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

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (34)

    1. Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

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

    $28 - $31 / night

    "Each site had a water hook up, standard lantern/trash pole, fire ring, electric box, and was a short walk from the Clifty campground bathroom."

    "We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being"

    2. Pulaski County Park

    11 Reviews
    Nancy, KY
    23 miles
    Website

    "It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses.. There are several cabins on site. Great  lake views and beach.  Lots to do at PCP."

    "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins."

    3. Backcountry Camping

    1 Review
    Oneida, TN
    17 miles
    Website

    $5 - $25 / night

    "The first trip was marred by car issues, but the second trip, we were able to actually camp in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. "

    4. Rockcastle

    2 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-5225

    "The site are well spread out for the most part, the view is very nice if you get to camp on the water, and we were able to find space on a major holiday which was very welcome."

    5. Grove Boat-In Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "It was dark once I set up but an awesome could helped me with fire wood and had a nice talk around their campfire. Beautiful area. Very busy on labor day weekend!!"

    6. Tranquility Creek

    1 Review
    Williamsburg, KY
    20 miles
    +1 (772) 501-5012

    $60 - $100 / night

    8. Hidden Ridge Camping - Tents

    1 Review
    Lake Cumberland, KY
    21 miles
    Website

    $50 - $160 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property on our platform. These sites are spacious and secluded, the perfect spot for your next family adventure. Check out the hiking trails close by!"

    9. White Oak Boat-In Campground

    1 Review
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    "It’s within the Daniel Boone National Forest on Laurel River lake and is not actually an island. It can’t be accessed by car but you can bike in on a dirt service road."

    10. Rabbit Road Campground — Indian Mountain State Park

    1 Review
    Jellico, TN
    26 miles
    Website

    "Primitive isn’t our mode of camping, but we rode our bikes up the road to check out this beautiful campground. Easy to find, marked with a sign."

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

615 Reviews of 34 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Lori H.
    Aug. 28, 2019

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

    Ranger Review: GCI Freestyle Rocker Pro at Bandy Creek Campground

    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. Some activities include hiking, horseback riding, rick climbing, tubing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and just about anything else! The area is never overcrowded, even in the middle of summer. There are many scenic views throughout the area, so bring a camera!

    Campground review: Bandy Creek Campground is a great place! The sites are all spacious, and wooded for the most part, so you have plenty of space and some privacy. The campground seemed quite large, and was fairly empty for a Weekend in August. Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there’s wildlife around for sure!

    There is tent loop, and a group camp area, and I believe the campground hosts several retreats.

    There’s riding stables at the camp store too. The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards.

    The restrooms were immaculate! Seriously the cleanest campground restrooms I believe I’ve seen. Ours had a filtered water bottle fill up fountain too.

    This campground is really nice, and quiet, but also has so much to do, I highly recommend it!

    Product Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to try out products sometimes, and today I’m trying out the GCI Freestyle Rocket Pro! https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/freestyle-rocker-pro/

    The Freestyle Rocker Pro is one of the best chairs I’ve used! It is actually much lighter than I expected, and is still extremely sturdy. Lightweight gear is a must when camping, or attending events!
    It has a carry handle so you don’t need to try to fit it in a case to have a strap like other chairs I’ve used. The Rocker was smooth on natural surface, pea gravel, and concrete. It is very comfortable, quiet, and relaxing. It folds up super easy with just a pull of the handle. One feature that I especially love is the cup holder and side pocket. It will actually hold a drink without spilling, and you can fit a phone, keys or other small items in the pocket. This chair is awesome! Two thumbs up!!

  • Tim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Backcountry Camping

    The whole area is your campground.

    My son and I have been twice. The first trip was marred by car issues, but the second trip, we were able to actually camp in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. 

    We parked at the Twin Arches Loop National Recreation Trail head, then made our way down into the valley to view the two gorgeous and huge arches there.

    As the sun was setting, we found a good place to set up our hammock gear a little ways off of the trail, then we fixed our supper at a nearby over hang, and finally snuggled in for a wonderfully cold night (late march). There was ice on the trees in the shade of some of the overhangs.

    It is a nice hike, plenty of interesting areas to set up camp. Fair warning, some of the "stairs" down into the canyon are steep so be prepared.

    Make sure you have your permit with you while camping and have a wonderful time in this beautiful valley.

  • Rebecca J.
    Jul. 10, 2021

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

    Pure gold for such an inexpensive price

    I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. It is about a 20 minute drive to a local store or a save a lot when we forgot some groceries. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot. We are on a paved site surrounded by gravel picnic table light post and fire ring also with a food storage bin to keep out the bears! It gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable. :-)

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    Listen for banjos

    You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2018

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

    What are you here for?

    Alum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.

    I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.

    If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.

    The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.

    The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.

    The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.

    Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.

    This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • K
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    Hand pick your site if you can

    The sites are inconsistent between their sizes on the Clifty campground.  We had two small tents and one car.  If we had any more gear or people it would have been uncomfortable.  

    I had to be careful when parking as I had to avoid the water supply, 2 trees, a safety pole for the water supply (painted brown), electricity box, and then the drop off on the other side of the road.  It did take a few turns to get in and out of the campsite.  We did have cell phone service (Verizon) at the campground.  My friend that was T-Mobile did not have cell service. There are areas in the park where I did not have a signal such as when we went hiking or exploring.  I would pre-download maps for the area on All Trails as that was extremely helpful. 

    Some of the campsites at Clifty were much larger and were 2 of my site.  Each site had a water hook up, standard lantern/trash pole, fire ring, electric box, and was a short walk from the Clifty campground bathroom. If you can hand pick your site or scout it out before hand it is well worth doing that if you have a larger sized family or tent. 

    I actually preferred Clifty over the main campground (Ridgeline). Ridgeline was down a long winding road.  It had way more folks.  Ridgeline is better suited for the RV and large tent crowds. Look closely as each site is rated for a different RV length and they had one pull in site. At Ridgeline they even have one campsite (tent) that was rated for 16 campers.  Generally, each site was rated for 8 campers.  Ridgeline also had some horse campers as I was able to see their horse trailers when going through the campsite. I saw 3 riders on horseback when I was driving to the camp store.  The stables are in two spots on the road down to Ridgeline. 

    Taken from Cumberland Falls State Park webpage "Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is the perfect destination to introduce the family to the thrill of horseback riding. The park offers guided trail rides that are easy enough for the first timer and still adventurous for the more experienced. Riders, age 6 and up will enjoy a 45-minute ride through an eastern Kentucky forest, beautiful in any season. The stables open weekends in May and are daily after Memorial Weekend until Labor Day. Also open on weekends during Sept. and Oct. Rides start on the hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is$20.00 per person. Personal horses are not permitted on the trails at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, but there are several opportunities to do so in the surrounding area. There are many miles of trails and several horse camps in the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area."

    Clifty was smaller and quieter.  It felt like it had more trees and only tents on this row of campsites.  The campsites are close to each other as we talked with our camp site neighbors on the both sides.  When I first booked my site I knew of the difference in locations between Ridgeline and Clifty but I couldn't figure out what the difference in settings/vibe would be like and I am so happy that I had picked Clifty. 

    The perk about the Clifty campsites is that they are close to the pool.  You can easily walk to the pool with your family when it opens.  The pool is free for campers.  I didn't get to check out their bathrooms but my fellow camper did and she said it was good.  I also discovered a trail and more down behind the Clifty campground.  I only found it as I noticed yellow blazes by the bathroom and followed it back to the trailhead.  Close to the bathroom is the dumpster with a home made jamming device to keep the bears out of the dumpster.  The Clifty bathroom was not ADA accessible as no wheelchair bathroom stall.  Shower wasn't accessible either if you have any mobility challenges. 

    Moonbow at Cumberland Falls - We arrived early and had a picnic dinner.  The moon bow is best when the moon is high over the falls.  We were hoping to see it around sun set at 9:30 - 10:00 but we actually had to stay later.  Make sure you take advantage of the picnic tables that are near by and the bathrooms.  The best site to see the Moonbow is at the Upper Falls which is close to the gift shop/snack bar.  You can see the falls from further down at the other observation decks. We hung out there for some time to avoid the crowds at the Upper Falls.  

    The parking lot will fill up as it gets closer to the time of the Moonbow. I avoided that by doing the picnic dinner and coming before sun set. The Cumberland Falls remain open till midnight as they know folks will want to see the Moonbow this is only seen at certain times of the year due to the moon.  It was nice to notice the ranger at the entrance of the park as we were leaving.  He was keeping tabs on the crowds at a distance as he wasn't needed at that time. 

    Hiking - Ask for a map at the lodge as I didn't see them at the campgrounds or even signs explaining what trail 12 vs 2 was in the area.  Also, be aware that the Sheltowee trail is in the area this is a 333 mile long trail and you will see the white blaze or turtle blazes. 

    Even some of the signs such as where the waterfall was for the near by Dog Slaughter Falls Trail said the falls were 1 mile away but it was actually several more miles.  I used the All Trails App and kept track of the miles on my Fitbit.  We found the Extended trail on All Trails and that matched up to the GPS tracking we did while on the trail.  We found 3 different signs for this hike in 3 different locations and each time the mileage was off.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

    Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • I
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Barren Fork Horse Camp

    Litter Ruins Great Spot

    We needed a spot for Labor Day weekend and discovered Barren Fork Horse Camp in Daniel Boone National Forest near Whitley, KY. There are lots of great hikes and natural bridges in the area to check out. We had no problem finding a site. The biggest negative is the amount of trash that was left in the fire rings and the litter strewn throughout the woods. This is a beautiful campground, but the litter was the worst we’ve ever seen. There is potable water available near the vault toilet buildings, but no electricity or dump station. There are no rules on generator use, so beware that your neighbor may run the generator all day and night. The price of the campground was $8 for one night/$12 for two nights. With just a little TLC, this could be a great place to camp.


Guide to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Tent camping near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Kentucky offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • The Little Lick Campground is a free option that provides spacious sites, ideal for families and groups.
  • At Grove Boat-In Campground, you can enjoy a boat-in experience with beautiful views, making it a memorable getaway.
  • Tranquility Creek offers a serene environment with a focus on nature, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails at Little Lick Campground, which is close to several trailheads in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
  • The Grove Boat-In Campground is perfect for kayaking enthusiasts, providing a scenic paddle to the campsite.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature while camping at Tranquility Creek, where you can unwind and enjoy the surrounding forest.

Campground features that enhance your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.