Established Camping
S-Tree Campground
S-Tree Campground, near McKee, Kentucky, is a peaceful spot that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With spacious sites that come with fire rings and picnic tables, it’s an ideal place to kick back and enjoy some quality time around the campfire.
This campground is a hit with visitors who appreciate its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. One camper noted, “Bathrooms were clean. Campsite was clean. Campground very well maintained. So peaceful!” While there’s no drinking water or electric hookups, the natural surroundings make up for it, and many find the lack of distractions refreshing.
For outdoor lovers, S-Tree is a great base for trail riding, with multiple trails nearby. Campers have mentioned that it’s a “Riders Paradise,” making it a popular choice for those who enjoy hitting the trails on horseback or mountain bikes. Plus, the campground is free, which is a nice bonus for budget-conscious adventurers.
If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, this campground offers a chance to unwind and connect with nature. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit off the beaten path, so be prepared for some rugged roads to get there. Whether you’re camping solo or with friends, S-Tree Campground is a solid choice for a weekend getaway.
Description
National Forest
S-Tree Campground sits on a ridge above Horse Lick Creek on London Ranger District near McKee in Jackson County, Kentucky. A small picnic area features a historic picnic shelter that was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The campground receives heavy weekend use from off-highway vehicle users who ride the adjacent Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Section #25 and the Renfro Loop Trail. These trails may be accessed from the campground. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to S-Tree Campground. Learn more... This campground cannot accommodate trailers 25 feet or more due to one lane roads and no turn-outs. Each campsite has a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lantern pole. No electricity or dump station available.Vault toilets are centrally located. Campsites and shelter are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Loop A has two double campsites. Loop B has two fire circles. All of the campsites are wooded. Picnicking nearby: A picnic shelter with tables is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other picnic sites are located near an area where a fire lookout tower once stood. S-Tree Campground Map View S-Tree Campground Guide & Map (pdf) S-Tree Fire Tower once stood near the entrance to the campground. Towers like these were important tools in detecting and fighting devastating forest fires. Fire towers were home to the lookouts who ran them. A tower cab was just big enough for a wood stove, two cots, a cabinet, storage box, small table, and a stool. The all-important alidade, or fire finder, stood in the middle of the room. By the mid-1970s, firefighters used aircraft for fire detection. Many towers, like one that stood here, were torn down because they could no longer be maintained in a safe condition. Nearby Trails: Renfro Loop Trails Sheltowee Trace Trail #100 Section 25
Location
S-Tree Campground is located in Kentucky
Directions
From Berea: From I-75 take Berea Exit 76. Head east on KY 21. Stay on KY 21E (Big Hill Road) approximately 5 miles until it ends at US 421. Turn right (south) on US 421. Take US 421 west for approximately 18 miles to McKee KY, then turn right (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, make a slight right (west) on Forest Road 43 (S-Tree Road). Go 1 mile, turn left (south) on Forest Road 20 (Tussey Hill Road) and follow the signs. From McKee: Take US 421 west from McKee for 0.5 mile. Turn left (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, make a slight right (west) on Forest Road 43 (S-Tree Road). Go 1 mile, turn left (south) on Forest Road 20 (Tussey Hill Road) and follow the signs.
Coordinates
37.38678802 N
84.071748 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump