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Cabin interior

Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

Open

Open for the 2026 season. Operating dates are the 3rd Friday in March through the last Sunday in October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov with 25% discount for stays of seven or more consecutive nights. Beach and boat ramp may close if lake levels exceed 740 feet.

From Recreation.gov

Reservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.

Daniel Boone National Forest

No phone service, pass sales at Redbird Office in Big Creek, KY

The Redbird Ranger District Office in Big Creek, KY does not have phone or internet service at this time and is unable to process map or pass sales. For visitor information, contact the Daniel Boone National Forest Supervisor's Office or stop by the Redbird Ranger District Office Monday through…

Daniel Boone National Forest

Active logging operations near Redbird Crest Trail Sections 17-19

Logging operations have begun near Redbird Crest Trail Sections 17-19 as part of the Little Flat Creek Stewardship Project. Ride cautiously on the sections of trail that travel between Trace Branch Road (NFSR-1501C) and KY-2000 in the Mud Lick area of Clay County.

About

Zilpo is a large, well-developed campground on Cave Run Lake in the Daniel Boone National Forest, popular with families and water recreation enthusiasts. Located on a peninsula in the middle portion of the 8,270-acre lake, the campground features soft sandy beaches and is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods that provide good privacy between sites. Accommodations range from standard tent sites to RV sites with electric hookups and cabin rentals that sleep up to seven guests. The campground offers extensive amenities including bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, potable water, a dump station, and an on-site camp store selling ice, firewood, camping gear, and food. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. The swimming beach operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and a concrete boat ramp is available exclusively for registered Zilpo campers. Recreation opportunities abound with excellent fishing for muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail extends 2.25 miles and connects to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are offered during peak season.

Directions

From Salt Lick, KY, at the intersection of State Route 211 and U.S. Route 60, take Route 211 south for 3.6 miles to the Forest Recreation sign. Turn left onto Clear Creek Road and go 3.9 miles to the Zilpo Campground sign. Turn left onto Forest Route 918 and drive 8.7 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store Yes
Price $51 - $105

Vehicle

Max RV Length 65ft
Max Trailer Length 65ft
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email vista@vista-rec.com
Phone +1 (606) 768-2722

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Cabin interior
Electric site ZIlpo Campground
Shower houses
A13, D9, D10,D11,D,12,D13,D14,F2,G30,H39,H40,H41
Non-electric site
 Cabin sites are A13, D9, D10,D11,D,12,D13,D14,F2,G30,H39,H40,H41
H loop
A photo of facility ZILPO - DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR. with Boat Ramp

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