Cabins
Dispersed
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Yurts
Equestrian
Drinking Water
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
About Red River Gorge Geological Area
Gladie Visitor Center hours The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities. The Red River Gorge is designated a Geological Area, National Natural Landmark and National Archaeological District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A portion of the gorge is also designated as Clifty Wilderness, 12,646 acres of rugged forest landscape. It is located on Cumberland Ranger District. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulations allow hunting and trapping in the gorge. All visitors should take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and pets when using the gorge during hunting and trapping seasons. Inspect all backcountry campsites carefully before using the site. Avoid leaving food debris that may attract small animals. Learn more about the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Gladie Cabin, Clifty Wilderness and the Red River.
Operator
USDA Forest Service
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Boat In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
No Market
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Reservable
No Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
No WiFi
+ More
RVs and Trailers
No Sanitary Dump
No Sewer Hookups
No Water Hookups
No 30 amp Hookups
No 50 amp Hookups
Max Vehicle Length Unknown
Contact
Location
Red River Gorge Geological Area is located in Kentucky
Directions
From Lexington, take I-64 East to Exit 98 (Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway). Take the parkway to Exit 33 (Slade exit) and turn left. At the junction of KY11/15, turn left again. Go 1.5 miles west on KY 15 and turn right onto KY 77. Follow 77 through Nada Tunnel.
19 Reviews of Red River Gorge Geological Area
Tarr Ridge
The Tarr Ridge parking area is located on highway 77 on Tarr ridge rd in the red river gorge. Here are the coordinates for the parking lot. 37.85293, -83.64191 Just type it in your gps system and it will take you straight there! From the parking lot I suggest using the ALL TRAILS app to stay on the right trail. Here are the coordinates for the lookout at Tarr Ridge 37.83655, -83.63935.
The hike in is around 2 miles and pretty flat for the most part. It’s totally worth it once you see the view!
Don’t forget to stop at the Shell gas station in Slade Ky to get your parking permit. Enjoy!
Star Gap Arch
Star Gap Arch at the Red River Gorge has two designated campsites on the trail, to the arch. We camped in the closest spot to the arch which is about 250 ft away.
This is a dispersed camping area. So bring EVERYTHING you need!
From the parking lot of the Auxier Ridge Trailhead, Star Gap is a 1.25 mi easy hike with some small obstacles along the way.
Bring your camera with, you’re going to want to take some family pics. Enjoy the view!! ✌🏻
The Veranda
This campsite is on the Veranda trail and is roughly 2 miles out at the RRG. Dispersed camping so bring everything you need! It’s a challenging hike so pack light. Make sure you walk the trail to the very end the view is amazing :)
Breath taking
Backcountry camping at its finest. Beautiful trails. Literally a new site around every corner. The gorge underground is a great adventure. Trails are marked and clear the best they can be for being a natural area. Will be back many more times
Red River Gorge kayak/camp trip
I should start out by saying we found this camp site while kayaking on a creek branched from the Red River at the Gorge.
The coordinates are
37°49'22.1"N 83°37'34.7"W
I’m sure you can get there by trail, but we took a different route 🤙🏻🚣🏼♂️
The campsite is primitive style camping. So make sure you bring EVERYTHING you need to eat, drink, to be comfortable and to have a good time! Also be prepared to do your paperwork in the wild 💩🤣
*The jumping rock is less than a half mile upstream from camp. If the water levels are high enough, I highly recommend a cannonball competition! 🌊
Have fun, stay safe and pick up your trash ,Wayne Hawk
Princess Arch
Princess Arch is at the Red River George in, KY. This is a primitive camping area. Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop. There are bathrooms and trash bins at the parking loop.
Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5.
Fantastic Hiking to Natural Bridges; Dispersed Camping
Basic dispersed camping on Tunnel Ridge Rd managed by National Forest Service. No fee, but you do need a permit which you can buy at nearby town. Camping is in the forest, so lots of shade. There is no water. Trash disposal and vault toilets at the parking lots at trailheads. Many trails to view natural arches and bluff top / river views. This area attracts climbers and a few arrived around midnight, but weren't too noisy.
By Far the best camping!
primitive and paid campsites both available, depending on your comfort level and preference. I prefer primitive - you will need a pass when not camping in a camp ground which cost very little per night. The hiking trails are mind blowing with great views and river side. Must see arches and natural bridges. This park is a wonderland for rock climbers. The best campsites are by water. Beautiful camping all year round! Dogs are more than welcome :)
serene environment, so much beauty and nature to enjoy
There are so many different places to hike. Be careful of cliffs and your surroundings. Nothing but natural beauty. You can rock climb, camp, hike, kayak, and best of all amazing views.
Home away from home
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. I highly recommend RRG to anyone who loves to hike and swim and explore. So many different trails and multiple types of landscapes. Please go check it out. I'll see you there.
