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.
