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Map showing campground location near Laurel River Lake, Kentucky
Camper submitted image from Little Lick CampgroundView 18 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Laurel River Lake, Kentucky

Little Lick Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via Kentucky Route 80 through Daniel Boone National Forest, Little Lick Campground sits at the end of a forestry road on a mountaintop location. This US Forest Service facility charges $2-15 per night for drive-in camping and accommodates RVs up to 45 feet. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, trash service, and allows campfires, pets, and alcohol.

Sites spread across the forested terrain with varying levels of privacy and space. Shelly S. notes the sites "are big and you can easily have several tents or hammocks in each spot." The Nathan McClure Trailhead sits within the campground boundaries, while additional hiking trails run nearby. Campers report wildlife sightings including bears and bobcats in the area.

The remote location eliminates light pollution for stargazing. Cell service reaches the campground despite the backcountry setting. A river runs near the campground, and some campers access the area via a small ferry crossing. The primitive setting lacks electrical hookups, so visitors often bring generators for extended stays.

The campground works well for equestrian camping, trail biking, and hiking. Sites fill on a first-come basis, and the remote access road may challenge some vehicles during wet conditions.

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Map & DirectionsLittle Lick Campground is located in Kentucky near Laurel River Lake

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From I-75, exit 38, travel west on KY 192. Go 24.5 miles to Old Whitney Road on the left. Follow signs to the campground.  From Somerset, take KY 192 east for 21 miles. Turn right on Old Whitney Road. Follow signs to the campground.

Coordinates

36.96319882 N
84.39896836 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Little Lick Campground

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious, clean sites and primitive mountain setting in Daniel Boone National Forest. Several reviews noted the dark skies for stargazing and nearby trail access, though visitors should expect wildlife encounters.

Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Great stay with silence

Campers paradise, with a FREE campground. Campsites are spacious depending on which one you get, and we'll spread out. Be wary of shy bears and bobcats.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Tombo T., May 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Tombo T., May 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Tombo T., May 15, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2020

Don’t feel lost

Off Ky Rt 80 in Daniel Boone National Forest, keep following the tent signs , they will get you to Little Lick Campground. This is a primitive little campground out in the middle of nowhere, however there are several awesome trailheads in the area, Nathan McClure TH right in the campground.

Bring your horse, bring your trail bike, bring your dogs. You might want to bring a generator too. Not a lot of sites but they are big and you can easily have several tents or hammocks ( if there’s trees) in each spot.

Quiet and dark and STARS.

  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Shelly S., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Shelly S., November 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Little Lick Campground by Shelly S., November 12, 2020
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

Camping along river

Take an awesome little ferry across the river (or drive around). Tent sites vary in privacy. Great simple site, clean. No trails on site but we did a pretty one nearby (forget the name). Babbling river and nice wildlife. Good place to bring a boat.

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What primitive camping facilities are available at Little Lick Campground?

Little Lick Campground is a true primitive camping experience in Daniel Boone National Forest. The campground offers spacious, well-spread out tent sites with varying levels of privacy. While facilities are minimal, there are basic amenities to accommodate campers seeking a wilderness experience. The campground is FREE, making it a budget-friendly option. Be prepared for wildlife encounters, as shy bears and bobcats have been spotted in the area. There are no hookups or modern facilities, so campers should come fully prepared with water, food, and waste disposal plans.

Where is Little Lick Campground located and how do I get there?

Little Lick Campground is located in Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. To reach the campground, take Kentucky Route 80 and follow the tent signs that will guide you directly to Little Lick. The campground sits at the top of a mountain up a forestry road, giving it a secluded feel. Some visitors may need to take a ferry across the river to access the area, though there is also a driving route around. Look for the Nathan McClure Trailhead which is located right in the campground as a landmark.

Is Little Lick Campground near Flat Lick Falls, and can I visit both?

While specific distance information between Little Lick Campground and Flat Lick Falls isn't precisely documented, both are located in the general Daniel Boone National Forest area. The campground has several awesome trailheads nearby, making it a good base for exploring natural attractions in the region. Though not directly mentioned, Flat Lick Falls would likely be accessible as a day trip from the campground. For the most accurate directions and travel time between these two destinations, check with forest service officials or bring detailed maps of the area.

How far is Little Lick Campground from Cumberland Lake and are there hookup options?

Little Lick Campground is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest region, though the exact distance to Cumberland Lake isn't specifically documented. The campground is strictly primitive with NO hookup options available. This is a free, basic camping experience without electricity, water, or sewer connections. Campers requiring hookups should look for alternative campgrounds closer to Cumberland Lake. Little Lick is best suited for tent camping and self-sufficient campers who are prepared for a rustic wilderness experience. There is a river nearby that offers opportunities for boating.

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