90 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Stanton, Kentucky centers around the scenic Red River Gorge area within Daniel Boone National Forest, providing a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites. The region features several notable camping options including Koomer Ridge Campground, Middle Fork Campground at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and Callie's Lake and Campground in Stanton proper. Red River Gorge, known for its unique geological formations and extensive trail systems, attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. According to visitors, the area represents "one of the most beautiful places in Kentucky," with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and water recreation.
Most campgrounds in the Stanton area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Zilpo Campground and Twin Knobs Recreation Area specifically list their season as April 25 to November 2. Summer weekends draw significant crowds, particularly at Natural Bridge State Park facilities. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many sites, with Middle Fork Campground noted for having no service. Parking passes for Red River Gorge primitive camping areas can be purchased at the Shell gas station in Stanton for $5 for three days. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with fall offering spectacular foliage and milder temperatures.
The camping options range from fully-developed RV parks to primitive backcountry sites. Callie's Lake and Campground features "RV park in the front, more primitive tent camping in the back" with a small lake for fishing and swimming. Campgrounds like Koomer Ridge offer basic amenities including drinking water and toilets but no showers or electric hookups. For those seeking more amenities, Whittleton Campground and Middle Fork Campground provide electric hookups and water, though campers report that some sites can be tight for larger RVs. The area is generally pet-friendly, with most campgrounds accommodating dogs, making it suitable for family camping trips with varied comfort requirements.
"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"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"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
Check Availability"Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5."
"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."
from $10 / night
"There is a pond/lake just big enough to fish and swim in, and there’s a rope swing the kids loved. This place has pretty good food made on site and had karaoke on Saturday nite with a good crowd."
"There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"For a few bucks per carload, Miguel’s camping spot is contains of a few open field areas situated between the Climbing Gear Shop and the famous pizza spot."
"There is only a community fire pit - you can't have fires next to your tent. Here are some of the cool things at this campground.
Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on-site restaurant."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Nice shaded creek on the outskirts of the campground. Running water, RR, a grill, & Fire ring. All perks. 🔥"
"You cannot bring in firewood from outside of Natural Bridge State Park/Red River Gorge, so we purchased some with our reservation. They loaded up a wheel barrow for us and we took it to our site."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."
"The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."
from $12 - $999 / night
Check Availability"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
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.
RangerThe campgrounds around here are old and not updated. But with the high price of campgrounds around here, we don’t mind staying in an area that is older for a cheaper rate. Most campgrounds in the area are $50-$75, this place is $35. With water and electricity. So it doesn’t matter that the bathrooms were quite dated but clean. There are showers but only shower curtains. There is a code to get into the bathrooms.
GuideThis is somewhat of a RV parking lot with level gravel sites with electric, sewer, and water. Some lots have trees. Ours did not. Park has pool, clean bathrooms and showers, laundry. People are friendly. The shop has multiple convenience items. They offer propane and have a kerosene tank too. It’s about 30 mins to Lexington. We have a 35’ travel trailer
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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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.
GuideA lot of permanent rundown trailers parked haphazard as the sites are not laid out nicely. Stray cats running around. Muddy at the sites. Saving grace was clean bathhouse but who ever heard of automatic showers? Wasting a lot of water.
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.
Red River Gorge camping near Stanton, Kentucky offers primitive backcountry options alongside established campgrounds at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet. The region's sandstone cliffs and natural arches create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Kentucky, with over 100 natural stone arches documented throughout the area. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-70°F while summer months can reach highs in the 90s with significant humidity.
Fishing opportunities: Callie's Lake and Campground provides a small lake for fishing, though a permit is required. "It was $5 for an adult to fish, and catch and release only," notes David C., who appreciated this family-friendly option just minutes from Red River Gorge.
Primitive hiking campsites: For those seeking a more remote experience, Red River Gorge Campground offers backcountry camping opportunities. Wayne H. advises: "Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5." These primitive sites require self-sufficiency but provide direct access to the region's extensive trail network.
Morning creek exploration: Multiple campgrounds feature creek access for morning explorations. At Middle Fork Campground, one camper noted they "really enjoyed swimming in and following the creek upstream," making it an excellent cool-down activity during hot summer days.
Mountain biking access: Koomer Ridge serves as an excellent base for cyclists. According to Erin H., "Koomer Ridge campground has a great location for mountain biking (what we went for), hiking, fishing - anything really! The Daniel Boone Nat Forest is, I think, at its most beautiful in late spring."
Secluded tent areas: Many campers appreciate the dedicated tent-only sections at several campgrounds. Mary B. notes about Middle Fork Campground: "You can stay in the tent site only area which I recommend if you want to be away from the noise and lights of a campground... It was so peaceful!"
Budget-friendly primitive options: Experienced campers value the affordability of backcountry sites. Natasha T. mentions about Red River Gorge: "Red river gorge as a whole is one of my favorite places. I personally prefer to camp off-site but you need a pass. Luckily it's only $5."
Well-drained campsites: Given the region's rainfall patterns, site drainage is important. At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, one camper reported: "We stayed June 5th through June 9th and it rained every day, a lot. Our campsite (A-30) drained the rain off really well."
Variety of accommodation types: Lago Linda Hideaway offers options from tent sites to cabins. One reviewer observed, "There are cabins to rent. The cabins are tucked in the trees and are very cozy. The cabin we stayed in on one of our visits, had a queen bed, kitchen area and bathroom with a shower."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. Gary P. mentions that at Middle Fork Campground, there's "No cell nor wifi," which matches reports from other locations throughout the gorge.
Weekend crowding: Several campsites become busy on weekends, especially during peak season. At Whittleton Campground, Alan B. advised: "A fantastic place for primitive backpack camping! There are 100's of rock climbs on bullet proof rock! Just try to come here during the weekdays as the weekend we were there it was a zoo!"
Limited shower facilities: Bathroom and shower availability varies widely between campgrounds. Will K. notes that Koomer Ridge is "nice, quiet and primitive" with clean bathrooms but no showers, while Jeffrey A. found the shower house "clean though chilly but had hot & cold running water."
Traffic noise considerations: When selecting your campsite near Stanton, consider proximity to roads. Jeffrey A. observed at Koomer Ridge: "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Callie's Lake and Campground offers features specifically for families with children. "This is a great family campground, they had small lake (I'd call it a pond) for swimming and fishing... There was a play ground for the kids," reports David C.
Educational opportunities: Natural Bridge State Park offers family programming. Brittany S. shares: "They offer all kinds of wonderful things there especially for kids, there is even a cave tour every week day!"
Trail accessibility: Campgrounds with direct trail access make family outings easier. Janice C. found that at Koomer Ridge, "There is a great trail right off the parking lot and you're close to a great many other trails and activities."
Site selection for privacy: When camping with kids, site location matters. At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, Karen P. recommends: "We had two campers on the site with plenty of room. One is 37 ft and the other is 24 ft... All of the teens that were with us had a ball (hiking, biking, basketball, and fishing)."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites that may challenge larger RVs. One camper at Natural Bridge Campground reported: "Arrived on given day and could not level our RV on a very unlevel lot couldn't even get our steps to come out as they hit gravel."
Limited full hookup availability: While many campgrounds offer electric, full hookups are less common. At Lago Linda Hideaway, Shelly S. advises: "There are limited 30 amp sites and several sites with electric. Lazy Oaks and Piney are in the trees, Cardinal which is good for larger RVs is in the field, no shade."
Tight navigation at some campgrounds: Larger RVs may struggle at certain locations. Chris C. notes about Whittleton Campground: "Beautiful area. Campsites are tight! Had trouble backing in our 32' bumper pull."
Water hookup access: Water access points can be limited at some campgrounds. One Twin Knobs camper noted their site was "lovely, totally private, on the lake, but really inconvenient if you want water hookup."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stanton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stanton, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Stanton, KY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Stanton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stanton, KY is Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 51 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stanton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Stanton, KY.
What parks are near Stanton, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Stanton, KY that allow camping, notably Daniel Boone National Forest and Buckhorn Lake.
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