Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Camping options around Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area range from basic to full-service sites. Love this Campground draws many campers with its quiet setting and good upkeep. Within the recreation area itself, Bandy Creek Campground puts you right next to hiking trails with good views of the Cumberland Plateau. The Farm RV Resort works well for bigger rigs, with full hookups for longer stays. Throughout the area, you can hike, fish, or go horseback riding on trails that follow the river and go through the woods. Most campgrounds in the area have bathrooms, showers, and places to eat outside. Spring and fall bring the best weather and colorful trees, while summers get hot and humid. Winter camping means fewer people and cooler days. Always check if places are open before you go, especially in off-seasons. Tent or RV, you'll find spots that work for you around Big South Fork. Pack what you need since stores might be far from some campgrounds. The different landscapes and things to do make this part of Kentucky good for anyone who likes being outside.

Best Camping Sites Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (155)

    1. Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    26 Reviews
    Stearns, KY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $30 - $35 / night

    "It's located on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork. The campsites have a picnic table and a firepit. Our campsite was very nice and private with a big grassy area."

    "The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site."

    2. Ridgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    38 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    13 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $26 - $34 / night

    "Sadly, there is a massive amount of trash at the bottom (as you can see in the pictures posted here) which takes away from the natural appearance of the falls."

    "It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."

    3. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    42 Reviews
    Rugby, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Bandy Creek Campground is located in The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area on The Cumberland Plateau. Big South Fork is a great place for outdoor adventure."

    "Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."

    4. Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Revelo, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 286-7275

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained."

    "The Big South Fork river is some of the best smallmouth fishing around. I love the backcountry camping in BSF, it’s so peaceful, and beautiful."

    5. Alum Ford Campground — Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Marshes Siding, KY
    0 miles
    +1 (423) 569-9778

    $15 / night

    "Ranger Review: Mountain House Meals at Alum Ford Campground ,Big South Fork, Ky Campground Review: Near Yahoo Falls Alum Ford this small (6 sites) primitive campground is a good place to"

    6. Great Meadows Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 376-5323

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing(areas close by to check out), also there are some swimming holes..just have to find them. can camp right by the creek and across the road is a few"

    "Love it clean nice people Has water some of the time no electricity sites are well kept has horseshoe pits no stores close by no cell phone service but it does have clean toilets fishing is good"

    7. General Burnside Island State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Burnside, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 561-4104

    $22 - $36 / night

    "There are some awesome hikes nearby in Daniel Boone National Forest. Natural Arch, Yazoo Arch and Yazoo Falls are all worth the drive."

    "The golf course is apparently well known and quite pretty, but we spent the weekend hiking in nearby Daniel Boone Park while the guys golfed."

    8. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Pall Mall, TN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 879-5821

    $23 / night

    "PICKETT STATE RUSTIC PARK is located adjacent to Scott State Forest, Big South Fork River, Tn and below Daniel Boone National Forest, Ky. The Campground is my favorite type, small."

    "Grandma couldn’t leisurely walk, or scale some of the trails, so you have been warned. But for able bodied persons, the hikes are all doable."

    10. Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground

    8 Reviews
    Williamsburg, KY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 913-0325

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Close to trails and a waterpark too. Love the peace and tranquility. We will be going back again."

    "Trails, canoe, kayak, swim, fish, relax. Great time to be had here. Affordable!!!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 155 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

667 Reviews of 155 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Knoxville Campground

    Great Pass through Campground not for staying long term

    Location was great to get to lots of things but campsites are very tight and no room for an actual camping feel.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Forever a Special Place

    I have been camping at Frozen Head since I was a child. In fact, I went to my first day of Kindergarten from the campsite. The campground is wooded and perfect for that woodsy camp feel. There are so many hiking trails around I absolutely loved the little library they had. This last trip, we stayed in the primitive site and loved being next to a little creek. There is no wifi and no cell phone reception.

  • Mary D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anderson County Park

    Amazing Site!

    This is one of my new absolute favorite sites yet! While a majority of the campground is long-term, the sites along water are not. This specific spot was huge and next to a wooded area and nature walk and, in my opinion, the best site in the whole campground! The bathhouse was small, but functional and clean. The campground host was exceptionally friendly. No wifi. I have US Cellular and had limited service. Enough to maybe look something up and receive texts.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    The Farm RV Resort

    New Fresh Clean

    Great job in design and setup. Camp store needs to be updates with essentials

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Renfro Valley RV Park

    Basic but accommodating

    We came mid week, with no concerts. The place was almost empty! Looks like it would be a really cool place to camp at for a show

  • Kody Bear A.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Redbird Boat Ramp

    It's nice and private

    Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    East Campground - Norris Dam State Park

    Nice park but road is not that friendly

    Google maps and the website will tell you to take the 441 to get here but I recommend going down to the 61 and coming up that way as the road is quite a bit wider and not so steep and windy. The last mile or so into the campground is a pretty narrow road that when we were here was in bad shape with potholes. Note that some of the campsites have only 30 amp and some of the campsites have only 50 amp so when making a reservation don’t assume that a 50 amp campsite will also have 30 amp. They all did appear to 20 amp. There is a dump station available and a fairly nice bathroom and showers. Most of the spaces are fairly level and fairly easy to get into. 1-3 were quite short. Recommend popping down to the Clinch River Brewery for a beverage and possibly dinner. Also the Appalachian museum in Norris was pretty fascinating.

  • Kc K.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Big Ridge State Park Campground

    Big level site

    Site 43. Big site. fairly flat. Just have levelers on one side. Close to the bathhouse and a quick walk to the entrance to get to the store, swim area, etc. Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in- the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road.


Guide to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "We hiked the Wildflower Loop Trail in a drizzle and although wet it was safe. When the rain stopped we hiked Eagle Falls Trail and it was very muddy but the views were worth it."
  • Fishing and Boating: The lakes and rivers in the area are perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "Great fishing lake and river," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Horseback Riding: For those who enjoy horseback riding, there are options available. A reviewer shared, "A 45-minute horse ride for $25 is an absolute steal," making it a great addition to your camping experience.

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park said, "The trails and Cumberland Falls were awesome," emphasizing the park's natural beauty.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds in the area are well-maintained. A reviewer at Bandy Creek Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms were a short walk away and had ample hot water for showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cove Lake State Park Campground are great for families, with one camper stating, "Nice playgrounds for the kids."

What you should know

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park mentioned, "Be aware, that the campsites are exactly the length as indicated. Not an inch more!"
  • Limited Cell Service: Expect spotty cell service in many areas. One camper shared, "We had no T-Mobile service, or satellite service in our vehicle," so plan accordingly.
  • Weather Considerations: The weather can be unpredictable. A reviewer at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground noted, "We endured a nearly 24-hour torrential downpour," so be prepared for rain.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Bandy Creek Campground, which has amenities for kids. One reviewer said, "There is a small on-site store and a playground for the kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper mentioned, "There are several lodging options… cottages, The Lodge, tent and RV camping," which can help accommodate different family needs.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Cove Lake State Park Campground noted, "The roads themselves were well maintained, though maybe a little narrow at times."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Blue Heron Campground said, "Electric and water. Site on the incline were tricky with a larger rig."
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have convenient dump stations. A camper at Kendall Campground mentioned, "This campground provides electric and water at most sites, has two dump stations."
  • Bring Extra Blocks: Some sites can be unlevel. A visitor at Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground advised, "Bring lots of blocks," to help level your RV.

Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

What parks are near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 parks near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area that allow camping, notably Laurel River Lake and Lake Cumberland.