The eastern Kentucky highlands surrounding Zoe present camping opportunities amidst mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest region, this area experiences moderate precipitation year-round with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. RV campers can find a mix of primitive to fully-developed campgrounds with varying degrees of privacy and amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Natural Bridge State Resort Park offers multiple hiking options for all skill levels. "We were given a pamphlet of the many area hikes. There is a sky lift (chair lift) that takes you to Natural Bridge (or you can hike to it)," shares a Middle Fork Campground visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access for campers. At Callie's Lake and Campground, one visitor notes, "They had a small lake (I'd call it a pond) for swimming and fishing (it was $5 for an adult to fish, and catch and release only)."
Water activities: Creeks and small water features provide cooling options during warm months. A reviewer at Nocomas Pass reports, "Waterfalls in cool watering holes to sit in. Each of the lower campsites have large fire rings. Plenty of trees to hang your hammocks and just listen to mother nature!"
What campers like
Quiet setting: Several campgrounds offer peaceful environments away from crowds. "We stayed here Mothers Day weekend. Had perfect weather and our tent site was by the creek so we could here running water all night. It was so peaceful!" reports a Middle Fork Campground camper.
Convenient amenities: Many campers appreciate on-site stores and facilities. "They have a country store that serves meals and carries supplies you might have forgotten. They have everything from full service to primitive. Each camper site comes with a fire ring and picnic table," writes a visitor to Callie's Lake and Campground.
Helpful staff: Personal attention from campground owners receives frequent praise. A guest at Nocomas Pass commented, "The owner was lovely and provided great directions. It was a beautiful stay next to the creek and would definitely return!"
What you should know
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds require careful navigation on narrow roads. A Callie's Lake and Campground visitor noted, "Made reservations almost a month in advance, 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 shower facilities: Bath facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A reviewer at Middle Fork Campground pointed out, "The shower was wimpy at best. Took a long time to coax hot water, and then the flow was very weak."
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity changes based on location and carrier. One camper reported, "We have Verizon and had 3 bars of LTE, but sometimes struggled to load rich content. As a remote worker I purchased 72 hours of WiFi for $20, which was great but only worked for 1 device."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with swimming facilities for children. At Callie's Lake and Campground, a visitor observed, "This is a great family campground, they had small lake for swimming and fishing. There was a playground for the kids."
Playground availability: Some RV sites near Zoe, Kentucky include dedicated play areas. A camper at Outpost Campground & RV Park reported, "The playground needed a little attention when we first arrived but they filled in the holes and it made it so much more enjoyable for my 3 YO. The pool was a nice addition."
Camp store convenience: On-site supplies can reduce travel with children. "They have a general store stocked with necessities you may have forgotten. The store also sales live bait to fish in the lake with. The best part about the store is the food!!!" writes a Callie's Lake and Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to work with varied terrain at some campgrounds. "This is a great overnight stop for us. They have complete full utility hook ups, Wi-Fi and you can walk to several restaurants and mini mart. The mini mart also has diesel," notes a visitor to Westgate RV Campground.
Full hookup availability: Many Kentucky RV camping options near Zoe offer complete utility connections. A visitor to The Farm RV Resort reported, "The resort itself is beautifully maintained, with spacious, level sites that provide plenty of room for both our RV and outdoor activities. We particularly loved the well-kept grass areas and the full hook-ups, making it super convenient for extended stays."
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "Because of its proximity to Route 11, you will hear road noise at many of the sites, including the tent sites. The cabins are situated further back in the woods, so you won't hear the road noise there," explains a Middle Fork Campground reviewer.
