Best Campgrounds near Zoe, KY

The Daniel Boone National Forest encompasses numerous campgrounds in the Red River Gorge area near Zoe, Kentucky. Campers can choose from established campgrounds like Koomer Ridge, which offers tent and RV camping with amenities such as drinking water, fires, and toilet facilities. The region also includes Natural Bridge State Resort Park with Middle Fork and Whittleton campgrounds offering electric hookups and water access. Several private campgrounds including Lago Linda Hideaway and Red River Gorge Campground provide additional options with cabin rentals and glamping accommodations.

Road access varies throughout the Red River Gorge region, with some areas requiring careful navigation on narrow roads. "Do not take Pleasant Valley Road into the campgrounds! That road takes you on a single lane road and if you meet another vehicle, someone will have to backup. The road is extremely washed out and huge chunks are gone," warned one visitor about access to certain areas. The campgrounds generally operate year-round, but fall and weekdays offer significantly less crowding than summer weekends. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide drinking water and toilet facilities, while more remote sites may have limited amenities. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in valley areas.

Campers consistently highlight the natural features of the Red River Gorge area as the primary draw. The distinctive sandstone arches, cliffs, and hiking trails connect many of the camping areas. A visitor noted that "The Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Gorge is one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region." Sites along water features are particularly popular, with several campgrounds offering lake or river access for swimming and fishing. The region attracts rock climbers, hikers, and families seeking outdoor recreation. Some campgrounds like Koomer Ridge receive praise for their terrain features and spacing between sites, while visitors to state park campgrounds sometimes mention tight quarters during busy periods. Most developed campgrounds maintain cleanliness and offer basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.

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Best Camping Sites Near Zoe, Kentucky (75)

    1. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    8 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "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."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    2. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $23 - $35 / night

    "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)"

    3. Lago Linda Hideaway

    23 Reviews
    Beattyville, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 464-2876

    $12 - $115 / night

    "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."

    4. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    20 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $23 - $35 / night

    "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."

    5. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)

    19 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    7 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "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."

    6. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    11 miles

    $10 / night

    "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."

    7. Callie’s Lake and Campground

    18 Reviews
    Stanton, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 559-2554

    $10 - $40 / night

    "There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees."

    "This was a nice campground near the red river gorge. My friends and I stayed at a primitive campsite # 10."

    8. Natural Bridge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-9352

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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."

    9. Red River Gorge Adventures

    8 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-1012

    $8 - $20 / night

    "With trails close by to explore!"

    "But they do have a trash bin and portable-potty’s scattered around and they sell firewood on site. Oh and the grass is always maintained."

    10. Lota. Rocks- Land of the Arches Campground

    3 Reviews
    Zoe, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 668-7074

    $8 - $35 / night

    "LOTA is close to a lot of hiking trails and climbing. We did an 8-mile kayak down the Red River. Tons to do outdoors in this area of the Red River Gorge."

    "This is in the heart of the Red River Gorge and super close to Muir Valley. Great climbing campground that is fairly affordable ($8 per person per night)."

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Recent Reviews near Zoe, KY

502 Reviews of 75 Zoe Campgrounds


  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Westgate RV Campground

    It'll do

    It'll do for a quick stay. Staff was very friendly. Sites are literally mom and pop developed land. Grounds weren't filthy. But the bathrooms are curtain closed the shower is small and meh. Cops frequently circle do either high crime suspected (very possible) or they like the area. Either way I felt safe.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Oh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground

    Nice camp ground

    It’s well maintained and the staff are friendly. It’s easy to get to and set up. The sites are a bit too close together. And not perfectly level.

  • Paul K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Fantastic.

    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.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Good free camping

    This place takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful! We fit with our 21 foot camper and truck. Large spots, river alongside campground. Sad to see people left a lot of trash. Free is free!

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    My Eastern KY Fav!

    This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.

    The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.

    Lots of boating and fishing occurred.

    Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.

    We've already made reservations for next season!

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.

  • Jacklyn A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Natural Bridge Campground

    Wonderful All Around

    The staff was amazing, little games available like badminton, and very clean!


Guide to Zoe

The Red River Gorge region in Kentucky sits at elevations between 600-1,075 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the camping areas near Zoe. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February, while summer highs often reach the upper 80s with significant humidity. Most primitive campsites in this area require a $5 backcountry permit available at local gas stations and ranger stations.

What to do

Rock climbing access: Some of the best places to camp near Zoe, Kentucky offer direct access to climbing areas. At Land of the Arches Campground, climbers can stay within minutes of Muir Valley. "This is in the heart of the Red River Gorge and super close to Muir Valley. Great climbing campground that is fairly affordable ($8 per person per night)," notes Theresa D.

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas or provide river access. Callie's Lake and Campground offers fishing in their small lake for a modest fee. "The lake is perfect for swimming in and has a dock and life jackets for campers use. The gravel/dirt road getting to the lake is steep, so I recommend walking down to the lake. Fishing is allowed with a permit in the lake," explains Heather K.

Swimming spots: Local swimming holes provide relief during hot summer months. At Red River Gorge Adventures, campers can access swimming spots directly from their sites. "This campground is only a two mile paddle to the infamous jump rock and swim hole... 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," shares Josh J.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Several tent-focused camping areas near Zoe offer more privacy than the state park options. At Middle Fork Campground, tent campers have dedicated areas. "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. The campground was not noisy but with the travel trailers and RVs you always get a little more noise," explains Mary B.

On-site food options: Unlike many wilderness campgrounds, several locations near Zoe provide food service. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza) is known for its restaurant. "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. A true hippie haven and Appalachian favorite," writes Tracy Jo I.

Hot showers: Not all campgrounds in the area provide shower facilities. Lago Linda Hideaway offers complete bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are clean. There is a bathhouse with toilets and showers. There are 2 locations to obtain firewood on the campground. They also sell ice," mentions Heather K.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Zoe, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Zoe, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Zoe, KY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Zoe, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Zoe, KY is Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zoe, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Zoe, KY.

What parks are near Zoe, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 parks near Zoe, KY that allow camping, notably Daniel Boone National Forest and Buckhorn Lake.