The Red River Gorge is a excellent place to camp at either any of the campgrounds or just in the backcountry. However, to make your and everyone else's trip more enjoyable, please observe these simple rules:

  • Backcountry camping is permitted, but not within 300 yards of the roads or in site of any developed trail.
  • No camping is allowed in the back of rock shelters or along the base of cliffs.
  • For overnight camping, a recreation pass is required for parking.
  • Camping is not permitted in picnic areas.
  • Do not camp in rockshelters. They provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species of plant and animals.
  • Observe all rules at campgrounds, picnic areas, and recreational sites.
  • Practice "No Trace" Camping. Help keep the area clean by carrying out all of your litter and garbage.
  • Fire building is only permitted in designated areas or in devices designed to contain the flame. Use only dead and down wood.
  • Leave trees and flowers for others to enjoy.
  • Do not dig or collect artifacts. Archaeological sites are protected by federal law.
  • Be considerate and respect the rights of others. Help preserve the solitude by not yelling, shouting or playing music loud.
  • Check with the rangers station about rappelling or rock climbing. The areas in which you can do this activities is restricted to only a few.
  • Please observe the no "New climb" routes.
  • Let someone know the general area where you are camping. Give them the Stanton Rangers address and number in case of emergency.

I have camped all over the gorge, both in official and un-official sites. There is no bad area to camp, but keep in mind a few things:

  • Higher up is hotter but with breezes. It also dries out faster.
  • Camping along the ridge tops is VERY popular. If you are looking for solitude, camp lower in the gorge, off of main trails.
  • Firewood is in greater supply lower in the gorge. Don't knock down standing trees.
  • The farther in you camp, the less amount of people you will encounter, both on the trails and camping.
  • Don't camp near cliffs edges!!!
  • Alcohol and Cliffs do not mix. Camp somewhere else if you plan to drink.
  • Know where you are going. This area is dangerous at night. Get to where you are going before nightfall and use flashlights/lanterns at night.
  • Don't hike at night unless you absolutely have to and then use flashlights. Be careful and hike only in areas you have seen in the daylight.
  • The official campsites (Koomer Ridge, etc) are great for families or large groups. They have good water, firewood and restroom facilities and are convenient for many of the trails or roads. If you are new to the area, are camping as a large group or like being close to your vehicle, please camp here instead in the backwoods.

If you want a nice quiet area to camp, avoid the area around Chimney Rock and Half-Moon Rock. It is a favorite area because of the views, Half-Moon Rock for repelling and the realative ease of access. I  camped there for a weekend once and was up all night one night due to partiers surrounding us. Another place to avoid is along the river, just over the concrete bridge. Again due to it's ease of access, this is a favorite.

Official Campsites

Koomer Ridge

Koomer Ridge is a U.S. Fee Area with trailer/tent spaces, vault toiliets, bath house with flush toilets, fire grills lantern posts, drinking water, picnic tables and an amphitheater. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Part of the campground remains open year round, although drinking water is available only during the summer recreation season. Koomer Ridge is in full operation from mid-April through the end of October. During the summer season, interpretive programs are available at the amphitheater beginning at dusk. Fee for a single site is $10.00 per night, $15 for a double. Koomer Ridge is located on KY 15 about 5 miles from Slade. Get off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, turn left. Turn right onto KY 15.

  • Season: Mid-April through Oct. Primative loop open year-round. Water on during season.
  • Sites: 54 sites, 19 trailer, site 46 is a handicap accessible site.
  • Pay phone at front of campground.
  • Vault toilets and Bath House with flush toilets
  • Main area open winter at $5.00 per site. No water or flush toilets available.

Pumpkin Bottom

A primitive campground only along the river. Take KY 715 (The scenic auto loop) through the gorge. Pumpkin Bottom is half way through the tour. This campground area is privately owned. I do not know the camping fees or if it is even open. 

Whittleton .Campground/ Middle Fork Campground

These campgrounds are not located in the Daniel Boone National Forest itself, but in Natural Bridge State Resort park, and are close enough by to be considered as campgrounds in the gorge. Located on KY 11, there are 82 sites with utilites and 12 primitive sites.Electric hookups, showers, restrooms and dump stations are also provided. Whittleton Campground is located across from Natural Bridge State park while Middle Fork is a little further down the road on the right. Note - NO camping is permitted outside of the campgrounds within the state park. Note, Whittleton has removed hook-ups from most of its sites.