Koomer Ridge Campground
4.57140 reviewsKoomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Koomer Ridge Campground
$19.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak Season Fees: $24/night for walk-in tent sites, $31/night for single sites, $36/night for double sites. Winter Season Fees: $19/night for all sites. Additional fees include $9/night per extra vehicle and $45/day for group-use amphitheater reservations. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees.
About this campground
Escape to Koomer Ridge Campground, where towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral above your tent and the whisper of wind through leaves becomes your evening soundtrack. This semi-primitive sanctuary in the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area beckons those who seek authentic connection with Kentucky's wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the protective canopy or navigating a small RV through the winding forest roads, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's embrace. While modern hookups are absent, the essentials remain: a welcoming bathhouse with seasonal showers, fresh mountain water, and trails that begin right at your doorstep. Each campsite feels like a private woodland retreat, where dense foliage creates natural walls between neighbors and filtered sunlight dapples the forest floor.
Koomer Ridge Campground supports a range of camping experiences, including tent camping, walk-in sites, and small RV options.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in a landscape that has captivated humans for millennia. The Red River Gorge Geological Area serves as an open-air museum of both natural and human history, where ancient peoples once sought shelter beneath the same rock overhangs that hikers discover today. These sandstone cliffs and shelters hold archaeological treasures that tell stories spanning thousands of years. The unique geological formations that define this region have shaped not just the landscape, but the culture and heritage of eastern Kentucky, drawing generations of explorers, settlers, and modern adventurers to witness nature's architectural masterpieces.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Appalachian seasons at this year-round mountain escape. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and the return of hot showers on March 17th, continuing through the vibrant fall colors until November 5th. Summer brings gentle mountain breezes that temper the Kentucky humidity, making afternoons perfect for trail exploration and evenings ideal for campfire conversations. Autumn transforms the canopy into a breathtaking mosaic of golds and crimsons. For the adventurous, winter camping offers a completely different experience – imagine waking to frost-kissed trees and the profound silence that only snow can bring. Just pack accordingly for freezing temperatures and the occasional winter storm that blankets the gorge in pristine white.
ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, Koomer Ridge offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer months. This elevated position places you above the humid valleys below, where morning mists drift through the hollows and evening temperatures drop just enough to make your sleeping bag feel like a welcome embrace. The altitude creates perfect conditions for the diverse hardwood forest that surrounds the campground and contributes to the area's reputation as a hiker's paradise with panoramic vistas awaiting those who venture onto nearby ridgelines.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an ancient forest where massive oaks and maples have stood sentinel for generations, their intertwining branches creating a living roof overhead. Your campground neighbors include the pristine Clifty Wilderness Area, where untouched nature reigns supreme. But the true magic lies in the surrounding Red River Gorge – home to more natural stone arches than anywhere else east of the Mississippi River. These geological wonders, carved by millions of years of patient water and wind, create a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. Hidden waterfalls cascade over weathered sandstone, while miles of trails wind through narrow slot canyons and along clifftops offering breathtaking vistas. Each morning brings new light filtering through the forest canopy, and each evening paints the rock faces in warm alpenglow.
Geological RegionWelcome to one of America's most remarkable geological treasures – the Red River Gorge Geological Area within the Cumberland District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This extraordinary landscape showcases nature's artistic prowess through the highest concentration of natural arches east of the Mississippi River. Ancient seas, patient erosion, and geological upheaval have sculpted a wonderland of sandstone cliffs, mysterious rock shelters, and gravity-defying spans that seem to float between earth and sky. The dense forests that cloak these formations create an enchanted realm where every trail promises discovery – whether it's a hidden arch framing the sky, a rock shelter that once provided refuge to prehistoric peoples, or a viewpoint that suddenly reveals the vast tapestry of ridges and valleys stretching to the horizon. This is more than a camping destination; it's a journey into deep time itself.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair friendly, with accessible showers and flush toilets. However, vault toilets are not accessible.
Sites SizeSites accommodate tents and small RVs. Sites are described as spacious, with options for single or double occupancy.
Sites PrivacySite privacy ranges from fair to excellent, with the walk-in tent spur offering less privacy than the main loop.
Total Campsites53 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe tent-only spur to the left of the entrance offers secluded sites like #54. The loop near the bathhouse is recommended for its proximity to amenities and privacy.
Best CampsitesHighly recommended sites include site 54 in the tent-only section and site 41, a double site, for its spaciousness and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights is enforced.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard occupancy depends on site type. Double sites can accommodate up to 8 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes two spurs and a loop layout. Tent-only sites are clustered toward the left of the entrance, while combined sites are located around the bathhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. However, services like showers and potable water are only available from March 17 through November 5.
Reservation PlatformsN/A as no reservations are accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are exclusively first-come, first-served. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a site, especially during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers direct access to hiking trails in the Red River Gorge area and is a hub for outdoor activities.
Hiking
Hiking trails include Hidden Arch Trail (1 mile), Cliff Trail (0.3 miles), Silvermine Arch Trail (1 mile), and Koomer Ridge Trail (2.3 miles), connecting to over 50 miles of trails in the Red River Gorge.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to salamanders, whippoorwills, and owls. However, campers should be cautious of venomous snakes and other wildlife.Cultural and Educational Programs
Visitor programs are available under 'Outdoor Science and Learning,' though details are sparse.Winter Activities
Hiking is possible during the winter as the campground remains open year-round. However, services like showers are unavailable in winter.Water Sports
Water sports are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Visitors are advised to practice fire safety.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but reviews indicate that noise from neighboring sites and highway traffic can be an issue.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity, venomous snakes like copperheads, and steep trail terrain. Food storage compliance is strictly enforced to prevent bear encounters.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services can be accessed in Pine Ridge, which is approximately 5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 17 through November 5.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, though some reviews note that they are not always emptied regularly.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes or rivers are directly within the campground, but nearby trails lead to water features in the Red River Gorge area.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include unclean bathrooms, highway noise, and issues with site maintenance.
HostCampground hosts are described as generally friendly and helpful, though some dissatisfaction has been noted in reviews regarding campground cleanliness and enforcement of quiet hours.
Campground Map
Koomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Driving directionsTraveling east on the Mountain Parkway, take exit 33 at Slade. Turn left and then right onto KY 15. The campground is 5 miles on the left.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads, with no major navigation challenges reported. However, RV parking aprons are only paved for the first 20 feet, and the rest is gravel, which may not accommodate larger rigs.Nearby places
Pine Ridge (approximately 5 miles), Slade (approximately 5 miles), Stanton (approximately 12 miles), Campton (approximately 15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found at small shops in Pine Ridge (5 miles away) or Slade (5 miles away). Additional larger stores might be found in Stanton, approximately 12 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
140 reviews
Koomer Ridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and proximity to hiking trails. However, many expressed concerns about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers.
Review Summaries
Based on 140 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the campground's peaceful setting, well-spaced sites, and proximity to trails. Double sites were noted for their space and utility ('$30 per night for a double site that fit 4 cars,...
Based on 140 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include poorly maintained restrooms, highway noise, and the presence of venomous snakes. One camper noted, 'The state of disrepair and the lack of cleaning are intolerable.'
Based on 140 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash for payment and a pen to fill out the fee envelope. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a site.
Based on 140 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during spring and summer weekends. Winter visits are quieter but lack services like showers.
Based on 140 reviewsCamper Quotes
'This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.' 'Bathrooms on the other hand are nasty.' 'Great spot centralized to most of the trails we hit!'
Based on 140 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #41 is recommended for trailers. Site #54 is noted for its unique location. Sites on the left fork offer less privacy.
Based on 140 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews highlight the accessible showers and flush toilets, but some mention challenges for those with significant disabilities.
Based on 140 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users complained about dogs barking at night. 'The problem is dogs are allowed here, and most dog owners don't care if their dog barks all night.'
Based on 140 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025