About Callie’s Lake and Campground

Callie’s Lake and Campground in Red River Gorge is a family owned and operated full camping facility just a few short miles from Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge. The owner, Shane Bowen, dreamed of providing a place where folks could come and enjoy themselves in a welcoming atmosphere. This full RV park and lakeside campground is the reality of that dream coming true.

We continue to grow and add new facilities every year. We have many full RV hook ups, lakeside camper locations with water and electric, and plenty of primitive camping surrounded by peaceful, serine nature. Groups are also welcome as we frequently hold catered events, weddings, concerts and more at our amphitheater stage area. 

The campground is centrally located between Stanton and Slade Kentucky which makes it the ideal location to visit the areas attractions. Take a short drive and you will find the best hiking, climbing, zip-lining, canoeing, fishing and four-wheeling that Kentucky has to offer.

History of Callie’s Lake and Campground

The campground was named after Shane Bowen’s great-grandmother, Callie Bowen, who built the lake back in 1955 as a pay lake. Callie, aka Mammy, ran the operations of her 175 acre farm after the death of her husband, Taulbee Bowen I, after his death in 1933. He purchased the farm in 1916. Callie was well known around the area for her constant work; either on the farm or making her trademark 15 button bonnets which she always wore. Aging never stopped Callie. Up into her later years, she still walked two miles to Bowen, KY to fetch her mail, groceries and visit friends. Once asked what contributed to her great condition in old age, she replied, “Hard work never killed anybody.” Callie passed away in 1969. The lake and campground are located on a 50 acre piece of the property directly behind the Bowen First Church of God. We are proud to continue the tradition and hard work she started with the lake so many years ago.