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Best Dispersed Camping near Denniston, KY

7 Reviews

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area offers free camping in Daniel Boone National Forest near Clearfield, Kentucky, approximately 15 miles from Denniston. The area features about 7 drive-in tent sites along Cave Run Lake with minimal amenities. Pit toilets are available, but campers must bring their own water treatment supplies and pack out all trash as no disposal facilities exist onsite. The primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

Accessibility can be inconsistent, with some visitors reporting gate closures blocking road access at times. The camping area attracts primarily anglers and paddlers utilizing the nearby boat ramp. "Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. Most spots have boat in access," noted one camper. However, multiple reviews mention significant trash problems, with one visitor explaining, "We found our site full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area." Wildlife sightings are common, including herons, woodpeckers, and hawks. Bears may visit if food is left unsecured.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Denniston, Kentucky (2)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Denniston, KY

7 Photos of 2 Denniston Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Denniston, KY

7 Reviews of 2 Denniston 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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 Denniston

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Denniston, Kentucky, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

  • Located in Clearfield, this area offers a picturesque setting right by the lake, perfect for those who appreciate stunning views and wildlife encounters. Check it out at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Denniston, Kentucky

  • Be prepared to pack out your trash, as the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area lacks trash disposal facilities, ensuring that the natural beauty remains unspoiled for future visitors.

Fishing and wildlife watching while free camping near Denniston

  • The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts, with easy access to the lake and opportunities to see various bird species, including herons and woodpeckers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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