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Best Tent Camping near Salt Lick, KY

663 Reviews

Tent campsites near Salt Lick, Kentucky are primarily concentrated within Daniel Boone National Forest, with several established and dispersed options available for tent campers. White Sulphur Horse Camp offers primitive tent sites located directly in Salt Lick, while Paragon Dispersed Camping Area provides free tent camping approximately 15 miles northeast in Clearfield. Both locations offer tent-specific sites with varying levels of amenities and seclusion.

Tent sites at White Sulphur Horse Camp feature picnic tables and vault toilets but lack drinking water and electrical hookups. The campground is open year-round with dirt pads situated in forested terrain. At Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, campers should bring their own water and supplies, as this free camping area offers only basic pit toilets and established fire rings at some sites. A review mentioned, "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." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply, as multiple visitors have noted trash problems at dispersed sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and natural features within Daniel Boone National Forest. The primitive tent areas near Cave Run Lake allow boat-in access for tent campers seeking waterfront sites. One camper shared, "Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish." Walk-in tent sites at Paragon offer more seclusion than the drive-in options, though weekend crowding can be an issue during summer months. Sites along the water provide scenic views but may have less privacy as they are generally more popular. Tent campers should be prepared for limited cell service, particularly at White Sulphur, where visitors report only occasional text capability on major carriers.

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Best Tent Sites Near Salt Lick, Kentucky (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Salt Lick, KY

32 Photos of 10 Salt Lick Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Salt Lick, KY

663 Reviews of 10 Salt Lick Campgrounds

  • R
    Aug. 13, 2018

    John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground

    Great family-friendly, primitive car camping

    This campground is easy to access and good for individuals or groups; it's mostly covered with grass though there are areas that are more dirt, closer to the river. It's nestled between the Red River and Highway 715, so you are pretty close to the road and will hear some road noise, but it's a pretty quiet 2-lane highway. There are picnic tables and fire-rings at each campsite, and it is easy to pitch a few tents in close proximity if you are there with a group. The toilets are port-a-potties scattered throughout the campground. You are asked to sign a waiver and agree to the quiet hours (11-6). The campground is gated and the gate is closed and locked at 10 pm (but the campground manager sleeps on-site). The firewood we purchased here was very wet though, and never burned well. This is typical of much of the firewood purchased at the RRG though, unless you buy kiln-dried from the store. Canoe and kayak rentals happen at the site as well. This was perfect for camping with my 10-month old, without needing to hike in from the car. A good balance between a crowded state campground and backcountry camping.

  • Jeffrey A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2023

    Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    Lovely NF Campground

    Koomer Ridge is really an excellent campground!  As of April 2023 all sites were first-come, first-serve (no prior reservations permitted).  We camped one night and thoroughly enjoyed it!  No hook-ups but the site was level for a 21" campervan and had a HUGE tent pad, 2 lantern posts, fire ring and picnic table in a spacious site.  Plenty of trees for hammocks, too!  Sites were more than adequately spaced out around the campground and some were quite private.  Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature.  Campground is heavily wooded, too, so plenty of shade should be available during the summer months.

    The shower house is next to Site 14 and was clean though chilly but had hot & cold running water and was modern/updated.  Only ding here was that a couple of the toilets were out of service during our stay - no big deal as the campground was fairly empty and I hope they'll be addressed before summer crowds arrive.

    The campground is on a ridge - so apart from the sites themselves, there is very little flat ground to be had.  Not a drawback, just an observation.  But the hills make for a lovely setting and beautiful sunsets/sunrises filtering through the trees.  Only criticism is the proximity to the Mountain Parkway nearby; had we been tent camping, the traffic noise would have been a nuisance all night.  But in the campervan it wasn't noticeable, fortunately!  Not enough to cost a star, but worth noting if you're using a tent or soft-sided camper.

    Red River Gorge is an extraordinary and beautiful place to explore, and Koomer Ridge is an excellent basecamp from which to do so!

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Excellent find in the woods!

    Found the perfect spot for our trailer and our friends car camping. Clean vault toilets. Each site has fire ring and picnic table. Pack in pack out even though some didn’t get the memo yet park service was there in the morning to clean. Limited to no cell service.

  • Chris H.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem

    We've stayed at Twin Knobs twice now in our popup camper. First time was at F26, second was at F24. We love how the outer loop sites have such quick access to the water.

    Both sites are shaded very well and the sites themselves are huge. We could see other campers through the trees but we felt pretty well secluded.

    Each site has several tall poles with hooks for trash bags/food storage. as well each site has a large fire pit with flip-over grill for cooking.

    The firewood bundles are a bit pricey ($7) at the checkin shack, but I'm glad they are available. we purchased at least 7 bundles to have a pretty much constant fire through the day and night.

    The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There was a bit of an overflow issue our first day on site but it was resolved in less than an hour by the loop hosts.

    Pop's bbq was a hit both nights we were there. We ordered carryout (covid) and ate at camp on the provided picnic tables. The Dollar General is also adequately stocked.

    All in all a fantastic visit which we will repeat ASAP. it's too bad they close at the end of October. I bet winter camping there would be a treat.

    Cheers,

    Chris

  • Kenny P.
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Turkey foot Campground

    All tent pad sites with fire ring/grill and lantern hook. Vault toilets are available. No garbage pickup so pack it out!! Hiking and fishing are done activities

  • M
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Callie’s Lake and Campground

    Impressive

    We were very pleased with this campground. When we first checked in, the smell of the food in the campground store was to die for. We had plans to cook at our campsite, but the specials that night were very tempting. The staff was kind and helpful, and provided us with a map of the property. The bathhouse was a nice touch! There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees. There are several sites that can be accessed by a sedan, but some of the sites farther back really require something more suited to off-road driving. We were in a Subaru Forester and had no issues, but did actually have to help push a Camry out of a rut. We visited in October 2021 and it seemed like the area we selected was still slightly under construction. The campsite was wonderful, but the picnic table was sitting on a slope and we were having a difficult time preventing our food from falling off. A flatter spot for the picnic table would be our only suggestion to the owner. My friend used a tent and was happy to see a flat spot cut out of the slope our site was situated on. I used a hammock and didn’t have any trouble finding suitable trees. We loved it and will definitely be back!

  • Steve Z.
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

    Great place for passers through or staycationers.

    We have stayed in four sites her during the past couple of month. There are two walk-in sites (10 & 51). Both were pleasant, nearly level, close to amenities, but were under no shade. [Site 10 is presently inhabited by a large family with a sign that says “Camp Host out front. I have not seen them do anything for campers here, and the site is kept in disgraceful cluttered condition.] we next stayed on Lot 13, which backs up to the primitive campground. Quite nice, but beware: this site as well as about half of the other sites at this campground require the use of electrical and water extensions because the connections are on the “wrong” side of the RV, and quite a distance away. For Lot 13, I needed over 50’ of extensions. We then stayed on walk-in lot 51. I was able to “self permit” at the gate…it’s first come first served, no online reservations. Nice, but no shade. Finally, we’re on Lot 47. Eureka! This is my favorite so far. It’s one of the “premium sites” with wooden deck and nicer picnic table for only $2 additional per night. View is phenomenal, and it’s close enough to dumpsters and gatehouse. Notice that I didn’t mention anything about sewer hookups. That’s because there are none. There is a single, very popular dump station near the entrance/exit.
    There are several miles of decent trails here, a swimming pool, putt putt golf, a pioneer museum, and a lodge with a good restaurant. The campground is easily accessible and is very kid and pet friendly. Nice sites for tent camping. Facilities are a bit dated, but clean and well maintained. All RV sites are back-in, and some are limited length. (Though some campers have rather cleverly managed to pull through a couple of the sites.) Some are quite unlevel.
    Overall good family campground on rich historical site.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Fort Boonesborough State Park Campground

    Pricey but interesting

    I was very interested in this area for the living history museum but as a tent camper I had more than a little sticker shock at the $36 price point not to mention the booking fee on Reserve America. That made this one of the most expensive campgrounds I have stayed at including numerous stops in California. 😒

    The sites were well shaded and included the typical set up of fire rings and picnic tables but I did feel a little closer to my neighbor than I would have liked. I can only imagine the feeling to and RV camper would be even more suffocating.

    The campground was noisy and busy as it was a weekend, and while some of that can be expected for the higher price point I would have liked things to have been a bit more accommodating to those times, maybe they should offer a few less sites so there can be a bit more space so if it is busy you don’t feel like you are suffocated by noise.

    With that being said, not all was bad here. The things to do outside of th campground itself were worth some of the inadequacies the camp provided in way of space. The living history museum was one of the best I have seen in the Kentucky or Tennessee area and other amenities such as water access and proximity to hiking was great.

    If I did return it would be during the week and potentially not during summer to avoid the crowd.

  • Kelley K.
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful place, easy kayak launch, clean restrooms and showers

    We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in. I was by myself with my son and dog so I felt more comfortable being here near the bathhouse. There are raccoons who like to eat so be sure to put your food up at night. The lake is really calm. There are boats coming in and out but not "traffic" per se, no issues at all kayaking and we went out several times. Fishing was good with rooster tails and panther martin spinners (silver), 1/8 and 1/16 oz. The water was down so there were a lot of places to paddle onto the shore and wade fish. There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water. I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water. We never left the campground during the weekend, so I can't comment on the proximity to restaurants but it was only 5-8 min or so back to town. I had terrible phone service with Sprint here. We did have one new camper come in at 3am on Saturday morning to set up their tent and being so close to the entrance of the hike-in spots, I woke up. That was tough. When we go back, I'll pick a site further back up the hiking path and bring a wagon to tote our stuff. The staff at the gate are amazing and so friendly. The restrooms are clean. Three showers. NO ONE other than the tent campers seemed to use the bath house so I never waited for a shower or anything and there were several families tent camping and the rv sites were completely full. It's a really nice and safe place. I really recommend it and look forward to going back. One thing, the actual tent pad was 11x13 and seemed a bit small but worked fine for us.

Guide to Salt Lick

Tent camping near Salt Lick, Kentucky centers on the Cave Run Lake area within Daniel Boone National Forest, where elevation ranges from 700-1,200 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters with occasional snow. During peak season (May-September), weekend campsites typically fill by Friday afternoon, especially at dispersed locations with water access.

What to do

Hiking to natural features: Red River Gorge Geological Area offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop. There are bathrooms and trash bins at the parking loop," notes Wayne H. about Red River Gorge Campground.

Backcountry exploration: The more remote sections of the forest provide solitude for tent campers. "Some of our favorite backpacking. Getting little busy unless you're out deeper in the back country," mentions Ted B. about Red River Gorge camping options.

Fishing and wildlife viewing: Several camping areas offer direct water access for fishing. At Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, one camper reported woodpeckers, hawks and other birds in the area. Most spots have boat-in access, making fishing a popular activity for campers.

What campers like

Privacy in primitive settings: Many tent campers appreciate the seclusion of less developed sites. At Red River Gorge Adventures, one camper shared, "All the sites had a fire pit and I believe tables at the sites. We stayed a week and only saw three other campers and no one with in 100 yards of our campsite."

Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-fee sites. Wayne H. noted about Paragon Dispersed Area, "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. Most spots have boat in access!"

Rock climbing access: The area attracts climbers seeking challenging routes. "A fantastic place for primitive backpack camping! There are 100's of rock climbs on bullet proof rock!" reports Alan B. about Red River Gorge Geological Area. Many tent campers combine climbing with overnight stays.

What you should know

Trash management requirements: Pack-in, pack-out principles are essential at dispersed sites. One reviewer at Paragon noted, "We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out."

Permit information: Some areas require permits for backcountry camping. "Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5," advises a camper about Princess Arch in the Red River Gorge area.

Weekend crowding issues: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Just try to come here during the weekdays as the weekend we were there it was a zoo!" recommends Alan B. about the Red River Gorge area during climbing season.

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: Parents should be vigilant about cliff areas when hiking with children. A camper at HomeGrown HideAways mentioned, "We had such an amazing time at HomeGrown HideAways!! We stayed at the Yome, and it was perfect for our family of four." This site offers more developed facilities than wilderness camping.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy observing local animals. At Paragon Dispersed Area, Kevin C. observed, "Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish."

Swimming locations: Several areas feature safe swimming spots for hot days. Josh J. notes about Red River Adventures, "If you wade out into the water about 15ft upstream of the boat launch, the river is relatively flat with a sandy bottom that is about 5' at normal water level. Excellent place for an afternoon swim."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most sites near Salt Lick are primitive without RV amenities. At Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp, John notes, "There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent," which can affect digital nomads working remotely.

Alternative camping styles: Some RVers choose alternatives to traditional parking. "Nestled in a narrow valley between high ridges of The Knobs, this campground gives the feel of secluded country living with your own trails and creeks to explore," writes Carolyn S. about HomeGrown HideAways, which accommodates various camping styles.

Security considerations: Some areas have measures to prevent late-night disruptions. At Red River Adventures, Andrew C. appreciated that "They close the gates at night and don't open the gates till 8 am. The gate adds to the security of the campground I liked that they control coming and going at night times."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salt Lick, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salt Lick, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Salt Lick, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Salt Lick, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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