Red River Gorge: We Camped, Played, and Hiked

Ahh…is there anything better than Red River Gorge camping (and exploring)? That’s exactly how we felt when we decided to point our Sprinter van toward the untamed beauty of Red River Gorge in Kentucky.

If you’ve never been, imagine a place where nature decided to show off a bit—with towering cliffs, natural stone arches, and trails that could make even the most seasoned hiker break into a happy sweat.

The History, Stats, and Data Behind Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge is nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky. Covering approximately 29,000 acres, this geological area is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s famous for its over 100 natural sandstone arches, the largest collection east of the Rocky Mountains. Mother Nature really went all out on this one.

The Red River itself has been carving out this magnificent landscape for millions of years. The area is so special that it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976. But the history here goes way back.

Indigenous peoples inhabited this region thousands of years ago, leaving behind rock shelters and artifacts that whisper stories of the past.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the gorge became a hotbed for conservation efforts, especially when a proposed dam threatened to alter its landscape dramatically. Environmentalists and nature lovers banded together, and in a classic “power to the people” moment, they succeeded in preserving this natural wonder for future generations.

Our Three Favorite Campsites in Red River Gorge

1. Koomer Ridge Campground

• Price: $24 per night
• Location: 54 Koomer Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380
• Vibe: Rustic tranquility with a side of “off the grid”

Our first stop was Koomer Ridge Campground, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget Wi-Fi was ever a thing. Nestled deep in the forest, this campground offers a serene escape from the relentless pace of modern life. We parked our Sprinter van in a cozy spot shaded by towering hemlocks and oaks, feeling like we’d stumbled into a fairy tale.

The campsites are well-spaced, giving you that sweet, sweet privacy. Facilities are basic but clean—think vault toilets and communal water spigots. But who needs luxury when you’re waking up to the sound of birdsong and the rustle of leaves? Plus, the trailheads for some of the area’s best hikes are just a stone’s throw away.

One evening, we sat by the campfire attempting to make gourmet s’mores (note: adding peanut butter is a game-changer) when a friendly deer wandered into our site. We exchanged glances, silently agreeing that this was infinitely better than any five-star hotel experience.

2. Miguel’s Pizza & Campground

• Price: $10 per person per night
• Location: 1890 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376
• Vibe: Bohemian hangout meets climber’s paradise

Next up was the legendary Miguel’s Pizza & Campground. If Koomer Ridge was a serene retreat, Miguel’s was the bustling social hub we didn’t know we needed. Picture a sprawling lawn dotted with tents, vans, and hammocks, all centered around a bright yellow building that’s part pizzeria, part climbing gear shop.

We parked the van amidst a colorful array of campers from all walks of life—seasoned rock climbers swapping beta, college students on weekend getaways, and fellow van-lifers with stories as eclectic as their vehicle setups.

The communal atmosphere was infectious.

Let’s talk about the pizza. After a day of hiking, nothing tastes better than a slice (or five) of Miguel’s custom-made pies. You choose from an array of toppings, and they assemble a masterpiece that could make even a New Yorker reconsider their allegiance. We spent our evenings here sharing tales of the day’s exploits over pizza and locally brewed beer, feeling like we’d found our tribe.

3. Whittleton Campground

• Price: $23 per night
• Location: Whittleton Branch Trail, Natural Bridge State Park
• Vibe: Nature immersion with a sprinkle of comfort

Our final campsite was Whittleton Campground, located within Natural Bridge State Park. This spot struck a perfect balance between the rustic charm of Koomer Ridge and the amenities of a more developed campground. The sites are spacious, and the modern bathhouses with hot showers were a welcome luxury after days of “roughing it.”

What really sets Whittleton apart is its proximity to some of the area’s best attractions. A short hike from the campground takes you to Whittleton Arch, a lesser-known but stunning natural arch that feels like your own secret discovery.

One morning, we woke up early (yes, miracles do happen) and brewed coffee over our camp stove. Sipping that first cup while the mist rose from the forest floor, we felt a profound connection to the world around us—a moment of zen interrupted only when we realized we’d left the van’s side door open all night. Oops.

Things We Did in Red River Gorge

Rock Climbing Adventures

While neither of us is destined for climbing fame, we couldn’t resist trying our hands (and feet) at some of the beginner-friendly routes. Red River Gorge is internationally renowned for its climbing opportunities, boasting over 1,500 routes ranging from “I can handle this” to “Are you out of your mind?”

We booked a half-day guided climb with a local outfitter, who was both patient and probably slightly amused by our attempts. Clinging to the sandstone cliffs, muscles burning, we felt an exhilarating mix of fear and accomplishment. By the time we rappelled down, we were hooked—and ravenously hungry.

Kayaking the Red River

To balance out the adrenaline rush, we spent an afternoon kayaking down the gentle stretches of the Red River. Paddling through the calm waters, we marveled at the towering cliffs and dense forest canopy overhead. The river was so serene that we half-expected a family of otters to pop up and say hello. Spoiler alert: they didn’t, but we did spot a great blue heron and felt pretty special about it.

At one point, we let the current take us while we leaned back and watched the clouds drift by. It’s moments like these that make you appreciate the simplicity of nature—a welcome contrast to our usual screen-filled days.

Scenic Drives and Overlooks

Not every adventure needs to be physical. Some of the most awe-inspiring moments came from simply driving the winding roads of KY-715 and KY-77. We took our time, stopping at every overlook that caught our eye—which was, admittedly, most of them.

One standout was the Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot single-lane tunnel carved through solid rock. Driving through it felt like entering a portal to another world, or at least a cool Instagram story. We emerged on the other side to panoramic views that made us audibly gasp.

Stargazing Extravaganza

With minimal light pollution, Red River Gorge offers night skies that city dwellers can only dream of. We laid out a blanket near our campsite and gazed up at the Milky Way, trying (and failing) to identify constellations beyond the Big Dipper.

It was one of those humbling experiences that makes you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things—cue existential contemplation.

PRO TIP: 5 Best Stargazing Parks with the Coveted Dark Sky Certification

Our Three Favorite Hiking Trails at Red River Gorge

1. Sky Bridge Trail

• Distance: 0.8 miles (loop)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead Location: Near Sky Bridge Road off KY-715

This trail may be short, but it’s packed with visual rewards. The loop takes you over and under the impressive Sky Bridge, a natural arch that looks like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Walking across the top offers sweeping views of the surrounding forest, but the real magic happens when you descend the stairs and see the arch from below.

We took our time on this trail, partly because we were snapping photos every five steps, and partly because we wanted to savor every angle. The rock formations here are a testament to the artistry of erosion—not that we’re geologists, but we can appreciate a good rock when we see one.

2. Auxier Ridge Trail

• Distance: 4.4 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead Location: End of Tunnel Ridge Road

If you’re looking for views that will make your social media followers green with envy, Auxier Ridge Trail is your ticket. The trail follows a narrow ridgeline, offering panoramic vistas of the gorge and distant cliffs. It’s the kind of hike where you constantly debate whether to look at your feet to avoid tripping or gaze at the horizon in awe.

We packed a picnic and found a perfect spot overlooking Courthouse Rock and Double Arch. Lunch tastes better when you’re 1,000 feet above sea level, trust me. Just be sure to watch your step—the trail has some steep drop-offs that add a dash of adrenaline to your journey.

3. Chimney Top Rock Trail

• Distance: 0.6 miles (out and back)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trailhead Location: End of Chimney Top Road off KY-715

Sometimes, less is more. Chimney Top Rock Trail is a short jaunt that delivers one of the most breathtaking overlooks in the gorge. We timed our hike to catch the sunset, and it did not disappoint. As the sky shifted through a palette of oranges, pinks, and purples, we sat in comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional “Wow” and “Did you see that?”

The trail is well-maintained and accessible, making it a popular spot. But even a few fellow sunset enthusiasts couldn’t diminish the magic of the moment. Pro tip: Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the van—it gets dark quickly, and tripping over tree roots is a less romantic way to end the evening.

Our Ideal Three-Day Itinerary in Red River Gorge

Day 1: Arrival, Set-Up, and First Impressions

• Morning:
  • Depart bright and early, coffee in hand, and enjoy the scenic drive to Red River Gorge.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive at Koomer Ridge Campground and set up camp. Claim a spot with ample shade because nobody likes waking up in a mobile sauna.
  • Grab a quick lunch—sandwiches always taste better outdoors.
• Late Afternoon:
  • Hit the Sky Bridge Trail for an easy hike to shake off the travel stiffness.
  • Take too many photos, narrowly avoid filling up your phone’s storage.
• Evening:
  • Cook dinner over the campfire. Attempt to make campfire nachos; succeed only in creating a cheesy mess that’s still delicious.
  • Spend the evening stargazing and debating if that blinking light is a satellite or a UFO.

Day 2: Hiking Extravaganza and Community Vibes

• Morning:
  • Wake up with the sun (or whenever your internal clock decides to function).
  • Fuel up with a hearty breakfast—oatmeal with all the fixings.
• Mid-Morning to Afternoon:
  • Tackle the Auxier Ridge Trail. Pack plenty of water and snacks. Regret not training for this but push through because the views are worth it.
  • Find that perfect picnic spot and soak in the majesty of the gorge.
• Late Afternoon:
  • Drive to Miguel’s Pizza & Campground and set up for the night.
  • Reward yourself with a well-deserved pizza feast. Try unconventional toppings because why not?
• Evening:
  • Join the campfire circle and share stories with fellow travelers. Learn that someone climbed a 5.14a route and pretend to know what that means.
  • Fall asleep to the comforting hum of campground chatter and distant guitar strumming.

Day 3: Natural Wonders and Farewell

• Morning:
  • Grab breakfast at Miguel’s—they serve more than just pizza!
  • Check out and head to Whittleton Campground to be closer to Natural Bridge State Park.
• Mid-Morning:
  • Hike the Original Trail to Natural Bridge. Marvel at the sheer size of the arch and the engineering of the sky lift (which you decide to skip because you’re hardcore like that).
• Afternoon:
  • Rent kayaks and paddle down the Red River. Engage in a friendly race that quickly turns into a competition because someone (not naming names) is overly competitive.
  • Snack on trail mix that mysteriously contains only raisins and peanuts—where did all the M&Ms go?
• Late Afternoon:
  • Make a quick stop at Chimney Top Rock Trail for one last overlook. Attempt a timed selfie that ends up capturing your confused expressions.
• Evening:
  • Return to the van, reluctantly pack up, and bid farewell to Red River Gorge.
  • Promise to return soon because three days just isn’t enough.

We Really Enjoyed Red River Gorge

Our journey through Red River Gorge was a whirlwind of natural beauty, physical challenge, and memorable encounters.

From the adrenaline rush of rock climbing to the peaceful drift of kayaking down the river, every moment was a reminder of why we choose the van life. It’s about more than just seeing new places; it’s about immersing ourselves in experiences that enrich our lives and create stories we’ll tell for years to come.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about visiting Red River Gorge, consider this your sign to pack up and go. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or just someone who appreciates a good slice of pizza in a stunning setting, this place has something for everyone.

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