Cave Creek Park Campground in Kentucky on map - U.S.

This pretty, well-maintained destination has a friendly atmosphere.

It was my first visit to Cave Creek. Not 1 knowing what to expect, I drove up to the campground entrance station and asked about campsite availability (I had not made a reservation). I was greeted by a nice woman who instantly made Cave Creek feel like home. After settling into campsite 12, I walked around, inspecting the campground and its amenities, and also took an informal surreptitious survey of my fellow campers. It seemed everyone was having a good time. A man was patiently showing his son how to cast a fishing rod. One woman told me she came to Cave Creek about every other weekend; she was relaxing in the shade

while watching over her son's kids. One group was backing their boat into Rough River Lake. I ate lunch, then returned to the campground entrance station to interview the camp host for this book. She loved Cave Creek and explained that it was a must for me to include, especially with the waterfront walk-in tent sites. After inspecting the campground and spending the night here, I have to agree that she has a case.

Located on a hill above the Cave Creek arm of Rough River Lake, the campground offers a variety of campsites in different situations. The first area, a loop away from the lake with drive-up sites 1-13, was where I chose to stay. Oak trees shade a grassy lawn that rolls gently, giving it a parklike aspect. This is where solitude seekers (I was after peace and quiet to type) will pitch their tents. A water spigot is located at the beginning of the loop, as is a vault toilet. There is no electricity here. The next area has electric drive-up sites 14-28; this is where RVs and pop-ups will be located. A vault toilet is

up here. The next area is located on a loop that slopes steeply down to Rough River Lake. The campsites are a little close together but are level despite their hillside location. These sites are popular because they are closer to the lake and do have electricity. Pass another hilly loop with sites 53-58 before reaching the campground boat ramp. Then come eight lakefront walk-in tent sites, 61-65. These are well shaded but lack an understory, limiting campsite privacy. In practice, though, everyone staying in these sites seems to get along. Though these sites aren't electrified, many tent campers seek these first. These walk-in sites have not only a fire ring, but also a grill, cook table, and lantern post, in addition to the traditional picnic table. A vault toilet serves

this area. One shower house serves the campground.

The Cave Creek arm of Rough River Lake is a no-water-ski zone, making it a good bet for anglers. However, if you are boatless, a fishing pier is located near the lakefront walk-in tent sites. Here, you can toss a line for bass, crappie, some bluegill, and catfish. Though there is no designated swim area, campers get wet between the campground boat ramp and the fishing pier; because it is a no-skiing area, it's pretty safe for swimmers, as I found out for myself. Early risers may see deer and turkey making their way through the attractive campground. (Watch out for raccoons raiding your site.) Families and return campers are the main visitors here. Surprisingly, tent sites are always available. The well- law enforcement. But what I like best is maintained campground is safe, with an the friendly nature of the place. And it all on-site host, and is regularly patrolled by        starts with the campground host.

:: Getting There

From Exit 94 on the Western Kentucky Parkway, take KY 79 north to KY 736. Turn right on KY 736, and follow it for 2 miles to the campground, on your right.

GPS COORDINATES   N37°34,24"   W86°29,43"

ADDRESS: 1543 Cave Creek Rd., Falls of Rough, KY 40119-6313

OPERATED BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CONTACT: 270-879-4304, www . lrl . usace . army . mil; reservations: 888-459-7275; reserveamerica . com

OPEN: Late May-mid-October

SITES: 65, including 5 walk-in sites

SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring

ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation

REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station

FACILITIES: Hot showers, water spigots, flush and vault toilets

PARKING: At campsites and walk-in tent area

FEE: $17 walk-in and drive-up, $22 electric

ELEVATION: 520 feet

¦ Pets: On leash only

¦ Fires: In fire rings only

¦ Alcohol: Prohibited

¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site

¦ Other: 14-day stay limit in a 30-day period