The best star host camping in Red River Gorge

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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.

99% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

View of our 70" long sites with their concrete patios.

1. Firefly Hills RV and Glamping Park

100%
(6)
16 sites · RVs, Lodging · Beattyville, KY
Located in Beattyville, Kentucky, Firefly Hills is a brand-new RV park near the Red River Gorge. We offer 15 full hook-up RV sites, RV rentals, and bedroom rentals in our beautiful farmhouse. Our RV park is committed to providing a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore the great outdoors, experience homesteading skills, and foster a community atmosphere. We offer family friendly camping with several natural play spaces. Explore the birthplace of the Kentucky River, Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, Daniel Boone National Park, and more. We are just a short trip from Lexington, KY, Cincinnati, OH, Knoxville, TN, and Louisville, KY. There are many activities to do nearby in the Red River Gorge including hiking, rock climbing, underground kayaking, zipling, and enjoying the many great farm to table restaurants. Together, we strive to build an inclusive space where all people feel welcome and safe to enjoy the outdoors regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, language or religion. We value the diversity and unique perspectives each of us offers, as it enhances the richness of our world.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
The Wedding Rock at The Harrican

4. The Wedding Rock at The Harrican

3 sites · Lodging · KY
The Wedding Rock is conveniently located on the property at The Harrican in between Somerset and London KY in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! The history of the Wedding Rock dates back at least to the 1800s when people would gather to trade goods and services and thrash their wheat on the rock. Social events were not common during that time and for this this rural place so love often happened quickly! The first recorded wedding was a young couple who fearded they would never see each other again - so happened a wedding. They were together until their death. Folklore has it that no marriage that takes place at The Wedding Rock will ever fail. My sister and her husband were married there 36 years ago. For your reference, our other listings are The Hammock House and The Harrican Lakehouse. The total property is over 200 acres and is surround by the Daniel Boone National Forrest and area wildlife management areas. The views are stunning. The Wedding Rock is a beautiful sacred place to say your vows. There is simply no other place like it. Weddings start at only $500 and that includes set up of seating, bride and groom table and chairs, pub tables and linens, signage, parking, decor and all the natural beauty your heart can hold. Combination camping, Lakehouse reservations and other accommodations can make it a memorable event for family and friends! I will help finalize every important detail to make this a memorable and special day! ❤️
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$500
 / night

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.

99% (1.8K)

Top-rated campgrounds

View of our 70" long sites with their concrete patios.

1. Firefly Hills RV and Glamping Park

100%
(6)
16 sites · RVs, Lodging · Beattyville, KY
Located in Beattyville, Kentucky, Firefly Hills is a brand-new RV park near the Red River Gorge. We offer 15 full hook-up RV sites, RV rentals, and bedroom rentals in our beautiful farmhouse. Our RV park is committed to providing a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore the great outdoors, experience homesteading skills, and foster a community atmosphere. We offer family friendly camping with several natural play spaces. Explore the birthplace of the Kentucky River, Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge State Park, Daniel Boone National Park, and more. We are just a short trip from Lexington, KY, Cincinnati, OH, Knoxville, TN, and Louisville, KY. There are many activities to do nearby in the Red River Gorge including hiking, rock climbing, underground kayaking, zipling, and enjoying the many great farm to table restaurants. Together, we strive to build an inclusive space where all people feel welcome and safe to enjoy the outdoors regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, language or religion. We value the diversity and unique perspectives each of us offers, as it enhances the richness of our world.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
The Wedding Rock at The Harrican

4. The Wedding Rock at The Harrican

3 sites · Lodging · KY
The Wedding Rock is conveniently located on the property at The Harrican in between Somerset and London KY in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! The history of the Wedding Rock dates back at least to the 1800s when people would gather to trade goods and services and thrash their wheat on the rock. Social events were not common during that time and for this this rural place so love often happened quickly! The first recorded wedding was a young couple who fearded they would never see each other again - so happened a wedding. They were together until their death. Folklore has it that no marriage that takes place at The Wedding Rock will ever fail. My sister and her husband were married there 36 years ago. For your reference, our other listings are The Hammock House and The Harrican Lakehouse. The total property is over 200 acres and is surround by the Daniel Boone National Forrest and area wildlife management areas. The views are stunning. The Wedding Rock is a beautiful sacred place to say your vows. There is simply no other place like it. Weddings start at only $500 and that includes set up of seating, bride and groom table and chairs, pub tables and linens, signage, parking, decor and all the natural beauty your heart can hold. Combination camping, Lakehouse reservations and other accommodations can make it a memorable event for family and friends! I will help finalize every important detail to make this a memorable and special day! ❤️
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$500
 / night

Stories from the community

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

The best star host camping in Red River Gorge guide

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.

Top cities in and near Red River Gorge