Camping in the Red River Gorge

Caving, climbing, and camping are on the agenda at this national geological area.

94% (1946 reviews)
94% (1946 reviews)

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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12 top campgrounds in Red River Gorge

99%
(215)

The Harrican Lakehouse

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · KY
There is a lot of history in this land. It's been in my family for over a hundred years. They worked the land with their hands and so have I. It's a special place. Come see for your yourself and be our guest at The Harrican! Learn more about this land: Unplug and unwind at this two story cabin built right on the water in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! Even though there is complete peaceful seclusion it does get a little noisy when the bullfrogs start their evening ritual. There is a dock and pier perfect for fishing or swimming. Firepit, grill with gas provided, two boats, fishing poles, lots of seating on the wrap around porch, two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds and just lots of natural beauty and peace! The BIG update everyone has been waiting for; the plumbing and electricity are now complete! We have all the ammenities to make your stay comfoetable and relaxing! Early and late check in and check out options available when availability exists the day before or after your booked stay. Thank you for interest in the Harrican Lakehouse!
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$35
 / night
95%
(672)

Rockcastle Riverside

50 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Livingston, KY
Started as a retirement experiment, Rockcastle Riverside is a story told of music and family. We have almost 200 acres of beautiful country surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rockcastle County. With a mile of river to swim, kayak, and fish and enchanted forest trails to hike, climb, or play, we have all of the best Kentucky has to offer! We have more established sites with fire rings, or you can find a place off the beaten path for more privacy, if you choose. The riverside is perfect for hammock camping, too.  We love music and often host bands on the weekends. We rent kayaks and canoes on site, as well. While there are almost 200 acres to escape into, on any fine night, the stage sits wit a drum kit and the will to make music within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Come play, come get away....we have it ALL! We have a little of something for everyone!
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$25
 / night
99%
(92)

The Kilns @ The Red River Gorge

6 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 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
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$30
 / night
100%
(103)

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. 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. (***Please note, we leave our personal camper on the property for the camping season, so you will see it when you arrive to the right of the campsite***)
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$59
 / night
96%
(83)

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. Ask us about guided OHV Tours in the area! We offer guided tours! Concessions Truck on the property! 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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$20
 / night
100%
(58)

HomeGrown HideAways

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Berea, KY
HomeGrown HideAways is a farm, lodging, and event facility nestled in a hundred-acre holler in the Appalachian foothills near Berea, Ky. Our lodging features treehouses, yurts, a bunkhouse, retro camper, water/electric hook-ups, and campsites. We also host weddings, retreats, and other events so advance reservations are required. For insurance purposes and the safety of our own livestock and pets, we do not allow guests to bring their pets/ESAs 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 Farmhouse). All guests from tent to treehouse have access to our solar-powered Community Farmhouse featuring a fully-stocked chef-inspired 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 Farmhouse is a massive pavilion with picnic tables for al fresco dining and firewood bundles to purchase. BRING CASH! Our seasonal bath house is generally open from April or May to October or November based on the prevailing temps. There are 4 flush toilets, 2 sinks, and 2 hot showers. The floors are concrete so we recommend shower shoes and you'll want to bring your own towels and shampoo/soap. The farm has a small playground, yard games, creeks, and a steep and rugged hiking trail that loops the mountain. We're also just 8 miles from the hiking trails at the Berea College Pinnacles, 8 miles to Owsley Fork Reservoir, 20 minutes to Anglin Falls, 12 miles to Berea, 35 minutes to Richmond, Ky, and a scenic hour to Red River Gorge. For other activities, restaurants, shopping, music, and more, we're happy to share our favorites, but highly recommend checking out the Berea Tourism website.
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$20
 / night
100%
(22)

The Harrican

7 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · KY
Learn more about this land:This is a beautiful 200 acre farm that has been in my family for over 100 years. My father (at age 93) still harvests hay on 100 of the acres twice annually. Primitive campsites range from soft and scenic rolling fields with mountainous backdrops to completely wooded areas with the wild Rockastle River within 1 mile from the property. Discover a rare campsite available between two cliffs that the Native Americans originally called home. It remains just as they found it. There is an easily accessible large flat cliff area perfect for multiple tents and campfires! However, if a little more comfort is your style, you can unplug and unwind in a two story cabin located on a beautiful and secluded 2 acre pond with a dock and pier that can be reserved for $85 nightly. I classify the Lakehouse Cabin as primitive glamping! Wildlife is present every single day! We are near two Wildlife management reserve areas and completely surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Deer, turkey and so much more can be observed daily in their natural habitat. This is truly an amazing and rare gem right here in our beloved Bluegrass State!
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$28
 / night

Under $50

Available this weekend

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in the Red River Gorge guide

Overview

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.

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