Kingdom Come State Park Campground, near Harlan, Kentucky, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With a handful of sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for those who want to kick back and enjoy a campfire under the stars.

This campground is known for its stunning views and outdoor activities. Visitors rave about the nearby hiking trails, especially the Raven Rock trail, which leads to breathtaking mountain vistas. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the small lake stocked with trout and other fish, just a short walk from the campsites. As one camper noted, “There is plenty to do. Take the time to check it out; you won't regret it.”

The campground is pretty basic, with no running water at the sites, but there are restrooms with sinks. Campers have mentioned the friendly rangers who provide free firewood and are happy to help with any needs. The area is also known for bear sightings, so keeping your campsite clean is a must.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with a touch of adventure, Kingdom Come State Park Campground is a solid choice. With its remote feel and beautiful surroundings, it’s a great spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Kingdom Come State Park Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Cumberland. Cumberland is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Cumberland, reviewed by campers like you.

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The Best Camping Near Cumberland, Kentucky

Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky! There are 6 tent sites (7 if they allow you to reserve the one next to the duck pond), each with a gravel drive, mulch tent pad big enough for two smallish tents, fire ring, and picnic table. The nearby shelter house provides restrooms and trash cans. The local ranger was most helpful in providing firewood (free!) and offering to bring us water to wash up with or for drinking (there is a water fountain across from the CG, but it wasn't turned on and there is running water in the restrooms). The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none. The surrounding mountains provide many short hikes that can be easily strung together to make for a longer trek if desired. We look forward to camping there again!

Lovely quiet, small tent campground

The only downside for me was the campsites were not very private. They are basically in a center median in between the roads. But the trails were really cool with lots to see including an amphitheater inside a big cave! The views from the outlooks are great on multiple sides. And the little camp store is really nice as well. I saw more bears while at this park then any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away. We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean as to not attract the bears closer.

We only saw one other camper the whole time we were there. And it was peaceful the whole time were there outside of the bears trying to get the bear proof cans open in the distance a couple times.

One of my favorite camping experiences so far

This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites, and they are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings. There are men's and women's bathrooms, with running water in the sinks, but no water faucets as in other camps, and no showers. I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote. The views from the outlooks at the top of the road are amazing. There is a lake for swimming, and plenty of trails. Bugs are minimal.

Quiet, beautiful views

Great spot in an interesting area, we were here to go to the high point, Black Mountain. Portal 31 is closer, but this is a significantly more natural experience.

6 sites that are tent-centric but doable with a small trailer, there are two additional sites that can be accessed if you ask the ranger to open the gate. 

We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions. 

No dump station, and the road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it una mini van pulling a scamp, so you’ll probably be fine.

Hidden gem in Harlan county.

I've been camping at this state park since the early 2000's and am pleased to say not much has changed.The campground has 7 sites each with it's own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears. If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites. There are plenty of hiking trails. Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450 foot  40 degree angle granite rock facing that you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. There is also a natural rock bridge close to the campsites called Log Rock. Of the 7 sites 6 are close together. The 7th is of by itself and about 100 feet from the lake in a more secluded area.  For the adventurers you can drive along a section of The Little Shepard Trail.  A one lane road that runs along the ridge of the mountain. No guard rails! , With 300 foot cliffs to either side . All in all there is plenty to do. Take the time to check it out you won't regret it. Oh, I failed to mention free firewood. Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood. It's included with the price of camping.

Photos of Kingdom Come State Park Campground

Real photos from real campers