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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. 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. 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. Nearby Attractions: The nearest community is 12 miles away. ACTIVITIES Boating Historic & Cultural Site: Historic Sites Hiking Swimming Site
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.
Very beautiful campground with isolated sites from primitive to full hookups. The checking desk and camp host were very friendly and helpful. The trails needed a little love, there were many downed trees that made it impassable with small children. We will be back for sure.
The staff is always friendly and nice to my extended family. We had a tick nest at our campsite. The issue was resolved in minutes, and they put us in a different spot that was way cooler! The lake is beautiful. Very family friendly!
Zilpo is like the middle child of campgrounds. Ignored a lot, but has wonderful traits! It's a bit of a drive, but worth it. If you like quiet and not crowded, Zilpo is for you. Cabins to rent and a beach to play on. Downside, it looks like their camp store is currently closed for some reason. So if you need anything you'll have to drive 30 minutes to the nearest Dollar Store. Conversely, if you like a bumping camping experience with lots of kids and people, Twin Knobs is a better bet. Same people run it. Just a different location. I've been camping in these areas for nearly two decades so I'd know if anyone would.
Not a hotel. Campground for tents, campers/RVs, and has small cabins for rent. We've stayed twice this summer in tents. You can hike, fish, swim and take your boat if you have one. There are lots of picnic areas and a place to play horseshoes if you can bring your own shoes. Also has bathrooms and bathhouses. We love it here. So beautiful.
Great campsites off the beaten path! We stayed for two nights during the week and were the people in our loop. Check in was super easy and the people we encountered were very nice. Firewood and ice were available to buy until 4pm. The showers and bathrooms were full of bugs but the water was warm and refreshing after swimming! We found some good shaded spots at the beach and good trees to set up a hammock. Besides the ticks, we really enjoyed our time! We have Verizon phones and had one bar at the site, a couple more at the beach. Do note there’s not a good town for supplies closer than 30 minutes. Our friends had some critter visitors get into a peanut butter container, dog food and even natural oatmeal soap, so definitely put everything away if you leave the site!
