This recreation area is part of William H. Harsha Lake

Greenbrier

Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers.   

The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. 

The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake. 


Carter Caves State Resort Park

There is no self-registration at the campground - no sites are available on a walk-in basis. However, backcountry camping is free and available by permit only at four designated areas along the Backpacking and Perimeter trails.

East Fork State Park

Shawnee State Park

## Overview

Nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this camp is part of the larger Twin Knobs Recreation Area. There are more than 200 sites spread out over 10 loops under a dense forest of mixed conifer and deciduous trees.  
  
The recreation area includes two reservable group picnic areas. Group camping is also available.

## Recreation

Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits.  
  
There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing.  
  
Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail.

## Facilities

There is a variety of different camp sites that include paved spurs that can accommodate any size RV, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Some sites have electric hookups.  
  
Facilities include bathhouses with showers, drinking water and flush toilets. The bathhouses and some picnic areas are accessible.

## Natural Features

The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region.  
  
Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. 

## Nearby Attractions

The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.

Twin Knobs Recreation Area

Looking for a place to camp in Ohio with your horse? It's easy to find a Ohio campground for equestrian camping with the Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Ohio horse camping excursion.

Ohio

The Best Equestrian Camping in Ohio

Looking for the best horse camping near Manchester? Finding a place to stay in Ohio while traveling with your horse has never been easier. These scenic and easy-to-reach Manchester campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.

Manchester

The Best Equestrian Camping Near Manchester, Ohio

Pike Lake State Park

Greenbo Lake State Park

If coming from the north, on the east side of Greenfield, Thrifton Road (SR-1) has a LOW CLEARANCE railroad crossing! Use SR 41 & Rapid Forge Road to access park from SR 28.

Paint Creek State Park

Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp

A.J. Jolly Park & Campground is an award-winning, 1000 acre park that offers 83 Camping Spots (47 of which have been improved with water and electric) and many outdoor activities. 

A.J. Jolly offers approximately 20 miles of trails to enjoy a day out on the horse.  We are proud of our new stable and campground, which includes a new 28 stall barn, 12 site campground with water and electric, comfort station, dump station, pavilion with grills, and a playground.

A.J. Jolly Park & Campground

Ohio's state capital also happens to be near some of the best camping in the state. Near Columbus, OH, you can explore the outdoors at a city park that feels miles away from civilization or travel deep into a national forest. With numerous campgrounds near the city, you won't have to go far to pitch your tent before checking out the area, visiting Scioto-Grove Metro Park, or going hiking in Wayne National Forest. The Scioto River also runs through the area with opportunities to spend time boating, fishing, and swimming. There are campsites accessible by boat or vehicle, as well as options for RVs with all of the needed amenities.

Columbus

The Best Camping Near Columbus, Ohio

Join the fun near Cleveland. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Cleveland is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cleveland camping trip.

Cleveland

The Best Camping Near Cleveland, Ohio

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Cincinnati, OH is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Cincinnati is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Cincinnati, reviewed by campers like you.

Cincinnati

The Best Campgrounds Near Cincinnati | OH Camping

Searching for the best camping near Toledo, OH? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Toledo campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Toledo, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Toledo

The Best Camping Near Toledo, Ohio

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Dayton, OH is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Dayton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Dayton

The Best Camping Near Dayton, Ohio

Join the fun near Grand Rapids. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Grand Rapids is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Grand Rapids camping trip.

Grand Rapids

The Best Campgrounds Near Grand Rapids, MI | MI Camping

Parma is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Parma is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Parma camping trip.

Parma

The Best Camping Near Parma, Ohio

Are you in need of a campground near Youngstown, OH? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Ohio camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Youngstown

The Best Campgrounds Near Youngstown, Ohio | OH Camping

Searching for the best camping near Lorain, OH? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Ohio camping adventure.

Lorain

The Best Camping Near Lorain, Ohio

Are you in need of a campground near Hamilton, OH? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Hamilton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Hamilton and user-submitted reviews.

Hamilton

The Best Camping Near Hamilton, Ohio

Wayne National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Wayne National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Wayne National Forest

The Best Camping Near Wayne National Forest, Ohio

Nestled between Akron and Cleveland, OH, lies Cuyahoga Valley National Park where campers can enjoy everything the park has to offer. Spend the day horseback riding exploring the trails and camp along a cow path to travel back in time. Fishing enthusiasts will find some of the best camping opportunities in Ohio are along the Cuyahoga River where you can toss a line out from the shore or a boat. And don't miss the majestic Brandywine Falls. There are plenty of campsites near Cuyahoga Valley National Park offering something for everyone. RV campers can also pull into the area campgrounds and find all of the amenities their large vehicles need.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Best Camping Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Alum Creek Lake, OH is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Alum Creek Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Alum Creek Lake, OH. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Alum Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near Alum Creek Lake, Ohio

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Paint Creek Lake, OH has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Paint Creek Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Paint Creek Lake, OH. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Paint Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near Paint Creek Lake, Ohio

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Deer Creek Lake. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Ohio camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Deer Creek Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Deer Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near Deer Creek Lake, Ohio

Are you in need of a campground near Delaware Lake, OH? Delaware Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Delaware Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Delaware Lake

The Best Camping Near Delaware Lake, Ohio

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mohawk Dam, OH has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mohawk Dam. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Mohawk Dam, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Mohawk Dam

The Best Camping Near Mohawk Dam, Ohio

Searching for the best camping near North Branch Kokosing River Lake, OH? North Branch Kokosing River Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near North Branch Kokosing River Lake, OH. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

North Branch Kokosing River Lake

The Best Camping Near North Branch Kokosing River Lake, Ohio

Are you in need of a campground near Dillon Lake, OH? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Dillon Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Dillon Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Dillon Lake

The Best Camping Near Dillon Lake, Ohio

Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Equestrian Camping in Manchester

Top Campgrounds in Manchester (11)

1.