CAve Run Lake
When searching for the perfect spot to cool down during in the heat of the summer sun, look no further than the Cave Run Lake. Situated one hour and forty-five minutes to the east of Lexington in the picturesque Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake features a plethora of recreational opportunities including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing for visitors to enjoy.
Where to Stay:
To begin, it is important to discuss the options for setting up a home base during your time at Cave Run so after your adventure filled day you will have a spot to cozy up to and rest your head. If you prefer camping, Cave Run Lake has several accommodations for visitors. The Twin Knobs recreation area offers 700 acres on Cumberland Ranger District land with tons of amenities. Here, you will find 200 campsites developed to accommodate RV hookups and tent sites to meet any need you have on your excursion. Facilities for Twin Knobs include: bathhouses with showers and flush toilets, scenic foot trails with overlooks and nearby boat ramps with vehicle and boat trailer parking. One of the most majestic features of this site is the sandy beach with a roped off swimming area to enjoy offering visitors a spectacular view of the lake. The campground also has volleyball courts, basketball goals and horseshoe stations.
The Clear Creek primitive campground is located off Zilpo Scenic Byway near a gently flowing stream. Each campsite here features a tent pad, grill and lantern pole. White Sulphur Horse Camp was developed as a primitive campground for horseback riders providing them access to more than 50 miles of multiple-use trails. Located near Cave Run Lake, the parking area at White Sulphur is designed to accommodate up to 30 vehicles with trailers up to 50 feet long and is also open all year for your convenience. Horses can enjoy a cool drink from the watering trough and picket lines are also available though this campground has no electricity. The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area has seven campsites available year round, some of which include fire rings for roasting s’mores and lantern posts. Unique to Cave Run is the Claylick Boat-In Campground because this campsite can only be accessed by entering by boat or by walking into it from the nearby Claylick Boat Ramp parking lot with the walk being about a half of a mile. This option has 13 primitive campsites and is open from mid-April to mid-October. Finally, the Zilpo Recreation Area is the only campground for visitors who prefer to rent a cabin rather than staying in tents or RVs. For other cabin and bed and breakfast rental options, be sure to visit the Cave Run Lake website and search lodging for a complete listing.
What to Do:
As stated previously, the Cave Run Lake area offers activities tailored to meet the entertainment needs, hobbies and passions for every individual. Beginning with the watersport varietals, visitors will enjoy swimming with designated swimming recreation areas at Twin Knobs and Zilpo Campgrounds. For those who seek waterskiing as an option, visit the Twin Knobs Recreation Area is where you want to be. Boating is vastly popular throughout the area and rentals are available at the local marinas (Longbow Marina and Scott Creek Marina). If you like Muskie, you will love fishing Cave Run. Horseback riding and ATV riding as well as hiking and biking are available for those wishing to explore the wildlife of Cave Run. Other recreational activities at the 8,270-acre lake are as follows: climbing, shopping, hunting, nature viewing, picnicking, caving, target shooting and scenic driving.
Cave Run Lake a refreshing option when escaping the fervor of Lexington but with an abundance of recreational options, there is an activity for everyone in your party to enjoy.
For more information on any of these fitness havens, please visit their websites at caverun.org