Camping near Morehead, Kentucky centers around Cave Run Lake, a 8,270-acre reservoir within Daniel Boone National Forest. The area sits at approximately 730 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F during peak camping season. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with most campgrounds closing for the season in early November.
What to do
Hiking trails: Trails connect several campgrounds to scenic viewpoints around Cave Run Lake. "If you're a sight seeing, hiking, biking, camping enthusiast, this is a must see!" notes Justin W. about Zilpo Campground.
Water activities: Many campsites offer direct lake access for swimming and fishing. "Nice secluded area with a lot of privacy," says Aaron I. about Zilpo, while Elizabeth C. adds, "Great spot right on the water."
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park offers ranger-guided cave tours from April through October. "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," explains Chris B. about Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Several campgrounds provide access to mountain bike trails. "There are mountain biking trails that you can access right from the campground so that was nice," reports one camper about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers mention the separation between sites. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites," notes Stephen H. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Water views: Lakefront sites are popular and tend to book quickly. Vince B. shares about Zilpo Campground, "One of my wife and I favorite spot! Great campground with great views of lake and easy way to the beach."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their facilities well. Karen P. mentions that at Twin Knobs, "The staff are constantly working to keep everything clean and repaired."
Lake swimming: The lake provides refreshing swimming options during hot summer months. "In walking distance to the lake so you can have a nice swim. Always beautiful," says Megan D. about Zilpo Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book waterfront sites 6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. Karen P. notes, "This is one of the most popular sites and we booked it 6 months in advance."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. "Internet service is spotty there– our Verizon hotspot worked ok, but the Sprint was super slow," reports one reviewer about Twin Knobs.
Site access issues: Some campgrounds have logistical challenges. About Carter Caves State Resort Park, Ron & Bonnie D. warn, "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites."
Weather considerations: Rain can impact camping conditions. "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well," notes Karen P. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "It was fun and lots of things for the kids to do," shares Stephanie F. about Zilpo Campground.
Beach access: Some campgrounds have designated swimming areas. Megan D. notes that Twin Knobs "includes and beach area with a little store for any last minute supplies you may have forgotten."
Educational opportunities: Consider ranger programs for educational content. "Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" suggests Chris B. at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Pool options: For luxury camping near Morehead, Kentucky, some locations feature swimming pools. At Outpost Campground & RV Park, Dustin L. reports, "The pool was a nice addition. The camp store has the essentials that you may need during your stay."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs and RV size. Jason G. shared about Outpost Campground, "The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins."
Electric limitations: Some campgrounds have limited full-hookup sites. "I wish they had more electric loops as more people are camping in a camper of some sort," comments Karen P. about Twin Knobs.
Varying hookup distances: Be prepared with extra cords and hoses. "Really inconvenient if you want water hookup," notes Becky H. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area, while another camper adds, "Some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up."
Weather drainage: Gravel sites handle rain better than dirt. "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains," explains Kellie Dawn T. about Twin Knobs Recreation Area.