OutReserve

Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

8697 Z Ilpo Road, Salt Lick, Kentucky, United States

Warning

General

Reservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.

Zilpo campground site H a relaxing quiet place
A photo of facility ZILPO - DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR. with Boat Ramp
ZILPO Cabins
Zilpo DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR.
Zilpo DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR.

Featured amenities

Showers

About Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

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.

Number of accommodations: 162

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Mar 29 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

162 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 A001, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A002, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ A003, Loop: A LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 A004, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ A005, Loop: A LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 A006, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A007, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A008, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A009, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A010, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A011, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A012, Loop: A LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B001, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B003, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B004, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B005, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B006, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B007, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B008, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B009, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B010, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B011, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B012, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B013, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B014, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B015, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B016, Loop: B LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C001, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C002, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C003, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C004, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C005, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C007, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C008, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C009, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C010, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C011, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C012, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C013, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C014, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C015, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C016, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C017, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C018, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C019, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 C020, Loop: C LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🏠 Cabin 039, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin 040, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin 041, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 Cabin A013, Loop: A LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D009, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D010, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D011, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D012, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D013, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin D014, Loop: D LOOP
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🏠 Cabin F019, Loop: F LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🏠 Cabin G030, Loop: G LOOP
6 guests · Campfire
Price not available
🚐 D001, Loop: D LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 D002, Loop: D LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 D003, Loop: D LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 D004, Loop: D LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 D005, Loop: D LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 D006, Loop: D LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E001, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E002, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E003, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E004, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E005, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E006, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E007, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E008, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E009, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E010, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E011, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E012, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E013, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 E014, Loop: E LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F001, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F002, Loop: F LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F004, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F005, Loop: F LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F006, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F007, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F008, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F009, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F010, Loop: F LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F011, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F012, Loop: F LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F013, Loop: F LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F014, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F015, Loop: F LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 F016, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F017, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 F018, Loop: F LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G002, Loop: G LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 G003, Loop: G LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 G004, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G005, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G006, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G007, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ G008, Loop: G LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
⛺ G009, Loop: G LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 G010, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G011, Loop: G LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 G012, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G013, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G014, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G015, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G016, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G017, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G018, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G019, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ G020, Loop: G LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
⛺ G021, Loop: G LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 G022, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G023, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G024, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G025, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G026, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G027, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G028, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G029, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G031, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G032, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G034, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 G035, Loop: G LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H001, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H003, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H006, Loop: H LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 H007, Loop: H LOOP
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 H008, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H009, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H010, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H011, Loop: H LOOP
Full Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H012, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H013, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H014, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H015, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H016, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H017, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H018, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H019, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H020, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H021, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H022, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H023, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H024, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ H025, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 H026, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H027, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H028, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H029, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ H030, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 H031, Loop: H LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 H032, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H033, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 H034, Loop: H LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 H035, Loop: H LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 H036, Loop: H LOOP
No Hookups
Price not available
⛺ H037, Loop: H LOOP
6 guests
Price not available
🚐 H038, Loop: H LOOP
30 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available

Reviews (658)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Zilpo Campground is praised for its beautiful location, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts, making it a favorite for many long-time visitors. While some amenities, such as hot water availability and maintenance support, have declined, most campers still enjoy the private, serene sites and the access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. However, issues like noise from other campers and limited store supplies have been noted, highlighting areas for improvement.

Review Summary

4.2
658 reviews
5
55.5%
365
4
22.2%
146
3
11.9%
78
2
5.3%
35
1
5.2%
34

Stephen D

Verified

November 1, 2021 • Stayed at: H032, Loop: H LOOP

3

We have been visiting Zilpo for the better part of the last 15 years. We absolutely love the H-loop of the recreation area. It is more than likely the most popular loop for visitors because it is the last to close in the camping season. But, unfortunately, H-loop is declining in appearance, cleanliness, and maintenance. We see more trash on the ground, broken bathroom equipment, and facility equipment (i.e., Signs, roads, and gates). I am not sure if these problems result from a lack of personnel or resources to repair them. In addition, the concessionaires are not as friendly in the last 5 years either. I'm not saying that all of them are unfriendly, just some of them. For example, we found the front gate personnel to be friendly and helpful. However, it is my opinion that the others are just not as pleasant. Not that they have to be, but it would make a trip to the recreation area a little more enjoyable and may offset some of the other problems that have been slowly becoming worse over the past 5 to 10 years. We noted other issues, such as sites not able to be reserved online (marked as reserved on the recreation.gov site). However, when we arrived, the online reserved sites never had any visitors. This could be for a lot of different reasons. But the problem did appear for a lot of various sites. We will continue to visit the Zilpo recreation area, just with less frequency. Due to our 2021 camping season at Zilpo Recreation, we are exploring other camping opportunities in the area. I sincerely hope that the concessionaires at Zilpo receive the help and support it takes to improve the area again. It is a shame it is in decline.

Melissa P

Verified

November 1, 2021 • Stayed at: G022, Loop: G LOOP

3

Extremely clean campground. Most campsites are well spaced and private. Beautiful area to hike and bike. Only major complaint was we made reservations and had last night cancelled because “the administration” wanted to close specific areas in the campground early for the season. Not ethical or fair to people with reservations.

Karen C

Verified

October 31, 2021 • Stayed at: F015, Loop: F LOOP

3

Excellent location, friendly staff the only down side was the bath houses. Not super clean & no hot water if more than one shower going.

Jo C

Verified

October 31, 2021 • Stayed at: Cabin D014, Loop: D LOOP

3

Sleeping cabin was shabby, with broken blinds, trash from previous guests left behind.
Park was quite and the sites was spacious. Check in and out process was easy.

Karen C

Verified

October 31, 2021 • Stayed at: F015, Loop: F LOOP

3

Excellent location, friendly staff the only down side was the bath houses. Not super clean & no hot water if more than one shower going.

Jo C

Verified

October 31, 2021 • Stayed at: Cabin D014, Loop: D LOOP

3

Sleeping cabin was shabby, with broken blinds, trash from previous guests left behind.
Park was quite and the sites was spacious. Check in and out process was easy.

Cindy G

Verified

October 28, 2021 • Stayed at: H038, Loop: H LOOP

2

We have been coming to Zilpo for over 30 years now. Last couple of trips and several others this year we have felt like we were at a boot camp. We get it, there are rules. But when they treat you like you are always up to no good it starts to make one wonder why we continue to come. We have our boat and our camper stored there every year and we love the convenience. But this year and the one before the hawking over everything has gotten quite bothersome. We had 2 friends visit on our last camping trip and as they were leaving (around 11pm) they were stopped by an employee and told they weren’t supposed to be there at all. I find this VERY disturbing that local friends can’t come by to visit with us on a camp site we paid for. Never had an issue before. We love Zilpo but are considering finding somewhere else to go. Even if it means to stop coming to Cave Run interiorly. The past 2 years have been very disappointing. Camping is about friends and family and we are now just embarrassed to invite people to join us at a place we love and have bragged about to friends and family for years. Now we tell people not to bother camping here due to the harsh rules and employees on site. The rules about the boat dock and the beach area by the boat dock have changed this year also and are very disappointed. Thank you
“Not A Happy Camper”

Cindy G

Verified

October 28, 2021 • Stayed at: H038, Loop: H LOOP

2

We have been coming to Zilpo for over 30 years now. Last couple of trips and several others this year we have felt like we were at a boot camp. We get it, there are rules. But when they treat you like you are always up to no good it starts to make one wonder why we continue to come. We have our boat and our camper stored there every year and we love the convenience. But this year and the one before the hawking over everything has gotten quite bothersome. We had 2 friends visit on our last camping trip and as they were leaving (around 11pm) they were stopped by an employee and told they weren’t supposed to be there at all. I find this VERY disturbing that local friends can’t come by to visit with us on a camp site we paid for. Never had an issue before. We love Zilpo but are considering finding somewhere else to go. Even if it means to stop coming to Cave Run interiorly. The past 2 years have been very disappointing. Camping is about friends and family and we are now just embarrassed to invite people to join us at a place we love and have bragged about to friends and family for years. Now we tell people not to bother camping here due to the harsh rules and employees on site. The rules about the boat dock and the beach area by the boat dock have changed this year also and are very disappointed. Thank you
“Not A Happy Camper”

Mary Pat C

Verified

October 27, 2021 • Stayed at: H007, Loop: H LOOP

4

Wonderful hilltop site. Plenty of room and trails to explore.

Mary Pat C

Verified

October 27, 2021 • Stayed at: H007, Loop: H LOOP

4

Wonderful hilltop site. Plenty of room and trails to explore.

Location Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For.

Address:
8697 Z Ilpo Road
Salt Lick, KY, 40371
United States

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 38.075 / -83.5

Map of Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For. location at Salt Lick, KY, United States
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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

General

Reservations for seven consecutive nights or more receive an automatic 25% discount.

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Last updated: June 13, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service