Tucked into the hills of eastern Kentucky, Twin Knobs Recreation Area at Cave Run Lake offers a peaceful getaway for campers and boating enthusiasts!
Cave Run Lake, a sprawling body of water that covers around 8,000 acres in eastern Kentucky, has been drawing outdoor enthusiasts to its shores for nearly 50 years now.
First created in the 1960's and 70's for flood control of the Licking River, the lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service.
To this day, it plays an important role in water management for the region.
While Cave Run Lake is not actually a state park, it's well known for its recreation areas, including a marina, two large campgrounds (with beaches!), multiple boat ramps, and lots of picnicking and hiking opportunities.
Twin Knobs is the larger of the two campgrounds, and for most people it's the one that's easiest to get to. Let's take a look at what the campground has to offer!
Camping at Twin Knobs
Twin Knobs Campground is open seasonally and has about 200 campsites, as well as some group use areas. You can reserve your preferred spot online (which is especially important during the busy summer season).
Just want to come in for the day to use the beach? You can buy a day pass or an annual pass from the entrance station.
Twin Knobs has ten different campsite loops. Many of the sites have electric hookups and water. There are also showers and flush toilet facilities available within the campground.
Several of the loops will present you with great views of the lake, along with access trails down to the water.
The shore is rather rocky, but it's fairly easy terrain for just walking around and enjoying the view.
We often like to take our bikes in for a few hours and enjoy a scenic ride around the campground, even if we're not going to be staying overnight.
There's a short hike within the campground. You can walk the mile or so to the top of the hill.
It's nice to bring a trekking pole along for an uphill hike! I love these Kelty cork-handled poles, or for a higher-end option, try the Black Diamond Alpine carbon trekking poles.
A lot of trees have grown up there over the years, so when they're fully leafed out, just keep in mind that you may not be able to see much of the lake.
During peak season, educational and entertainment programs are offered at Twin Knobs amphitheater.
Want to host friends and family for the day? There's a group use area you can also reserve online.
It includes a pavilion, grill, horseshoe pit, and softball and volleyball areas. And it's within easy walking distance of the beach.
Some of our other favorite recreation areas in eastern Kentucky are Carter Caves State Park and Natural Bridge State Park.
The Beach at Twin Knobs
What's a summer getaway without a sandy beach? The beach at Twin Knobs has a roped-in swimming area with a bath house and plenty of parking. It's open seasonally.
The little general store at the beach (also open seasonally) sells wood, ice, beach floats, and snacks.
Looking for good local eats while you're at Cave Run Lake? Check out The Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop, located in nearby Morehead.
Other Cave Run Lake Highlights
Outside of the Twin Knobs, there are a number of other recreation areas to explore. One of these is Stoney Cove.
Located right next to the Cave Run Dam, Stoney Cove has long been a sort of unofficial beach for Cave Run Lake. So beware: in the summer it can get crowded!
There's also a boat ramp, several nice picnic spots, and a trailhead for hikers or horseback riders.
On the other side of the dam is the Tailwater Recreation Area. This is where water is released from the lake, sometimes at a staggering volume that's pretty impressive to see.
There are two large pavilions for rent at Tailwater, as well as a playground and lots of wide open space for picnicking.
Boat Rentals at Cave Run
If you're interested in renting a pontoon or fishing boat for the day, head over to Cave Run Marinas. They offer rentals from mid-spring through mid-fall, and you can book online.
There's even a little (seasonal) restaurant at the marina called Reno's on the Run. Be sure to check their schedule before heading over.
Reno's on the Run serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner items like French toast, biscuits and gravy, fish and chips, ribs, barbeque, pizza, and ice cream. And there's patio seating, or you can get food to go.
We haven't tried Reno's on the Run yet, but it's nice to know it's out there!
Although the marina doesn't (currently) have kayaks, you might be able to find one for rent at one of the boat ramps! Check Cave Run Lake Kayaking Adventure's Facebook page for details.
If you're planning to kayak, check out our post on kayaking gear for beginners! It will point you towards waterproof dry bags, water shoes, and a wetsuit top or shorty wetsuit if the water's cold!
Have you enjoyed relaxing at Cave Run Lake recently? Let us know in the comments which are your favorite spots!
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