Situated in the rugged, scenic landscape of northeastern Kentucky, Cave Run Lake on Cumberland District offers outstanding and varied recreational opportunities. The 8,270-acre lake is located southwest of Morehead. It was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Louisville District) for flood control, recreation, and downstream water quality control of the Licking River. The Forest Service is responsible for the development and administration of recreation facilities, while the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for managing fishing on the lake.

Overlooking the lake, on KY 801 South, is the Cumberland District office and visitor center. Maps, brochures, and information are available. Two developed campgrounds, Zilpo and Twin Knobs, offer camping in a natural setting, with both tent and recreational vehicle sites. Both offer beaches, restrooms with showers, scenic overlooks, trails, and camp stores.

History buffs will enjoy touring the Tater Knob Fire Tower or Clear Creek Iron Furnace.

For boaters, Scott Creek and Longbow Marinas offer boat rentals, groceries, fishing supplies, gas and oil, off-shore moorings, slips, boating accessories, and pump-out stations.

Cave Run is best known for its excellent muskie fishing.