picturesque surroundings and range of outdoor activities. The campground is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, a geological wonderland with soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches and deep gorges. The area is popular with hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous trails for all levels of experience, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and fishing. Red River Gorge Campground provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in Kentucky.
$10 / night
$14 / night
The campground is on 10 acres of tree lined frontage on the Red River. There is a mix of trees/shade and open fields. It is a primitive campground, meaning that there are no power hook-ups or running water. There is an excellent canoe/kayak take-out. It's location in the heart of the Gorge makes it the perfect place for riverside camping and provides access to hiking trails.
$8 - $20 / night
You can spend a weekend in our Treehouse Yurt, experience comfort and seclusion in our Yome Away From Home, park your RV, pitch your tent, or hang your hammock.
We are also available for your wedding, retreat, reunion, fundraiser, or festival.
We are a farm in the mountains so be prepared to encounter INSECTS (mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers), WILDLIFE (deer, turkey, snakes, toads, and dare we mention the bear track we spotted one spring?), WEATHER (hot, cold, rain, snow), TOXIC PLANTS (poison ivy, stinging nettle, wild mushrooms), just to name a few.
We DO NOT have internet or cell service, though we do have a phone for emergency use (trust us, your "people" aren't out here). Instead, we do encourage other forms of entertainment: instruments, hiking shoes, fishing poles, bubbles, hula hoops, etc.
We also DO NOT have trash service. We will have recycling bins set up for plastic, cans, paper, and compost for your food waste, but plan to take your trash with you when you leave. We will have extra bags for those that forget. We also encourage you to bring your own dishes & cutlery to minimize excess trash as well.
You're always welcome to try our home line before 9pm at 859.Yum.Dirt (986.3478), but the best way to catch us (usually) is via email at Jessa@HomeGrownHideAways.org.
$15 - $75 / night
Local Family Owned & Operated est.2012 Riverside Campground RV & Tent Camping 50amp, 30amp, 110v NEW Bathhouse Kayak/Canoe Rental & Shuttle Service
Paragon is a primitive camping area with 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Alert: August 21, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service opened a section of Paragon Road on Friday, August 16, 2019. The gate closest to Highway 519 was opened and motor vehicles will be able to drive to the first two loops commonly used for camping, swimming, and fishing. The new gate has been installed to allow vehicle access into the area while road work and repairs continue. The new gate will also allow the two camping loops to remain open when Cave Run Lake is 1.5 to 2 feet above summer pool and inundating the lowest portions of Paragon Road, which has occurred many times in the last decade and resulted in closure of the entire road and camping area. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your trip to this area. Learn more... The campground is located on the Cumberland Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie.This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Nearby facilities: Poppin Rock Boat Ramp
White Sulphur Horse Camp, located near Cave Run Lake on the Cumberland Ranger District, is developed as a primitive campground for horseback riders. The camp provides access to over 50 miles of multiple-use trails winding along forested hills and limestone ridges. Ideal for individual riders as well as organized groups, the facilities at the horse camp bring riders into the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area, and the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. View information about Cave Run Lake Nonmotorized Trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking around Cave Run Lake. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to this campground. Learn more... Cave Run Lake area map The parking area can accommodate up to 30 vehicles with a trailer, up to 50 feet long. Picket lines and a watering trough are available for horses. The campground has no electricity.
Legend
Something that sets this place apart from others in the area is long term tent camping!! Yes you read that right, LONG TERM TENT CAMPING! For most of those who travel you know they often offer long term services for those in RVs which provides a discount for staying more than a night or two, but at this campground you as a tent camper can find a location that suits your Kentucky home needs on the road for a day, a week or even a month!
But what does that entail exactly?
This site is really nice, with level sites for RVs or tents, padded grass which is well maintained, nice gravel roads around camp and a river frontage with views which will make you just want to stop and take in the scenery.
When I visited I noticed a lot of people staying here near the weekend were visiting to launch their boats and troll the river fishing for what looked like some pretty large fish. It was pretty cool to see some of the people setting up their campground fish fry, and they were even friendly enough to invite me to join, though I don't eat fish so it didn't really work out that way.
The tent sites were shaded and had several different options, you could choose primitive which is only $17 or for a few dollars more you could have electricity. All sites come with a picnic table and fire ring and a pull in to keep you and your things closely together.
There was a playground and volleyball, but I didn't see anyone using these when I was there. A small camp store has a lot of the essentials in case your forgot something or just needed to pick up a snack. There was also firewood available, a big plus!!
This place is a bit older looking in appearance but it is charming and the owner is very cool. I didn't meet a single person there that wasn't just enjoying life.
TIPS:
Traveler
showers, tent camping, little to no trees for shade. friendly
Guide
One section is for campers and rv’s with electric hook ups. While one is tent camping . Showers available
Scout
Cabins, tent camping and rv sites hosts the annual Whippoorwill earth skills festival as well as many climbers visiting the nearby Red River Gorge.
Guide
We finally made it hear this spring and as long as you enjoy tent camping and no RVs this is your place. We’ll be back!
TravelerLimited Wifi, only 2 bathrooms, RV camping is not so great in that campsite are close to the road. Tent camping looks much more pleasant down by a lake.
ScoutThis place is a great place to camp either with your RV or if you are a tent camping they have a restaurant as of right now it's open on the weekends they also have a ShakeOut lunch with TV available they have two sets of bathrooms the owners are great people sometimes people getting stuck out here be honors coming home get you out my car won't start one time they came and helped me out these are great people I store my RV here when I pay the monthly storage and when I come into town like I'm going to stay in my RV and pay like everybody else like their tent camping with no electric it's very quiet here and very enjoyable a lot of hiking trails lots of events.
ScoutAwesome tiny cabin, has everything you need and nothing you don’t! I’ve been coming here for years, always tent camp. Brought my dog this time, I’ll be renting this tiny cabin for future adventures in and around the gorge area!
Scout
We fell in love with The Gorge in April and will be back in September and at Christmas! Several kid friendly (ages 8, 4, & 2) spots and while we went the cabin route, we'll be tent camping next round!
TravelerWhittleton Sites are level, not huge, well kept. Good mix of shade and sun. Small creek runs behind camper and tent sites. we plan on returning in a month for the fall leaves.
Scout
Stayed on the F Loop next to the lake, fire pit, picnic table, level tent site and bathroom showers a short walk. Camp hosts very friendly and helpful. campsite are close together.
Traveler
We stayed here Mothers Day weekend. Had perfect weather and our tent site was by the creek so we could here running water all night. It was so peaceful! You can stay in the tent site only area which I recommend if you want to be away from the noise and lights of a campground. The campground was not noisy but with the travel trailers and RVs you always get a little more noise. Campground was clean and the shower house was clean but very small for the size of the campground. They did run out of toilet paper in the women’s bathroom but replace it quickly. It was quite a walk to bath house if you stay in the tent only area. We will definitely go back though! The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge area is beautiful with great hiking!
GuideGrew up going here and still to this day it is my absolute favorite place to camp. You can tent camp which is what we did growing up or you places for campers. Most of all of the sites are shaded. Close walk to the lake with quite a few walking trails. Nice bathhouse’s.
TravelerStayed at Middle Fork Campground in March 2021, love Daniel Boone National Forest and love the hikes/views at Natural Bridge but the campground is not what we had hoped for. Primitive tent sites are almost right on top of each other with little to no foliage to create privacy. Tent sites are a hike from the restrooms, if you have to go in the middle of the night just hope no one is driving over the ridge from the RV lot, you likely will get surprised! Though the area itself is beautiful, we will not stay at this primitive site again. We have reservations coming up for Whittleton, the other campground across the street, and are eager to see if it is right for us. This is only a short drive for us and a great distance to get away for the weekend. Happy camping!
Traveler
The site I m at H37 is perfect site for tent camp which is a step below road level give you a necessary privacy you look and shade while you are camping . Only downside picnic table broken . The shower room is ok to do its job but which might need some maintenance. As two of 3 showers were broken .
GuideWere able to stay here for a week, tho the campowners were out, thus only the open field camping was available. The individual sites looked nice, some were a little close clustered, others had nice space between them.Bunk houses, as well as covered tent camping areas.
Restrooms were clean. Wifi did not work (tho that was a problem with most of this area)
GuideDecent campground a short drive from a ton of nearby climbing crags. Love that the showers are not pay by the minute like others, though tent camping sites are pretty close together and most don’t have platforms. Staff are super friendly and it’s a nice alternative to the hustle and bustle of Miguel’s (though we ended up there each day anyway)!
Traveler
Stayed 2 nights mid week and campground wasn’t busy. Many nice tent sites and also good level RV sites. Easy access to hiking. Helpful resident manager. Management by Thousand Trails, although the campground is not associated at all with Thousand Trails. No reservations accepted. Self register and pay at the entrance.
Ranger
The campground is brand new and it has new bath/shower houses. It has 10 RV sites and riverside tent sites. The sites are level and pull through with 50 amp service. There is city water available and a dump station. Very clean place and the staff are great to work with. They have kayaking at the campground or shuttle service if you bring your own kayak. The ride from the dam down to the campground is beautiful and serene. It is great for beginning kayakers. The tent sites along the river are so peaceful with the river running below you. There is a lot to do in the area with Cave Run Lake for water adventures and Lockegee Rock and the Sheltowee Trail for hiking. The Licking River has several fish species from the fun to catch bluegill to the Muskellunge. This is a must see place that I will definitely return to.
GuideWell traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect. Local food is good a lot of small mom an pop establishments. 30/50 amp service at most if the campgrounds all have tent camping. Cell service is very spotty WiFi was the same pet friendly. Did see signs for ADA sites. Found food and supplies available found a few outfitters for camping and rafting gear
GuideThis drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind. Twin Knobs is very clean and spacious campsites and most are on the water! This campground has basketball courts, a beach area, restrooms and more. Pet friendly but must stay on a leash.
ScoutWhen we pulled up to check in we were a little confused about the honor system they run off of but after a quick phone call to the owner we had everything figured out and ended up with a great tent site and wonderful neighbors. Not all sites have electric hookup, when booking call and check. The small lake has excellent fishing for Bluegill
Scout
Got here just after dark. Was a bit difficult finding the office. The office was closed but they left me information on my assigned site and a map. The tent sites are off a gravel, poorly maintained path that was difficult to locate in the dark. The site itself was okay but on a hill. The location was convenient and my pup enjoyed using the enclosed dog area to run around.
Scout
We usually camp here at least 3 times every year. They have dedicated tent sites with electric and also a primitive tent area. It's open year around but in the summer season you can take a trail off of loop I that leads to the community pool to cool off. The campground organizes fun activities for the summer holidays like tie dying, camper's only pool party, bingo, best decorated campsite, etc. It always seems to pack out everytime we are there.
TravelerTent sites are pretty close together and small, as well as far from the bathroom. Bathroom is clean though. Not really any connection with at&t but the hemlock lodge is open all night w free wifi, but you do have to drive to it (nice to have the option if you need to use the internet for something). Safe place, friendly people, pretty much what you expect at a state park- nothing crazy!
RangerThe Natural Bridge is advertised in every rest stop within a 5 hour radius, but it is a very nice park with interesting geology and lots to do. It's pretty touristy, good for kids, not super great for secluded camping. Know what to expect and you'll enjoy yourself. Make reservations! Slightly more resort-y camping accommodations but still rustic. Tent sites are pretty spread out. Nice little stream near campsites and lots of shade. Also a lodge and cabins on site.
ScoutIs all tent and pop-up camping, so don’t plan on bringing in an RV. Campground is run by the National Park ServIce, so Golden Passes do apply for dIscounts. All sites are well wooded, and some tent sItes do have steps to pack your gear up, which does add privacy. Main bathhouse is fairly well maintained, and outer ones are just okay with some hot water service issues in the past. You can hike out of the campground to see part of Red River Gorge, but it is also nicely located to drive to other trailheads.
Tent camping near Irvine, Kentucky offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Irvine, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.
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