M
Michelle S.
Scout
ScoutWhispering Hills RV Park, Inc
Great place to stay
Very clean and quiet with all the amenities, including a dog park. The staff are wonderful. Definitely would stay here again.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Means, KY
Red River Gorge Campground permits dispersed camping throughout its extensive trail system with proper backcountry permits. Camping areas at Princess Arch, Star Gap Arch, and along Tunnel Ridge Road accommodate tent camping with pets, requiring a $5 permit available at the Shell gas station in Stanton. Sites vary from established areas with vault toilets and trash disposal at trailheads to completely primitive backcountry spots. Backpackers should note that all dispersed campsites require packing in all supplies and packing out waste. Dogs must remain leashed on trails and at campsites to protect wildlife and other hikers. Several campground reviews mention excellent backcountry camping opportunities with dogs throughout the Red River Gorge area.
The network of hiking trails throughout Red River Gorge provides numerous options for campers with pets seeking scenic views. Trails to natural arches offer moderate hiking with dogs, though some areas feature cliffs requiring careful management of pets. Primitive campsites along water sources make excellent locations for dogs that enjoy swimming, with a jumping rock less than half mile upstream from one documented campsite offering cooling opportunities on hot summer days. Backpackers should prepare for limited cell service throughout the area and bring sufficient water for themselves and their pets when camping at rim sites along Chimney Top or Tunnel Ridge Roads where water sources may be scarce. The area attracts significant weekend crowds, so weekday visits provide a more peaceful experience for campers with dogs seeking solitude.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Means, Kentucky (59)
1. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
48 ReviewsPine Ridge, KY14 miles+1 (606) 663-8100$27 - $45 / 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."
"There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance."
2. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
42 ReviewsSlade, KY14 milesWebsite+1 (606) 663-2214$23 - $35 / 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."
"Unless you are a distance hiker you will have to drive to most of the attractions from the campground because they aren’t close. So that’s a pro and a con."
3. Red River Gorge Campground
22 ReviewsSlade, KY9 miles$10 / night
"Well traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect."
"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."
4. Zilpo Campground
49 ReviewsSalt Lick, KY17 milesWebsite+1 (606) 768-2722$31 - $105 / night
"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip."
5. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
30 ReviewsSlade, KY13 milesWebsite+1 (606) 663-2214$23 - $35 / night
"I love the creek that runs through the campground (we were in the Whittleton loop)...and the trail that starts in the back of the campground."
"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"
6. Twin Knobs Recreation Area
43 ReviewsSalt Lick, KY17 milesWebsite+1 (606) 780-7818$35 - $150 / night
"This 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."
"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."
7. Callie’s Lake and Campground
18 ReviewsStanton, KY10 milesWebsite+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."
8. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
19 ReviewsSlade, KY12 milesWebsite$14 / night
"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."
"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."
9. Natural Bridge Campground
13 ReviewsSlade, KY11 milesWebsite+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."
10. Clear Creek Rec Area
9 ReviewsDaniel Boone National Forest, KY12 milesWebsite+1 (606) 768-2722"Festus the cat was very welcoming too."
"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."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Means, KY
89 Photos of 59 Means Campgrounds
Amy B.
Red River Gorge Campground
Jessica X.
Clear Creek Rec Area
Shelly S.
Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Shelly S.
Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Lucy P.
Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
DD
The Ole Cornfield
Brian N.
Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Shannon G.
Zilpo Campground
Shelly S.
Lago Linda Hideaway
Shelly S.
Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground
Cyndy & Selena R.
Poppy Mountain Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Means, KY
657 Reviews of 59 Means Campgrounds
- Karen S.Scout
Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground
Family friendly
We have stayed here many times. Very clean campground.the staff is helpful and friendly. The shower and bathrooms have always been clean . Just wish that they had a fenced in dog park
- D
Douglas T.
RangerRenfro Valley RV Park
Mt Vernon, KY…It was OK
We arrived at 3 pm on a Friday and stayed 2 night. Have yet to see any employees. Our paperwork was ready and on the board in the front of the building. Sites are roomy, however the roads and sites could use updating. They go from paved to gravel. The laundry room had 3 washers with only 1 working. 2 dryers with only 1 working. We stopped twice for propane but the office door was always locked. They do have a playground for kids and a cute teepee. A small dog park. There was absolutely nothing level on any of these sites.
- Marissa G.
GuideKentucky Horse Park Campground
Nice Campground Right between Lexington and Georgetown
I'll preface this with the fact that I am a Lexington, KY Native and have always lived close to the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Horse Park Campground, but have never stayed there until this weekend.
We stayed on Loop A in site #38.
First, site #38 was a great large and fairly level site with 50AMP hookups and Water. There were no sewer hook ups, but the park has 2 dump stations that accommodate 2 RV/Trailers being dumped at one time. The site had a large amount of space between ourselves and our neighbors and we had a lot of extra space behind out paved site that was grassy. A great area for the kids/pets to run around.
The park has 2 playgrounds (one was closed due to COVID and the sanitizing that would have to be done. The park said they didn't have the staff to sanitize the playground further from the office/store). There is a community pool (it was closed because it isn't memorial day yet and the staff is still trying to determine if it will open this season after being closed all of 2020 due to COVID).
You're able to bring your Golf Cart if you would like but you must get a permit from the campground office/store. They say there is a rule that no one under the age of 16 or anyone without a valid drivers license is allowed to drive the golf carts, but this is clearly not enforced, as my kids were nearly run over (more than once) by young kids speeding around on the gold carts.
The park is great for bike riding and you can travel just a short distance to get to the Legacy Trail (a 12 mile paved trail great from biking/running that runs from the horse park into downtown Lexington). It rained most of the day on Saturday while we were there but in the evening, we got to get the bikes out and go see the horses as they were grazing in the fields.
Right next door, you have the World Famous Kentucky Horse Park. Their trail rides are back open (Ages 7 an older $25.00 per person) and they also have their Pony ride for kids 12 and under ($5 a person) opened back up. You can go visit the different barns, go to the museums, etc.
Just 1 exit north on I75 you have a Camping World, for all of your camping needs and then 1 exit after that you have a Walmart and Lowes for other things. Many food options as well.
There is a gas station just down Iron Works pike for all of your fuel and and snack needs. Attached to the gas station is also a liquor store.
Your smack in the middle of Georgetown and Lexington which both offer several family friendly Craft Beer Breweries/Taprooms, a lot of great local eating options and bars/nightlife options.
On Holidays now, at the Horse Park Campground, you have to have 5 day minimum stay, which can get a bit pricey.
All around though, great little campsite with easy access to I65/I64.
- ssherri T.Scout
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!
Wayne H.GuideTwin Knobs Recreation Area
Twin Knobs
This 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.
- Ella N.
TravelerRenfro Valley KOA
I love this place
It was my first time camping. So much to do on site. Great shade. I love this place. Pet friendly.
Cyndy & Selena R.GuidePoppy Mountain Campground
Off Season-Place to Ourselves
Got there in April and basically no one was there which was awesome. Although we did lose our long haired cat named Trouble, she has her collar and chip but there were dogs around and she never came back. Attached is a picture. Other than the weather and losing Trouble it was great.
- TTiffany S.Scout
Lago Linda Hideaway
The dyrt
One key feature of The Dyrt is its extensive campground database, which includes over 44,000 campgrounds nationwide. This allows users to easily search for and discover new camping destinations based on location, amenities, and user ratings. The app also offers offline maps and filters for specific preferences such as pet-friendly sites, RV accessibility, and more.
Guide to Means
Red River Gorge offers extensive primitive camping options beyond its established campgrounds. Dispersed sites span elevations from 600 to 1,200 feet with creek-side locations for water access or ridge-top areas for scenic views. Weather conditions vary significantly between ridge and valley camps, with temperature differences of 10-15 degrees during summer months.
What to do
Water activities at Clear Creek Lake: Clear Creek Recreation Area provides access to Cave Run Lake, suitable for pets and water activities. "We were able to use our blow up paddle board and cruise around. It was the first time using it so that made our experience here even more wonderful," says Daniel S. who camped at Clear Creek Rec Area.
Basketball and recreation: Some campgrounds offer court sports alongside natural activities. "Miguel's is a great place to camp if you are climbing in the Red River Gorge... It offers so many things such as a basketball court, quite heated areas, covered cooking, bathrooms, etc.," notes Gentry G., who enjoyed the Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza).
Historical sites: Several camping areas connect to historical points of interest. "There was some historical landmark that we checked out which was an old furnace of some kind apparently used the 1800's cool to check out," reports a camper at Clear Creek Recreation Area about nearby iron furnace ruins.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots away from crowds. "The sites are wooded, level and drain well. The prices are reasonable and the shower house is clean," writes Janice C. about Koomer Ridge Campground.
Swimming holes: Natural water features offer cooling options beyond those mentioned in existing guides. "Every time I've camped the Gorge I head to the water hole and jumping rock. There are plenty of other campers but just enough to give you some happy company," shares Jess P. about camping at Red River Gorge Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for fishing. "There is a great creek running behind the campground. The kids had a great time playing in it," writes Aimee G. about Whittleton Campground, where many families enjoy water access directly from their sites.
What you should know
Timing affects crowds: Weekdays provide significantly quieter experiences throughout the region. "This campground is pretty small with only one bathroom. Campground is very popular with tent campers and small campers," notes a reviewer about Whittleton Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by provider and location. "I stayed 3 nights and I was the only person there the whole time... No cell signal (verizon)," reports Anna S. about Clear Creek Recreation Area.
Campsite reservations: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This time of year (October) this campground is walk up only. We got there as quick as we could and are glad we did as we were able to grab an awesome site," states a review from Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more ambient noise than others. "Because of its proximity to the Mountain Parkway nearby; had we been tent camping, the traffic noise would have been a nuisance all night," writes Jeffrey A. about Koomer Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Creek-side camping with kids: Sites along water features provide built-in entertainment. "Spots deep enough for swimming. Our dogs loved this place," reports Dylane S. about Clear Creek Rec Area, noting specific sites with water access: "We stayed in spot 17 which had its own access to a smaller creek."
Playgrounds and amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "This is a great family campground, they had small lake (I'd call it a pond) for swimming and fishing... There was a play ground for the kids," notes David C. about Callie's Lake and Campground.
Pet-friendly trail options: Trails vary in difficulty and pet-suitability. "Koomer ridge is a great campground if you don't want to hike to camp, it's kid and dog friendly!" explains Brittany S., highlighting options for families with varied mobility needs.
Tips from RVers
Site drainage considerations: Campground terrain affects water runoff during storms. "Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well... The site is level and graveled," shares Karen P. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Limited hook-up locations: Water access points may require planning. "I had to carry water from about 500 or 600 ft away. They also need more water hookups," notes a reviewer about the practical challenges at some sites.
Size restrictions for larger units: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Sites are level; not huge, well kept. Good mix of shade and sun," mentions Betsy H. about Whittleton Campground, which works better for smaller units.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Means, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Means, KY is Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Means, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Means, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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