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Best Dispersed Camping near Grayson Lake

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Grayson Lake, Kentucky include Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in the Daniel Boone National Forest, approximately 30 miles northwest in Clearfield. This free camping area offers lakeside sites with direct water access. The area features primitive conditions with only pit toilets available and no drinking water, hookups, or trash service. Visitors must pack out all waste.

Several campers report mixed experiences at Paragon. The location provides excellent fishing access and wildlife viewing opportunities, including herons and woodpeckers. However, multiple reviews mention significant trash problems and occasional noise issues. According to one visitor, "We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left." The sites can fill quickly on weekends and during peak seasons, with only about a dozen spots available. Additional dispersed camping options include several Ohio locations within 50 miles, such as Hanging Rock Recreation Site near Ironton, though reviews suggest these areas may have similar challenges with trash and occasional late-night activity.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grayson Lake (5)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grayson Lake

13 Reviews of 5 Grayson Lake Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful & Free, but Lots of Trash Around

    We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet. We rolled up on a Tuesday night in mid-July and found the campground about ¾ full but still plenty of space for our little trailer. With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. 

    There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites.  There were portable pit-toilets (bring your own TP, if you want to have some). There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly. The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good, or at least the trying is. But launching a kayak for an easy paddle about the lake couldn’t be easier from your site. 

    We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. It’s discouraging to love these camping areas and find them in such a rough state after others use them. It’s a good reminder to come prepared to pick up after yourself and others who aren’t as thoughtful. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out.

  • Wayne H.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Broke campers dream

    This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups. Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back! Located in Morehead, KY.

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest

    The National Forest has hiking, multi-use trails, and boating (there is a ramp nearby). This is dispersed camping, meaning there are no amenities besides a pit toilet and a few fire rings. Make sure to bring your own water treatment.

    Yay: Close to the river, on the less busy side of the forest. Drive along the road and decide which campsite to stay at. All free.

    Nay: Sadly, there was a lot of trash at all the sites. Not all sites have fire rings. There are only 7 sites so and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area). Can be very muddy!

    Surprise: call or visit the ranger office before entering the forest to get the latest recommendations for good trails and where to see wildlife!

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Sand Hill Trailhead

    Dispersed Camping best off Horseback Trails

    We arrived late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest. We were grateful to have the Dyrt's info downloaded on my chromebook. Even still, Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land. The Ironton Campground has been closed during 2020 as part of a water main line break. We initially tried the Hanging Rock OHV trailhead, but locals used that area for partying when we were there and it wasn't ideal to camp at the trailhead with about a dozen cars speeding along the gravel roads around midnight. We found the Sand Hill Trail head and pitched camp not too far from where we parked. The NF website says fires are allowed if you make a stone ring. We just skipped it. It is a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs. We saw a ranger in the morning and he suggested next time we just camp at the horsecamp. The pins on the Dyrt's map were inaccurately located when we were using it with multiple entries. Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map. Hopefully the Dyrt will get better at hyper locating those lines.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Motor Vehicle Area

    The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing! There is a large parking area in the middle of the park with a restroom, and at least one other restroom further down the road. I noticed several “fire pits” in gravel pull offs in the park. Not sure if fires are allowed though.

    We hiked here today to retrieve some trail cameras from the surrounding Wayne National Forest for a spotted skunk study at Ohio University. Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!

  • Dylane S.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Not always accessible

    June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road.

  • Rob G.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Great spot and easy to find!

    With that being said, there was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much. Awesome morning sunrise!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Better Than Walmart

    We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn’t know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful location just off a paved road

    We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.

    Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.

    The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!

    The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.

    While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!

Guide to Grayson Lake

Dispersed camping near Grayson Lake in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these areas are perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views and Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

  • The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area provides stunning views of the lake, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. Campers have reported sightings of herons and woodpeckers right from their sites.
  • Located near Cave Run Lake, this area is known for its picturesque surroundings and opportunities for fishing, which many campers take advantage of during their stay.
  • While enjoying the natural beauty, be mindful of the close proximity of campsites, which may affect privacy, but also fosters a sense of community among campers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Grayson Lake in Kentucky

  • At the Hanging Rock Recreation Site, campers should come prepared with their own supplies, as there are no water or electric hookups available. This makes it essential to plan ahead for your needs.
  • Be aware of the local wildlife and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting bears, especially in areas like the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, where wildlife encounters are common.
  • Bring your own toilet paper if you plan to use the portable pit toilets available at some sites, as this is not always provided.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out the Local Fishing Opportunities

  • The Hanging Rock Recreation Area features several ponds that are perfect for fishing, making it a great spot for anglers looking to catch some local fish.
  • Campers at the Sand Hill Trailhead can enjoy fishing along Vesuvius Lake, which is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility.
  • Many campers have reported that fishing is a popular activity at these dispersed sites, so bringing your fishing gear can enhance your outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for dispersed camping at Grayson Lake?

At dispersed camping areas near Grayson Lake, campers must pack in and pack out all supplies and waste. Sand Hill Trailhead exemplifies typical dispersed camping regulations in the region, where visitors must navigate carefully between public and private land boundaries. Access may occasionally be restricted by gates or seasonal closures. Campers are required to properly dispose of all trash and maintain a clean campsite to prevent attracting wildlife, including bears. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent spreading invasive species. Stays are typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Noise should be kept to a minimum, especially after dark, out of respect for other campers and wildlife.

Are there any amenities available for dispersed campers at Grayson Lake?

Dispersed camping areas around Grayson Lake offer minimal amenities, consistent with the boondocking experience. At Hanging Rock Recreation Site, you'll find basic facilities like pit toilets and a parking area, but no hookups or services. Some dispersed sites may have rustic fire rings, but these aren't guaranteed at all locations. There's no potable water available, so campers must bring their own water or treatment systems. No electricity, showers, or dump stations are provided. While lacking in amenities, these areas offer natural features like proximity to lakes for fishing, access to hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including herons, woodpeckers, and other birds.

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Grayson Lake?

Dispersed camping is available at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, which is located on Cave Run Lake near Morehead, KY. This free camping area is accessible directly off the highway with many spots offering boat-in access to the water. While not directly on Grayson Lake itself, it provides a similar dispersed camping experience in the same region. The sites are spread throughout the National Forest Service land, with some spots located right along the lakeshore. Campers should be aware that availability varies seasonally, with the area becoming approximately 75% full during peak summer months, particularly on weekends.

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