This article about Daniel Boone National Forest camping is brought to you by ActionHeat. Their battery heated socks will keep you warm as you explore the forest this winter.
Are you looking for the best Daniel Boone National Forest camping sites? Look no further. We’ve got the top picks for you to make the most of this sprawling forest. There’s so much to see and do, with more than 700,000 acres of mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and natural wonders. Enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Kentucky at these Daniel Boone National Forest camping sites.
The Best Daniel Boone National Forest Camping
1. Koomer Ridge Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Erin H.
Koomer Ridge Campground is in the Red River Gorge geological area of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Nestled in a tranquil forest, this campground has first-come-first-served sites for tents and RVs. Year-round amenities include fire rings, potable water, and vault toilets. The flush toilets and showers are closed in the winter. You have immediate access to everything in Red River Gorge: hiking and biking trails, climbing and bouldering routes, vibrant flora, and abundant wildlife. Koomer Ridge is a resplendent basecamp for adventure and fun in Red River Gorge.
“Great campsite! Sites not too closely packed next to each other. Can find your peace within a well maintained campground! Many trails easily accessible from the campground. The trails within the forest connect very well together and are very well maintained and marked! Can easily make a big loop and see many beautiful arches! Went on a 3 week road trip through this area and this spot was hands down my favorite! So many things to see and do and this campground was a great home base!” – Monika L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $10-30
- Number of sites: 54
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Amber A.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a 2,000-acre forested park next to Red River Gorge. There are two campgrounds to choose from, with sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include water and electric hookups, Wi-Fi, flush toilets, showers, and storage lockers. Both campgrounds give you access to the resort-style amenities: the lodge, pool, restaurant, museum, general store, and mini-golf course. You’re also close to 22 miles of trails, a 60-acre lake, and several natural wonders — including Natural Bridge. Rent a kayak and explore the water, or spend the day on scenic overlooks. Natural Bridge State Resort Park is your resource for luxury family fun on a budget.
“The Natural Bridge State Park and Red River Gorge is one of the most beautiful and well hidden gems of the region in my opinion. 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 restaurants that make for a truly unforgettable weekend away from big city life. I personally backpacked on a variety of trails, including a section of the Sheltowee Trace, which runs hundreds of miles through Kentucky. Get here if you have a chance!” – Jonathan M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-37
- Number of sites: 86
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is in the Daniel Boone National Forest, on the shores of the Cumberland River. There are two campgrounds to choose from, with sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include electric and water hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry, flush toilets, showers, and a general store. Both campgrounds put you front and center to the park’s resort-style comforts: the lodge, visitor center, cafe, pool, tennis courts, and dance pavilion. You can fish the river for bass, hike the 17 miles of trails, or mine for gems. And don’t forget to admire the park’s main feature, Cumberland Falls. Cumberland Falls is a great place to appreciate stunning natural phenomena while enjoying outdoor recreation.
“Seeing Cumberland falls was a first for us and we were in awe! Would have loved to seen the legendary moonbow but we had to make our way on the trail for our backpacking trip. Followed along the river almost our entire trip and found some wonderful spots to camp and relax. Only spotted one snake along the trail. Was well marked until we got a few miles in then it got a little tricky but only adds a little more to the fun!” – Megan D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-34
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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4. Zilpo
Image from The Dyrt camper Vince B.
The Zilpo campground is on a peninsula in the Cumberland section of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Surrounded by Cave Run Lake, this campground has lakeside sites for tents and RVs. You’ll find amenities like electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a general store. You’re within walking distance to sandy beaches, where you can relax or swim in the lake. Use the campground’s boat ramps to embark on fishing and water skiing. Or hike to the Tater Knob fire station, with unparalleled views of the surrounding forest. Zilpo is a great place to enjoy water sports and fishing in a serene outdoor environment.
“It was set in a beautifully shaded area. The bath house was a very short walk away. There was a path from the site that lead right down to Cave Run Lake and we were able to swim, kayak fish (although we didn’t catch anything), and hang out on the shore without really leaving the campsite. There aren’t any campsites directly to the right or left, the only neighbor is across the road. The campsite had a fire pit with a grill that can be lowered or raised to cook on. It had three lantern poles and two picnic tables.” – David C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22-33
- Number of sites: 166
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Twin Knobs Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Joann D.
Twin Knobs Campground is also on the shores of Cave Run Lake, across the bay from Zilpo. This campground has campsites for tents and RVs, with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a general store. You’re within walking distance of the lake’s sandy beaches, boat ramps, and scenic overlooks. Try your hand at windsurfing, or kick back on the beach. The campground also has volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes. There are two short trails from the campground that offer views of the rugged forest all around you. Twin Knobs is another great option for campers who want to enjoy the refreshing lake.
“This is our all time favorite campground. Spots are secluded and you feel like you really are out camping in the middle of the woods (unlike lots of campgrounds that are just concrete pads jammed together). Shower houses are super clean and well kept. The lake is absolutely beautiful and great for kayaking. Also highly recommend Pops if you’re looking for a good place to eat! Twin Knobs has ruined us and given us high expectations for other campgrounds.” – The Reveals
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-50
- Number of sites: 213
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Holly Bay
Image from The Dyrt camper Liz S.
The Holly Bay campground is in the London section of the Daniel Boone National Forest, on the shores of Laurel River Lake. This charming campground has walk-in and drive-in sites for tents and RVs. Amenities include electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers. You have immediate access to a boat ramp and fish cleaning station should you decide to catch some walleye or go scuba diving. You can even rent a boat and fishing supplies at the adjacent marina if you don’t have your own. If you prefer land activities, check out the five hiking trails nearby. The surrounding forest is magnificent in the autumn when the leaves turn orange and red. Holly Bay is a relaxed environment where you can enjoy lakeside fun or kick back and relax.
“Awesome campsite. Large, private and very wooded lots. Electric and water on site. Clean bathrooms with showers in walking distance. Helpful staff. Stunning views. Great hiking paths. Bring your boats, bikes, kayaks, fishing poles and bathing suits. The water is fantastic! Not a lot around close by to do if your are a tourist. If your here just for the site its perfect. Waterfalls and other tourist sites are 40mins to 2hours away. Also, we did not have one issues with any kind of annoying wildlife. No begging raccoons or skunks. We’ll Be Back!” – Marlene V.
Campground Details:
- Price: $32-69
- Number of sites: 94
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
If you’re looking to escape the rat race and immerse yourself in nature, you’ll want to stay at one of these Daniel Boone National Forest camping sites. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be coming back for more.
