86 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $31 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Our site was down a path about 60 steps from our parking space. The tent site area was rocky. We always use small rug runner next to our air mattress in our tent, which was a must for this site."
"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."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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)"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
"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."
"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"
"Close to the Natural Bridge trail and multiple SUP Kentucky sites."
from $20 - $30 / night
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ScoutBeautiful and spread out sites. I experienced bad traffic noise … loud trucks all night. Never ending road noise all day. Maybe some other sites further in are different.
ScoutThis place could not have been more accommodating. There’s a restaurant that serves all 3 meals! Good for all types of campers - excellent tent spots, RV spots, and cabins. Some of the RV spots are difficult to get into but they more than made up for it with everything else. Would stay again for sure!
GuideGood place to stay. On the noisy side due to distant highway traffic. Facilities clean but the site was a bit on the pricey end for a walk-to basic campsite. Did have some Verizon cell coverage.
ScoutClean, well thought out and maintained. Level, full hook ups nearly new. This is s family campground that treats you like family and is doing everything possible to make you want to come back again. Forty sites, plus few cabins, first row ten cabins ohio riverfront. All sites level, gravel and easy for big rig/fifth wheel/Travel trailer. Even Adirondack chairs each site sitting high on the riverfront sites—thoughtful. Topped off with a bald eagle perched 25 yards in front or our site this morning. How much more peaceful can this get….
ScoutI’m glad we visited this park but I feel like calling it a “resort park” is pushing it. We visited Silver Springs State Park in Florida, and Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia and their amenities were much better.
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TravelerThe team at this campground was incredible. From check in to check out they were considerate and caring. It was our first trip in our camper and the team made it feel like we were there so many times. Would 10/10 recommend
GuideGreenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding
ScoutOur site was down a path about 60 steps from our parking space. The tent site area was rocky. We always use small rug runner next to our air mattress in our tent, which was a must for this site. It rained before we arrived, so we saw where water would pool near the front of the tent pad (this was two steps up from the rest of the campsite) so we set up our ten near the back. Nice big picnic table and fire pit.
Very private site with huge trees. Being August and down in a valley meant very little wind at the site so it was quite muggy as expected. Pit toilets nearby were fine. Wish there would have been a hook for our light at night. Full bathrooms were in the main loop of the campground. They were fine, not the worst we've experienced, but not the best either.
Tons of great hiking nearby (within 20 minutes or so). There was also a nice trail just off the campground near our site.
TravelerWe love Twin Knobs! We have camped there numerous times - in the Sping, Summer, and Fall. Electric and non electric sites. The campground staff is always a pleasure to interact with, and so kind! Always clean. Most sites are within walking distance to the lake. My only suggestion is I wish they had some playgrounds for small kids.
Dispersed camping near Salt Lick, Kentucky offers access to Daniel Boone National Forest terrain at 800-1,000 feet elevation. The mixed hardwood forests and limestone formations characterize camping throughout the area, which receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall. Winter camping options remain limited with overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
Trail hiking from campsites: Koomer Ridge Campground provides direct trail access into Red River Gorge. "Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature," notes Jeffrey A., who appreciated the heavily wooded setting that "provides plenty of shade during summer months."
Explore historical landmarks: Clear Creek Recreation Area campers can visit nearby remnants of Kentucky's industrial past. "There is a nice picnic area with an old iron furnace and a nice lake too," explains Shannon G. The historic iron furnace dates to the 1800s and demonstrates the region's early industrial development.
Fishing and water activities: Paragon Dispersed Camping Area offers free lakeside camping with easy fishing access. "There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize. The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing," reports Kevin C., who witnessed a "heron fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us."
Privacy between sites: Zilpo Campground receives consistent praise for its secluded camping spots. "Great campground with a lot of privacy," states Angie F. Another camper added, "Nice secluded area with a lot of privacy," confirming the well-spaced nature of the sites.
Water recreation options: The Ole Cornfield offers kayaking directly from the campsite with shuttle service available. "We went kayaking (they have a kayaking service on site) and played in the river. Far enough away from the road that we didn't hear any noise, just the river running," reports Karen P., highlighting the peaceful setting.
Off-season solitude: Twin Knobs Recreation Area becomes less crowded in autumn months. "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," explains one reviewer who appreciated the reduced crowds during fall camping.
Weather drainage considerations: Some campgrounds handle rain better than others. At Twin Knobs, "Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well. The staff are constantly working to keep everything clean and repaired," notes Karen P., adding that "The site is level and graveled."
Cell service limitations: Clear Creek Rec Area has no cellular connectivity. "No cell signal (verizon). I definitely will be back for getting off the grid and relaxing!" reports Anna S. This makes the area ideal for disconnecting but requires advance planning for emergency communications.
Reservation timing: Popular campsites require advance planning. "This is one of the most popular sites and we booked it 6 months in advance," explains a Twin Knobs camper who secured a prime spot during summer months.
River exploration opportunities: Middle Fork Campground offers creek access for children's activities. "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," shares Mary B., who found the setting "peaceful" for families.
Playground access: Outpost Campground provides dedicated play areas for children after travel days. "There is a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours," reports Jason G., noting the convenience for families arriving after long drives.
Nature-based activities: The Ole Cornfield offers shallow water perfect for safe child exploration. "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," notes one frequent visitor who appreciates the natural learning opportunities.
Site leveling and space: Outpost Campground & RV Park features well-designed RV sites. "We pulled into the Outpost late evening, and easily found our reservations, clearly detailed map, and access codes. The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins," shares Jason G.
Electric service considerations: The Ole Cornfield provides spacious RV sites with utilities. "Water and electric on site with a wide spot. We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room," explains Karen P., highlighting the generous site dimensions.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Twin Knobs notes a specific seasonal window "from April 25 to November 2," requiring winter campers to utilize the year-round facilities at Clear Creek Recreation Area instead.
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 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Salt Lick, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
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 are 2 free dispersed camping spots 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.
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