Best Campgrounds near Salt Lick, KY

Salt Lick, Kentucky provides access to several campgrounds within Daniel Boone National Forest and near Cave Run Lake. The region includes established campgrounds like Zilpo Campground and Clear Creek Recreation Area, as well as The Ole Cornfield and Outpost Campground & RV Park which offer tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and in some locations, cabin accommodations. Dispersed camping options exist at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area approximately 10 miles southeast of Salt Lick. Most developed campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, while several provide electric hookups, water, and dump stations for RVs.

Camping in the Salt Lick area operates seasonally, with many campgrounds open from late April through early November. The Clear Creek Recreation Area remains open year-round, offering primitive camping options during winter months when other facilities close. Water access represents a significant draw, with several campgrounds positioned near Cave Run Lake or along the Licking River. Cellular service varies throughout the region, with limited connectivity in more remote areas. One visitor noted, "There is slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent."

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, particularly sites along the Licking River at The Ole Cornfield. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, level sites, and recreational opportunities. According to one visitor, "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such." Several campgrounds provide kayak rentals or shuttle services for river adventures. Campers seeking solitude often prefer the Clear Creek Recreation Area, where one reviewer mentioned, "I stayed 3 nights and I was the only person there the whole time." The area's combination of water recreation, hiking trails, and forest scenery makes it popular for family camping trips and outdoor enthusiasts exploring eastern Kentucky.

Best Camping Sites Near Salt Lick, Kentucky (78)

    1. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    7 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. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    6 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."

    3. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    3 miles
    Website

    "The proximity to the river and kayaking is a big priority for me.  They have kayaks for rent at the campground or you can bring your own. "

    "We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run."

    4. Clear Creek Rec Area

    9 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    5 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."

    5. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    23 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)."

    6. Outpost Campground & RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 683-2311

    $30 - $75 / night

    "There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours. The next morning I met the owner and she was a wonderful, nice person."

    7. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    20 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."

    8. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    25 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)"

    9. Daniel Boone National Forest Boat Gunnel Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Clearfield, KY
    6 miles
    Website

    $144 / night

    "It is just a short walk over the hill to the lake where we keep our boats tied up to the bank. It is located behind Scott Creek Marina."

    "All people around are super nice and helpful. They really know how to let you get away and enjoy yourself."

    10. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 784-6428

    "With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. "

    "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups."

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Recent Reviews near Salt Lick, KY

670 Reviews of 78 Salt Lick 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.

  • 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.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.

  • Joshua R.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Kentucky Horse Park Campground

    Nice place

    Clean and quite. Nice bathrooms. Great place if you want to go the the horse park. Not far from Lexington.


Guide to Salt Lick

Camping near Salt Lick, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Fishing: Many campers enjoy the peaceful waters of Cave Run Lake. One visitor at Zilpo Campground mentioned, "This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Koomer Ridge Campground. A reviewer said, "There are several trails that start from the campground. The area is absolutely stunning."
  • Caving and Nature Walks: At Carter Caves State Resort Park, you can hike and explore various caves. One camper noted, "There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers at Zilpo Campground appreciate the privacy of the sites. A reviewer shared, "Campsites have more privacy and are more primitive."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Koomer Ridge Campground said, "The campground is very well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Carter Caves State Resort Park remarked, "The staff are all very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Koomer Ridge Campground, do not have electric hookups. A camper noted, "No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads. A reviewer at Middle Fork Campground mentioned, "Biggest downside is the noise from the big trucks going up and down the hill on the highway."
  • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites can be tight, especially at Whittleton Campground. One camper said, "Very tight spots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Twin Knobs Recreation Area. A visitor mentioned, "Great campground! Large sites!"
  • Activities for Kids: Many campgrounds have playgrounds or water activities. A camper at Carter Caves State Resort Park noted, "There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds have quiet hours. A reviewer at Grayson Lake State Park said, "The positive is the location is only a few minutes from the boat ramp for the most popular kayaking spot."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Many RVers recommend checking the level of the sites. A visitor at Koomer Ridge Campground mentioned, "A lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV."
  • Bring Extra Cords: Some campgrounds have hookups far from the sites. A camper at Grayson Lake State Park advised, "Be prepared to bring extra electric cord and hose."
  • Look for Amenities: Campgrounds like Lago Linda Hideaway offer modern cabins and facilities. A reviewer said, "Very nice cabin, awesome view. Modern updated cabin."

Camping near Salt Lick, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Salt Lick, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Salt Lick, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Salt Lick, KY and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Salt Lick, KY?

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

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salt Lick, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Salt Lick, KY.

What parks are near Salt Lick, KY?

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