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GeneralReservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.
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162 total sites
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About Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
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162 Sites Available
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Reviews (726)
What Guests Are Saying
Zilpo Campground is praised for its beautiful location, clean campsites, and friendly staff, making for a generally enjoyable camping experience. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and scenic views, with many indicating they would return. However, there are notable concerns regarding the condition of bathroom facilities, maintenance of amenities, and accessibility of water, suggesting that some areas could benefit from improvements and more attentive upkeep.
What Guests Are Saying
Zilpo Campground is praised for its beautiful location, clean campsites, and friendly staff, making for a generally enjoyable camping experience. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and scenic views, with many indicating they would return. However, there are notable concerns regarding the condition of bathroom facilities, maintenance of amenities, and accessibility of water, suggesting that some areas could benefit from improvements and more attentive upkeep.
Review Summary
Martha K
VerifiedNovember 1, 2022 • Stayed at: H034, Loop: H LOOP
Great place needs more electric and full hookups
Stephen D
VerifiedOctober 31, 2022 • Stayed at: F005, Loop: F LOOP
There are many reasons our stay at Zilpo was excellent. The site we chose was in loop G. It was the first time we had stayed in the loop. First, the staff and crew were above and beyond. At the same time we were at the campground, the main water line burst. The Thousand Trail maintenance personnel quickly handled the situation and had the restrooms available for all who needed them. A big shoutout to Kenny at Thousand Trails maintenance. You made our stay even better. Next, the camp host was amiable and kept us informed throughout our stay. Finally, everything was clean. A thousand Trails maintained the bathrooms and camp sites in excellent condition.
We love camping at Zilpo, and our last trip was no exception. We recommend the campground to anyone looking at the outdoor experience. We will undoubtedly camp there again.
Stephen D
VerifiedOctober 31, 2022 • Stayed at: F005, Loop: F LOOP
There are many reasons our stay at Zilpo was excellent. The site we chose was in loop G. It was the first time we had stayed in the loop. First, the staff and crew were above and beyond. At the same time we were at the campground, the main water line burst. The Thousand Trail maintenance personnel quickly handled the situation and had the restrooms available for all who needed them. A big shoutout to Kenny at Thousand Trails maintenance. You made our stay even better. Next, the camp host was amiable and kept us informed throughout our stay. Finally, everything was clean. A thousand Trails maintained the bathrooms and camp sites in excellent condition.
We love camping at Zilpo, and our last trip was no exception. We recommend the campground to anyone looking at the outdoor experience. We will undoubtedly camp there again.
Greg C
VerifiedOctober 22, 2022 • Stayed at: Cabin F019, Loop: F LOOP
Nothing but great things to say about Zilpo. The staff at the entrance are so friendly, they went out of their way to accommodate us. The cabins were spotless clean when we arrived and the grounds were very well cared for. We went in the fall and Cave run lake is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.. I highly recommend Zilpo campground, you will not regret it!
Greg C
VerifiedOctober 22, 2022 • Stayed at: Cabin F019, Loop: F LOOP
Nothing but great things to say about Zilpo. The staff at the entrance are so friendly, they went out of their way to accommodate us. The cabins were spotless clean when we arrived and the grounds were very well cared for. We went in the fall and Cave run lake is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.. I highly recommend Zilpo campground, you will not regret it!
Heather D
VerifiedOctober 21, 2022 • Stayed at: H035, Loop: H LOOP
This is a beautiful secluded campground. If you want to be away from town- this is IT!
I scoffed at others’ reviews about bathrooms. But, they were right- restrooms need a major overhaul. They are CLEAN, thanks to the camp hosts, but a little repair and paint would do them some good. We were on loop H, site 35. The one near us had a leaky toilet that constantly dribbled water out of the bottom, and we discovered only one shower stall (the 1st one) would actually be HOT enough to enjoy.
We also initially scoffed at reviews regarding the need to trim so trees. Well- those came to fruition during the parking process. If two smaller saplings could have been taken out, there wouldn’t have been a problem. But, in the dark and on a hill with the max limit trailer of 30 ft…those two little buggers, I mean, saplings, gave us a fit! We managed it, but our camper was crooked on the pad!
The managing staff did a great job cleaning up sites after people moved out- raking gravel, cleaning up any trash, etc. they also kept the bathrooms clean.
Would recommend this though. Especially in October. Kentucky leaf colors don’t compare to the stuff further south!
Heather D
VerifiedOctober 21, 2022 • Stayed at: H035, Loop: H LOOP
This is a beautiful secluded campground. If you want to be away from town- this is IT!
I scoffed at others’ reviews about bathrooms. But, they were right- restrooms need a major overhaul. They are CLEAN, thanks to the camp hosts, but a little repair and paint would do them some good. We were on loop H, site 35. The one near us had a leaky toilet that constantly dribbled water out of the bottom, and we discovered only one shower stall (the 1st one) would actually be HOT enough to enjoy.
We also initially scoffed at reviews regarding the need to trim so trees. Well- those came to fruition during the parking process. If two smaller saplings could have been taken out, there wouldn’t have been a problem. But, in the dark and on a hill with the max limit trailer of 30 ft…those two little buggers, I mean, saplings, gave us a fit! We managed it, but our camper was crooked on the pad!
The managing staff did a great job cleaning up sites after people moved out- raking gravel, cleaning up any trash, etc. they also kept the bathrooms clean.
Would recommend this though. Especially in October. Kentucky leaf colors don’t compare to the stuff further south!
Mark D
VerifiedOctober 20, 2022 • Stayed at: H026, Loop: H LOOP
Maintenance is not being done. Many water Spicket’s don’t work.
Mark D
VerifiedOctober 20, 2022 • Stayed at: H026, Loop: H LOOP
Maintenance is not being done. Many water Spicket’s don’t work.
Ann G
VerifiedOctober 17, 2022 • Stayed at: H025, Loop: H LOOP
Our stay at Zilpo was a great time. Water spiket at site H11 ran non-stop the whole we were there. Lots of water wasted - ran all the way to on of our other spots - H25. Ground was water soaked at the parking spot.
Location & Directions for Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.
8697 Z Ilpo Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371 United States
Getting There
In Salt Lick, KY, at the intersection of State Route 211 and U.S. Route 60,
take Route 211 south for 3.6 mi to the Forest Recreation sign. Turn left
at the sign, onto Clear Creek Road and go 3.9 mi to Zilpo Campground sign.
Turn left at the si...
In Salt Lick, KY, at the intersection of State Route 211 and U.S. Route 60,
take Route 211 south for 3.6 mi to the Forest Recreation sign. Turn left
at the sign, onto Clear Creek Road and go 3.9 mi to Zilpo Campground sign.
Turn left at the sign onto Forest Route 918 and drive 8.7 mi to the campground.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via U.S. Route 60 and State Route 211. U.S. Route 60 is approximately 3.6 miles from the campground.
Policies & Rules
General
- Limit 6 people and 2 vehicles per single campsite; additional vehicles will be charged an additional fee per night; additional guest will be charged $2 per night.
- Each cabin has 2 double bunk beds with out mattresses, Please bring your own sleeping bags or other bedding.Each cabin can accommodate up to 6 people and 1 vehicle. Tents and RVs are not allowed at the cabins.
- Beach is opened from Memorial day to Labor day, unless flooding occurs hours of operation are 11am to 8 pm
- Only Authorized companies are allowed to drop off and set up rental trailers, all unauthorized RV trailer rental deliveries will be turned away.
- Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests. Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
- A discount of 25% is now available for reservations that include 7 or more consecutive days.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralReservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.
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Last updated: October 18, 2026
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Population: 274
Elevation: 676 ft
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