Zilpo Campground

Welcome to Zilpo Campground, a premier outdoor destination nestled on a beautiful peninsula within the Daniel Boone National Forest, right here in Eastern Kentucky. Zilpo is not just a campground; it’s a comprehensive recreation area that promises an unforgettable escape into nature. Known for its stunning location on the shores of Cave Run Lake, Zilpo offers a diverse range of camping options, from traditional tent sites to RV hookups and charming cabin rentals, catering to every type of outdoor enthusiast. For decades, Zilpo has been a cherished spot for families, adventurers, and anyone looking to unwind amidst Kentucky's breathtaking natural beauty.

This large, fun-filled campground is a true gem, celebrated for its scenic views and a wide array of activities that appeal to all ages. Zilpo sits at an elevation of 800 feet, surrounded by a dense stand of mixed hardwoods that provide ample shade and a sense of privacy at each campsite. The expansive Cave Run Lake, spanning 8,270 acres with its soft, sandy beaches, is the heart of the recreational offerings. Whether you're drawn to the tranquility of a lakeside morning, the thrill of water sports, or the peace of a forest hike, Zilpo Campground provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Zilpo maintains a commitment to preserving its natural environment while offering high-quality visitor services. While there have been temporary closures for maintenance and improvements, the dedication to enhancing the visitor experience remains paramount. It’s a place where the wild beauty of Kentucky meets thoughtful amenities, ensuring that your camping adventure is both authentic and comfortable.

Zilpo Campground is strategically located in the scenic eastern part of Kentucky, with its official address listed as Kentucky 40371, which specifically refers to Salt Lick, KY. More precisely, it can be found at 8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371. This puts Zilpo squarely on a peninsula extending into the middle portion of Cave Run Lake, deep within the Daniel Boone National Forest. This location is a significant draw, offering unparalleled access to one of Kentucky's most popular recreational lakes and its surrounding wilderness.

While Zilpo offers a feeling of being wonderfully secluded, it remains reasonably accessible for locals throughout Kentucky. From US 60, visitors can take KY 211 through Salt Lick. Then, turn onto Forest Service Road 129, travel 2.5 miles, and then turn onto Forest Service Road 918, following it for approximately 8 miles directly to the Zilpo Recreation Area. This journey, while perhaps a bit off the main highways, is part of the charm, as the drive itself is often described as beautiful, leading campers deeper into the forest's embrace. For instance, it's approximately 60 miles east of Lexington, making it a viable option for a weekend escape for many Kentuckians.

The remote setting means that while the nearest small community (Salt Lick) is about 12 miles away, visitors should plan to bring most of their essentials. However, this remoteness contributes to the serene and immersive natural experience that many campers seek. The roads within the campground are paved, and the campsites offer good privacy, nestled within a dense forest, enhancing the feeling of being away from it all. The accessibility for RVs is generally good, though the final approach roads are described as curvy and narrow, requiring careful driving. For those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the heart of Kentucky's wilderness, Zilpo's location is ideal.

Zilpo Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to accommodate various camping styles and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors.

• Tent and RV Sites: Zilpo offers a wide array of campsites, including those suitable for tent camping and numerous RV sites with electric hookups. Some sites also boast coveted lakefront views. Paved roads within the campground and gravel tent pads ensure ease of use and comfort.
• Electric Hookups: Many RV sites come with electric hookups (typically 30-amp, with some 50-amp options), providing essential power for modern camping conveniences. Some sites even offer electric and water hookups.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking a glamping experience or more structured accommodation, Zilpo offers 12 rustic cabins. Each cabin can accommodate up to six guests and includes a table, two chairs, and two sets of bunk beds (4 beds). Outside, each cabin has a picnic table, lantern post, and campfire ring. Specific cabins (41, 120, 121, 123) are pet-friendly, and cabins 109, 123, and 136 have ramps for wheelchair accessibility.
• Bathhouses with Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Clean and well-maintained bathhouses are spread throughout the campground, providing hot showers and flush toilets, a welcome comfort after a day of outdoor activities.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water spigots are centrally located within the camping loops for easy access.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is conveniently available on-site for waste disposal.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked campground store offers essentials such as ice, firewood, basic camping gear, and food items, ensuring campers have access to necessities without having to leave the recreation area.
• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings: Every campsite, whether for tents, RVs, or cabins, is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring, many with a grill grate, perfect for cooking and enjoying traditional campfire experiences.

Zilpo Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor recreation in Kentucky. Its unique position within the Daniel Boone National Forest and on Cave Run Lake offers an abundance of activities and natural beauty.

• Cave Run Lake Access: The campground's location on a peninsula provides direct access to Cave Run Lake, known for its vast 8,270 acres and sandy beaches. This proximity allows for:
  • Sandy Swimming Beach: A dedicated sandy beach with a roped swimming area offers a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming and relaxing by the lake. Registered campers often get free access, with a small fee for day visitors.
  • Boating and Fishing: A concrete boat ramp with a parking lot and dock facilitates easy boat launching. The lake is a prime spot for various water sports, including powerboating, sailing, kayaking, and excellent fishing, particularly for Muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.
• Tater Knob Fire Tower: Located nearby, this historic fire tower is open to the public and offers outstanding panoramic views of Cave Run Lake and the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest, a fantastic spot for photography and scenic appreciation.
• Hiking Trails: Zilpo is surrounded by a network of trails. The Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail, a 2.25-mile loop, begins across from the D loop and provides a vigorous hike with scenic overlooks. This trail connects to other extensive trails around the lake, offering diverse options for hikers of all levels.
• Shady, Private Campsites: The campground is shaded by a dense stand of mixed hardwoods, providing ample shade and good privacy between campsites, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
• Accessibility Features: Specific cabins (109, 123, 136) are equipped with ramps for wheelchair access, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility. The bathhouse facilities are also accessible.
• Wildlife Viewing: The dense forest and proximity to the lake make Zilpo an excellent spot for wildlife watching. Deer, wild turkey, and various bird species are frequently spotted.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Described as a "fun-filled campground," Zilpo is a prime destination for families, offering diverse recreational activities that cater to children and adults alike.
• Ranger Programs: During peak season, nature programs are regularly scheduled, offering educational and engaging experiences for campers interested in learning more about the local environment and wildlife.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Zilpo Campground, please use the following contact details. It's important to note that Zilpo Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, and reservations are typically made through a national booking system.

Physical Address: 8697 Zilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371, USA

Mailing Address: 8697 ZILPO ROAD, SALT LICK KY 40371

Campground Inquiries Phone: (606) 768-2722

Reservations Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

For comprehensive information and to make reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Zilpo Campground or the Daniel Boone National Forest website section dedicated to Zilpo. These platforms provide the most up-to-date information on site availability, fees, alerts (such as temporary closures for flooding cleanup or electrical work), and detailed maps.

Zilpo Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for locals throughout Kentucky, offering a blend of natural beauty, diverse recreation, and convenient amenities. Its location within the Daniel Boone National Forest and directly on Cave Run Lake makes it a prime spot for Kentuckians seeking a true outdoor escape without having to travel far beyond their state's borders.

For families, Zilpo is a perfect playground. The array of activities, from swimming at the sandy beach to hiking accessible trails and participating in nature programs during peak season, ensures that children of all ages will be entertained and engaged. The option of cabin rentals provides a comfortable and convenient alternative for those who prefer more structured accommodation, making camping accessible even for those new to the experience. The family-friendly atmosphere fostered by the Forest Service management ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for creating lasting memories.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find Zilpo to be an absolute paradise. Cave Run Lake offers unparalleled opportunities for fishing for various species, powerboating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The extensive network of hiking trails, including the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail, caters to all fitness levels, allowing hikers to explore the rich biodiversity and scenic vistas of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The proximity to Tater Knob Fire Tower provides a unique vantage point for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire area, a must-do for any visitor.

The variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with electric hookups, and rustic cabins, means that Zilpo can accommodate diverse preferences and budgets. The presence of essential amenities like clean bathhouses with hot showers, potable water, and a convenient on-site camp store enhances the comfort of the stay. While the drive in offers a sense of remoteness, it's easily navigable for most vehicles, making it an ideal local escape that feels truly "away from it all."

In essence, Zilpo Campground represents the very best of Kentucky's natural heritage and outdoor recreation. It provides a comprehensive and enriching outdoor experience, making it an invaluable resource for locals looking to relax, adventure, and reconnect with nature in their own backyard. Whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Zilpo offers a compelling reason for Kentuckians to explore the unparalleled beauty of their home state.

Zilpo Campground

Kentucky 40371, USA