National park · United States
Daniel Boone National Forest
No entrance fee: drive in free and pay only for camping ($8–26 a night) or a Red River Gorge overnight permit. Give it 2–3 days based at Slade or London; the gorge is the reason to come, and it fills on spring and autumn weekends.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,865 km²1,106 sq mi
approximate
Established
1937
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2,865 km²1,106 sq mi
- About 708,000 acres (2,865 km²) spread across eastern Kentucky in four ranger districts; the boundary is not one block (check).
- Established
- 1937
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Daniel Boone National Forest is not a park with a gate: 708,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau spread across four ranger districts in eastern Kentucky, free to drive and walk, with fees only for camping. The Red River Gorge Geological Area near Slade holds the sandstone arches, cliff rims and densest trail network, and it is the one place you need an overnight permit. Come for 2–3 days based at Slade or Campton, walk early, and treat the gorge as the anchor rather than trying to cover the whole forest.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1937.
Size and age
2,865 km²1,106 sq mi · national park since 1937
About 708,000 acres (2,865 km²) spread across eastern Kentucky in four ranger districts; the boundary is not one block (check).
Why go
- Sandstone arches, cliff-lined gorges and ridge views on 600+ miles of trail, all free to walk.
- The Red River Gorge Geological Area packs the best scenery into one compact, drivable pocket.
- Cave Run and Laurel River lakes add swimming, boating and shoreline camping in summer.
- You can camp for $8–26 a night, or free at several primitive sites, instead of paying motel rates.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanIce on trails; most campgrounds shut
- FebCold, wet, quiet
- MarMuddy; some sites still closed
- AprWildflowers, full campgrounds open
- MayWarm days; busy weekends
- JunHot and humid; go early
- JulHeat and afternoon storms
- AugHumid; lake swimming at its best
- SepCooling; crowds on holidays
- OctColour peak; book or arrive early
- NovBare trees, open views, few people
- DecShort days; ice possible
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bears around the Red River GorgeApr–Nov · Food storage rules are enforced; hang or lock all food and scented items. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| White-tailed deer and wild turkeyAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Spring wildflowers and migrating warblersApr–May | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn colourOct–Nov | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no |
| Ticks and poison ivyMay–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Lexington, KY
I-64 east then the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway to Slade, the gateway to Red River Gorge.
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Louisville, KY
I-64 east to the Mountain Parkway; about 2 h 30 to Slade.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
From Cincinnati, OH
I-75 south to I-64 east, then the Mountain Parkway.
3–3.5 h
Open the page →
From Knoxville, TN
I-75 north into Kentucky, then US-25E or KY-92 toward the Stearns and London districts.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
From Morehead, KY
I-64 to the Cave Run Lake area and the northern end of the Sheltowee Trace.
30–45 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Red River Gorge Geological Area | Sandstone arches, cliffs and the densest trail network, around Slade and KY-15. | Free; permit needed only to camp overnight. |
| Cave Run Lake district | 8,270-acre lake near Morehead with boating, beaches and shoreline campgrounds. | Free to reach; camping fees apply. |
| London and Laurel River Lake district | 5,600-acre lake, 200 miles of shore, and the Rockcastle River corridor. | Free to reach; camping fees apply. |
| Stearns district | Southern ridges and the Big South Fork edge, with quiet primitive camping. | Free; some sites seasonal. |
Sketch map
- 1Slade · Town≈37.794, -83.694Gateway to Red River Gorge.Map ↗
- 2Red River Gorge Geological Area · Trail≈37.834, -83.608Map ↗
- 3Natural Bridge State Park · Viewpoint≈37.777, -83.683Map ↗
- 4Koomer Ridge Campground · Sleep≈37.807, -83.650Map ↗
- 5Cave Run Lake · Beach≈38.081, -83.492Map ↗
- 6Morehead · Town≈38.184, -83.433Map ↗
- 7Laurel River Lake · Beach≈36.950, -84.267Map ↗
- 8London · Town≈37.129, -84.083Map ↗
- 9Cumberland Falls · Viewpoint≈36.839, -84.344Map ↗
- 10Stearns · Town≈36.699, -84.477Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest entry (driving, hiking, viewpoints) | Free | vehicle | No gate fee anywhere in the national forest. |
| Red River Gorge overnight backcountry permit | US$3–5 | person per night | 2026 estimate; required for camping in the gorge geological area (check current rate). |
| Koomer Ridge Campground, tent site | US$18–26 | site per night | 2026 estimate; tent sites cheaper than RV sites, winter tent rate lower (check). |
| Primitive Forest Service campgrounds (Rockcastle, Turkey Foot, Great Meadows) | Free | site per night | No fee; vault toilets, no potable water in some seasons. |
| Bee Rock Campground | US$8–12 | site per night | 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Red River Gorge backcountry camping permit or guide
Backcountry camping elsewhere in the forest no permit
Rock climbing no permit
Park rules
- Alcohol
- Kentucky law bans open containers and drinking in public places, which includes national forest land and the lakes; some nearby towns are dry too.
- Camping distance
- No camping within 100 ft (30 m) of cliffs or in rock shelters, and at least 300 ft from Forest Service trails and from Cave Run and Laurel River lake shores.
- Red River Gorge camping
- A permit is required for overnight stays inside the geological area; check the current process before you drive in.
- Food storage
- Bear-resistant storage is required in the gorge and enforced by rangers; never leave food in a tent.
- Climbing
- Area-specific regulations apply, including seasonal raptor closures; check the Forest Service climbing page for your crag.
- Fires and litter
- Use existing rings, keep fires small, and carry out all rubbish; fire bans follow dry spells.
Where to stay
In the park
Koomer Ridge Campground
Forest Service campground in the gorge, 5 miles from Slade; tent and RV sites, no hookups, first come first served.
In the park
Twin Knobs and Zilpo Recreation Areas
Cave Run Lake campgrounds with hookups, showers and beaches; some sites reservable.
In the park
Grove and Holly Bay Campgrounds
Laurel River Lake sites with water and electric hookups; partly reservable in summer.
In the park
Bee Rock, Rockcastle, Turkey Foot, Great Meadows
Primitive tent sites, some free, vault toilets, seasonal water.
Near the park
Slade and Campton
Motels, cabins and rental houses closest to the gorge trails.
Near the park
Morehead, London and Corbin
Chain hotels and restaurants 30–60 minutes from the main trailheads.
Safety
Cliff edges and unmarked drops high
Getting lost off-trail medium
Afternoon storms and flash flooding medium
Heat and humidity medium
Winter ice medium
Accessibility
- Driving routes and lake-area picnic grounds are paved and reachable by car.
- Some overlooks and short paved paths suit wheelchairs and strollers; most gorge trails are rough, rooted and stepped.
- Campground shower houses and vault toilets vary; check the individual site listing before booking.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps, in bear country.
- Use established campsites and fire rings rather than clearing new ground.
- Keep to marked trails at arches and cliffs; social paths erode sandstone fast.
- Buy fuel and food in Slade, Morehead, London or Corbin so the gateway towns keep benefiting from visitors.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Daniel Boone National Forest?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee or gate anywhere in the forest, and hiking, driving and viewpoints are free. You pay only for camping — roughly $8–26 a night at Forest Service campgrounds, with several primitive sites free — and for a Red River Gorge overnight backcountry permit, about $3–5 per person per night (2026 estimate; check the current rate).
What are the best hikes in Daniel Boone National Forest?
For a short first walk, the Rock Bridge Arch loop (1–1.5 h, easy). For the classic gorge view, Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock (3–4 h, moderate). For a long route, a section of the 290-mile Sheltowee Trace. Natural Bridge and Lookout Point are the most popular climb, and they get crowded on autumn weekends.
When is the best time to visit Daniel Boone National Forest?
April–May for wildflowers and mild walking, and October for colour and clear views. Both are the busiest weekends, so arrive early or book camping ahead. June–August is hot and humid with afternoon storms; December–February is cold, icy in places and very quiet.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Only inside the Red River Gorge Geological Area, where an overnight permit is required. Elsewhere in the forest, backcountry camping is allowed without one, but not within 100 ft (30 m) of cliffs or in rock shelters, and at least 300 ft from Forest Service trails and from Cave Run and Laurel River lake shores.
Can I drink alcohol in the forest?
No. Kentucky law bans open containers and drinking in public places, which includes national forest land and the lakes. Some nearby towns are dry as well, so check before you buy.
Is there a national park pass for this forest?
No. The America the Beautiful pass covers national parks, monuments and other federal fee areas, but Daniel Boone National Forest has no entrance fee to cover. Buy a pass only if your trip also includes fee-charging sites.
Where should I stay near Red River Gorge?
Camp at Koomer Ridge inside the gorge, or rent a cabin or motel room in Slade or Campton, 10–20 minutes from the main trailheads. Morehead, London and Corbin have chain hotels if you prefer a base with restaurants.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialUS Forest Service — Daniel Boone National Forest
- officialUS Forest Service — Red River Gorge Geological Area
- officialUS Forest Service — Koomer Ridge Campground
- officialUS Forest Service — Cave Run Lake
- officialUS Forest Service — Laurel River Lake
- secondaryWikipedia — Daniel Boone National Forest
- secondaryWikivoyage: Daniel Boone National Forest, revision 5194465 (CC BY-SA 4.0)