Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
Closed — Closed for the season due to flooding. Spring 2025 opening was delayed to July 2025, but the campground remained closed for the remainder of the season for flooding cleanup and electrical wire replacement. Season typically runs from the third Friday in March through the last Sunday in October.
From Recreation.gov
Reservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.
Red River Gorge, Indian Creek winter road closures
We've closed the following Red River Gorge Geological Area and Indian Creek roads to motorized use to protect them from damage during the winter recreation season.
Seasonal road openings, Sept 5-Jan 19
The following roads will open to licensed motor vehicle use September 5, 2025, and remain open until January 19, 2026. Morehead/Cave Run Lake Area:
London Office cash/check sales only due to network issues
Due to network issues, the London Ranger District Office can only process cash or check payments at this time.
No visitor services at Supervisor's Office in Winchester, KY
Until further notice, visitor services at the USDA Forest Service office front desk in Winchester, KY, are unavailable. All other Daniel Boone National Forest offices remain open and will continue to provide visitor services during their standard hours.
Area Closure due to tornado damage
Occupying or using any portion of the tornado damaged National Forest System lands in Pulaski and Laurel Counties, including roads and hiking trails, is prohibited.
Trees down, potential trail/road impacts forestwide
Forest Service crews are working to evaluate and clear trails and roads across the Forest impacted by recent severe weather events. We anticipate some amount of blowdown on all Forest trails.
Cliffside Trail #519 Closure
Cliffside Trail #519 between Noes Boat Ramp and Sawyer Boat Ramp is temporarily closed due to downed trees and trail damage.
Dog Slaughter Falls Trail Closure, Bridge Removed
Extensive storm damage remains on a portion of the Dog Slaughter Falls Trail. Currently, the trail is closed between the two trailheads. The lower trailhead and parking area closest to the falls, remains open for use and is passable to the falls.
Hawk Creek, Sinking Creek trail bridges impassable
The Hawk Creek and Sinking Creek suspension bridges, which connect portions of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail near London, KY, are impassable due to storm damage. Hikers will need to wade through the creeks to continue along the trail.
Indian Creek Rd 9A Closure (Red River Gorge)
Indian Creek Road 9A is closed to motor vehicles past the Powder Mill Trailhead (approximately 1 mile from the start of the road). Beyond Powder Mill Trailhead, the road is open to non-motorized uses such as pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Red River Gorge Suspension Bridge Impassable
The suspension footbridge near KY 715 in the Red River Gorge that connects the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail across the Red River has been damaged by a falling tree. Visitors should not attempt to use the bridge and should plan their recreation activities accordingly.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations at Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky is prohibited.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing or rappelling within 300 feet of Sky Bridge, Gray’s Arch, Nada Tunnel, or Chimney Top Rock overlooks is prohibited.
Non-Motorized Fishing Area Restrictions
The use of use of gasoline or diesel-powered motorcraft in non-motorized fishing areas of Cave Run Lake, Carrington Lake, Rebel Trace Lake, Clear Creek Lake, and specified portions of Ramey Creek and Scott Creek is prohibited.
Climbing and Rappelling Prohibitions
Climbing, rappelling, or otherwise attempting to ascend or descend from cliffs, arches, or other rock formations in the Natural Arch Scenic Area and Three Forks of Beaver Overlook is prohibited.
Wildcat Branch Closure
Going into or upon National Forest System lands of Wildcat Branch, within the Bee Rock Overlook in Laurel County in Kentucky, is prohibited.
Prohibited Entry into Special Areas
Entry into areas closed for the protection of endangered, threatened, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds, or fish around Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake is prohibited.
Metal Detecting Prohibitions
The use of metal detectors, electronic apparatuses, or any other devices for the purpose of locating any metal object without a valid permit is prohibited.
Commercial Hauling Prohibitions
Using a Forest Service System Road for commercial hauling without first obtaining a permit or authorization is prohibited.
Cave Run Lake Trails Restrictions
1) All cross country travel by horses, pack animals, or other livestock within the described area in the Cave Run Lake Trail Guide; 2) leading, using or possessing a saddle or pack animal within the twelve horse trail segments from December 15 to May 15; and 3) non-designated use of the twenty-on
Cave Run Lake, Highway 801 Hunting/Shooting Prohibitions
Hunting or discharging a firearm is prohibited between Kentucky Highway 801 South and Cave Run Lake from the Fern Bluff recreation area to Warix Run Boat Ramp, including the waters of Scott Creek Bay east of the idle speed buoy line between Scott Creek Boat Ramp and Twin Knobs Boat Ramp.
Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area Closure
1) All entry; 2) discharging a firearm; and 3) hunting, fishing and trapping are prohibited in the described area.
Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area Camping Prohibition
Except for designated sites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 918 in the Pioneer Weapons Wildlife Management Area is prohibited.
White Sulphur OHV Trail System
1) Motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from sunset to sunrise from May 1st to November 30th; 2) Non-motorized use of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1st to November 30th; 3) Overnight camping within 300 feet of the edge of the White Sulphur OHV Trail System from May 1s
Beaver Creek Wilderness Prohibitions
Within Beaver Creek Wilderness, possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted through a special use permit is prohibited.
Jellico & Rock Creek Camping Prohibitions
Except for designated campsites, camping within 300 feet of National Forest System Road 492 and National Forest System Road 137 is prohibited.
Bee Rock Camping Prohibitions
Camping or maintaining any campsite or campsites within Bee Rock Recreation Area for more than 14 consecutive days is prohibited.
Laurel River Lake and Lake Cumberland Camping Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of the high water line of the portion of Upper Lake Cumberland, from the Mouth of Laurel Boat Ramp upstream on the Laurel River, and from the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail to the administrative boundary between National Forest System and U.S.
Cave Run Lake Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake or within 300 feet of any road or trail leading to the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake is prohibited.
General Forest Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited in all areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest:
General Lake Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands containing Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake:
Wilderness Prohibitions
Entering or being part of a group of more than ten people and/or possessing or using a wagon, cart, bicycle or other vehicle are prohibited in Clifty Wilderness and Beaver Creek Wilderness.
Saddle and Pack Animal Prohibitions
Riding, hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions is prohibited.
Red River Gorge Camping Restrictions
Except at designated sites, camping within 300 feet of any developed road or trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area or within 600 feet of Gray’s Arch is prohibited.
Stearns District Prohibitions
1) Camping within 300 feet of NFSR 492 and NFSR 137 except for designated campsites; 2) Entering into Railroad Tunnels 7, 8, and 9 located along the old Cincinnati-Southern Railroad; and 3) Possessing horses or other livestock except on trails designated for such use or as specifically permitted
Developed Recreation Area Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited within developed recreations areas:
About
Zilpo Campground sits on a wooded peninsula extending into Cave Run Lake in Daniel Boone National Forest. The campground offers diverse camping options including standard tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, premium lakefront sites, and 12 cabins that sleep up to six guests. The 355-acre Zilpo Recreation Area provides access to Cave Run Lake's 8,270 acres for water skiing, fishing, and swimming. The campground features paved roads, level gravel tent pads, and multiple bathhouses with flush toilets and showers throughout. An on-site camp store stocks ice, firewood, camping gear, and food. Each campsite includes a picnic table and campfire ring, with good privacy provided by mixed hardwood forest. The sandy swimming beach operates Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the boat ramp is exclusively for registered campers. Recreation opportunities include fishing for muskie, bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, plus hiking the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail and connecting trails. Nature programs run during peak season. Nearby Tater Knob fire tower offers panoramic views of the area. The campground typically operates from the third Friday in March through the last Sunday in October.
Directions
From US 60, take KY 211 through Salt Lick. Turn onto Forest Service Road 129. Go 2.5 miles to Forest Service Road 918. Follow 918 approximately 8 miles to the Zilpo Recreation Area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $46 - $105 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 65ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 65ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| vista@vista-rec.com | |
| Phone | +1 (606) 768-2722 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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