Seeing Red
Practicing Leave No Trace:
Preserving the Gorge for Generations
To keep Red River Gorge pristine, all visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles:
Plan ahead – Know the regulations, check the weather, and pack accordingly.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces – Stick to existing trails and campgrounds
Dispose of waste properly – Pack out all trash and use proper disposal methods for human waste.
Leave what you find – Don’t take rocks, plants, or artifacts.
Minimize campfire impact – Use existing fire rings and fully extinguish your fire before leaving.
Respect wildlife – Store food properly and observe animals from a distance.
Be considerate of others – Keep noise levels low and respect the solitude of fellow campers.
If your idea of the perfect spring break escape involves towering cliffs, pristine forests, and a sky bursting with stars, then forget the crowded beaches and head straight to Red River Gorge. Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, this adventure-packed destination is a camper’s paradise, offering everything from convenient campgrounds to backcountry seclusion. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back getaway or a rugged backcountry experience, the Gorge has something to offer.
Koomer Ridge Campground: A Blend of Comfort and Wilderness
For those who enjoy a balance between rustic adventure and basic amenities, Koomer Ridge Campground is the place to be. Situated deep in Daniel Boone National Forest, this semi-primitive campground offers 54 tent sites and 19 spots for trailers in a peaceful wooded setting. Amenities include:
Drinking water
Year-round vault toilets
Flush toilets and showers (available April 1 – Oct. 31)
Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
Koomer Ridge operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is recommended. The campground is known for its easy access to great hiking trails, including Hidden Arch and Silvermine Arch, making it an excellent basecamp for daytime adventures before settling in for a campfire-lit evening under the stars.
Primitive Camping: Embracing the Backcountry
If you’re the type who craves solitude and a true connection to nature, backcountry camping in Red River Gorge will be right up your alley. Unlike designated campgrounds, the backcountry allows you to set up camp in the heart of nature, as long as you follow a few essential rules:
Stay at least 300 feet away from trails and water sources to protect natural habitats.
Use existing clearings and fire rings to minimize your environmental impact.
Pack in, pack out—leave absolutely no trace of your stay.
Must-See Backcountry Camping Spots
Red River Gorge offers some of the most breathtaking and secluded backcountry campsites, perfect for those seeking adventure and solitude.
Indian Staircase Area – One of the most famous backcountry spots, this area offers incredible views after a steep, unmarked hike up the sandstone steps of Indian Staircase. While camping inside rock shelters is prohibited, there are numerous clearings nearby that provide excellent sites for setting up camp under the stars.
Clifty Wilderness – Spanning 13,000 acres, Clifty Wilderness is one of the most remote areas in the Gorge, featuring rugged cliffs, steep valleys, and heavily forested terrain. Camping here provides complete solitude and an authentic wilderness experience, making it a favorite for experienced backpackers.
Securing Permits: A Necessary Step
Before you head out for a night (or several) in the wild, you’ll need to secure a backcountry camping permit. Here’s what you need to know:
Overnight parking requires a permit between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Permits can be purchased at Daniel Boone National Forest offices or select vendors in nearby Slade.
Pricing: $5 for a day pass, $7 for a three-day pass, or $50 for an annual pass.
Failing to display a permit could result in a fine—so make sure you’ve got that part covered before heading into the wild.
Natural Bridge
Beyond Koomer Ridge:
Other Must-Visit Campgrounds
While Koomer Ridge is a fantastic option, Red River Gorge is home to many other campgrounds, each offering a unique experience:
Natural Bridge Campground – Located just 10 minutes from major attractions, this campground offers RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins.
Callie’s Lake and Campground – A 50-acre campground featuring a four-acre lake for fishing and swimming, plus RV hookups and primitive sites.
4 Guys RV Park – Nestled in Stanton, Ky., this site has nearly 70 full-hookup RV spots surrounded by beautiful forest views.
Red River Adventure Campground – The only riverside campground in Red River Gorge, perfect for kayakers and paddlers.
Daniel Boone Campground – Offers full RV hookups and primitive sites, conveniently located near Natural Bridge State Park.
Land of the Arches Campground – A favorite among climbers, this site is just minutes from Muir Valley and Pendergrass-Murray Nature Preserve.
Top Hikes for Every Skill Level
A trip to Red River Gorge isn’t complete without exploring its scenic trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail for you:
Beginner Hikes
Sky Bridge Loop (0.75 miles, 150 ft elevation gain) – A short yet breathtaking hike that offers panoramic views of the Gorge, including the famous Sky Bridge Arch.
Whistling Arch Trail (0.5 miles, 40 ft elevation gain) – A gentle out-and-back trail leading to a natural arch with stunning vistas beyond.
Intermediate Hikes
Double Arch, Star Gap Arch, and Arch of Triumph Loop (5.6 miles) – A rewarding hike featuring multiple arches and sweeping views of the landscape.
Auxier Ridge and Courthouse Rock (5 miles) – One of the best ridge hikes in the Gorge, offering fantastic rock formations and scenic overlooks.
Advanced Hikes
Indian Staircase and Indian Arch (3.5 miles) – A rugged, unmarked trail with a challenging ascent that rewards hikers with jaw-dropping views.
Pinch-Em Tight, Rough Trail, and Rush Ridge Loop (3.8 miles, 751 ft elevation gain) – A demanding yet beautiful loop featuring rock scrambles and panoramic views.
Red River Gorge is a dream destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable spring break experience. Whether you’re spending your nights under the comforts of Koomer Ridge, backpacking into the wilderness, or paddling down the Red River, the Gorge offers a little something for everyone.
This spring break, swap out the hotel reservations for a tent, trade the city lights for a sky full of stars, and let Red River Gorge become the backdrop of your next great adventure.
– Jarrett Baston
Halfmoon Rock