USDA Forest Service · Kentucky
Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
USDA Forest Service · Kentucky, United States
- Sites
- 169
- Hookups
- 31 electric, 8 with water, 132 no hookups
- Season
- March 29 to October 31
- Max RV length
- 65 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 725 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 2
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile good · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- ZILPO (NFSR 918) · bituminous surface treatment · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Daniel Boone National Forest
- Nearest town
- SALT LICK
- Address
- 8697 ZILPO ROAD phone: 606-768-2722, SALT LICK, KY, 40371
- Phone
- 606-768-2722
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Hiking, Historic Sites, Swimming
101 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
Fees
A 25% discount is now available for reservations that include 7 or more consecutive days at this location.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39° | 27° | 1° | 65° | 10 of 11 |
| February | 47° | 31° | 15° | 70° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 59° | 38° | 19° | 77° | 7 of 11 |
| April | 69° | 49° | 30° | 84° | 2 of 11 |
| May | 77° | 60° | 40° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 82° | 65° | 52° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 86° | 71° | 64° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 85° | 70° | 61° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 83° | 65° | 53° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 68° | 48° | 36° | 84° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 55° | 38° | 22° | 72° | 4 of 10 |
| December | 47° | 32° | 6° | 67° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Zilpo Recreation Area · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Twin Knobs Group Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Twin Knobs Recreation Area · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Twin Knobs Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 208 sites
- Boat Gunnel Group Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Kentucky · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-24. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.