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Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
FSU.S. Forest Service — Salt lick · Kentucky · Daniel Boone National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Daniel Boone National Forest |
| Location | Salt lick · Kentucky · Daniel Boone National Forest · 38.07500, -83.50000 · Map |
| Sites | 163 public sites counted from the federal listing — 132 standard nonelectric; 19 standard electric; 12 cabin electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 37 of 163 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 8 of 163 sites Sewer hookups at 6 of 163 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 5 of 163 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 65 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 88 sites · 30 ft: 83 sites · 35 ft: 63 sites · 40 ft: 40 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | A 25% discount is now available for reservations that include 7 or more consecutive days at this location. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 78 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 606-768-2722 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-08.
From the official listing
Overview Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites.
Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area. Recreation Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake.
Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding. Facilities Electric hookups are provided at some campsites. Drinking water is located centrally within the loops. Flush toilets and showers are spread throughout the campground as well. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. A dump station and concrete boat ramp are also included.
Each of the 12 cabins can accommodate up to six guests. They each have a table, two chairs and a sleeping area with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds). A picnic table, lantern post and campfire ring are provided outside. Pets may reside only in cabins 41,120,121 and 123. Cabins 109, 123 and 136 have ramps that can accommodate wheel chairs.
A campground store with ice, firewood, camping gear and food is on-site. Roads are paved and level tent pads are gravel. Natural Features Zilpo sits on a peninsula in the middle portion of Cave Run Lake at an elevation of 800 feet. The lake spans 8,270 acres with soft, sandy beaches. The campground is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods, and campsites have good privacy. Nearby Attractions The nearest community is 12 miles away.
Directions, from the listing
In 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 at the sign, onto Clear Creek Road and go 3.9 miles to Zilpo Campground sign. Turn left at the sign onto Forest Route 918 and drive 8.7 miles to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · MOREHEAD KentuckyFSU.S. Forest ServiceBoat Gunnel Group Campground
2 mi straight-line · Morehead KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCave Run Dam Tailwater
3 mi straight-line · MOREHEAD KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersGrayson Lake Damsite Shelters
31 mi straight-line · GRAYSON KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDewey Lake Shelter
48 mi straight-line · VAN LEAR Kentucky
Trip Card — Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
Salt lick · Kentucky · Daniel Boone National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Salt lick · Kentucky · Daniel Boone National Forest |
| Fees | A 25% discount is now available for reservations that include 7 or more consecutive days at this location. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 37 · full hookups at 5 |
| Max RV | Up to 65 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 163 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232370 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.