Cumberland Falls State Park Campground in Kentucky on map
Cumberland Falls State Park Campground
Cumberland Falls has Kentucky's finest state-park scenery.
I admit a bias here: Cumberland Falls I is my favorite Kentucky state park. The scenery around here is stunning, whether you're looking at the park's namesake falls; hiking along the Cumberland River, where rich woods and massive boulders lie below sheer cliff lines; seeing an old homesite on the Blue Bend Loop; or photographing a bed of wildflowers on Anvil Branch. Nature reigns at this special slice of the Bluegrass State.
The campground here at Cumberland Falls has been improved. That is good news since the old camping areas didn't begin to compare to the nature of this place. The improvements raise the campground to more closely match the splendor of the park. Several of the least desirable sites were eliminated altogether, and gravel pads were added at many of the remaining sites. However, think of the campground as a place to stay while you are visiting the park sights rather than a means to an end itself.
Let's get to the lesser part first: the campground. There are actually two of them. Cliffy Campground, the better of the two, was initially added as an afterthought. It has nine sites and is located behind the park pool, which would be nice for families who want to swim a lot. A row of nine shaded, level sites offers the best camping for tenters here, and a pavilion makes rainy days more tolerable. One more site, 49, is located all by its lonesome self on a separate side road.
Aptly named Ridgeline Campground stands atop a ridgeline and is centered by the camp store, where you register for a site. There are a total of 40 campsites here. The tent sites are on the periphery, some on sloped ground. Ironically, the best sites are behind the camp store. Then you come to what I call RV Row. This set of 20 sites situated along a road contains the most level sites here. One benefit of Ridgeline Campground is being within walking distance of the camp store.
This campground fills only on summer holiday weekends. There is plenty to do, so you won't be hanging around your less-than-desirable campsite all day. First off, you've gotta go see the power of Cumberland Falls. This is also where you can see the world-famous Moonbow on full-moon nights—it's like a rainbow, only the light is provided by the moon instead of the sun.
Daytime pursuits are many. During the summer you can enjoy the park pool. If you seek more-daring water, try the 12-mile Whitewater stretch of the Cumberland River below the falls.
Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, conveniently located up the road, offers guided rafting trips; call 800-541-RAFT or visit ky-rafting.com for details. Canoeists can try the section of the Cumberland above the falls. It offers Class II rapids at normal water levels. Visitors also love to take horseback rides here on weekends. And with such a great setting, it is only natural that the park would offer naturalist programs for campers, held daily during summer. The hiking trails are my favorite part of the park. Here, you can see beauty big and small and walk through the nature-preserve portion of the park, above the falls. (Note that the state park is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, which effectively adds to the natural acreage.) A series of shorter paths winds below the falls, passing rock houses, cliffs, and massive boulders. The Moonbow-Sheltowee Trace Trail cruises along the river below the falls and offers vistas of the rapids and river scenery, where small beaches gather here and there. Or hike to Eagle Falls, a cascade that spills into the Cumberland River. For solitude try the Blue Bend Loop, where you will see numerous rockhouses. The 5-mile Cumberland River Trail is a great day hike that lets you enjoy the highs and lows of the park. Don't miss this overwhelmingly scenic park just because it has an underwhelming campground.
Getting to Cumberland Falls State Park Campground
From Exit 25 on I-75, take US 25 West south 7.5 miles to KY 90. Turn right and take KY 90 West 7 miles to reach the park campground, on your left.
GPS COORDINATES N36° 50.374' W84° 20.347
Key information about Cumberland Falls State Park Campground
ADDRESS: 7351 KY90, Corbin, KY 40701
OPERATED BY: Kentucky State Parks
CONTACT: 606-528-4121, parks . ky . gov
OPEN: April-October
SITES: 49
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring; some have water and electricity
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground grocery store
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, camp store
PARKING: At campsites only
FEE: $17-$29 tent, $22-$34 others
ELEVATION: 1,100 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Cumberland Falls State Park Campground
¦ Pets: On leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: Prohibited
¦ Vehicles: Must display park pass or car pass
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit
