Holly Bay

Show on map 606-528-6156 help.danielboone.london@americanll.com

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT
LONDON, KY 40744

National Visitor Use Monitoring, Oct 2026-Sept 2027

1/3

From October 2026 through September 2027, survey interviewers will be conducting National Visitor Use Monitoring surveys of Daniel Boone National Forest visitors around the Forest. Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential. Surveys take roughly 15 minutes to complete. Survey sites will be clearly marked by orange survey signs and traffic cones. Survey results help us and our local tourism partners better understand our visitors' needs and more effectively plan our recreation offerings.

National Visitor Use Monitoring is a Forest Service program designed to estimate how many people recreate on national forests and grasslands, what activities they engage in while there and how satisfied people were with their visit. These surveys are conducted on a national forest every five years. Results from these surveys help show the characteristics of recreation-related visits to national forests and the benefits recreation brings to all visitors.

Overview

Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing.

The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century.

Recreation

Boating and water activities are a favorite among campers of all ages. For the convenience and safety of our guests, a private boat ramp is located within the campground and is available exclusively for registered camping guests—there is no public access. Anglers will enjoy fishing in Laurel River Lake, which is well known for its healthy populations of bass, trout, crappie, and bluegill, making it a great spot for both experienced fishermen and families introducing children to fishing. A public-use swimming beach is located just a couple of miles away and is available at no cost.

Guests who enjoy hiking can explore the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail, which begins near the campground and leads to the dam, offering a scenic and family-friendly way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Recreation Sites offer:

Standard Electric Campsite (Overnight Use) - Includes electric and water hookups for a comfortable overnight stay.

Primitive Campsites - (No Electric or Water Hookups) for a peaceful simple camping experience.

Facilities

The campground features both single- and double-family campsites, with select sites offering 20-, 30-, or 50-amp electric hookups. Several campsites provide scenic views overlooking the lake, creating a relaxing and picturesque setting for guests.

Campers have access to modern amenities, including flush toilets (with one accessible facility), two shower houses, potable drinking water, and a convenient dump station. Firewood and ice are also available for purchase.

Natural Features

Most campsites are nestled among a beautiful mix of hardwood trees, offering shade in the summer and picture-perfect colors during the autumn season. The Laurel River Lake spans 5,600 acres of deep, clear water, with 192 miles of scenic, cliff-lined shoreline to explore and enjoy. Rolling hills from the Appalachian foothills surround the lake, creating a peaceful and memorable backdrop for family adventures, relaxation, and time spent together in nature.

Nearby Attractions

Cumberland Falls – Known as the “Niagara of the South,” this stunning waterfall is just a short drive from Holly Bay. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the rare chance to see a moonbow on clear nights.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – Offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a lodge with dining, perfect for a day trip with the family.

Laurel River Lake – Just minutes from the campground, enjoy fishing, boating, and peaceful lakeside views.

Sheltowee Trace Trail – A 4.2-mile trail near the campground that leads to the dam, ideal for family hikes and nature walks.

Dog Slaughter Falls – A hidden gem waterfall and short hiking trail for adventurous families.

Local Historic Sites – Explore nearby small-town museums, historic bridges, and landmarks for a taste of Appalachian culture.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (606) 878-8134.

Camp site features

Across 70 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 70 sites
Water hookups: all 70 sites
Picnic table: 18 of 70 sites
Pets allowed: all 70 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 12 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: CAR, RV, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

From London, Kentucky, take Exit 38 off I-75. Turn west on KY 192, then go 14.2 miles and turn south (left) on KY 1193. Follow signs to Holly Bay Campground entrance (3 miles).

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

547 reviews

5 stars

401

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Gregg P

Loop:F

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Beautiful campground very clean. Michelle was an excellent host.

Pamela C

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 12 days ago

Nice campground. Almost all spots have an angle, some more than others.

Babette W

Loop:G

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

We came to visit some waterfalls and arches in kentucky. This was kind of our home base and really enjoyed the campground. It was nice clean and quiet. A little bit disappointing that all the water levels were low in the lake. And access was a little bit more difficult. Nice fall colors. The leaves were dropping as we were there. But we were still a little bit early.

Susan H

Loop:H

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

A quiet and pleasant campground that is out of the way of busy streets. We stayed in the H loop and my only criticism is some of the outside campsites on the back of the loop nearest the water are very steep and may make unhitching difficult for longer rigs. We were in a 27 ft travel trailer.

Michelle W

Loop:A

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

Loved the piece and quiet

Glenn B

Loop:E

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Holly Bay is our favorite camping area. We have been camping there for many many years and hope to continue to camp there for many years to come.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.