Fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching draw campers to this free dispersed area on Cave Run Lake within Daniel Boone National Forest. The roughly seven to twelve sites sit along or near the lakeshore, and several have direct boat access from camp. Herons, woodpeckers, and hawks have all been spotted by visitors, with at least one reviewer watching a heron fish from fewer than 100 feet away.
Sites fill quickly on weekends and holiday periods. A Friday afternoon arrival in October left only a few spots open, and a mid-July Tuesday visit found the area about three-quarters full. Sites are spaced closely together, so expect neighbors within earshot. No reservations are taken, and the campground can close without advance notice, as one visitor found a gate blocking the road entirely in June 2019.
Amenities are minimal. Portable pit toilets are on-site, but there are no trash receptacles, no potable water, and no electrical hookups. As Lynn G. notes, "make sure to bring your own water treatment." Trash left by previous campers has come up repeatedly across reviews, and broken glass has been noted at sites, so keep pets away from the ground around fire rings. Bears are present in the area, and reviewers recommend keeping food stored and sites clean.
A nearby boat ramp makes launching a kayak or small craft straightforward. For other dispersed camping near Daniel Boone National Forest, or a nearby alternative, North Fork sits about 1.2 miles to the northeast. Weekday visits in late summer or fall tend to offer more space and quieter conditions.
Description
Paragon is a primitive camping area with 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Alert: August 21, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service opened a section of Paragon Road on Friday, August 16, 2019. The gate closest to Highway 519 was opened and motor vehicles will be able to drive to the first two loops commonly used for camping, swimming, and fishing. The new gate has been installed to allow vehicle access into the area while road work and repairs continue. The new gate will also allow the two camping loops to remain open when Cave Run Lake is 1.5 to 2 feet above summer pool and inundating the lowest portions of Paragon Road, which has occurred many times in the last decade and resulted in closure of the entire road and camping area. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your trip to this area. Learn more... The campground is located on the Cumberland Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie.This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Nearby facilities: Poppin Rock Boat Ramp
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsParagon Dispersed Camping Area is located in Kentucky near Daniel Boone National Forest
Directions
From I-64, take exit 137 (KY 32) toward Morehead. Turn right on US 60. In less than one mile, turn left onto KY 519. Continue to follow KY-519 south for several miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 947. The campground is on the right.
Coordinates
38.04871792 N
83.39535182 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Paragon Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 7 min from Huntington, WV
- 1 hr 9 min from Lexington, KY
- 2 hrs 2 min from Cincinnati, OH
