Best Camping in and near Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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Discover Natural Bridge State Resort Park's stunning landscapes and adventures.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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Whittleton Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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Middlefork Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Natural Bridge State Resort Park

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The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Campton, KY

Located 1 mile from the Red River Gorge in Pine Ridge KY between Mt. Parkway Exit 40 East and Exit 40 West and 8 miles to Natural Bridge State Park. The KILNS is nestled on a family farm with 5 acres designated for PRIMATIVE Tent or Van Camping. The property is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and a lush green field, freshly manicured. It is easy access to Red River Gorge, Local Restaurants, General Stores all while secluded from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Come relax and enjoy, we look forward to seeing you! Here are the coordinates: the maps sometimes take you to Campton, but the coordinates are accurate. Address: 300 Johnson Ln. Campton, KY 41301 Coordinates: 37.75254° N, 83.60836° W

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Serenity Camp

26 sites · RVs, Tents175 acres · Beattyville, KY

I moved back here a few years ago to my home place where I grew up. To me it is the most relaxing thing I can do to just sit by a bonfire and look at the view.

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(48)

Bar on the Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Beattyville, KY

*ADDITIONAL SITE ADDED* Check out our new site, Top Shelf added March 2024! Primitive camping at its PEAK! Located in the heart of Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge, this secluded camping ground offers an experience above the rest - literally! Accommodates tents and RV/campers 24ft and under. 360 degree views including a front row seat to an Appalachian Mountain sunrise! Minutes from Hollerwood Offroad Park, Gorge-ous climbing and hiking trails, fishing/boating/swimming at Mill Creek Lake, restaurants including Miguel's Pizza, Rockhouse, La Cabana Mexican, and Thatcher's BBQ to name a few! Close access to Hollerwood Offroad Park.

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Red River Gorge Glamp Camp

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · KY

There are many vacation listings claiming to be "in the Gorge", actually almost all of them are miles away. Don't be mislead, check our location on the map! The Glamp Camp is a very rare private property actually inside the Red River Gorge. It is surrounded by 30,000 acres of scenic, mostly uninhabited Forest Service land. No need to drive to distant trails. Walk from the camp into miles of primitive forests. Massive cliffs, giant boulders and pristine streams surround the camp. Walk to the Red River and world-class climbing sites. Short drive to major trail heads, caves, waterfalls and stunning arches. *Ask me about where to go and what to see, I'm happy to help. Free map in your glamper. Dunkan Branch, a pristine, babbling stream flows feet from the Glamper. The property is gated and access restricted to our guests only. Guests get 10% discounts for kayaking with Red River Adventure, and at Mill Creek Lake at nearby Natural Bridge State Park.

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Boone Valley Campground

50 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Beattyville, KY

Boone Valley Campground is a family owned and operated business that offers 30 acres of primitive, RV, and Van camping. Conveniently located only 1 mile away from the Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve, 7 miles from the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, and 15 miles from the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Red River Gorge Area. Boone Valley is perfect for outdoor adventurers and families who want to spend and enjoyable weekend in nature. Enjoy local events! Boone Valley is located 5 miles from downtown Beattyville, KY. Camp with us on weekends of local festivals such as the Bourbon and Moonshine Festival and the Woolly Worm Festival. Onsite enjoy weekend live music, bonfires, and home cooking from the Boone Valley Kitchen.

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Camp Middle Fork

4 sites · Tents180 acres · Irvine, KY

Learn more about this land: Come stay at Middle Fork Camp: two acres of grass and eleven acres of wooded hillside overlooking a valley meadow in the Daniel Boone National Forest region. Just forty minutes from the Red River Gorge and past homesite of pioneer settlers, the property features an outdoor kitchen, potable spring water, an outdoor shower, WiFi, and 110V and RV-type electric outlets. There is a yoga deck, picnic table, and wood benches with stone ring fireplaces for your use. Help yourself to vegetables from the veggie patch in season! There are ample hiking and trail running opportunities from the site, starting right behind the (private) A-frame cabin, up and over the limestone cliffs or out the gravel road. I have established hiking/running trail loops to scenic points ranging from 1 - 15 miles in length and will be happy to provide detailed information, including GPS tracks upon request. Enjoy! Note: Camp Middle Fork is a true nature area: in season there are ticks, you may see a snake, and common to this region, there is poison ivy in the woods. If you are sensitive, dress accordingly.

Booked 2 times

Serene Haven Retreat

30 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Zoe, KY

Escape to the tranquility of our 30-acre property nestled in the heart of the RRG, where nature's beauty meets adventure. With a picturesque 2-acre pond, it's a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy fishing, hiking, riding, and climbing, all within reach. Experience serenity and adventure in one unforgettable camping getaway. We currently have 10 sites set up, but please do not hesitate to reach out if more are needed. We have more than enough room.

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The LAAAAND (just you & 50 acres)

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Frenchburg, KY

When you want to get away to nature, what do you envision? We're a family that loves to camp; and while we love a stop at a KOA or community campground, we sometimes crave quiet time in nature without the noise and distraction of other campers. That's what makes The LAAAAND so special (yes, you say it with an accent;). The property is comprised of 50 pristine acres, with a mix of fields and woods, that bump up against another 250 acres owned by our family friends. The southern perimeter of the property is all cliff line, so you feel truly remote. The possibilities of sound pollution are limited to a far-off dog barking, horses being ridden down a nearby trail, or the possible hum of a distant lumber yard. Other than that, you'll mostly hear the wind rustling trees, deer and critters making their way through the woods, and possibly a waterfall at certain times of the year. Oh, and you will absolutely hear whipoorwhills, most likely at a time you'd rather not (we've decided they're charming). Over the nearly 2 decades we've owned this property we have spent countless weekends enjoying the simplest of pleasures; watching butterflies dance in the tree canopy, having dance parties at sunset on the deck, forging new trails and hiking into the unkown, sitting in the truck bed late at night gazing at a star-covered sky counting shooting stars. If you are looking for a space and place to reset and reconnect, The LAAAAND is waiting for you.

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Lago Linda Hideaway

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents454 acres · Beattyville, KY

Our Cabins, RV sites, and Campground are near Kentucky’s breathtaking Red River Gorge! Situated on a magnificent 410-acre expanse within the enchanting Daniel Boone National Forest, we offer a range of accommodations to suit your preferences. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky as you choose from our cozy cabins, comfortable bunk houses, RV sites with electricity and water, or the simplicity of tent camping. For those seeking a back-to-basics experience, we also provide primitive camping options. One of our most notable features is our fully stocked 5-acre lake, inviting you to indulge in fishing or swimming. Embrace the great outdoors in our expansive field, which features well-maintained primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Our well-appointed bathhouse ensures your comfort and even offers laundry facilities for your convenience. RV enthusiasts will find our sites equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, and we provide a convenient dump station within the Campground. If you’re in the mood for adventure, explore our hiking trails or take one of our kayaks out on the water. When hunger strikes, our on-site Café awaits, offering delicious meals to satisfy your cravings. At Lago Linda Hideaway, we strive to provide everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience.

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HomeGrown HideAways

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Berea, KY

HomeGrown HideAways is a hundred-acre farm, lodging, and event facility in the Appalachian foothills near Berea, Ky. We're just 8 miles from the Berea College Pinnacles hiking trails, 8 miles to Owsley Fork Reservoir, 20 minutes to Anglin Falls, 12 miles to Berea, and 35 minutes to Richmond, Ky. For insurance purposes and the safety of our own livestock and pets, we do not allow guests to bring their pets onto the property. Prepare to UNPLUG as we do not have cell service or wifi (there IS a landline for guests to make phone calls located in the Community Building). Learn more about this land: HomeGrown HideAways is a privately-owned farm near the end of a curvy dead-end road. We have dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and all the insects and wildlife you’d expect to find in the Appalachian foothills (please do not let your children chase the birds). We have a wide variety of lodging options scattered throughout our farm including treehouses, yurts, a bunkhouse, vintage campers, and campsites. (Please note, not all sites are available through Hipcamp at this time). All guests from tent to treehouse have access to our Community Building featuring a fully-stocked gourmet kitchen, restrooms, coin-op laundry, and upstairs multi-purpose room with a library and board games. There is also an outdoor kitchen area with additional cooking space including a grill, microwave, and sink (sink is closed in the winter so the pipes don’t freeze). Next to the Community Building is a massive pavilion with a dozen picnic tables, yard games, and firewood bundles to purchase. BRING CASH! Out on the grounds, we have a small playground, a couple disc golf baskets, communal bonfire area, seasonal bath house with 4 flush toilets and 2 showers. There is a steep and rugged 1.5 mile hiking loop and creeks to explore. CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT: Guests can check in any time after 4pm, but we do recommend arriving before dark. Depending on our cleaning schedule, we may be able to accommodate an earlier arrival time with advance notice. Rentals are unlocked so guests can just follow the instructions sent with the check-in email to find their location and let themselves in. Check-out is at 10am so that we have time to clean the rental before the next guest arrives, but you can stay to explore the farm until 11 (late departure fee of $35 after 11am). Self-contained guests (tents, campers, RVs) may arrive at 3 and leave at 11. If something comes up and you need to leave before your scheduled check-out date, please do us the courtesy of sending a message once you have cell service so that we know not to expect you. UNPLUG AND RECONNECT: HomeGrown HideAways does not have cell service or wifi, but there is a landline in the Community Kitchen for guests to use. We hope that you will take the opportunity to re-connect with nature, yourself, your family, and other guests. In addition to the shared kitchen space, we also have a pavilion with cornhole set up for rainy days, and a massive bonfire area where we encourage guests to pitch in on firewood to share stories and s’mores. Please note that quiet hours are from 10pm – 7am and sound carries far in the holler. SHARED BATH HOUSE: In addition to year-round outhouses, there is a seasonal BATH HOUSE with 4 flush toilets and 2 solar-heated showers. The bath house is rustic with a concrete floor so we recommend shower shoes or flip flops. Towels and toiletries are not provided, but we do have extra for purchase if you forget yours. COMMUNITY KITCHEN (open from 6am - 10pm): The farm has a brand new (2021), centrally-located, solar-powered, fully-stocked, chef-inspired COMMUNITY KITCHEN with 4 ovens, 5-burner gas cooktop, microwave, refrigerator with farm-fresh eggs (when available), coffee-maker, toaster, dishes, cutlery, baking sheets, basic cooking supplies (oil, salt, pepper, etc), plus HomeGrown farm goods, s’more kits, and other goodies. BRING CASH for the honor system. Please remember that this space is available for ALL visitors of the farm so guests are expected to clean up after themselves and not to loiter when others are waiting. To prevent over-crowding, we ask that a maximum of TWO people from your group occupy the space at a time and children MUST be accompanied by a guardian at all times. Meals may be eaten at the picnic tables on the porch, under the pavilion, or you can take food back to your site. FOOD SCRAPS MUST BE PUT INTO THE COMPOST BIN – NOT IN THE TRASH. Please do not discard food on the ground as it can make our animals sick and attract unwanted wildlife. THE FARM: We are a farm in the mountains so we have all the good (beautiful views, babbling brook, hiking trails) and the bad (insects, howling coyotes, poison ivy) that nature has to offer so come prepared. We recommend hiking boots, bug spray, and weather-appropriate clothing. Be prepared to encounter INSECTS (mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers), WILDLIFE (deer, turkey, snakes, toads, and dare we mention the bear track we spotted one spring?), WEATHER (hot, cold, rain, snow), TOXIC PLANTS (poison ivy, stinging nettle, wild mushrooms), just to name a few. There is a steep and rugged 1.5-mile hiking loop that takes most folks about an hour (if they can get past the first 10-minute uphill climb). We also have playground swings, disc golf, hula hoops, a croquet set, and a creek full of geodes to hunt. Please do not leave any sticks, rocks, games, or other items in the grass where the mower might run over them. CAMPFIRES: Most sites have their own fire pit except for the primitive camping area. There is also a large communal fire pit near the Community Kitchen. Due to the spread of invasive insects, we ask that you DO NOT BRING FIREWOOD unless it is store-bought/kiln dried. We have bundles for sale here for $5/bundle (bring cash) or you can scavenge dead wood from the forest floor for free. DO NOT “scavenge” wood we have already cut, DO NOT cut down live trees, and DO NOT burn plastic, glass, trash, gas, or anything that isn’t wood or paper. There are plenty of fire-starting materials under the Pavilion next to the bundles. On your way to the farm, you will pass the local fire department. Please make note of the fire danger sign. If the fire danger is high, a campfire may not be advisable – please check for local burn bans. SMOKING: Smoking is not permitted within the vicinity of any building on the farm. Please do not discard cigarette butts in the firepits or on the ground. They must be completely extinguished and can be thrown in the trash. TRASH: In case you missed it before, we do not have trash pick-up on the farm and very much appreciate it if you can take your trash with you when you leave the farm. We do have recycling bins for clean plastic and aluminum cans. Paper and cardboard can be put in the box next to the firewood bundles under the pavilion for others to use for starting fires. We also have a compost bin available for all food scraps, paper napkins, and paper plates. Please do not discard food on the ground as it can make our animals sick and attract unwanted wildlife. MOTORIZED VEHICLES: We do not allow ATVs, 4-wheelers, golf carts, or any non-medical motorized transportation. Bicycles are welcome and encouraged. GENERATORS: We highly discourage the use of generators as they can be quite noisy and produce toxic fumes. Please talk to us in advance if you require one for a specific purpose. ACCIDENTS: If a child or member of your party has an accident involving bodily fluids, please take the time to clean up after them. First aid kits are supplied in most rentals and in the Community Kitchen. If bedding is involved, we have coin-operated laundry facilities in the Community building to begin the washing process. Please notify us of such events. COOLERS & CANDLES: Coolers should be left outside so that the condensation doesn't damage our floors. Candles are not allowed due to too many wax spills. NEARBY: We are just 8 miles from the Berea Pinnacles, 6 miles from Get Outside Ky (they rent canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and e-bikes), 3 miles to Tater Knob Pottery, 20 minutes to Anglin Falls, and a scenic hour from Red River Gorge. Berea is known for its arts and crafts, the historic Berea College, and outdoor recreation. In addition to hiking at the Pinnacles, there are several other trails throughout town and the newly opened Silver Creek Bike Park. NOMS: Our favorite places to eat in Berea are Noodle Nirvana, Native Bagel Company, Nightjar, Apollo Pizza, PapaLeno’s, and El Rio Grande. In Richmond, we like Masala Indian, Purdy’s Coffee Co., and Thai Smile. Note: Madison County is DRY, Berea is MOIST, and Richmond is WET so plan your alcohol accordingly. ACTIVITIES: We highly encourage guests to check out the Berea Tourism website for all kinds of classes, workshops, concerts, art demonstrations, guided hikes, and other events. Some of our favorite places are Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge, the Berea Makerspace, Berea Arts Council, and the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center. Need more info? HomeGrown HideAways has a website, facebook page, and instagram so give us a look!

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Blue Jay's Nest

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Campton, KY

Tiny house located minutes from Natural Bridge State Park, climbing and hiking trails in the Red River Gorge. Sits in The Daniel Boone Campground, which is about 5 acres. Perfect spot for relaxing after a day of adventuring. Cottage offers a full size fold out futon, TV, DVD player, bluetooth radio and games. The kitchen is equipped with mini-fridge, induction cook top, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. The outside area has a fire ring, small charcoal grill, and picnic table. Just steps away is the Daniel Boone Coffee Shop which offers free Wi-Fi. The campground sits next to the Middle Fork of the Red River. Relaxing spot to throw in a line and fish.

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Shasta Valley

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Frenchburg, KY

The idea of Shasta Valley came to us through years of traveling in developing countries and falling in love with communal living and camping culture. We are excited to build or dream and share it with you!Learn more about this land:We are nestled between cave run lake and the north entrance of Red River Gorge off the beaten path. Enjoy 20 Acres of private forest, creeks, waterfalls, and a giant open hill top great for larger groups. We have hilltop car camping and tent camping on a 3 acre field surrounded by forest. Bring your tents, van, overlanders and small campers (pulled with a 4wd) to Shasta Valley!

The best camping near Natural Bridge State Resort Park guide

Overview

About

You might want to bring some oxygen along with you to Natural Bridge State Resort Park, because this natural beauty will take your breath away. We don’t care if that comes out mega corny, because when you visit, you’ll know exactly what we’re saying. Get your butt to the overlooks and marvel at the mountains that seem to go on forever. Fishing, bird-watching, swimming, hiking, mini-golfing, basically the list goes on and on for all you can do here. Take the skylift to get a bird’s eye view of the park, you won’t regret it. Visit the Red River Gorge to watch climbers from all over the world try to conquer this toughie! Keep up with the events calendar: from animals weekends to wildflower showcases, there’s always something fun and interesting to do. Natural Bridge, you’re cool.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Natural Bridge State Resort Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings lush greenery but also larger crowds and hotter temperatures. Winters can be quite cold, making some trails less accessible. Plan your visit between April and October for the best experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as terrain can be rugged and uneven.
Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions during your visit.
Remember to pack out all trash and respect wildlife by observing from a distance.