Best Dispersed Camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Dispersed camping options near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky include several primitive sites with varying amenities and regulations. Trace Branch Dispersed along Rock Creek Road features designated tent pads where camping is permitted. The site offers access to Rock Creek with one area containing a picnic table and fire pit. Additional sites can be found further down the gravel road. Winter camping is possible but requires heavy-duty stakes for frozen ground.

Swain Ridge provides secluded primitive camping with important restrictions. Camping is not permitted in open fields, with fines up to $1000 for violations. According to visitor reports, camping is allowed only at trailheads or along roadsides. The area has minimal light pollution, making it excellent for stargazing. Visitors should be prepared for ticks and poison ivy, particularly along field edges during warmer months.

Jellico Creek Road contains three dispersed campsites, with the first being the largest and able to accommodate two groups. This site includes a small swimming hole with a rope swing. Redbird Boat Ramp offers basic dispersed camping access. None of these sites provide drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location and season; Swain Ridge prohibits fires while other sites permit them in established rings.

All sites are free to use and most allow pets. Vehicle access is primarily drive-in, though some areas may require walking to reach suitable tent locations. Winter visitors should note that waterways may freeze completely, as reported at Trace Branch. Campers should bring sturdy tent stakes and be prepared for variable ground conditions. Pack out all trash, as previous visitors have noted litter problems at some locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (4)

    1. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Stearns, KY
    7 miles
    Website

    "Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping."

    "Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening."

    2. Swain Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    12 miles

    "But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there."

    3. Redbird Boat Ramp

    3 Reviews
    Williamsburg, KY
    18 miles

    "No amenities. The sky was beautiful. Would go again. About ten miles off 75. We were there in Sept 2025"

    4. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    1 Review
    Jellico, KY
    20 miles
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road.  We stayed at the first and largest of the three.  This first site has room for two groups.  It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

3 Photos of 4 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

5 Reviews of 4 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Gravel only

    Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.

  • Matthew H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2025

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Great Spot

    Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping. You can only set up your tent on the designated tent pad, luckily we had heavy duty stakes that could get through the ground. The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too. There were a few cars that drove through the middle of the night but no issues. We left our site unattended for hours to check out the streams and rivers and nothing was missing. Lots of beer bottles left over and shattered so I have to pick up the trash before letting my dog out. There are more sites down the gravel road but we went with the first one we came to.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek.

    One picnic table and fire pit.  Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    Jellico Creek 1

    There are three dispersed camp sites along this road.  We stayed at the first and largest of the three.  This first site has room for two groups.  It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.

  • Sierra E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Quiet Pasture But Ticks

    It was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to “mow” the grass down, and set up fine. But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there. Outside for normal outside life inconvenience; it was a beautiful, quiet pasture. We were even blessed with see several bats fly around at night. There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!


Guide to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Dispersed camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors while engaging in various activities.

Enjoy Swimming Holes While Free Camping Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

  • At Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1, you can find a small swimming hole complete with a rope swing, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out the Secluded Pastures

  • Swain Ridge provides a wonderfully secluded experience, where you can set up camp in a quiet pasture and enjoy stargazing without light pollution, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Swain Ridge is known for its peaceful environment and natural beauty.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky

  • When visiting Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road, be sure to bring your own firepit, as this area allows fires and offers a picturesque setting by the creek for a cozy evening. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy a more rustic camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find car camping spots in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

Car camping is available at several dispersed sites in Big South Fork. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 offers three dispersed sites along the road with the first site being the largest and accommodating two groups. It features a small swimming hole with a rope swing. Additionally, Swain Ridge allows camping at the trailhead or roadside, but not in open fields (there's a $1000 fine for field camping). Look for established pullouts with existing fire rings. Remember that most dispersed car camping spots in the area are primitive with minimal amenities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

What are the rules and permits needed for backcountry camping at Big South Fork?

For backcountry camping at Big South Fork, you must camp only in designated areas with established tent pads. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road exemplifies this rule, where campers must use only the designated tent pad. A free backcountry permit is required for overnight stays, obtainable at visitor centers or trailheads. Practice Leave No Trace principles, keeping campsites at least 100 feet from water sources. Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings like those at Redbird Boat Ramp. Be aware of seasonal restrictions and wildlife precautions. Group size is typically limited to 8 people per site in backcountry areas.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.