Best Dispersed Camping near Campton, KY

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Daniel Boone National Forest provides free primitive camping near Campton, Kentucky. Located near Clearfield, this area features seven informal campsites with minimal facilities. The sites are situated along Cave Run Lake, offering water access for boating and fishing. Another dispersed option in the region includes Paul Van Booven Wildlife Management Area, though detailed information about this location is limited.

Access to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area requires careful planning as seasonal gates may restrict entry. The drive-in sites accommodate tent camping but lack amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections. While pit toilets are available, campers must bring all supplies including water treatment equipment. No reservations are accepted, and the limited number of sites can fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Visitors should prepare for potentially muddy conditions depending on recent weather.

The camping area attracts visitors primarily for its lakeside setting and fishing opportunities. The shoreline location makes boat launching convenient, with several campsites offering direct water access. Wildlife viewing opportunities include herons, woodpeckers, and hawks. However, multiple visitor reports highlight concerns about cleanliness. "We found our site and those next to it full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash," noted one camper who spent time cleaning the area. Another visitor mentioned, "There were portable pit-toilets but bring your own TP if you want to have some." The proximity to the highway provides relatively easy access, though some visitors report late-night activity and noise concerns in this unmonitored area.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Campton, Kentucky (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Campton, KY

7 Photos of 2 Campton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Campton, KY

7 Reviews of 2 Campton 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Sandra M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful place

    It is a beautiful campground.. just make sure you clean up after your selves so the next person doesn't have to clean your mess! If you leave food and garbage out you will attract Bears..  Always remember we are in their home so yes they will come for food! Just keep your area tidy and clean and take your trash with you when you leave..

  • Dawn P.
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Scary

    This place was trashy.  Cars came and went all night. People are living there.  There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights. (Guessing frogs) 

    Don’t go


Guide to Campton

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area offers free camping near Campton, Kentucky within Daniel Boone National Forest. The terrain surrounding this primitive camping destination features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Weather patterns in this region include humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild springs with variable conditions that can affect road accessibility.

What to do

Fishing access: Paragon Dispersed Camping Area provides direct lake access for anglers. "We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet," reports one visitor to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area. "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."

Wildlife observation: Morning hours offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," notes a camper who stayed at Paragon.

Boating opportunities: Launch kayaks or small watercraft directly from shoreline sites. "Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back!" shares an enthusiast about the convenience of water access at this location.

What campers like

Lake views: Sites along Cave Run Lake provide scenic water vistas. "The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!" writes a visitor to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.

Budget-friendly option: Cost-conscious travelers appreciate the no-fee camping. "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake," explains a camper who enjoyed the accessibility.

Ranger assistance: Local forest service staff provide valuable guidance for visitors. "Call or visit the ranger office before entering the forest to get the latest recommendations for good trails and where to see wildlife!" advises a camper who found this resource helpful during their stay.

What you should know

Seasonal access restrictions: Gates may prevent entry during certain times of year. "June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road," reports a visitor to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area. Contact the ranger station before travel to verify current access status.

Limited availability: With only seven dispersed sites available, competition can be intense. "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."

Variable conditions: Weather impacts site quality significantly. "Can be very muddy!" warns one camper about conditions after rain events. Plan accordingly with appropriate footwear and ground covers.

Tips for camping with families

Safety awareness: Monitor activity levels in the camping area, particularly during busy periods. "Cars came and went all night. People are living there. There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights," notes one visitor to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.

Wildlife education: Use wildlife encounters as learning opportunities for children. "While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!" shares a camper describing an unexpected hunting-related observation that could prompt discussions about local outdoor activities.

Clean-up participation: Involve children in site maintenance to foster stewardship. "It is a beautiful campground.. just make sure you clean up after your selves so the next person doesn't have to clean your mess!" advises a regular visitor.

Tips from RVers

Solar power: Alternative energy sources help compensate for lack of hookups. "There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites," explains a camper at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area who successfully adapted to the primitive conditions.

Site selection strategy: Arrive midweek when possible to secure preferred locations. "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," notes a visitor regarding the spacing and noise considerations.

Waste management: Prepare for complete self-containment regarding all waste. "There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly," advises a visitor who recommends bringing additional containers for waste removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Campton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Campton, KY is Paragon Dispersed Camping Area with a 3.6-star rating from 7 reviews.