Firefly Hills Campground: Amazing RV Camping Red River Gorge
Planning a trip to Red River Gorge and wondering if there’s a better alternative to the usual crowded campgrounds in Slade? You’re not alone — that’s exactly the question we asked before our most recent camping trip. After years of visiting 4 Guys RV Park, we wanted something quieter, more affordable, and a bit off the beaten path. That’s how we found Firefly Hills Campground — and it turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
We discovered Firefly Hills while hunting for a new basecamp in Eastern Kentucky. 4 Guys is still a great spot, especially for access to Nada Tunnel and the heart of the gorge, but it’s also pushing $125 per night…for what’s basically a gravel parking lot. Firefly Hills, by contrast, is a newer, family-owned campground located in Beattyville. It’s run by Tonja and Troy, full-time RVers who’ve built this spot to reflect what campers actually want — space, peace, and a touch of personality.
Check out our full Red River Gorge guide to plan your adventures.
One thing we loved? There’s no formal check-in. You get your campsite assignment in advance, drive straight in, and set up at your own pace. Then, Troy, Tonja, or their campground manager will swing by to personally welcome you, share insider tips about the campground and the surrounding area, and just generally make you feel at home. The vibe here is welcoming, laid-back, and genuinely kind — a far cry from the impersonal front desks we’ve grown used to.
If you’re the kind of camper who prefers wildflowers to traffic noise, and hammocks over highway hum, keep reading — we think Firefly Hills might be your next favorite place to stay near Red River Gorge.
Too Long; Didn’t Read – Firefly Hills Campground at a Glance
If you’re considering Firefly Hills Campground for your next Red River Gorge getaway, here’s what you really need to know.
- A peaceful, locally owned campground in Lee County, about 20–25 minutes from Slade
- Full hookup RV campsites with patios, great water pressure, and reliable Starlink signal
- Personalized hospitality from owner-operators who are also full-time RVers
- On-site perks include a community fire pit, garden, hammocks, laundry, and Sunday yoga
- Future glamping tents with A/C arriving summer 2025
- Great location near Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Via Ferrata, and Red River Gorge Zipline
If you’re tired of gravel parking lots and sky-high prices, Firefly Hills is a relaxing and refreshingly personal place to camp near Red River Gorge.
Why We Skipped Slade’s Campgrounds for Firefly Hills
Let’s be honest — Slade, KY is the go-to basecamp for Red River Gorge RV camping, and for good reason. It’s close to the Nada Tunnel, Natural Bridge State Park, and all the iconic hikes and rock climbing routes. But with that convenience comes congestion… and cost.
We’ve stayed at 4 Guys RV Park more than once. It’s clean, well-managed, and about as close as you can get to the heart of Red River Gorge. But on our most recent check, nightly rates had climbed over $125 for what amounts to a gravel lot and tight spacing between rigs. That’s a lot to pay when what you really want is to reconnect with nature.
That’s why we decided to try something new — and Firefly Hills Campground caught our eye. It’s a bit farther out, tucked into Lee County near Beattyville, but it comes with perks that more than make up for the drive:
- It’s quiet and uncrowded — we practically had the place to ourselves.
- You get more space and actual greenery (hello, wildflowers and wide-open skies).
- The vibe is relaxed, neighborly, and ideal for RV campers who value peace and scenery.
- We loved supporting local owner-operators who clearly care about the guest experience.
And here’s something totally unique: Firefly Hills isn’t just a place to rent a site — it’s also offering long-term RV site ownership. Full-timers can buy a campsite complete with a lockable shed, access to a cozy indoor living space, and even shared use of Troy’s garage and tools. (Anyone who RVs knows that something always needs fixing, right?)
If your camping style leans toward serenity and genuine hospitality, Firefly Hills is a refreshing shift from the hustle of Slade.
What to Expect at Firefly Hills Campground: Campground Amenities
Firefly Hills may be a newer addition to the RV camping scene in Red River Gorge, but it’s already packed with thoughtful features that make a big difference for both weekend campers and long-term guests.
Campsites with Comfort and Character
All 15 campsites at Firefly Hills are back-in only, but they’re well laid out and easy to access — even for larger rigs. Each site includes:
- Full hookups: water, convenient sewer hookup, and both 30 amp and 50 amp electrical hookups
- A spacious exposed aggregate patio
- Durable picnic tables and a personal fire ring
We were impressed with the water pressure — it was excellent — and the water itself tasted great (yes, really!). If you’re picky about water quality, you’ll appreciate that the campground infrastructure is well-maintained. We used our standard RV water filter setup and had no issues. You can check out our recommended water filter system.
Just one heads up: Firefly Hills does charge for electric usage, but it’s a minimal cost. Our weekend bill came in under $10 — a small price for reliable power in such a peaceful setting.
Not Quite Glamping Yet… But It’s Coming
Currently, Firefly Hills is all about RV camping — there are no tent camping areas and no permanent cabins yet. However, starting in summer 2025, they’re adding glamping tents with A/C. That’s right: climate-controlled tents in the Kentucky woods. If you’ve ever seen the prices at Under Canvas or other luxury camping setups, you’ll know how exciting this is. Firefly Hills is about to offer something truly special — and far more affordable.
If you don’t have an RV, you can still stay on-site: Firefly Hills rents out two fully set-up RVs. There’s “The Cozy Coop”, a travel trailer, and “The Roost”, a fifth wheel with a bunkhouse — perfect for families or first-timers who want to test out the RV life without towing.
Ideal Location in Eastern Kentucky
Firefly Hills Campground sits quietly in Lee County, about 20 minutes southeast of Slade — just far enough from the crowds to give you space, but close enough to keep all the fun within reach. If you’re planning a camping trip near Red River Gorge, this location strikes an awesome balance.
While it’s not in the hustle of Slade, Firefly Hills puts you minutes from Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and closer than you’d expect to some of the region’s best outdoor experiences:
- Red River Gorge Zipline and Via Ferrata are just down the road
- Muir Valley is nearby for world-class climbing
- Trails within Daniel Boone National Forest are just a short drive away
- It’s also a scenic drive to the Nada Tunnel and the more popular Red River Gorge trailheads
We also appreciated how easy it was to get in and out. From the Mountain Parkway, it’s about a 25-minute drive along beautiful country roads. It’s a breathtaking route.
The setting itself is incredibly peaceful. The campground is nestled on 40 acres, with 20 acres dedicated to the campground and 20 more across the road for hiking trails and a fishing pond. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a family looking to unwind, or a couple hoping to just hang out in the hammocks and garden, this spot is designed to help you slow down and reconnect with nature.
Want a deeper dive into where to hike, climb, and explore in Red River Gorge? Read our comprehensive Red River Gorge adventure guide.
Bonus Perks You Might Miss Elsewhere
What really sets Firefly Hills apart from your average RV park near the Red River Gorge is the intentionality. Tonja and Troy have built this place with the heart of travelers in mind — and it shows in the little touches that make your stay more than just a stopover.
A Community Vibe (Without the Crowds)
There’s a single community fire pit, surrounded by comfortable Adirondack chairs. It’s a great place to gather if you feel like being social, but there’s no pressure. During our stay, we had the whole campground nearly to ourselves — a rare and welcome change from the packed, noisy campgrounds closer to Slade.
Slow Living Meets Smart Connectivity
Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature or just need solid internet to stay connected, Firefly Hills has you covered. Thanks to the wide open sky, our Starlink setup worked flawlessly, and several other campers were running it too. It’s ideal for remote work or evening Netflix without buffering.
Hammocks, Garden Goodies, and Sunday Yoga
Hammocks are strung up around the lower part of the property — perfect for unwinding after a hike or just swinging in the breeze with a book. The community garden was a delightful surprise, too. Guests are welcome to pick what’s in season — we saw lettuce, radishes, onions, and even a few raspberries tucked along the fence line.
One unique bonus? Group yoga on Sunday mornings. It’s a laid-back, come-as-you-are session set in nature — and while we had to hit the road before we could join, we hated missing it. Next time, it’s on the list.
Firefly Hills makes it easy to slow down, breathe deep, and really savor your camping trip — whether you’re here for a weekend or thinking about something more permanent.
Want more tips for nearby trails and attractions in Red River Gorge?
What Could Be Better? (Keeping It Real)
As much as we loved our stay at Firefly Hills Campground, no spot is perfect — and we think it’s important to share the full picture, especially for folks planning their first camping trip to Red River Gorge.
It’s a Little Farther Out
Firefly Hills is about 20–25 minutes from Slade and the popular Nada Tunnel area. If you’re planning to hike multiple days in the heart of Red River Gorge, be prepared for some extra drive time — especially on those narrow, winding mountain roads.
That said, the trade-off is a quieter, more spacious campground that feels like a true escape. Plus, it’s actually closer to Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Red River Gorge Zipline, and Via Ferrata, which many campers overlook when staying closer to Slade.
No Tent Camping (Yet)
While the campground supports a variety of setups for RV campers and long-term site owners, there currently aren’t tent camping options. So if you’re planning a car camping trip or traveling with friends in tents, this might not be the best fit — at least not yet.
Glamping Is Coming… But Not Here Yet
We mistakenly thought Firefly Hills had glamping cabins — they don’t (not yet, anyway!). But starting summer 2025, they’ll be adding glamping tents with A/C. That’s a game-changer for folks looking for a middle ground between comfort and nature. If you’re reading this in the future: book one early!
Frequently Asked Questions About Firefly Hills Campground
How far is Firefly Hills Campground from Red River Gorge?
It’s about a 20–25 minute drive from Slade, KY, which is the main gateway to the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The route includes some winding roads, but the scenery is worth it.
Is Firefly Hills good for RV camping?
Yes! It’s ideal for RV campers, offering 30 amp and 50 amp electrical hookups, sewer, and water. Each site includes a patio, picnic table, and personal fire ring.
Are there tent camping options?
Not at this time. Firefly Hills currently does not offer primitive tent camping, but glamping tents with A/C are scheduled to open in summer 2025.
Is there cell service or internet?
Yes — the wide-open sky makes it a fantastic spot for Starlink. We had excellent connectivity, and other campers did too. Great for remote work or streaming.
What amenities are offered?
Expect flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a campground store, and a community fire pit. There’s also a community garden and even Sunday morning yoga.
Can you own a site at Firefly Hills?
Yes! Firefly Hills offers long-term RV site ownership. Owners receive a private storage shed, indoor living space access, and shared use of the owners’ garage and tools — perfect for full-timers.
Our Final Thoughts: Reconnect with Nature at Firefly Hills
If you’re searching for a campground that goes beyond hookups and gravel pads, Firefly Hills Campground delivers — and then some. From the moment we pulled in and were greeted personally by Troy, to the peaceful mornings spent walking past wildflowers and hammocks, this place just felt different. In the best way.
Sure, it’s a bit farther from the bustle of Slade, but that’s kind of the point. You come to Firefly Hills when you want to slow down, spread out, and really enjoy your time outdoors — whether that means stargazing from your patio, picking fresh radishes from the garden, or swinging through the trees after a long hike.
We’d happily return for a weekend or even consider it as a basecamp for long-term RV living — especially with the ownership perks like storage sheds, tool access, and indoor living space. For full-timers or frequent travelers, that kind of setup is incredibly rare (and incredibly smart).
Bottom line: Firefly Hills is perfect for nature lovers, RV travelers, and anyone looking for a little more peace and a lot more heart. We’re already looking forward to our next trip.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
