Gladie Visitor Center

Stay at Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade offers one of the widest selections of public overnight accommodations in the Red River Gorge area.

Visitors can choose from rooms at Hemlock Lodge, one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages, and campsites within the park. The park operates two campgrounds, Whittleton Campground and Middle Fork Campground, with options for tent camping and sites with utilities. Campground facilities include service buildings with restrooms and showers, along with dump stations for campers traveling with RVs or trailers.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Gladie Visitor Center are managed separately. A reservation at the park does not include fees or services at other recreation areas in the Red River Gorge. Review current lodging availability, campground reservations, check-in procedures, pet policies, equipment limits, seasonal operations, and park rules before traveling.

Camp at Koomer Ridge Campground

Koomer Ridge Campground is located within the Red River Gorge and offers a semi-primitive forest camping experience with access to nearby hiking trails.

The campground accommodates tent camping and some trailers, making it a good option for visitors who want to stay within the Daniel Boone National Forest while exploring the surrounding Gorge.

Several hiking routes can be accessed from the Koomer Ridge area, allowing visitors to combine an overnight stay with additional time on the trails.
Facilities, fees, seasonal availability, and campground conditions may change. Review current U.S. Forest Service information before traveling.

Explore Backcountry Camping in the Red River Gorge

Backcountry and primitive camping opportunities are available within portions of the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest.
These areas are subject to Forest Service regulations designed to protect trails, roads, rock shelters, archaeological resources, waterways, and other sensitive locations. Camping is not permitted everywhere within the Gorge.

Before planning an overnight backcountry trip, review current Forest Service camping regulations, maps, fire restrictions, applicable fees or passes, and any temporary closures.

Do not assume that an open area beside a road, trail, cliff, or rock shelter is an approved campsite. Current Red River Gorge regulations restrict camping near developed roads, trails, and certain protected areas.

Plan Ahead for an Overnight Visit

Because overnight destinations around the Red River Gorge are managed separately from Gladie Visitor Center, visitors should expect separate reservations, fees, arrival instructions, and operating policies.

Reservations are recommended when available, especially on weekends, holidays, and during popular spring and fall travel periods. Before arriving, review campground or lodging information, vehicle and pet policies, seasonal facilities, weather, and current road conditions.

Cell service can be limited throughout the Red River Gorge. Save directions, campground information, maps, and reservation details before entering the area.

Black bears and other wildlife can be found in the region. Store food, coolers, trash, toiletries, and other scented items securely according to the rules of the campground or area where you are staying. Never feed wildlife or leave food unattended, and dispose of trash only in approved containers. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and help protect the Gorge for future visitors.

→ Explore Natural Bridge State Resort Park Lodging & Camping
→ Explore Koomer Ridge Campground
→ View Daniel Boone National Forest Camping Information
→ Check Daniel Boone National Forest Alerts