Camping in Red River Gorge
Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, caravan parks, and more.
- Red River Gorge
Camping in the Red River Gorge
Caving, climbing, and camping are on the agenda at this national geological area.
Top-rated stays
100%
(19)
HomeGrown HideAways
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Berea, KYHomeGrown 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!
from
$25
/ night
95%
(10)
Stay Over M.’s Land
10 sites · RVs, Tents1700 acres · Clay City, KY
from
$20
/ night
97%
(34)
Big Laurel Ranch
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · KYBig Laurel is a working cattle farm on land that has been in our family for 4 generations. The farm consists of 370 acres of bottomland pasture along the creek and quiet woodlands where you can explore jagged rock cliffs and beautiful vistas. The woodlands are undergoing transformation as we continue an ongoing forest rehabilitation project to return our land to its natural
state as a deciduous hardwood forest. Spotted on the farm is an amazing abundance of wildlife including wild turkeys, white tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, bear, and red tailed hawks.
from
$12
/ night
97%
(245)
Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground
17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Williamsburg, KYThank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin.
We have some construction going on currently on at the main cabin on the property. Construction takes place 9am-5pm daily. A deck & siding is being added. 10/1-11/15
Hikers, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park.
Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family.
Guests love staying here "We stayed in Birdsong cabin for the Halloween campout weekend. The cabin was ready for us upon arrival and very clean. We enjoyed the privacy of our covered porch and fire ring. The bird feeders hanging all around the cabin are wonderful to watch all the birds during the day. The community fire ring is close enough to enjoy with other campers, but not to close that we could hear anyone in our cabin. Amber and Michael checked on our needs many times during our stay. They hosted a chili cook-off that we greatly enjoyed and passed out candy to all the kids. Overall a great time and experience. We will stay here again."
from
$20
/ night
98%
(131)
Patrick's Point River Camp
57 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents212 acres · KYLooking for a quiet peaceful camp on 212 acres in the Appalachians Mountains along side the Upper Cumberland River under a canopy of shade trees? Whether you are looking for a unique swimming hole location, a place to go fishing, kayak access, hiking trails or just a quiet place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, we promise you will not be disappointed. You may wish to lay in a hammock along the river or under our covered 100 x 130 pavilion. We also have a beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy. In addition to our relaxing atmosphere, this camp will also give you and your loved ones an incredible view to enjoy throughout your stay. Only 15mi by vehicle to Cumberland Falls State Park and many hiking trails. One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you!
These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, Patrick homestead-started soon after the Revolutionary War. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply along this river and these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands.
Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Appalachian and on the bank of the Upper Cumberland River.
A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!
from
$15
/ night
90%
(5)
Rush Creek RV Campsite
9 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · KYCome enjoys this nice and private RV sites in a quite location on the rural town of Rush near Ashland KY , the campground is located 2 miles from Rush of road Park on the same road. We provide full hook up with 30 amp electric connection , sower, water and WIFI connection, the RV site will accommodate up to a 50 foot RV or camper as well as parking for an additional car or truck, the site dimensions are 30 feet wide by 50 feet long. Come enjoy in our picnic table, the campsite is on a relaxed, safe and quiet location .
from
$50
/ night
Love Our Soil Farms- on the River
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Sneedville, TNLove Our Soil Farms is a developing, small regenerative farm that is the cornerstone of our family’s journey to living a more compassionate, peaceful, and sustainable life. Our independent family farm is a place—both physical and in spirit—that we hope to share with others. It is our passion project, driven by a desire to leave our earth better than we found it and create a healthier, more sustainable future for our children.
We would love for you to join us here at Love Our Soil Farms on the beautiful Clinch River. It’s the perfect place for a getaway, whether you make it a day trip or come visit for an overnight stay. You can relax and unplug in your own cozy and comfortable space while surrounded by the majestic Appalachian mountains inhabited by an abundance of wildlife. Whichever stay, location, or event you choose, you will be only steps away from the river where you can swim, kayak or fish. You will be nestled up against our growing homestead, including our farm animals (we offer tours). We offer Farm-to-Table meals for all our guests and we love accommodating large groups with our different sites and are happy to help plan youre group event.
Glamping
Glamping in one of our three amazing luxury tents – located right on the river, the creek or tucked away in the mountains – is the ultimate in camping meets comfort. All three locations are nestled up against our farm and have full access to the river and gathering spots. Tents have their own private restroom with double compost toilets and an off grid hot shower heated by propane.
Barnyard
Staying overnight in our barnyard camper gives you the complete farm life experience. You will be staying right in the middle of our farm—between our barn and our milking parlor—surrounded by chickens, turkeys, and guinea hens! Inside your camper, you will have running water, a restroom, and a small kitchen. If you’re curious about life on a family farm or just want to get some good quality time in with farm animals, this is the place to stay.
Boondocking
Your own RV is welcome to park riverside, we currently do not have hookups so you will be dry camping. You are also welcome to use our fire pit and restrooms if they are available, as guests staying in our glamping tents will have the option to reserve them. The restrooms have double compost toilets and an off grid hot shower heated by propane. You can check with us prior to making your reservation to see if other guests have already reserved these amenities for their stay.
Camping
Classic tent camping is a blast here! You can bring your own tent or rent one from us. This is the ultimate experience for living off the land and reconnecting with nature. You will have your own fire pit, and you will be surrounded by an abundance of wildlife.
When you stay overnight with us here on the farm you become part of our family. We want to make sure that you not only unwind but also get to take advantage of all the amazing things this beautiful homestead has to offer. You will have direct access to the river for kayaking, tubing, fishing, swimming, hiking, or just sitting along the bank enjoying the fresh air. Our family’s favorite activity is gathering by the fire pit at night, listening to the river, and gazing at the stars, which shine brighter here than anywhere we’ve ever been. We would love to share everything this peaceful place has with you.
Waking up by the river is rejuvenating and is the perfect way to start your day as you reconnect with nature. While you’re perfectly welcome to cook all of your meals over a campfire for the full “roughing it” experience, we understand that there are times when you just want to kick back and relax. With that in mind, we also offer hot, home cooked family meals, delivered directly to your door upon request and at an additional expense.
Tours
Our farm is small but growing daily. We are striving to create a fully functional and self-reliant regenerative farm in an environment that is focused on soil health and increasing biodiversity, while peacefully existing and raising healthy and happy animals. If this is something you're interested in experiencing, we’ve got you covered. We offer different levels of tours and experiences and would love to share our farm, and our knowledge, with you.
River dining
Sitting on the river bank enjoying a farm-to-table meal can be romantic or just plain fun. We offer a limited amount of lunches by the river as well as candlelit dinners. Just let us know what you’re thinking and how many people you have in your party, and we’ll work with you to make your perfect event happen!
Special events
If you would like to hold a special event, such as a birthday party, wedding, or family reunion at our farm, we would love to make that happen. Special event availability is on a very limited basis with a select number of dates set aside for these types of events. Let us know what you have in mind and if we have the availability, we’ll work closely with you to make your dream event come true.
from
$50
/ night
Booked 8 times
A Rustic Ravine Cabin Adventure
25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Genoa, WVWest Virginia’s Coolest, Newest, Vacation Cabin Rental and Hip Camping Resort! The idea for creating a cabin rental/camping vacation getaway in the Allegheny Mountain Range came to life over several meetings at a Bob Evans restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, between co-owners Paul and Christy Liimatta and Joe Boffo. Joe had been accumulating land in the Genoa, West Virginia, area for several years and had dreamed of building cabins, tree houses and uniquely designed vacation rentals and campsites on a beautiful area called Hampton Ridge. Come and judge for yourself ;)
from
$25
/ night
100%
(1)
Thistle Dew! Farms
18 sites · RVs, Tents46 acres · TNOur 46-acre farm with its rolling hills and meandering stream, overlooks the Clinch mountain. Several primitive campsites are available, including within-feet parking. Running water, solar shower and outhouse available. 2 sites accommodate groups in the open fields or be a little more isolated in the lush forest that overlooks the mountain and stream. 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg. 1 hour from Knoxville, Asheville, NC, Cumberland gap, Kentucky and Virginia. Lost arts and craft classes available. Water sports 15 minutes away. This is a working farm with chickens, quail, rabbits and a horse.
Wedding venue sites available, with off road parking. Pavillion, bathhouse, laundry, outdoor kitchen, gym, school room, barns and treasure barn full of event decor and rentable equipment coming soon.
Community firepit or portable firepit at your site available. Meal preparation is available for a fee, we take pride in our seed to sandwich / farm to fork practices.
Pets on leashes/electronic collars are permitted. We have quail on site if you wish to train your track dogs. Birds can be purchased with no minimum, however no shooting.
Paddocks are available for trail riders, with miles of dirt back roads adjacent to property and wooded trails on the property.
text ahead if you have an RV/trailer for space availability and requirements.
2 RVs will soon be available for glamping and wedding venue staging areas.
from
$20
/ night
Booked 1 time
Hawks Pine Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents260 acres · Sanders, KY7 campsites on a 260 acre property. They are all primitive campsites, just a clearing and a rock fire pit. We have everything from creek side, hike in and out sites, to sites in the woods or next to a pond that you can drive right up to. Whether you’re looking to book a larger party in side by side sites, or looking for total seclusion, we have a site for everyone. You will be in the middle of a working hobby farm, and we do have a community picnic shelter and grill, as well as access to showers for an extra fee per person. Water is from a outdoor spigot so we do recommend bringing your own drinking water. There are no toilets available on site.
from
$45
/ night
99%
(83)
Barren River Magic
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Edmonton, KYWe set out on a new path, leaving behind a fast paced, jangled rhythm of being. Searching for something different we followed the distant beat of a slow drum...coming from the Earth~~older than the land itself. A new rhythm emerged-slow, deliberate and magical. We invite you to follow that slow beating drum and discover you own magic at Barren River Magic! Barren River Magic is situated right on the Little Barren River so launching your kayak, paddling, fishing or just floating in a tube is just a few steps away.There are many different areas around Barren River Magic to pitch a tent. Camping under the stars will not have a structure that you will be sleeping in but you will have the best view of the lights above.
Local fun activities include: Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Horse Cave, Diamond Caverns, Nolin Lake, Barren River, KY Down Under, and Green River Lake.Come and find your own magic at Barren River Magic.
from
$25
/ night
100%
(6)
Limestone Bluffs
6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Jackson, OHDisconnect to Reconnect at the Bluffs.
The Bluffs is a 20 acre campground in Jackson, Ohio. Property highlights include a large fishing pond, trails for hiking, a port-a-potty and 7 campsites. Each site is secluded unique offering idyllic natural beauty and serenity.
Our property currently hosts 6 total Camping Sites.... 3 of them are primitive camping sites that can be pull in's for truck or tent camping & 3 of them tent platform camping sites. Two that are single tiered, and one that we call "The Lookout" that is a 2 tiered platform with room below or above to pop your tent! (your choice). The lower level also includes an outdoor shower, a grill and prep/cooking space for you if you want to entertain guests or family!
The property includes several trails, a fully stocked pond and a "Zen Den" Which is a walk up camping location, available for rent, and has a platform at the site as well.
Just to give you a sneak peek into the future, we also have plans for a Community Kitchen, more Outdoor Showers and a Stage for concerts/events!!
Located within the region and just a short 15-20 min drive from The Bluffs, you can find Lake Alma State Park, and Lake Katherine Nature Preserve, where there are beautiful waterfalls on display, and just a little jog north you can explore the famous Canter's Cave, Leo Petroglyphs Nature Preserve and Jackson Lake State Park.
The Campground is just a 8 min drive from downtown Jackson, where you can stop in and sample some of their locally famous places! If your feeling pizza, then you have to try Cardo's or, LaRosa's Pizza, If you want some good local BBQ, hop on over to Rowdy's Smokehouse. If you want to try a Western themed Roadhouse, there's Dakota's, or you can relax by listening to some live music while you eat over at Stockroom 601. If Micro Brewery's are your thing Sixth Sense Brewing Co. is the place for you!
Want to just take it easy and learn a little about the region? Jackson also hosts the Markay Cultural Arts Center, and Lillian Jones Museum.
Everything you need for an absolutely memorable and relaxing getaway!!
from
$25
/ night
Outdoor stays for every style
Find your new favourite spot.
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Real-life adventure playgrounds rarely come as impressive as Kentucky's Red River Gorge. Carved out by the Wild and Scenic Red River and cocooned within Daniel Boone National Forest, the soaring cliffs, natural arches, and cascading waterfalls provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities. Rock climbing is the quintessential pastime—"The Red" is one of the world’s top destinations—but you can also hike, horseback ride, kayak, or zipline. Four-season camping is possible at Red River, but we recommend spring or fall, when mild weather combines with seasonal wildflowers and epic fall foliage views.
Where to Go
Central Red River Gorge
Follow the 46-mile Red River Gorge Scenic Byway for spectacular views across the gorge, admire the unique rock formations and natural arches along the Angel Window or Sheltowee trails, or put your rock climbing and rappelling skills to the test. Koomer Ridge campground is the only developed campground in the main gorge area, but you’ll also find private campgrounds, cabins, yurts, and treehouses with views of the gorge.
Northwest & Daniel Boone
The 900-foot-long Nada Tunnel marks the western entrance to the Red River Gorge, and some of the most renowned rock formations and arches can be found nearby. Further north, the Daniel Boone National Forest is nirvana for hikers, and self-sufficient campers can enjoy dispersed camping throughout the national forest land. Or, for a change of scenery, head away from the gorge to enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside camping at Cave Run Lake.
Southwest & Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge State Resort Park encompasses much of the southwestern region of the Red River Gorge, where you’ll find some of the most easily accessible hikes and campgrounds. Hike or ride the Skylift to the park’s namesake Natural Bridge, rent a kayak or canoe along the river, then check in one of the campgrounds or rent a cozy cottage. Nearby, Muir Valley is a popular spot for rock climbing, while Campton is the starting point for ziplining excursions across the gorge.
East & Clifty Wilderness
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, pack your tent and hit the trails of the vast Clifty Wilderness area. Dense forests, rugged ridges, and streams provide plenty of tranquil backcountry camping spots, or you can bring your kayak or canoe to paddle the wild waterways of the Red River. In the southeastern corner of the gorge, the Rock Bridge Trail is a perennial favorite, with views of the natural bridge and waterfall.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.