Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky, United States. It stands 8 mi northwest of Campton. A drive of 6.1 mi reaches Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
A canyon & gorge, 8 mi northwest of Campton
Campton is the nearest base
Campton is 8 miles southeast, with 7 places to stay. Where to stay ↓
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep and Oct
April, May, June, September and October are the mild months, with highs of 69–83°. When to go ↓
Written from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Overture places to stay, Census town figures, Wikidata and Wikipedia.
A month-by-month look
Pick a month for Red River Gorge from the weather below.
Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge is a canyon system on the Red River in east-central Kentucky, United States. Geologically it is part of the Pottsville Escarpment.
The gorge lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest and was subsequently designated the Red River Gorge Geological Area, an area of around 29,000 acres (12,000 ha; 120 km2; 45 sq mi). It was designated a National Natural Landmark and National Archaeological District in 1976, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 13,379-acre (5,414 ha; 54.14 km2; 20.905 sq mi) Clifty Wilderness Area lies entirely within the geological area in the Red River Gorge.
- Type
- Canyon & gorge
- Listed
- National Natural Landmark
- Wikipedia readers
- 28K a year
Nights near Red River Gorge
The closest lodging is in Campton (7) and Stanton (4).
Campton
The closest town with somewhere to stay.
300 people
8 mi southeast of Red River Gorge
Compare 8 towns
| Town | From Red River Gorge | Drive | Places to stay | People | Typical home | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campton | 8 mi southeast | 10 min | 7 3 hotels · 1 inn or B&B · 3 lodges & cabins | 300 | — | — |
| Stanton | 14 mi west | 20 min | 4 1 hotel · 1 motel · 1 lodge or cabins · 1 campground | 3,153 | $123K | B+ |
| Farmers | 21 mi north | 30 min | 9 1 hotel · 1 motel · 3 lodges & cabins · 3 campgrounds · 1 RV park | 206 | $201K | — |
| Morehead | 26 mi north | 40 min | 13 9 hotels · 2 motels · 1 inn or B&B · 1 lodge or cabins | 6,776 | $185K | C+ |
| West Liberty | 20 mi east | 30 min | 5 4 hotels · 1 lodge or cabins | 3,339 | $206K | A− |
| Beattyville | 18 mi south | 25 min | 3 1 motel · 1 inn or B&B · 1 RV park | 2,114 | $114K | A+ |
| Hazel Green | 11 mi east | 15 min | 1 1 RV park | 33 | — | — |
| Mount Sterling | 25 mi northwest | 35 min | 5 5 hotels | 7,586 | $188K | B− |
Getting there
Nearest airports with airline service
More near Red River Gorge
More places people know lie within 62 miles.
51 mi Stadium & arenaKroger Field
51 mi Stadium & arenaRupp Arena
16 mi State parkNatural Bridge State Resort Park
40 mi National forestDaniel Boone National Forest2.5M visitors a year
52 mi GardenLexington Cemetery
36 mi State parkFort Boonesborough State Park
54 mi Park & preserveKentucky Horse Park
62 mi Ancient sitePleasant HillPhoto credits
Kroger Field: Navin75, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Rupp Arena: The original uploader was Analogue Kid at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.5 · Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Ken Thomas, Public domain · Daniel Boone National Forest: Schwaltz, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Lexington Cemetery: Analogue Kid at en.wikipedia, CC BY 2.5 · Fort Boonesborough State Park: Bubba73, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kentucky Horse Park: Wes Blevins, CC BY-SA 2.5 · Pleasant Hill: Unknown, CC BY-SA 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answers on Red River Gorge
What town is Red River Gorge near?
Campton, KY, about 8 miles southeast.
When is the best time to visit Red River Gorge?
April, May, June, September and October, with highs of 69–83°.
How far is Red River Gorge from Lexington?
About 48 miles west of Lexington, as the crow flies.
What is the closest airport to Red River Gorge?
Blue Grass (LEX), about 56 miles away. The nearest big hub is Cincinnati Northern Kentucky (CVG), about 102 miles.
Where should I stay near Red River Gorge?
Campton (8 mi, 7 places to stay), Stanton (14 mi, 4 places to stay) and Farmers (21 mi, 9 places to stay).
Locals’ advice in Campton
No one has shared advice yet; Campton’s Town Square takes questions.
Sources: National Park Service · ski areas © OpenSkiMap / OpenStreetMap contributors · Wikidata · Wikipedia readership · NOAA climate normals · U.S. Census.