Glamping accommodations near Staffordsville, Kentucky provide access to the Daniel Boone National Forest and surrounding state parks. The area sits within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet, creating diverse terrain for outdoor recreation. Most sites experience rainfall throughout the year with humid summers reaching into the 90s and mild winters, though mountain weather can change rapidly.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Cave Run Lake offers excellent kayaking and boating access through Twin Knobs Recreation Area. One visitor noted, "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites. The campground is located on a lake." While some lakes in the region have water quality issues, Cave Run Lake maintains better conditions for swimming and fishing.
Mountain biking trails: Access local bike paths directly from several campgrounds. A reviewer at Twin Knobs Recreation Area shared, "There are mountain biking trails that you can access right from the campground so that was nice. You can also go on a short hike up one of the knobs."
Horseback riding: Some trails accommodate equestrian access, particularly near Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground. The park offers organized trail rides seasonally. As one camper mentioned, "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen."
What campers like
Cave exploration: Multiple guided and self-guided cave tours run throughout the warmer months. A visitor to Carter Caves State Resort Park explained, "The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" Several caves require permits, so check with park offices before planning your visit.
Lake swimming: Many glamping locations provide lake access with designated swimming areas. A camper at Zilpo Campground noted, "Great campground with great views of lake and easy way to the beach." Swimming areas typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. One reviewer at Zilpo Campground stated, "This campsite is amazing. Perfect for stargazers. Nobody is there during the weekday. But the weekend is usually packed." Clear nights reveal impressive star fields, especially during new moon phases.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some lakes in the region have maintenance issues. At Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, a camper warned, "DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER! FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK, CATCH & RELEASE!" Research current water conditions before planning water activities.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife are common in the region. Prepare accordingly with proper food storage. One visitor recommended, "BEAR MACE - A BIG CAN OF IT! Not only do you have the Black Bears to deal with, you have the Coyotes too!"
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, even in summer. Bring appropriate gear for changing conditions. A camper at Twin Knobs noted, "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer organized recreational programs during summer months. The Ashland Huntington West KOA receives praise from families: "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee."
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with designated beach areas for safer swimming with children. A Zilpo visitor shared, "It was fun and lots of things for the kids to do." Most beaches have gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs ideal for school-age children. A visitor to Carter Caves mentioned, "Various levels of cabing experience at a reasonable cost. Lots of hiking, fairly well marked. Almost every hike is relatively short with an arch or natural bridge as a feature."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. A reviewer at Breaks Interstate Park Campground advised, "The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop."
Hookup logistics: Several campgrounds have unusual hookup placements. One camper at Twin Knobs noted, "What's odd is that you share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section." Bring extension cords and extra-long hoses.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. As one RVer explained, "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting. We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle. We didn't have a lot of issues getting here but it is quite mountainous with a lot of climbs to get here."
