“We camp off Tunnel Ridge Road just about every time we visit Red River Gorge. We buy an annual pass that’s cheaper than one weekend at the state park or Koomer Ridge.”
Tunnel Ridge Road Camping Guide
Situated on the south side of Red River Gorge, Tunnel Ridge Road provides access to some of the best hiking in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Without doubt, it is the cheapest, easiest place to camp with ten parking lots and several dozen walk-in campsites. Each has a pit toilet and bear-proof trash bins - providing the basics to keep the forest clean. As a ridge, there is no reliable running water to be found without a good hike down, so bring water for the weekend and enjoy!
Map and Quick List
newer visitors routinely get lost AF, so please share this page with them
Map of Tunnel Ridge Road including campsites, picnic areas, and trailheads from US Forest Service
Mile 0.7 | Pinch ‘em Tight Trailhead [map]
Mile 0.9 | Gray’s Arch/D. Boon Hut Trailhead [map]
Mile 1.1 | Archaic Parking Lot [map]
Mile 1.3 | Ft. Ancient Parking Lot [map]
Mile 1.5 | Sandstone Parking Lot [map]
Mile 1.9 | Paleo Parking Lot [map]
Mile 2.3 | Tar Kiln Parking Lot [map]
Mile 2.5 | Woodland Parking Lot [map]
Mile 2.9 | Pioneer Parking Lot [map]
Mile 4.0 | Auxier Ridge Trailhead [map]
Tips for Camping Here
Water
All campsites are on the ridge - meaning you’ll need to hike down to reach a water source. Bring a few gallons to avoid the hassle.
Holidays
The busiest times of year here are Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. If you plan to camp here, arrive early to get your spot!
Showers
While there are no showers on Tunnel Ridge Road, just down the street at Koomer Ridge, you can pay $5 to get clean.
Food Prep
We leave our kitchen in the car and cook in the parking lots to avoid hauling things back and forth. Food must be stored in your vehicle.
Rough Road
Unless freshly fixed up, this road will have potholes, so avoid driving low clearance vehicles and take it slow.
Firewood
Do NOT EVER cut down live trees. Buy your firewood locally and haul it to your campsite (IKEA bags are great for this).
Great Hikes Off Tunnel Ridge Road
