A creek runs through the Whittleton loop, and for many campers it turns out to be the defining feature of the stay. Dogs can wade in it, kids can splash around, and the sound of moving water carries through the sites in a way that the campground's modest size might not suggest. Set within Natural Bridge State Resort Park in the Red River Gorge region of eastern Kentucky, Whittleton sits at the forested edge of some of the most trail-dense terrain in the state.
Sites here are close together. That point comes up repeatedly across reviews, and campers who prioritize separation between neighbors should factor it in before booking. The campground is small, fills quickly on weekends, and the loop road is narrow and one-way in feel despite technically allowing two-way traffic. Reviewers with longer rigs note that only a handful of sites accommodate trailers above 30 feet comfortably, and the dump station sits on the tent-site side of the road on a slope that makes full drainage difficult. Matt A. advises to "bring long or multiple water hoses" since water hookups are positioned between sites rather than adjacent to electrical connections. Sites A23 through A37 are frequently recommended for more spacing, and site A07 gets specific praise for being tucked near one of the trailheads.
Two trails depart directly from the campground, and both allow dogs, which matters here because most trails elsewhere in the park do not. Gray's Arch, roughly 15 minutes away by car, draws a lot of visitors. The skylift to the Natural Bridge is close by as well. Fishing and swimming round out the on-site activity options, with a pool available within the broader park.
The camp store closes around 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Bring firewood. Katrin M. notes the bathhouse was "very clean," though one shower stall lacked a bench. Reservations are strongly recommended for spring and fall weekends, when the campground reaches capacity. Nightly rates run $23 to $35, with full hookups available for RVs up to 45 feet, though site selection matters more here than at most campgrounds of similar size. Miguel's Pizza, just up the road, has outdoor seating and serves breakfast through dinner; Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza) also offers camping for those who want a different base in the area.
Description
Natural Bridge is a 2,200 acre forested park and nature preserve with 22 miles of trails, a 60 acre lake, two campgrounds, lodging, and dining facilities. It is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest and adjacent to the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.
Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
Map & DirectionsWhittleton Campground is located in Kentucky near Slade
Directions
'The park is 52 miles southeast of Lexington. From Lexington travel I-64 east to the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. Follow the parkway to exit 33, turn south on KY 11. Park is about 2 miles from parkway.
Address
2135 Natural Bridge Rd
Slade, KY 40376
Coordinates
37.7802444862297 N
83.67355795538755 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/23/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/23/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 48 min from Huntington, WV
- 1 hr 50 min from Cincinnati, OH
- 2 hrs 57 min from Kingsport, TN


















































