Glamping near Slade, Kentucky offers various accommodation options in the Red River Gorge area, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,300 feet. The Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds this region, creating a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and summer temperatures typically reaching the high 80s. Camping areas range from established campgrounds with amenities to primitive sites along the Red River and Cave Run Lake.
What to do
Hiking trails at Daniel Boone National Forest: Just 15-30 minutes from most campgrounds, the forest offers diverse hiking opportunities. "If you're a sight seeing, hiking, biking, camping enthusiast, this is a must see!" notes a visitor at Zilpo Campground.
Fishing at Cave Run Lake: Known for its muskie fishing, Cave Run Lake provides year-round fishing opportunities. As one camper reports, "Very clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close."
Rock climbing in nearby areas: The Red River Gorge region attracts climbers of all skill levels. A visitor at Lago Linda Hideaway notes, "Cabins, tent camping and rv sites hosts the annual Whippoorwill earth skills festival as well as many climbers visiting the nearby Red River Gorge."
Kayaking the Red River: The river offers various difficulty levels for paddlers. According to a camper, "We spent a great day in the river and an even better night in our hammocks!" The river depth averages 3-5 feet during normal water levels.
What campers like
Secluded camping experiences: Many campgrounds offer privacy between sites. "This is my all time favorite campground. This campground is very spacious, I've camped on holiday weekends and never had other campers within 100 ft of my site," reports a visitor at Red River Gorge Adventures.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds have dedicated swimming areas. A camper at Twin Knobs Recreation Area mentions, "I went during late March and will definitely go again when it's warmer to enjoy swimming in the lake!"
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the attention to cleanliness. "Very clean restrooms. Pool, fishing lake," notes a visitor. Another camper adds, "The campsite is good but remember to bring sleeping pad due to you only for site for tent."
Lake views and access: Many sites offer direct lake access. "We stayed in one of the 'premium' sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper recommends, "Make reservations!! Great place for riding bike, hiking, walks, swimming, fishing. Staff are friendly, campground is clean."
Cell service limitations: Many glamping sites near Slade have limited connectivity. At Homegrown HideAways, visitors note the area is "Nested between 2 mountains" which affects signal strength.
Site drainage considerations: Weather can change quickly in the region. "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well."
Water access points: Not all sites have water hookups. "Lovely site, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup," notes one camper about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At 4 Guys RV Park at Red River Gorge, "They have a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground. They are very close to Natural Bridge/Red River Gorge area."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming zones. "The lake area is beautiful and I was able to walk it on crutches," notes one visitor about the accessibility.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to spot local wildlife. "Nature trails, ponds for relaxing and watching the wildlife or fishing," mentions a camper at Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins.
Tick prevention: Be prepared for ticks in warmer months. "I will say we found a few lone star ticks (dead thanks to her prevention) on our dog. Just as a heads up to campers. Always do your tick checks!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Most RV sites require minimal leveling. "Large level sites. Commercial campground, so sites are close without trees to separate."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites may be limited at some campgrounds. "We had 2 campers on the site with plenty of room. One is 37 ft and the other is 24 ft. There was plenty of downed trees to cut up."
Access road conditions: Some access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so if you are in an RV, go slow."
Seasonal RV camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round for RVers. "The pull through sites were all flat and oriented well. We were fully set up in 15 mins," according to a visitor at the Outpost Campground & RV Park.
