Zilpo Rec Area Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Zilpo Rec Area is a beautiful camping area located in Kentucky with breathtaking surrounding views of the Daniel Boone National Forest.


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Summary

Visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks of the forest, serene lakes, and picturesque hiking trails.

There are several nearby points of interest to explore, including Cave Run Lake, Red River Gorge, and Natural Bridge State Resort Park. The campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. The campsites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and there are 172 campsites available for visitors.

An interesting fact about the area is that it was once a logging town in the early 1900s, and the remains of old logging camps can still be found in the surrounding forest. The best time of year to visit Zilpo Rec Area is during the fall season, with average temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.

Overall, Zilpo Rec Area is an excellent camping destination for those seeking to enjoy the beauty of nature while exploring the rich history of the surrounding forest.

       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Zilpo Rec AreaNORTH FORK TRIPLETT CREEK NEAR MOREHEAD Preview North Fork Triplett Creek Near Morehead
37.3cfs
37cfs
Zilpo Rec AreaROCK LICK CR AT STATE HWY 158 NR SHARKEY Preview Rock Lick Cr At State Hwy 158 Nr Sharkey
0.37cfs
0cfs
Zilpo Rec AreaRED RIVER NEAR HAZEL GREEN Preview Red River Near Hazel Green
71.5cfs
72cfs
Zilpo Rec AreaSLATE CREEK AT HIGHWAY 713 NR MT. STERLING Preview Slate Creek At Highway 713 Nr Mt. Sterling
59.6cfs
60cfs
Zilpo Rec AreaRED RIVER AT CLAY CITY Preview Red River At Clay City
548.0cfs
548cfs
Zilpo Rec AreaLICKING RIVER BELOW MASON FORK NR SALYERSVILLE Preview Licking River Below Mason Fork Nr Salyersville
59.0cfs
59cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

Related Links

Nearby Snowpack Depths View more

CAVE RUN LAKE
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MOREHEAD 6.4 NE
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OLIVE HILL 9.0 SSE
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MOUNT STERLING
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WATER WORKS-KENTUCKY #4
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BEATTYVILLE 4N
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Boat Launches

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Nearby Fishing