The best star host campgrounds near Carlisle, Kentucky

Looking to escape to the great outdoors near Carlisle, Kentucky? Hipcamp has over 1444 camping options for you to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're a fan of Hones Pointe (352 reviews), The Viking Longhall (257 reviews), or Rockcastle Riverside (225 reviews), you're sure to find a top-rated campsite that suits your preferences. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and averaging around $25 per night, camping in Kentucky has never been more affordable. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, trash disposal, and potable water. So whether you're into wind sports, off-roading, or paddling, get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Carlisle, Kentucky.

99% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

Looking to escape to the great outdoors near Carlisle, Kentucky? Hipcamp has over 1444 camping options for you to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're a fan of Hones Pointe (352 reviews), The Viking Longhall (257 reviews), or Rockcastle Riverside (225 reviews), you're sure to find a top-rated campsite that suits your preferences. With prices starting as low as $10 per night and averaging around $25 per night, camping in Kentucky has never been more affordable. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like toilets, trash disposal, and potable water. So whether you're into wind sports, off-roading, or paddling, get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Carlisle, Kentucky.

99% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Carlisle

1. Red River Rewind- Hey Jude

100%

(8)

36mi from Carlisle · 2 sites · Lodging

Red River Rewind is a small glamping community that is themed off of the owner’s passion for different genre music, vintage, antique history and memorabilia. Currently still a work in progress, we offer a customized bell tent which sits on a 20 x 30 platform deck, with a customized, insulated, fully functioning outhouse which has a shower, commode, and sink that allows endless hot water. “Elvira” is our cozy small cabin. Both have electricity, and water, and full bathroom accessibility at their own site. “Hey Jude” also offers a small wood burning stove to accommodate for cooler temperatures with an Eden pure heater, and fans for warmer weather days, and mobile AC. ELVIRA has a window AC unit and heating with small unit. The customized fully furnished bathroom just steps away from the tent, offers endless hot water. There is also a water spicket just a few steps away from the deck. Note that should the wood stove want to be used, guests need to supply their own SMALL pieces of wood as it is a miniature fireplace. The cabin will be designed with a mini split heating and air system, in the future. WiFi is not currently available though an amenity that is upcoming in the very near future, fiber internet being installed mid July 2025. Cell phone access is good in our area typically. Red River Rewind has common shared amenities to include: a 3/4 acre fully stocked pond which is available for simply viewing its beauty as the fountain flows, or catch and release fishing as seasonally available, many family and friend oriented activities to choose from to check out and return such as cornhole, large checkers, and many more. As time and weather permits, we plan to expand with really neat projects and extras in upcoming months, and would love to have visitors passing through our beautiful area who need or want a place to stay or locals who just want a little change of scenery. We are simple, ordinary people who just want to share some of the things we love about life with others. On a clear note, there are beautiful images of the stars here. You will also have accessibility to a telescope.

2. Waterfront on The Edge

99%

(100)

42mi from Carlisle · 4 sites · Tents

Each campsite is along the waters of Ohio Brush Creek. This sacred waterway is also home to the Serpent Mound. Ohio Brush Creek is The Edge of Ohios Appalachia! The is much to be discovered in an area of glacial boundaries and ancient earthworks with 31 state and private nature preserves for hiking. And great paddling adventures on OBC and The Ohio River at The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Wifi is available but very weak to non existent signal as you are in rural Appalachia.

3. The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

99%

(183)

46mi from Carlisle · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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 provides an area for rest and relaxation for those wanting to camp. while enjoying the outdoors. The KILNS got its name from large charcoal kilns that was a thriving family business in the late 50's early 60's. Although they are no longer functioning, they are part of our history. The camping area is nestled on a small 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. Coordinates: 37.75254° N, 83.60836° W Address: 300 Johnson Ln. Campton, KY 41301

4. Bear Pond

98%

(44)

45mi from Carlisle · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Serene, Rolling Hills, Fresh air. Hiking Buzzards Roost, Canoe/Kayaking @ MoonDoggie LIVERee, visiting Family Traditions Animal Zoo, Miller’s Amish Furniture and Bakery, Shawnee National Forest, Adams State Lake, Serpent Mound, Tranquility Wild Life Shooting Range, or even just stargazing. Your away from everything but close to what ever you want. Bigfoot Country (Sasquatch Hunting is allowed, however like fishing, they are catch and release only😎) . https://www.cincymagazine.com/3d-flip-book/adams-county-2024/ Nice private spot accommodates Tent Camping, Car camping, or even if your taking an Overland Trip. Bear Pond will accommodate small RVs and Travel trailers. Nola's Cabin is a New availability as an Extra. Nola's Cabin is a Cozy small quiet cabin situated at the end of the gravel driveway under the trees. Overlooks the small valley down into the hill across the creek. Nice cozy place out of the elements. Water and Electric is available on site, with only Electric in Nolas Cabin. Nolas Cabin accommodates 4 people nicely. Twin (1) over full bunk (2) with Trundle (1). 6 inch Memory foam pads with liners are present on beds. Get a good nights rest while on your getaway, and still enjoy your outdoor cooking, fishing and star gazing. During inclement weather, a single serve K cup style coffee maker and Microwave are available to start your morning off. Bear Pond does have garbage bags upon request. But we ask you carry your refuse out with you due to the wildlife. Bear Pond is Furry Family Friendly. Just be mindful of possible wildlife if your Furry family members is off leash. The AC/Heat is supplied by a portable heat pump. So it could take an hour or so to cool or warm Nolas Cabin depending on the Inside ambient temperatures.

5. Camp Middle Fork

98%

(159)

50mi from Carlisle · 4 sites · Tents

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.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Z

Zygimantas

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Great location near Red River Gorge. Helpful hosts & great communicators.

M

Matt

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Second time here. Very nice place and great hosts! My go to spot by the red river gorge

J

Justin

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

We loved camping here! Wish we had been able to take advantage of the included firewood but the weather had other plans. Good space between other sites and beautiful fall colors surrounding us. And our host was super helpful and welcoming. Hope to be back!

l

laura

November 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Our little family stayed here in our pop-up camper, and it was nothing short of magical. The hosts were absolutely amazing — so kind, accommodating, and welcoming. They went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed and even met us upon arrival to help us find the spot and get parked easily. The campsite itself felt private and peaceful, surrounded by trees and nature with plenty of open space for our two-year-old and our dog to run, explore, and just be free. It was the perfect mix of seclusion and comfort — quiet enough to feel like our own world, yet close to everything we wanted to do near the Gorge. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The atmosphere, the hospitality, and the natural beauty all came together to make this one of our favorite camping trips yet. If you’re looking for a place to truly unwind and enjoy the outdoors near the Gorge, this is it. We can’t wait to come back.

Beautiful Autumn Colors at The Kilns

Pc:John May

J

Jacob

October 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

My friends and I had a fantastic stay at the Kilns on our most recent climbing trip to the RRG. Kim was kind enough to meet us upon arrival (even though we showed up late in to the evening) and showed us to our site as well as giving us a rundown of the campground. The site was large enough for our small pop-up camper and a few trucks with plenty of room between sites. There was a very clean port-a-john close to our site which was very convenient for a primitive campground. The location, hospitality, and amenities were amazing. We will be staying there again and would recommend it to anyone!

S

Sarah

October 2025

17 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Great place and wonderful hosts! Close to the gorge and climbing options.

R

Rebecca

October 2025

3 nights at Red River Rewind- Hey Jude

We loved our tent camping experience on Sarah's land. She was super responsive on any questions we had. There were a ton of little touches in the glamping tent that made it so nice, like games, extra blankets, extra toiletries, a mini fridge and a microwave. Being able to see the animals each day and having such a picturesque area was great. It was very peaceful.

J

Joe

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Everything about this place is perfect.. we’ve stayed here several times. Host is always welcoming upon arrival and always there to go above and beyond! Plus free firewood! You can’t go wrong.

D

Dylan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

I had a fantastic time staying on at the site. It was a great time. I will certainly be back in the future!!

G

Greg

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

I have stayed at several hipcamp sites over the years and the Kiln's was by the most host accommodating place yet. Scott went over the top to make sure we had everything.

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

They were beyond welcoming and helpful the entire stay. They made sure we had a for built every night and checked in to make sure we had a good day as well. Will definitely be staying here again in the future!

Matt

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Camp Middle Fork

Bart's camp never disappoints! There are numerous level spots for tents, trailers, and vehicles (RTT).

S

Sarah

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

This site was in a great location and very peaceful! I did not expect to arrive to a fire waiting for me - it was a great surprise. Definitely will come again for the location and good people.

B

Beth

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

What a wonderful space! We will definitely stay here again. Kim and her husband were so welcoming and made sure we had everything we needed!

Charles

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Hospitality was top notch! We rolled into camp with a group of 4 motorcycles. The camp host was very helpful with check in and recommendations for dinner at some local establishments. We set up camp and headed out to dinner. The camp host got firewood to our campsite and started a fire for us while we were away eating dinner. It was so nice to come back to camp and have a fire waiting for us. After a long day on the road this place was a perfect place to kick back and enjoy the evening with great friends and a perfect atmosphere.

H

Hillary

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Middle Fork

We had such a great time. The view was beautiful and Bart was very accommodating. We will be back!

M

Michael

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Middle Fork

Barts place was very quiet(we stayed at the site to the right if facing the A-Frame) , hiking was awesome on property! Highly recommend. Could use vechicle or tent to camp at all 3 spots!

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

Awesome campsite! Couldn't have asked for a better site or hosts. Will definitely be coming back

J

Jenifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

What a lovely campground! This is extremely well-maintained and manicured by the hosts. Kim was raking the site as we arrived. She chatted us up and gave great recommendations. She also listened, picking up that we had evening reservations. We were debating whether to start a fire as we returned at nearly 10pm. When we pulled in, there was a cheery fire burning in our firepit! That was the most thoughtful thing imaginable. The sites are quite far apart, so you can see and hear others, but nothing like in a park service campground. This would be an excellent place to see a show, as there's a nice performance stage and sound stage. No 4wd needed. Very safe.

C

Christopher

October 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

This was a great place to camp for the night. We were just stopping for an overnight and didn’t want to leave. Kimberly was unable to meet us when we arrived but gave us all the info we needed to get parked and settled in. Would stop here again.