Red River Gorge Geological Area is nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest in central Kentucky. Koomer Ridge Campground is the only developed campground managed by the Daniel Boone National Forest Service in the Gorge; however, camping is permitted anywhere within the geological area unless marked otherwise. The maps below show unofficial campsite locations dispersed throughout the park.
The maps are created from personal experience and the collection of information from many sources and individuals. They are intended to assist in planning backpack trips by providing a good idea of where you should expect to find campsite locations.
Campsites are first come first serve and site size vary considerably. Keep in mind site may no longer exist due to low usage causing overgrowth. Equally important, assume there are many other sites not shown on the maps as they can’t all be captured and new sites pop up every year.
Plan to camp at established locations to lessen the impact to the wilderness area. Furthermore, understand and follow leave no trace principles while staying at the gorge or any other outdoor location.
Leave a comment if you know of a site or point of interest to capture on the map by providing the location information and description.
Trip Planning preparation
Get the most up-to-date park information by visiting an official park website which provides information about park permits, park updates, road & trail closures and official park maps. The maps provided in this post are not official park maps and should only be used for reference and planning purposes.
The dispersed campsites shown on the maps below should be considered ‘primitive’. This means there are no facilities like restrooms and potable water around the area. Visitors need to plan to have their own shelter, food, water purification and plan to use the restroom following best outdoor practices. Many sites deep within the park are accessed and accompanied by those backpacking through the park.
The Red River Gorge is renowned for its diverse terrain; from towering cliffs, lush forests and meandering rivers and creeks. Choosing the right campsite depends on your preferences and experiences you seek. Safety should always be a factor when selecting a campsite. Many campsites in this area offer a cliffside perch or riverside retreat, but the risk of fall and flooding should always be considered when selecting a site.
Red River Gorge Campsite Map
Downloadable 11″x17″ maps are provided via the links below. These maps are periodically updated with new information.
Campsite locations are marked with the red dots. Park trails are marked in purple and side trails marked with black dashed lines.
Red River Gorge Map w/ Points of Interest
The following Red River Gorge map contains points of interest, like overlooks and arches, along with the campsite locations.
Bantam Tips
- The Red River George Geological Area, “The Red”, is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest and is managed by the Cumberland Ranger District.
- There is no fee for trail use, however vehicle passes are required and can be purchased at local establishments.
- Koomer Ridge Campground is a semi-primitive campground with a nightly fee and is managed by the forest service.
- Backcountry camping and is permitted anywhere within the Red River Gorge Geological Area, and Clifty Wilderness.
- Be sure to check out the Forest Service websites for the most up to date park information.
- There is a lot to do other than backpacking in the Gorge. Check out this site of more information.
Backpacking Preparation Checklist
Checkout this backpacking checklist while preparing for your adventure within the Red River Gorge.
