Explore Kentucky: Cave Run Lake

Kentucky has many great attraction points for visitors and locals. A favorite I'd like to share is the Cave Run Lake in northeast Kentucky. This 8,270-acre, man made lake was completed in 1974. It was actually a product of the process of making a damn constructed of earth and rockfill across the Licking River. The purpose of the dam was to reduce flood damage in the area. The Cave Run Lake area boasts many hollows and forested ridges which is all part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Daniel Boone National Forest was established in 1937. And to give you an idea of how large an area I am talking about the 706,000-acre forest covers portions of 21 Kentucky counties.It has so much to offer such as hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, hunting, site seeing, atv and horse back riding that you should make plans ahead of time to camp in one of the well maintained campgrounds.

There are two main campgrounds to choose from while planning a trip to the Cave Run Lake in northeast Kentucky. Either the Zilpo Recreation Area, located in Bath County or the Twin Knobs Campground, located in Rowan County. I highly recommend the Zilpo Recreation Area due to its' breathtaking water views as seen in my photo which accompanies this article. Whichever of the two you decide upon will greatly surpass all of your expectations. Both of these campgrounds are similar because they each are located on large peninsulas that extends directly out into the Cave Run Lake. And therefore, both have the abilities for great land and water activities. Yet I still lean towards the Zilpo Recreation Area as my favorite mostly because it definitely has the greatest scenic beauty I have ever seen. I guess you will just have to plan a visit to each and decide for yourself.

If you are not lured into visiting the Cave Run Lake for its' numerous activities, try exploreing many of the other options. The Zilpo Recreation Area would also make the perfect setting for your next family reunion. Our family has had the tradition as far back as I can recall. It's the perfect location to gather year after year. With that lovely backdrop of nature, your family also, will have those perfect, one of a kind pictures to cherish year after year. What ever reason you decide to visit Kentucky, we are certain of one thing. Once you visit, you will definitely want to come back. And when you do, I've compiled a list of helpful links that will save you time and effort. Below you'll find all you need to help in planning the perfect trip of visiting my homeland, Kentucky.

Driving Directions to Zilpo

Printable Tourist Map

Visitor Center

Photos of Cave Run Lake

Calender of Area Events

Current Weather for Cave Run Lake