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Best Dispersed Camping near Daniel Boone National Forest

7 Reviews

Dirt roads lead deep into Daniel Boone National Forest, where dispersed camping lets you find your own quiet spot away from developed campgrounds. The forest's recreation area draws campers who want to avoid crowds and camp on their own terms. You need to bring everything you'll need since these areas have no toilets, water, or other facilities. Following Leave No Trace practices is essential - pack out all trash and leave your site looking untouched. Forest rules require camping at least 100 feet from any water source or road. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of the best sites require driving on rough forest roads, so vehicles with higher clearance do much better than standard cars. Always check if fire bans are active before planning to have a campfire. Both the City Park area and County Park sections of Daniel Boone have good spots for dispersed camping. Store food properly in containers or hang it from trees since bears live throughout the forest. Respecting these basic guidelines helps keep these Kentucky backcountry spots available for everyone.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Daniel Boone National Forest (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Daniel Boone National Forest

7 Photos of 2 Daniel Boone National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Daniel Boone National Forest

7 Reviews of 2 Daniel Boone National Forest 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 Daniel Boone National Forest

Dispersed camping near Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of activities, it's an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Daniel Boone National Forest

  • Fishing is a popular pastime at the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, where campers often enjoy casting their lines right from their sites along the lake.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Wildlife Watching for Dispersed Campers

  • The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with sightings of herons, woodpeckers, and hawks frequently reported by visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What backcountry camping options are available in Daniel Boone National Forest?

Daniel Boone National Forest offers extensive backcountry camping opportunities throughout its 708,000 acres. Paul Van Booven Wildlife Management Area provides drive-in access to more remote camping experiences. For true backcountry adventures, the forest contains multiple wilderness areas and extensive trail systems, including the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail that runs 319 miles through the forest. Backcountry camping requires self-sufficiency - bring water treatment devices, food storage containers, and leave-no-trace camping gear. Most backcountry areas don't require permits but follow the 300-foot rule (camp at least 300 feet from developed areas, water sources, and trails).

Can you camp anywhere in Daniel Boone National Forest?

No, you cannot camp absolutely anywhere in Daniel Boone National Forest. Dispersed camping is permitted in general forest areas, but with important restrictions. You must camp at least 300 feet away from any water source, developed recreation area, or road. Some areas may be seasonally restricted or permanently closed to camping. Always check with local ranger districts before your trip, as rules vary by location and can change. Certain wildlife management areas and sensitive habitats prohibit camping entirely. When dispersed camping, follow Leave No Trace principles - pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste, and minimize impact on vegetation and wildlife.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest?

Daniel Boone National Forest offers several dispersed camping opportunities, with Paragon Dispersed Camping Area being a popular option. Located on Cave Run Lake near Morehead, KY, this area provides drive-in access right off the highway with spots that offer boat access to the lake. Paragon is truly primitive camping with no hookups, designated fire pits, or water sources - just a pit toilet for basic needs. The area tends to fill up on weekends, especially during summer months, so arriving on weekdays is recommended if you want more solitude and choice of campsites.

Is free camping available near Lexington, KY in Daniel Boone National Forest?

Yes, free camping is available within reasonable driving distance of Lexington in Daniel Boone National Forest. The closest free camping option is about an hour east of Lexington at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area near Morehead, KY. This primitive camping area sits alongside Cave Run Lake and requires no fees or permits. It offers basic amenities (pit toilet only) and no reservations - sites are first-come, first-served. Be prepared for truly primitive conditions with no drinking water, hookups, or designated fire rings at most sites. The area provides beautiful lake access but can get crowded on summer weekends, so mid-week visits offer better site selection.

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