Mark S.
Scout
ScoutKoomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Very close to hiking and most sites are not level but a beautiful area
Camping near Zoe, KY
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Zoe (87)
1. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
"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 Availability2. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
"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 $23 - $35 / night
Check Availability3. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
"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 $23 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Lago Linda Hideaway
"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 Availability5. Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
"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 Availability6. Red River Gorge Campground
"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
7. Callie’s Lake and Campground
"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."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability8. Natural Bridge Campground
"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 Availability9. Red River Gorge Adventures
"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."
from $8 - $20 / night
Check Availability10. Lota. Rocks- Land of the Arches Campground
"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)."
from $8 - $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 54 min from Huntington, WV
- 2 hrs 46 min from Morristown, TN
- 3 hrs 2 min from Kingsport, TN
Recent Camping Photos near Zoe, KY
179 Photos of 87 Zoe Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lota. Rocks- Land of the Arches CampgroundA
Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Parkn
Lago Linda Hideaway
Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza)
Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Natural Bridge Campground
Red River Gorge Adventures
Nocomas Pass
Nocoma's Pass
Red River Gorge Campground
Callie’s Lake and Campground
Recent Reviews near Zoe, KY
556 Reviews of 87 Zoe Campgrounds
- AAndy B.
RangerKoomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Sites 36/37
Koomer ridge is very pretty and quiet. Views are great, we didn’t do anything with the camp store so I can’t speak to it, but it’s also close to great hiking.
Pit toilets are…well pit toilets. The set near our sites were cleaner and newer than others.
Juliana J.
GuideTurkey Foot Campground
Pretty and Quaint
No service and I wholeheartedly suggest getting here before dark because driving in was like the intro forest version of The Hills Have Eyes. Abandoned houses and even a cemetery at one point. If you’re into it like I am, this was a welcomed, eerie experience. Only complaint is that the site felt a little “lived” in with random items and trash left behind. For the love of Pete, please pack out your stuff. Found a spot with direct water access. There was a picnic table and fire pit. I arrived after dark so did not explore until morning. The river had cool rocks and there was obvious beaver activity. The massive boulders and Tarzan worthy tree vines made for a scenic adventure that was worth the drive for.
- KKathleen M.Scout
Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Koomer campground
Beautiful 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.
Maddie L.
TravelerLago Linda Hideaway
Quiet, Relaxing Hideaway with Great Ownership
This 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!
- DDrew B.Guide
Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Nice campsite.
Good 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.
Connie B.RangerWalnut Meadow RV Park
Serviceable
The 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.
Sarah J.GuideOh! Kentucky RV Park & Campground
Nice clean 2 night stop
This 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
Luke M.ScoutMiddle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Great hiking but the campground is kinda meh
I’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.
Pros:
- The trails are beautiful. Natural Bridge, Chimney Rock, Princess Arch, and Grey’s Arch were all wonderful.
- The staff seems nice and willing to help
- There is a restaurant in the park and it has decent prices
Cons:
- The dryer near the bathroom was non-functional. It had a sign-up noting that it didn’t work so I know that staff knew about it. Despite that, it was not repaired during our several day trip.
- The dump station is on the main entrance to the Middle Fork Campground and it is on the right side of the road. This means you have to stop in the middle of the oncoming lane to dump your tanks. It is a really weird layout.
- The bathrooms could used better cleaning. My wife noticed pee stains on one of the toilets and it present for several days on our trip which indicates they weren’t being cleaned very well.
- The
Other thoughts:
- Site B35 is weird because you have back in past several sites to get into it. We have a camper van with a 360 cameras so this isn’t too bad for us, but it would be a pain if you had a larger rig.
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?
What camping is available near Zoe, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Zoe, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Zoe, KY and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Zoe, KY?
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 53 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zoe, KY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zoe, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Zoe, KY.
What parks are 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.
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