To determine CKD knowledge and its association with health literacy, we conducted a cross-sectional study on patients in an urban nephrology clinic. Patients completed a survey assessing their CKD knowledge, health literacy, physician-patient communication, and patient activation. Data was analyzed using logistic regression. Of 161 participants, 27% had adequate CKD knowledge and 19% had adequate health literacy. CKD knowledge was not associated with health literacy or demographic characteristics. Only patient activation and physician communication were associated with CKD knowledge  (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.97, low v high patient activation;  OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.56, excellent communication v not ). Health literacy and CKD knowledge were low, though not associated. Our study highlights intervention targets to increase patients’ CKD knowledge.