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.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 10:34PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY

July 1st, 10:34 PM — 7:45 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values near or exceeding 105 degrees. Additionally, low temperatures in the 70s will provide only limited relief at night. * WHERE...Portions of east central, northeast, south central, and southeast Kentucky. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An extended period of hot and humid conditions continues through at least Friday - with the most oppressive conditions expected on Thursday.

From Recreation.gov

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

Daniel Boone National Forest

Fees waived at Natural Arch, Billy Branch for Independence Day, July 4

In recognition of Independence Day, visitors will not be charged recreation fees at standard amenity fee* sites, Saturday, July 4, 2026. *Standard amenity fees are often charged at picnic areas, developed trailheads and destination visitor centers. Natural Arch Picnic Area and Billy Branch Picnic…

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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