There aren’t many places where you can fall asleep in a tent, wake up to birdsong, and walk a few minutes to a waterfall 125 feet wide. Cumberland Falls, in the hills of southeastern Kentucky, is one of them. Stay up late on the right night and you might even see something almost nowhere else on Earth offers: a rainbow made by moonlight.
This guide covers everything about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park camping: the two campgrounds, which sites suit tents or RVs, prices, the 2026 and 2027 camping seasons, how to book, the cabins and cottages, the lodge renovation, the waterfall overlooks, the moonbow schedule, the best trails, and simple tips for a great weekend.
Cover photo: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky. Photo: Lauren Barton / Unsplash
Can You Camp at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park?
Yes. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has about 50 campsites in two campgrounds, Ridgeline and Clifty, with tent sites and electric RV sites. The campground is open from April 1 to October 31, sites run roughly $30 to $38 a night, and you book through Kentucky State Parks online up to 12 months ahead. RVs and trailers can be no longer than 30 feet. Outside camping season, cabins and cottages are the way to stay overnight.
Cumberland Falls Camping at a Glance
| Location | 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701, in southeastern Kentucky |
| Campgrounds | Ridgeline (sites 1–39) and Clifty (sites 40–50) |
| Campsites | About 50: 21 electric RV sites and 29 tent sites |
| Hookups | Electric (20, 30 and some 50 amp) and water at many sites; no sewer |
| Max RV or trailer length | 30 feet |
| 2026 season | April 1 to October 31 (2027: April 1 to October 31) |
| Price | About $30 to $38 per night, plus tax and extras |
| Booking | Kentucky State Parks online, 1 day to 12 months ahead; must be 21+ |
| Facilities | Hot showers, restrooms, laundry, dump station, camp store, playground, pool |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Park entry | Free, no tickets needed to see the falls |
Visiting right now? The 2026 camping season ends on October 31. From November through March, the cottages are your best bet, and the campground reopens on April 1, 2027. Reservations for 2027 are already open.
The Campgrounds: Ridgeline vs. Clifty
The Cumberland Falls State Resort Park campground is split into two areas that share one bathhouse area and the same facilities. Your choice comes down to what you sleep in.
| Feature | Ridgeline Campground | Clifty Campground |
|---|---|---|
| Sites | 1–39 | 40–50 |
| Best for | RVs, pop-ups and families | Tents and quiet, simple camping |
| Electric | Most sites, 20, 30 or 50 amp | 20 amp at sites 40–47; none at 48–50 |
| Water | At many sites | Shared spigots |
| Sewer | No (dump station available) | No |
| Feel | Busier, sites closer together | Smaller and more wooded |
Ridgeline Campground: best for RVs and families
Ridgeline is the main campground, with most of the electric RV sites. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and many have water. Some are back-in and short, around 18 to 23 feet, while a few pull-through sites fit up to about 28 to 30 feet. Check the length listed for your exact site before you book, because no RV, trailer or vehicle over 30 feet is allowed in the camping area.
Campers say Ridgeline’s main loop can feel a bit tight, while the tent sites on the second loop are more spread out. If privacy matters, look at the site photos and map on the booking page before you choose.
Clifty Campground: best for tents
Clifty is the smaller, simpler loop, mainly for tents. Sites 40 to 47 have basic 20-amp electric, which is handy for charging phones or running a fan, while sites 48 to 50 have no electric at all. It’s quieter and more wooded, a good pick for couples and anyone who likes old-fashioned tent camping.
Campground Facilities
- Bathhouse: flush toilets and hot showers.
- Laundry on site.
- Dump station for RVs, since sites don’t have sewer hookups.
- Camp store with firewood, ice and basic supplies. Buy groceries in Corbin before you arrive.
- Playground for kids.
- Swimming pool: an Olympic-size pool open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers pay a small fee ($6 per person in 2026).
- At every site: a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
Cell service and Wi-Fi: coverage is patchy. Campers report that Verizon and T-Mobile usually work, while AT&T is weak. Don’t count on Wi-Fi, and download maps before you arrive.
Cumberland Falls Camping Prices (2026)
Campsites at Cumberland Falls cost about $30 to $38 per night in 2026, depending on the site type and date. Electric RV sites cost more than basic tent sites. (If you searched for precios de Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, these are the current camping prices.)
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Campsite | About $30–$38 per night |
| Extra adults (beyond 4) | $5 per adult per night, paid on arrival |
| Pool (in season) | $6 per camper |
| Golf cart permit | $25 per week or $100 per year |
| Park entry and waterfall viewing | Free |
The final price is shown when you pick dates and a site on the booking page, including tax. Holiday weekends can have minimum-night stays.
How to Book a Campsite
- Go to the Kentucky State Parks camping reservation website (run by ReserveAmerica) and search for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
- Choose your dates. You can book up to 12 months ahead, and at least 1 day before arrival.
- Filter by equipment (tent, pop-up, trailer or RV) and length.
- Check each site’s length, electric amps and water before choosing.
- Pay online. The person booking must be at least 21.
You can also book by phone through Kentucky State Parks reservations at 800-325-0063. For questions about a specific site, like its slope, shade or how hard it is to back into, contact the park office before you book.
Campsite rules worth knowing
- Up to 8 people per site. The base price covers 4 adults plus children 16 and under.
- Up to 2 units per site: one camper plus one tent, or two tents if there’s no camper.
- Kentucky firewood only. Bringing firewood from out of state is banned to stop the emerald ash borer. Buy it at the camp store.
- Burn bans can happen in dry spells. Check with the park before lighting a fire.
- Pets are welcome, but keep them leashed and never leave them alone at the site.
- Water may be shut off during freezing weather.
Packing for a first trip? See our picks for the best ultralight backpacking tent and the best budget camping headlamps. A good headlamp is a must for a moonbow night.
Cumberland Falls Cabins and Cottages
Not a tent person, or visiting between November and March? The park’s cottages are open year-round and are the only lodging in the park right now. They’re furnished, with real beds, bathrooms and heat, and many have kitchens and porches in the woods. Layouts vary, from small one-bedroom units to larger family cottages, so check the amenities and beds for the exact unit you book.
Cottages are booked through Kentucky State Parks’ lodge and cottage reservation system. They fill up fast on moonbow weekends and in October, so book early.
DuPont Lodge renovation update
The historic DuPont Lodge and its Riverview Restaurant are closed for renovation through spring or summer 2027. Cabin and cottage rentals are still available during the work. The falls, trails and campground aren’t affected, but you’ll have fewer dining options inside the park, so bring food or plan to eat in Corbin.
| Camping | Cottages | |
|---|---|---|
| Season | April 1–October 31 | Year-round |
| Cost | About $30–$38 a night | Higher; varies by unit and date |
| Beds and bathroom | Bring your own / shared bathhouse | Private, furnished |
| Best for | Outdoor lovers, budget trips, RVs | Families, winter trips, moonbow nights |
Cumberland Falls: The Waterfall
Cumberland Falls is about 125 feet wide and drops roughly 65 to 70 feet into a rocky gorge on the Cumberland River. It’s often called the “Niagara of the South,” and once you stand at the rail and feel the mist, you’ll understand why. It’s loudest and most powerful in spring, after rain.
Do you need tickets or a long hike to see it?
No. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park has no admission fee, so you don’t need tickets to see the waterfall. From the parking area by the falls, it’s a short walk on a paved path to the overlooks. You only pay for camping, cottages and activities like horseback riding, rafting and gem mining.
The best Cumberland Falls overlooks
- Main overlook: a short walk from the parking lot, with a head-on view of the whole curtain of water. Part of the observation path is ADA accessible.
- Upper viewing decks: steps lead down to lower decks that put you closer to the mist and the roar.
- Across the river (Eagle Falls Trail): the trail starts across the Highway 90 bridge and gives you a side view of the falls from the opposite bank.
- Gatliff Bridge: a classic view of the river gorge below the falls.
Stay behind the railings. The rocks are slippery, and the river’s current near the falls is deadly. Swimming in the river near the falls isn’t allowed.
The Cumberland Falls Moonbow
This is the reason many people plan their camping trip around the calendar. On clear nights around the full moon, moonlight shining through the mist creates a moonbow, a rainbow made by moonlight. The park says Cumberland Falls is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where a moonbow shows up regularly. The other famous one is at Victoria Falls in Africa.
Don’t expect bright colors. To your eyes, it usually looks like a pale white or silver arc. A camera on a tripod with a long exposure brings out the rainbow colors.
Moonbow dates for the rest of 2026
| Dates | Approximate viewing time (Eastern) |
|---|---|
| November 22–26, 2026 | About 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
| December 21–25, 2026 | About 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. |
These dates come from the park’s published 2026 schedule. The park posts each year’s moonbow dates in advance, usually five nights around each full moon. Since the campground is closed in November and December, book a cottage for these dates, and book early.
Moonbow viewing tips
- Clear skies are a must. Clouds or haze block it completely.
- Arrive early. On popular nights, photographers claim spots along the railing hours ahead.
- Be patient. You may wait a while for the moon to rise high enough.
- Use a red light. Bright flashlights and phone screens ruin everyone’s night vision and photos.
- Dress warmly. The mist makes it chilly, even in summer.
- For photos: use a tripod, manual settings and an exposure of several seconds.
Best Hiking Trails at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
The park has about 17 miles of hiking trails, and the long-distance Sheltowee Trace runs right through it as the Moonbow Trail. Trails are numbered, so look for the number on the signs.
| Trail | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Falls Trail #9 | 1.8 miles | A second waterfall and views of Cumberland Falls |
| Cumberland Falls Trail #6 | 0.5 mile | River views from the lodge area down to the falls |
| Camper’s Path #5 | 0.5 mile | Walking from the campground |
| CCC Trail #4 | 1 mile | Self-guided forest walk, park history |
| Wildflower Loop #12 | 1.5 miles | Spring wildflowers and rock houses |
| Blue Bend Loop #10 | 4.5 miles | A longer, quieter day hike |
| Cumberland River Trail #2 | 5 miles | River scenery |
| Moonbow Trail #1 | 10.8 miles | Backpacking on the Sheltowee Trace |
Distances are the park’s published figures. Some are one way or part of connected trails, so check the trail map at the park before setting out.
Eagle Falls Trail: best waterfall hike
If you do one hike, do this one. The trail starts across the river from the main falls, climbs along the cliff line with views back at Cumberland Falls, then drops down long sets of steep steps to Eagle Falls, a pretty waterfall pouring into the Cumberland River. It’s only 1.8 miles, but it’s rugged, with lots of stairs, roots and wet rock. When the river is high, the lower part can flood, so check conditions first. It’s a moderate to strenuous hike, so wear proper shoes.
Short walks from the campground
From your campsite, Camper’s Path links into the trail system, so you can walk toward the river and falls instead of driving. The CCC Trail is an easy, self-guided loop through the forest. The Wildflower Loop is lovely in April and May, passing sandstone rock houses (shallow caves).
Longer hikes
Blue Bend Loop climbs to a ridge, follows old roads and drops back to the river. It’s a good half-day hike with few people. The Moonbow Trail is part of the 300-plus-mile Sheltowee Trace and continues into the Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s best for backpackers with a shuttle.
Love waterfall hikes? Try our guides to hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park, Starved Rock State Park hiking trails and the best hikes in Silver Falls State Park.
Other Things to Do
- Whitewater rafting: guided trips below the falls on the Cumberland River, from about June to Labor Day, depending on water levels.
- Horseback riding: guided 45-minute trail rides for ages 6 and up, from Memorial Day weekend through October (weekends only in spring and fall).
- Gem mining: kids love sifting for crystals and gems at the flume near the falls gift shop.
- Fishing: bass, catfish and panfish in the Cumberland River, with a Kentucky fishing license.
- Swimming: the campground pool in summer.
Best Time to Camp at Cumberland Falls
| Season | What it’s like | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| April–May | Strongest falls, wildflowers, cool nights, some rain | Best for waterfalls and hiking |
| June–August | Warm and humid, pool and rafting open, busiest | Best for families |
| September–October | Fall color peaks in mid to late October, comfortable days | Best overall for camping |
| November–March | Campground closed; cottages open; quiet trails, occasional ice | Stay in a cottage |
Tip: plan your camping dates around a moonbow window. In 2027, look for the park’s schedule of full-moon nights between April and October.
Is Cumberland Falls Good for Families?
Very. The main falls are an easy, short walk, the campground has a playground and pool, and gem mining and horseback rides keep kids busy. Save Eagle Falls Trail for older kids who handle stairs well, and hold hands near the river. For toddlers, the CCC Trail and the overlooks are plenty.
Best Photo Spots
Looking for great photos of Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (or fotos de Cumberland Falls)? These are the spots to shoot:
- Main overlook: the full width of the falls, best in soft morning light.
- Eagle Falls Trail: a side view of Cumberland Falls from the cliffs, then Eagle Falls itself.
- Moonbow nights: tripod, long exposure and lots of patience.
- Mid to late October: fall colors framing the gorge.
Flying a drone? Kentucky State Parks has a photo and drone policy, so check it and get permission before you launch.
How to Get There
The park is on Highway 90 southwest of Corbin, in the Daniel Boone National Forest. From I-75, take exit 25 at Corbin and follow US-25W south, then Highway 90 west to the park.
| From | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Corbin, KY | About 30 minutes |
| Knoxville, TN | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Lexington, KY | About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours |
| Louisville, KY | About 3 hours |
| Cincinnati, OH | About 3 hours |
The roads into the park are winding and hilly. Fill your gas tank and stock up on groceries in Corbin. While you’re there, the Harland Sanders Café, where KFC began, makes a fun stop.
A Two-Day Camping Plan
Day 1
- Afternoon: check in, set up camp and walk the CCC Trail.
- Evening: the main falls overlook at golden hour, then dinner around the campfire.
- Night (on a moonbow date): head back to the overlook with a red light and warm layers.
Day 2
- Morning: Eagle Falls Trail, before the crowds.
- Afternoon: gem mining, a horseback ride or a rafting trip, or a swim in the pool in summer.
- Before leaving: one last look at the falls.
Camping Tips
- Book early for moonbow weekends, holidays and October.
- Measure your rig. Anything over 30 feet isn’t allowed.
- Bring a long water hose and a sewer tote if you’ll stay several nights, since there’s no sewer hookup.
- Buy firewood at the park, not at home.
- Pack rain gear. Kentucky weather changes fast.
- Bring food, since the lodge restaurant is closed until 2027.
- Download maps. Cell service is spotty.
- Watch for ticks from spring through fall.
A Quick History
In the 1920s, the falls were saved from becoming a hydroelectric dam when T. Coleman du Pont bought the land and gave it to Kentucky. The park opened in the early 1930s, and young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps built much of it, including stone shelters, trails and the original lodge, which was named after the du Pont family. You can still see their stonework along the trails today.
Cumberland Falls Camping FAQs
Can you camp at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park?
Yes. There are about 50 campsites in Ridgeline and Clifty campgrounds, open April 1 to October 31.
How much does camping at Cumberland Falls cost?
About $30 to $38 per night in 2026, depending on the site, plus tax. Extra adults beyond four cost $5 a night each.
Does Cumberland Falls have RV hookups?
Yes. Many sites have electric (20, 30 or 50 amp) and water, but none have sewer. There’s a dump station, and RVs must be 30 feet or shorter.
Is the Cumberland Falls campground open in winter?
No. It closes after October 31 and reopens April 1. Cottages are open year-round.
Are there cabins at Cumberland Falls?
Yes. Furnished cottages are available year-round. The DuPont Lodge is closed for renovation until spring or summer 2027.
Do you need tickets for Cumberland Falls State Resort Park?
No. Entry and waterfall viewing are free. You pay only for camping, lodging and activities.
When can you see the Cumberland Falls moonbow?
On clear nights around the full moon. The remaining 2026 dates are November 22–26 and December 21–25.
What is the best trail at Cumberland Falls?
Eagle Falls Trail (1.8 miles), for views of Cumberland Falls and a second waterfall. It’s steep and rugged.
Are dogs allowed at the campground?
Yes, pets are allowed. Keep them leashed and clean up after them.
How big is Cumberland Falls?
About 125 feet wide and roughly 65 to 70 feet tall.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Cumberland Falls gives you something a day trip can’t: the falls at sunrise when the parking lot is empty, a campfire under the trees, and, if you time it right, a moonbow on a clear full-moon night.
Pick Ridgeline if you bring an RV, Clifty if you’re in a tent, and a cottage if you’re visiting between November and March. Book early, bring your own food while the lodge is closed, and save your energy for the stairs on Eagle Falls Trail.