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Cave Run Lake
Cave Run Lake is nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. It is located on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This 8,270-acre lake provides flood protection and a clean water supply to area communities. Tourists enjoy the lake for its scenery and excellent recreation opportunities. Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors.
Campgrounds: The Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds provide nearly 400 campsites, some with RV hook-ups. The campgrounds also have swimming beaches and group-use picnic areas.
Boat ramps: Cave Run Lake has 12 ramps for boat launching. A Claylick (area is unavailable), Poppin Rock, Longbow, Scott Creek and Warix boat ramps. Passes may be purchased at local vendors.
Picnic areas: The Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas are popular locations near Cave Run Lake.
Trails: Several trails are developed in the Cave Run Lake area. These trails wind through the forest, providing scenic views and glimpses of wildlife.
Some of the most popular recreation areas around Cave Run Lake include:
Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Zilpo Recreation Area
White Sulphur Horse Camp
Clear Creek Recreation Area
Clay Lick Boat-in Campground
At a Glance
| Fees: | Some recreation areas and boat ramps require the purchase of a fee pass. Recreation Permits and Passes |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Morehead, KY |
| Information Center: | Cumberland Office Contact Information |
General Information
Directions:
The lake is 60 miles east of Lexington, Kentucky. Exits 123, 133, and 137 off Interstate 64 provide the primary access routes.
Parking:
The recreation areas, boat ramps and trailheads have parking areas.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:- Claylick Boat-in Campground
- Clear Creek Campground
- Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
- Twin Knobs Recreation Area
- Twin Knobs West Group Use Area
- White Sulphur Horse Camp
- Zilpo Recreation Area
Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:Cabin Rentals
Recreation areas with activity Cabin Rentals:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:- Muskie Bend Fishing Site
- Ramey Creek Fishing Site
- Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area
- Windy Bay Fishing Site
River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Boat Gunnel Shoreline Trail #1206
- Buck Creek Trail #118
- Buckskin Trail #113
- Caney Trail #1226
- Carrington Branch Trail #121
- Carrington Rock Trail #123
- Cave Run Lake Trail #116
- Cave Run Trail #112
- Clear Creek Lake Trail #103
- Connector Trail #108
- Cross Over Trail #107
- Eagle Lake Trail #114
- Hog Pen Trail #106
- Knob Overlook Trail #1700
- Lakeview Ridge Trail #122
- Leatherwood Loop Trail #116A
- Limestone Bike Trail #109
- Limestone Connector #109A
- Martin Branch Trail #119
- Muskie Bend Trail #1210
- Oak Ridge Trail #1208
- Shallow Flats Trail #1209
- Shallow Pond Trail #1211
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 1
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 10
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 11
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 2
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 3
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 4
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 5
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 6
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 7
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 8
- Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 9
- Twin Knobs West Group Use Area
- Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail #1702
- White Sulphur OHV Trail System
- White Sulphur Trail #115/115A
- Wildlife Habitat Trail #1215
- Windy Bay Trails #1223/A/B
- Zilpo Connector Trail #113A
- Zilpo Mountain Trail #1802
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:- Alfrey Boat Ramp
- Bangor Boat Ramp
- Blackwater Boat Ramp
- Claylick Boat Ramp
- Leatherwood Boat Ramp
- Longbow Boat Ramp
- Longbow Marina
- Poppin Rock Boat Ramp
- Scott Creek Boat Ramp
- Scott Creek Marina
- Twenty Six Boat Ramp
- Twin Knobs Recreation Area
- Twin Knobs West Group Use Area
- Warix Run Boat Ramp
- Zilpo Recreation Area
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:Tubing
Recreation areas with activity Tubing:Waterskiing
Recreation areas with activity Waterskiing:Quick Links
Featured Events
- Indian Creek Kids Fishing Derby
Date(s): Jun 3, 2023 - Barren Fork Horse Camp Kids Fishing Derby
Date(s): Jun 3, 2023 - Redbird Kids Fishing Derby
Date(s): Jun 3, 2023 - Laurel-London Optimist Club Kids Fishing Derby
Date(s): Jun 3, 2023 - Cave Run Kids Fishing Derby
Date(s): Jun 3, 2023
Location