Let's Camp: Red River Gorge, KY

Let's Camp: Red River Gorge, KY

I am planning on doing a lot of hiking. You may join me or chose you own activities.

Red River Gorge is about a 6:30+ hours drive from Chicago.

We will be camping 3 nights at Koomer Campgrounds.

FYI: Average Temps: High 72, Low 52, Sunrise: 6:45 EDT, Sunset: 8:19 EDT

Post in the comments if you are looking to share a ride and/or a campsite.

I am on Site #7. (There is a campground map in Photo's below.)
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Tentative Schedule (You may join us or not.):

Thursday: Arrive, setup camp.
If time, Hike to Silver Mine Arch (2.8 miles) and Hidden Arch (2.3 miles) from the campgrounds. If not enough time, we will doing it another evening.

Friday Morning: Hike (7.3 miles) Double Arch, Star Gap Arch, Arch of Triumph, Auxier Ridge, and Courthouse Rock Loop

Friday Afternoon: Drive River Gorge Scenic Byway. We will be checking out arches near the roadway and Nada Tunnel.

Friday Evening: Relax by the fire.

Saturday Morning: Hike (5 miles) Indian Staircase and Cloud Splitter. This is one of the more challenging trails in are area. You will be proud of yourself when you finish this hike.

Saturday Afternoon: Go the Natural Bridge State Resort Park for a hike (The State Resort Park is 10 miles from the campgrounds.). If like, you can take a sky lift to the top of Natural Bridge ($11 one way or $17 round trip). I will be walking it. We will be hiking the the Natural Bridge and Battleship Rock Trails (5.5 miles)

If we have interest, we can also hike the Whittleton Arch and Henson's Arch Trail (3.79 miles) from the State Resort Park.

Saturday Evening: Potluck. Please bring a dish to pass.

Sunday Morning: Pack up and head for home.
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The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.

Red River Gorge NPS website : https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/recreation/red-river-gorge
Hiking Map: https://redrivergorgetourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/red-river-gorge-hiking-map-summer-2025.pdf

Camping:

We will be staying at Koomer Ridge Campgrounds. There are showers and flush toilets but no electricity. Half the sites you can reserve and half are 1st come 1st serve. The cost is $35 per night. ($17.50 per night if you have the America the Beautiful pass.)

Make reservations at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10311270

Koomer Ridge Campgrounds Map: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/uv28hc08gky5zkaw4bzowmqk1jbiqgs3

If you are not into camping, I would suggest Black Bear Lodge Motel (< $100 per night) or Natural Bridge State Resort Park ($136 per night).

This is a great trip. I hope you can make it.

Kevin