Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

[Mr Crabbs]

I've never been there, what can you tell me? I searched the forums here and came up empty.

What are the ramps like, I have a 20' pontoon. Any campgrounds nearby with FHU? Any good restaurants or other sites to see there?

How about fishing, I read that muskie are supposed to be there and I'd like to have a go at them. I also like just about anything that doesn't eat off the bottom.

Thanks!

 

[broark01]

Re: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Cave Run lake is nice and there are some nice ramps on 801 that runs along the NE side of the lake. Should be no problem to launch 20' pontoon. As far as the restaurants my info is a little dated but we generally went to Morehead KY where there are many restaurants to chose from. We stayed at Brownwood Bed and Breakfast - extremely clean and nice.

http://www.caverun.org/CaveRunLake_Lodging_and_Camping.htm

 

[ufm82]

Re: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Cave Run is a very nice lake for a weekend trip- over 8,000 acres and the water is usually pretty clear for a lake in these parts. I have not had an issue finding a cove to anchor in and swim. It gets busy on weekends as the Lexington crowd uses it but nothing like Cumberland or other large southern KY lakes.
Both the Zilpo and Twin Knobs campgrounds are very nice for FHU if you are running a camper. Gravel pads for the trailer/RV make for easy set-up. I tent camp but have not had a problem finding a decent place to put up the nylon cabin. LOL Some spots are right on the water and you can park the boat on the bank near your site but these go fast.
Ramps are fine and a 20' toon will be no problem. Good angles, no issues and plenty of parking. I like the place because I can get there in 3 1/2 hours and it's far enough away to feel like a vacation but not so far that the kids dread the trip. The area is nice with lots of hills and "mini-mountains". LOL
Plenty of places nearby if you want to hit a restaurant but the on-lake amenities tend to get slim after Labor Day. Just a warning- don't expect much more than pop and snacks at the marinas if they are still open.
As far as fishing, it is well known for muskie and several guides work the lake. It is also a decent bass lake if you can fish deep water effectively. Points, secondary points and drops are the places to look- plenty of stucture in the coves but it's dangerous in that it looks so "fishy" that you'll waste time there. I've never caught much throwing to wood/rocks there. Usually best in the deeper water.
Lastly- you can go online and see a campground map and reserve sites but it's best to make thr first trip down and cruise the campgrounds. Get a map and mark off the spots that work for you. I have a old dog-eared map that I've used for years with my favorite spots marked. They do have a number of spots open for walk-in traffic but they tend to be not the best sites. I've never been turned away but have camped on unlevel ground before as an act of desperation.
All in all a nice place to go for a few days- worth the drive.

UFM82

 

[Mr Crabbs]

Re: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

UFM, doing recon on the lake, ramps and CG's are all part of the fun! DW was talking about doing that last night.

We're thinking about some long trips next summer. I hope I can get her broken into towing the pontoon while I do the trailer. We have family and friends that have boats, TT's and solid TV's so we're trying to get them into this too.

Thanks for the info, it's really helpful.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Not missed a weekend on that lake all summer. Putting a 20ft pontoon in is no problem. There is a ramp just beside of the marina which would be the closest ramp if youre coming from the interstate(and also most busy). Morehead is the closest town to the lake and its just a normal town, nothing real special about it. Its a college town so during the semesters its pretty darn busy but its not bad during the summer. Not a hole lot to choose from as far as eating goes aside from the normal. The marina on the lake does have a restaurant in it which I personally think is nice. Its nothing special but I love it. There is some really good BBQ around 10min from the marina if you turn left off of 801(coming from the lake) onto 60. Its calls Pop's BBQ, it'll be on your left.

Twin knobs camp ground is just a few miles from the lake on 801. Camped there twice this summer with a pop-up camper and loved it. The sites are pretty personal depending on which site you get. Some loops are reservable and some loops have electric. No full hook up(water and sewage) but they have places to empty your sewer and places to get water.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

I agree with you Mr. Crabbs- While the wife and kids sometimes grumble about "more driving" they typically enjoy looking at the area and seeing where we want to be the next time. I have found that future camping trips are vastly more enjoyable if you know where your site will be and what to expect. I've made long trips in the past with the hope of finding that special spot only to wind up camping on a moutainside where everything rolls to one end of the tent. LOL Well, maybe not that bad but you get the point.
Cave Run is not a bad trip even for a Saturday to run down and scout before hooking up the tow-behinds. Leave the camper and boat home, look at the area and enjoy the park. Then the next trip you take down there will be even better. '

UFM82