After clocking out on Friday, my sister and I loaded up the car and made a beeline for Twin Knobs Campground in Morehead, KY. Just about an hour later, we were pulling into the site Loop E and setting up camp with the sun still on our side.
From the moment we arrived, we could tell this was a family-friendly campground. Even the check-in attendants made sure we backed into our site to avoid accidents with the many kids zipping by on bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The campground was busy, yes but full of life, laughter, and little moments of joy that made it feel warm and welcoming.
Once we were set up, we grabbed jars of homemade infused whiskey (courtesy of my sister) and took a stroll. Loop E features a short trail that leads to a gorgeous view of Cave Run Lake, where families were fishing along the shore. We found a couple of rocks to perch on, sipped our drinks, and soaked up the view.
Back at camp, we stayed up chatting about dreams, what-ifs, and the future under a sky that was just starting to hint at twilight. Before it got too dark, we broke out a new game—Magnetic Chess. Neither of us had played before, so we spent a fun hour learning the rules, trying goofy strategies, and even getting creative with the rope pieces. It’s honestly a great game for kids, too. After that, we were ready to crash.
Saturday Adventures: Paddleboards & BBQ
We woke up bright and early, brewed much-needed coffee, and whipped up some oatmeal before unrolling our yoga mats for a quick stretch. Then we packed our gear: life jackets, snacks, and lots of sunscreen and headed to Stoney Cove Boat Ramp for a day on the water.
Let me just say: if you’re new to paddleboarding, watch a video or do a trial run before your trip. We didn’t fully inflate the paddleboard, so I spent most of the time being towed by my sister on the kayak. Just call me Ms. Daisy.
Paddleboarding Pros:
- I was cool and in the water the whole time
- I got to belt out terribly off-key (and sometimes made-up) songs
Paddleboarding Cons:
- We didn’t explore as much as we hoped
- My sister did 90% of the work (thanks, sis!)
As we took a break on the water we viewed Stoney Cove’s small beach, which was quickly filling up with families. Word to the wise: if you want a good spot on pretty days, get out early. These areas fill up fast.
Hungry and slightly sunbaked, we packed up and headed to Pop’s Southern Style BBQ. We split a sampler platter, which was so massive we had to box up leftovers for dinner. Back at camp, we took a glorious hammock nap, then got up to make dinner: fire-roasted pizzas one pepperoni, one BBQ using that leftover pulled pork plus fresh pineapple slices on the side. S’mores tip: keep your chocolate in the cooler if it’s hot out.
We finished the night with some fireside chats, people watching the steady stream heading to the bathhouse (only three showers available, so timing is everything), and eventually got cleaned up and ready for bed once things calmed down.
Sunday Wind-Down: Birds, Dams & Goodbyes
Sunday morning was slow and sweet. Coffee. A simple breakfast. Some light stretches. Then we packed up and hit the road but not before a couple final stops.
We visited the Shallow Flats Wildlife Viewing Area, where my sister broke out the binoculars and spotted a few birds. Then we made our way to the Cave Run Dam Tailwater in Farmers, KY about 10 miles from Morehead. The dam, made of earth and rockfill, spans the Licking River and is what created Cave Run Lake back in 1974. A great little piece of local history and a peaceful spot to end our trip.
If you’re not intimidated by a lively campground and love being surrounded by families, Twin Knobs Campground is a gem. The grounds are clean, the views are beautiful, and it’s packed with opportunities for memory-making. Just remember: they require reservations and a two-night minimum stay. Personally I will be coming back with the kids next time.
It was the kind of weekend that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling and your heart feel full just me, my big sister, and the kind of peace you can only find in nature.
Comments are closed