Zilpo Campground Review

Join me as I explore the Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake in this in-depth review. From the scenic surroundings to the available facilities, this video covers everything you need to know before planning your trip to this popular camping spot. #CampgroundReview #ZilpoCampground #CaveRunLake

Zilpo Campground, sits alongside one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky: Cave Run Lake. While staying at Zilpo Campground you can enjoy the views, catch some fish, recreate on the lake, take a hike, or just sit back and relax.

If you have never stayed here, check out my personal experience at Zilpo Campground. If you have stayed here before, stay tuned and enjoy the views, maybe learn something new, or drop me a comment and tell me about your experience here!

I love camping, and any information I can get prior always helps in my decision making and planning. Hopefully I can help you out too. So kick back, and check this place out!

*This is an account of my personal experience camping at Zilpo Campground. I recommend doing your research before staying at any campground. I am sure that you will find many different opinions and experiences relative to Zilpo Campground. Use your research to mitigate problems and make the most informed decision. At the end of the day, it’s about getting outdoors and making your life better.

Scored Review:
Accessibility: 2- PROS: Very wide campsites that are clear and appear to be easy to back into with an RV (be sure to check site details for exact measurements).

CONS: The biggest problem with accessing the campground came with the reservation process. There was confusion on the website with sites being listed as First-Come-First Serve versus available for Reservation. I would suggest calling the campground and asking before assuming that a site is available for set-up.
If you need to buy groceries, you will have a drive (17 miles to the nearest town of Salt Lick, KY). The closest large supermarket is in Morehead, KY (half-hour drive). Restaurants are far and few between, if you are looking to leave the campsite for a bite to eat.

Facilities: 5 - PROS: There are 166 total campsites; many with electricity. There are also 12 cabins that can accommodate up to six guests. The campsites do not have water, but there are water faucets throughout the campground. Every site is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. There are bathhouses spread throughout the campground and they are equipped with flush toilets and showers and sinks. There is a concrete boat ramp that will launch large recreational boats. There is a campground store on site with ice, firewood, camping accessories, and food.

CONS: One of the bathhouses that I visited was in dire need of repair and upgrade. The shower knob in the handicap shower was missing and it did not work. The seats in the changing area were almost too small to sit on, and there were no hooks to hang up your towels or clothes.
Would be nice if the campsite had freshwater access at each site. On site sewage would be nice also (it is quite a drive to the dump station). Did not observe any security element while there.

Atmosphere: 8- PROS: I found this campground to be very private and relaxing. It was quiet, minus the sounds of nature. Traffic around the campground was limited. Shade was abundant, even on a sunny day.

CONS: Nothing significant.

Scenery: 8. PROS: The views around the campground and the local area are amazing. From beautiful sunrises and sunsets on the lake to cascading waterfalls - the views don't disappoint. Virtually no litter, great job keeping the campground clean.

CONS: None really, but there is always a better view out there somewhere.

Things to do: 7 - Where do I start? If you are looking for a place with lots to do outside - this is it! Camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, sunning, recreating, relaxing, eating, and skipping rocks by the lake. You can find additional information in my video description.

CONS: If you are looking for things to do outside of the great outdoors, opportunities are far and few between.

My final score for this campground is a 30/50. Which is very close to a full thumbs down. I still made the most of it, but there are definitely areas that need improving!

REFERENCES/LINKS:

[RobertNew]

When we were in college we'd go up there and camp before a campground even existed and we'd hike all over the pioneer weapons area. Haven't been up there in a long time, I need to go back. Thanks for this video.

[jme-]

There's a few restaurants on US 60 between Salt lick and Farmer's Ky

[djmd]

That's a bummer about the reservation snafu. I just booked a site for Late October. I didn't see any sites that said "must call to reserve." But on the PDF map, there are some sites that say "reserved" with no explanation of what that means...