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Zilpo Recreation Area

Open

Open for the 2026 season. Operating season runs from the third Friday in March through the last Sunday in October. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11am to 8pm.

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.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Tornado Damaged Area Closure in London, Pulaski counties

Entering or occupying any portion of the tornado-damaged National Forest System lands in Pulaski and Laurel Counties is prohibited. This closure includes a portion of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail from the intersection of Rockcastle Narrows Trail north to Sinking Creek. See images…

About

Zilpo Recreation Area occupies a scenic peninsula on the south shore of Cave Run Lake within Daniel Boone National Forest. The campground offers over 170 sites ranging from primitive tent camping to RV sites with 30-amp electric hookups, plus 12 rental cabins that sleep up to seven guests. A stand of mixed hardwoods provides excellent shade and privacy between sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, with gravel tent pads and paved roads throughout. The 355-acre recreation area provides direct lake access via a concrete boat ramp and features a sandy swimming beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bathhouses with flush toilets and showers are distributed throughout the campground loops. A camp store sells ice, firewood, camping supplies, and food. An RV dump station is available for registered campers and non-campers alike. Nearby trails include Zilpo Mountain Trail #1802 leading to a lake overlook, and Zilpo Connector Trail #113A providing access to an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. The campground operates from the third Friday in March through the last Sunday in October and requires advance reservations through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Salt Lick, take KY 211 south for 4 miles and turn left onto County Road 129 (Clear Creek Road). After approximately 4 miles, turn onto Forest Service Road 918 (Zilpo National Forest Scenic Byway) and continue for approximately 8 miles.

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 $28 - $94

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (606) 768-2722

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Photos

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