Cave Run Dam Tailwater

About this campsite

Overview

The Tailwater Recreation Area is located below Cave Run Lake Dam. Located within the scenic Eastern Highlands Region of Kentucky and is almost completely surrounded by the norther-most section of the Daniel Boone National Forest. An earth and rockfill dam built across the Licking River created Cave Run Lake.

Recreation

The Tailwater area is a general use day use recreation site. Provides boat access to the Licking River and fishing opertunities. The area has two picnic shelters, five first come first serve uncovered picnic sites, and a swing set. The area does not allow hunting.

Facilities

The shelter facilites are located along the retreat channel of Cave Run Lake Dam seperated by a small stand of maple trees. The shelters have a access road right up to the shelter to allow ease of access upon request.

Natural Features

The norther-most section of the Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds the Cave Run Lake project and offers visitors many scenic, natural and historic points of interest. Over 300 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can be found in the hardwood-covered hills, forest openings, streams, ponds and caves of the scenic National Forest.

Location

Cave Run Dam Tailwater•KY

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TUE🌫️

23° / 16°

💧 3%

WED🌦️

24° / 17°

💧 35%

THU☁️

24° / 14°

💧 30%

FRI☁️

24° / 9°

—

SAT☁️

24° / 8°

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Nearby Campsites

within 50km

3.0 km away

TWIN KNOBS CAMPGROUND

Overview Nestled on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this camp is part of the larger Twin Knobs Recreation Area. There are more than 200 sites spread out over 10 loops under a dense forest of mixed conifer and deciduous trees. The recreation area includes two reservable group picnic areas. Group camping is also available. Recreation Summer amphitheater programs and scheduled campground activities provide family fun and entertainment. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball hoops and horseshoe pits. There is a boat ramp and beach. Popular lake activities include fishing, swimming, motor boating, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing. Scenic foot trails include the 2.5-mile Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the 1.5-mile Knob Overlook Trail. Facilities There is a variety of different camp sites that include paved spurs that can accommodate any size RV, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Some sites have electric hookups. Facilities include bathhouses with showers, drinking water and flush toilets. The bathhouses and some picnic areas are accessible. Natural Features The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region. Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. Nearby Attractions The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.

3.6 km away

BOAT GUNNEL GROUP CAMPGROUND

Overview Boat Gunnel Group Campground is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest on Cave Run Lake. Widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities, Cave Run Lake is home to Kentucky's state record Muskie. This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Recreation Nearby Twin Knobs Campground offers a boat ramp and beach. Scenic foot trails in the area include the Boat Gunnel Shoreline Trail, the Oak Ridge Trail and the Wildlife Trail. Facilities Boat Gunnel Group Campground offers a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers, picnic shelter, horseshoe pit and drinking water. The camping area accommodates large groups of up to 100 people and is available by reservation only. The picnic shelter is equipped with a grill, serving table and electricity. Natural Features The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this region. Cave Run Lake is in the Cumberland District in the northernmost part of the forest. The lake is surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. Nearby Attractions The Morehead Office Visitor Center offers information about the Daniel Boone National Forest in addition to interpretive exhibits. A popular attraction within the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which features more than 100 natural sandstone arches.

4.7 km away

White Sulphur Horse Camp

Campground: White Sulphur Horse Camp.

5.6 km away

ZILPO - DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR.

Overview 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. Recreation Water skiing and swimming are wonderful ways to enjoy the lake. Muskie, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish attract avid anglers. Hikers are fans of the Zilpo Mountain Loop Trail that extends for 2.25 miles, connecting to a network of other trails around the lake. Nature programs are regularly scheduled during peak season and wildlife watching is rewarding. Facilities Electric hookups are provided at some campsites. Drinking water is located centrally within the loops. Flush toilets and showers are spread throughout the campground as well. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. A dump station and concrete boat ramp are also included. Each of the 12 cabins can accommodate up to six guests. They each have a table, two chairs and a sleeping area with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds). A picnic table, lantern post and campfire ring are provided outside. Pets may reside only in cabins 41,120,121 and 123. Cabins 109, 123 and 136 have ramps that can accommodate wheel chairs. A campground store with ice, firewood, camping gear and food is on-site. Roads are paved and level tent pads are gravel. Natural Features Zilpo sits on a peninsula in the middle portion of Cave Run Lake at an elevation of 800 feet. The lake spans 8,270 acres with soft, sandy beaches. The campground is shaded by a stand of mixed hardwoods, and campsites have good privacy. Nearby Attractions The nearest community is 12 miles away.

8.6 km away

Claylick Boat-In Campground

Overview Claylick Boat-in Campground is located on Cave Run Lake on the Cumberland District. It features 13 primitive campsites on Cave Run Lake. The campground must be entered by boat or by walking in from the nearby Claylick Boat Ramp parking lot. The walk is approximately 1/2-mile. Boat moorings are available at the campground for those who boat in. If you park at Claylick Boat Ramp and walk in, you will need to purchase a pass to display in your vehicle. Natural Features Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie. This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service.