Best Dispersed Camping near Clearfield, KY
Dispersed camping near Clearfield, Kentucky centers primarily around the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Daniel Boone National Forest. This free camping zone sits along Cave Run Lake, offering primitive sites with no designated facilities or hookups. The area features approximately a dozen informal sites, some directly on the lakeshore, where tent camping is permitted. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Hanging Rock Recreation areas across the state line in Ohio, though these sites offer fewer amenities and different regulations.
Access to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area requires navigating to sites via drive-in routes, with some campsites accessible by walking short distances. Roads may be unpaved and potentially muddy during wet weather. No drinking water, electric hookups, or sewer connections are available at these primitive sites. While fires are generally permitted at Paragon, campers must practice proper fire safety. The area provides basic pit toilets, but visitors should bring their own toilet paper. Camping is free, but visitors should be prepared for self-sufficient stays with no services or amenities beyond the most basic facilities.
The lakeside setting at Paragon creates opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with herons and various bird species frequently spotted near the water. The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest offers hiking and multi-use trails. Campsites can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, with limited privacy between sites. Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash, as accumulation of litter has been noted in multiple reviews. "We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left," noted one visitor. Accessibility may occasionally be restricted by gates, and some reviewers mention concerns about nighttime activity and noise levels, suggesting weekday visits for those seeking quieter experiences.
