John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground

3 Reviews Add Review

Accessible via Highway 715, John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground sits between the Red River and the road on mostly grassy terrain with some dirt areas closer to the water. The $8 campground features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with port-a-potties scattered throughout the grounds. A gate closes and locks at 10 pm, though the manager stays on-site overnight.

Road noise from the two-lane highway reaches campsites, and recent cabin additions have reduced primitive camping space while introducing generator noise. Firewood sold on-site tends to be wet and burns poorly. The facility also offers canoe and kayak rentals, making it convenient for paddlers who want drive-in access without hiking gear to their campsite.

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Map & DirectionsJohn Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground is located in Kentucky near Slade

Private Campground

Coordinates

37.83325576 N
83.64759155 W

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Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 1 min from Lexington, KY
1 hr 39 min from Huntington, WV
2 hrs 2 min from Cincinnati, OH
3 hrs 10 min from Kingsport, TN

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted helpful staff and convenient riverside location with easy tent setup. However, noise concerns from generators and road proximity, plus significant price increases, were notable drawbacks for some long-term guests.

JoDee G.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

They have ruined tent camping .

2x the price since they put in cabins. Took half the primitive camping spots and run multiple super loud generators all night long. The only space that was left without cell phones and radios and campers and monstrous rv.s and now these cabins have. Ruined the only quiet spot we could find .been coming for almost 20 years will never go again... Neither will my company.

Month of VisitJuly

Danicia J.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2020

Perfect!

Absolutely loved our get away here! Even through the rain. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming. Very layed back and enjoyable experience.

Rita H.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Great family-friendly, primitive car camping

This campground is easy to access and good for individuals or groups; it's mostly covered with grass though there are areas that are more dirt, closer to the river. It's nestled between the Red River and Highway 715, so you are pretty close to the road and will hear some road noise, but it's a pretty quiet 2-lane highway. There are picnic tables and fire-rings at each campsite, and it is easy to pitch a few tents in close proximity if you are there with a group. The toilets are port-a-potties scattered throughout the campground. You are asked to sign a waiver and agree to the quiet hours (11-6). The campground is gated and the gate is closed and locked at 10 pm (but the campground manager sleeps on-site). The firewood we purchased here was very wet though, and never burned well. This is typical of much of the firewood purchased at the RRG though, unless you buy kiln-dried from the store. Canoe and kayak rentals happen at the site as well. This was perfect for camping with my 10-month old, without needing to hike in from the car. A good balance between a crowded state campground and backcountry camping.

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is John Swift Campground located?

John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground is situated along the Red River, adjacent to Highway 715. The campground offers a scenic location nestled between the river and the road, providing easy access for visitors. While its proximity to the highway means some road noise is audible, the beautiful riverside setting compensates for this minor drawback. The grassy terrain throughout most of the campground transitions to more dirt areas closer to the river, making it suitable for various camping setups.

Are RVs allowed at John Swift Campground?

Yes, RVs are allowed at John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground. The campground has evolved to accommodate various camping styles, including RVs of substantial size. However, the presence of RVs has changed the atmosphere of the campground, with some visitors noting the increased noise from generators. If you're planning an RV trip, be aware that the campground layout has been modified over time, with some primitive camping areas being reduced to make way for more developed camping options including cabins.

What is the history behind John Swift's Lost Silver Mine?

John Swift's Lost Silver Mine is a fascinating piece of local folklore and history that gives the campground its distinctive name. The legend centers around John Swift, who reportedly discovered and operated a silver mine in the region during the late 18th century. Swift is said to have created detailed journals about his mining operations but was never able to relocate the mine after leaving the area. This historical mystery has captivated treasure hunters and history enthusiasts for generations, adding a layer of intrigue to the camping experience at this historic site.

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