Daniel Boone National Forest — lakeside, hiking
Location: SALT LICK, KY, KY
Price: From $31 per night
Price range: $31–$105 per night
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (329 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, Showers, Dump Station, Electric Hookups, Boat Launch, Firewood for Sale
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/zilpo-daniel-boone-nat-for to be notified when sites open up.
Zilpo is a large, scenic campground on Cave Run Lake offering lakefront sites, sandy beach access, and family-friendly recreation including boating, swimming, and water skiing. Google reviewers rate it 4.6/5 stars and praise its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.
Wildlife alert: High tick presence reported by campers. Wildlife in area includes raccoons, Long-billed Dowitchers, Red-shouldered Hawks, White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-throated Warblers, Little Brown Skinks, DeKay's Brownsnakes, and Eastern Garter Snakes.
Insider tips for Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.: Book online using a computer rather than phone for easier campsite map viewing Camp host maintains updated site information and clean restrooms Some areas were closed due to flood damage; check availability before booking
Skip Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For. if: You need water or sewer hookups — only electric hookups available on select sites. You prefer spontaneous visits — federal campground requires early booking. You dislike tick-heavy environments — woods area has significant tick population.
Best time to visit Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.: May-October — Official operating season; peak recreation for water activities.
Nearby campgrounds: Twin Knobs Campground (MOREHEAD, KY), Boat Gunnel Group Campground (MOREHEAD, KY), Claylick Boat-In Campground (Morehead, KY), Cave Run Dam Tailwater (MOREHEAD, KY).
Cell signal at Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For. (SALT LICK, KY): strong overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: T-Mobile.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book online using a computer rather than phone for easier campsite map viewing
Camp host maintains updated site information and clean restrooms
Some areas were closed due to flood damage; check availability before booking
Official operating season; peak recreation for water activities
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: T-Mobile.









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.
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