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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.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued August 11 at 4:29PM EDT until August 11 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY

4:29 PM — 8:00 PM

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 568 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY BATH ELLIOTT FLEMING MONTGOMERY ROWAN THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF CAMARGO, FLEMINGSBURG, JEFFERSONVILLE, MOREHEAD, MOUNT STERLING, OWINGSVILLE, AND SANDY HOOK.

Flood Watch issued August 11 at 3:38PM EDT until August 12 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Jackson KY

3:38 PM — August 12th, 4:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central and southeast Kentucky, including the following counties, in east central Kentucky, Bath, Estill, Menifee, Montgomery and Powell. In southeast Kentucky, Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Knox, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry and Wolfe. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A series of systems are expected to traverse the area, each bringing the potential for heavy downpours and training storms which may result in flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Daniel Boone National Forest

Scott Creek Boat ramp briefly inaccessible, July 30

Scott Creek Boat Ramp on Cave Run Lake will be inaccessible Thursday, July 30 from 8-9 a.m. while a boat owner replaces the roof on their house boat.

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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