Cave Creek
4.63164 reviews1543 Cave Creek Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119
Cave Creek
$18.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$60.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by season and site type, ranging from $18 for non-peak season tent-only non-electric sites to $60 for peak season standard electric sites. Fees do not include taxes or additional service charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Cave Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 65 thoughtfully positioned campsites amid rolling hills and ancient forests. Whether you prefer the convenience of one of the 36 electric hookup sites or the rustic charm of primitive camping, you'll find modern comforts including hot showers and a convenient dump station. Beyond your tent or RV, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through the trees, a peaceful fishing pier extending into the lake, and a family-friendly playground where children's laughter mingles with birdsong.
Cave Creek Campground accommodates tent, RV, and group camping. "Campsites are spacious and most have some sort of shade," reported a camper.
Historical SignificanceYour Cave Creek adventure serves as a gateway to Kentucky's rich heritage. Just a short drive away, the historic Green Farm offers glimpses into 19th-century rural life, while the world-famous Mammoth Cave National Park invites you to explore the planet's longest known cave system. These nearby treasures transform your camping trip into a journey through time, from ancient geological wonders to the stories of early Kentucky settlers who shaped this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Cave Creek into a verdant paradise where warm days invite swimming and water sports, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the lake, bringing welcome relief and dramatic skies. Pack your bug spray for those balmy evenings by the campfire. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a photographer's dream as the surrounding hardwood forests burst into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Cool, crisp air and fewer crowds make fall the perfect season for hiking, fishing, and savoring s'mores under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to mist rising from Rough River Lake as songbirds herald the dawn from their perches in towering hardwoods. The campground's dramatic landscape showcases nature's artistry, where ancient sandstone cliffs stand sentinel over the water, their faces etched by millennia of wind and rain. Spring and fall bring spectacular migrations as waterfowl paint the sky in ever-changing patterns, while the dense canopy provides sanctuary for countless species year-round. Every trail reveals new wonders, from hidden coves perfect for kayaking to sun-dappled glades where wildflowers dance in the breeze.
Geological RegionCave Creek Campground rests within Kentucky's captivating karst country, where time and water have sculpted a masterpiece from layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The rolling hills that embrace Rough River Lake tell a story millions of years in the making, their ancient cliffs revealing the patient work of prehistoric seas and rivers. Throughout the region, mysterious sinkholes and hidden caverns hint at the elaborate underground labyrinths that honeycomb the bedrock, creating a landscape that's as fascinating below ground as it is beautiful above.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible features such as an accessible fishing pier and accessible pit toilets.
Sites SizeCampsites range from spacious (Loop A) to compact and challenging (Loop B and C).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; "Each lot is very good size and you don't feel like you are right on top of other campers," noted one reviewer.
Total Campsites65 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #48 is recommended for solar panel setups, while #56 is noted for its spacious layout and lake views. Sites in Loop A offer more shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesHighly praised sites in user reviews include #48 for shade and privacy, #56 for concrete pads and lake views, and #55 for accessibility and scenic settings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during any single visit, and a total of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit data on guest limits per site.
Groups
Group Shelter Electric sites are available. "Had a great camping weekend. We were in site 56 & had a great view of the lake," shared a user.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops (A-F), with varying site layouts offering electric and non-electric options.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen between May 15 and October 27 for reservations. Out-of-season period from September 2 to October 16, and facility closes on October 27.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its mobile app. Phone reservations are also supported.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is allowed, but reservations are not marked in advance, encouraging campers to reserve sites prior to arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee if processed before the arrival date. Late cancellations (the day before or day of arrival) will result in a charge of the first night's usage fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee plus the first night's usage fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to all age groups. "We chose Cave Creek for the new mountain bike trail system that recently opened," reported one visitor. Activities include fishing, boating, disc golf, basketball, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking trails are reportedly well-maintained and scenic. "Highly recommend visiting the cave and hiking trails," noted one review.Fishing
Fishing is popular here, with species such as bass, crappie, and catfish available. "The fishing pier is nice," said one camper.Biking
Mountain bike trail system recently opened. "Awesome MTB trails. We will definitely go back," stated a user.Boating
Boating is heavily endorsed, with pontoon, johnboat, and jet ski rentals available nearby. "Rough River Lake is one of our favorite places to take our boat," exclaimed a camper.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes migratory songbirds and waterfowl. "We see a lot of wildlife and the couple that run Cave Creek are great people," shared one visitor.Winter Activities
No explicit winter recreation details.Water Sports
No direct mentions of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only within designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent pest infestations.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife, particularly raccoons, have been reported entering tents and damaging property. Steep roads and narrow turns can pose a challenge for large RVs.
Active alertsNo specific alerts or closures currently noted.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Nearest hospital and emergency services likely located in Leitchfield, KY, approximately 15 minutes away. For facility-specific emergencies, the Corps of Engineers office can be contacted at (270) 257-2061.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 2
Trash and recyclingMultiple reviews mention issues with trash: "Fire ring was full of trash," and "Thousands of cigarette butts on the ground throughout the park." Maintenance appears inconsistent.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Rough River Lake, offering access to a fishing pier and boat ramp. Select sites provide views of the water.
Common complaintsComplaints include dirty shower facilities, cigarette litter, steep and narrow roads, and lack of enforcement of long-term stay rules.
HostHosts Darlene and Rick are universally praised for their helpfulness, friendliness, and dedication to maintaining the campground.
Campground Map
1543 Cave Creek Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119
Driving directionsBegin at ramp onto Gene Snyder Freeway KY-841W toward I-65, traveling 6.5 miles. Take I-65/Louisville/Nashville, Exit Number 10, onto I-65 S toward Nashville/Elizabethtown, traveling 34 miles. Take US-31W/KY-62/Wendell H Ford Western Kentucky Parkway/Hodgenville/Paducah, Exit Number 91, toward Paducah/Elizabethtown/Owensboro/Western Kentucky Parkway W, traveling 29.6 miles. Take KY-259/Leitchfield/Brownsville, Exit Number 107, traveling .3 miles. Turn right onto S Main Street/KY-259, traveling .9 miles. Take 3rd exit from roundabout Courthouse Square onto W Main Street/KY-54, traveling 10.9 miles. Turn right onto Falls of Rough Road/KY-79, traveling 4.6 miles. Turn right onto Cave Creek Road KY-736, traveling 1.8 miles. End at 1543 Cave Creek Road, Falls of Rough, KY. Distance is approximately 90 miles with an approximate travel time of 1.5 hours.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, roads within the campground itself are described as steep, curvy, and narrow, presenting challenges for large RVs and trailers.Nearby places
Falls of Rough (0 miles), Leitchfield (10.9 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Hardinsburg (approximately 20 miles), Mammoth Cave National Park (approximately 60 miles, 1-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Fuel and dollar store are approximately 10 minutes away near Leitchfield, KY. Other supplies like groceries and camping essentials may require a drive to nearby towns such as Leitchfield or Hardinsburg.
Camper Reviews
4.6
164 reviews
Cave Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cave Creek receives mixed reviews ranging from praise for its friendly staff and scenic views to complaints about maintenance issues. "Rick and Darlene are great! Very friendly and helpful," reported numerous users.
Review Summaries
Based on 164 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include friendly park attendants, spacious campsites, clean facilities, and scenic views. "The campground host are some of the finest people you can come to know," stated one camper.
Based on 164 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include trash on-site, inconsistent cleanliness of facilities, and challenging campsite layouts. "The fire ring was full of trash," noted a reviewer.
Based on 164 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users advise choosing level campsites, avoiding steep roads, and bringing bug spray for hiking. "Pick a different campsite that is more level," one user recommended.
Based on 164 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight boating and fishing, while fall reviews emphasize hiking and scenic beauty. "Facilities were adequate and very clean," noted during autumn.
Based on 164 reviewsCamper Quotes
Multiple quotes highlight experiences: "We enjoyed our stay," "Great place to camp," "Needs leveling and gravel," and "Wonderful and relaxing campground."
Based on 164 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific issues include muddy terrain at site 18, trash at site 48, and challenging access at site 15. "Our campsite smelled like raw sewage all weekend," reported a camper at site 05.
Based on 164 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible fishing pier praised; mixed reviews on campsite accessibility.
Based on 164 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly features appreciated: "Cave Creek is a beautiful place to camp! The campsites are arranged nicely. I love that it is 'pet friendly,'" stated one camper.
Based on 164 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025