Tent campers near Elkhorn City, Kentucky can access several primitive and established campgrounds across mountainous terrain averaging 1,200-1,800 feet in elevation. The camping season typically runs May through September with summer humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Ground conditions are predominantly rocky at most sites, requiring campers to bring specialized stakes or stake hammers.
What to do
Hiking at High Knob: The Jefferson National Forest High Knob area offers multiple interconnected trails with moderate elevation changes, though visitors should note seasonal access limitations. "The views from the outlooks are great on multiple sides," reports a camper at Kingdom Come State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Carr Creek Lake Shelters provide access to bass and bluegill fishing, while Kingdom Come State Park features a small stocked lake within walking distance of campsites. "If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout, Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites," notes Brian B.
Mountain driving adventures: Adventurous campers can experience the Little Shepherd Trail near Kingdom Come. "For the adventurers you can drive along a section of The Little Shepard Trail. A one lane road that runs along the ridge of the mountain. No guard rails! With 300 foot cliffs to either side," shares a Kingdom Come visitor.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: The region offers peaceful camping with minimal crowds at most sites. "This campground in the Kingdom Come State Park has about 6 or 7 sites... I've camped there twice and only saw one other camper. It is very quiet and remote," writes Paul H. about Kingdom Come State Park Campground.
Secluded sites: Cliffhanger Ranch provides truly remote tent camping. "Had a great camping weekend with a buddy at Cliffhanger Ranch. We were able to have a few nice fires at the top of the hill with great views," shares Noah O. from Cliffhanger Ranch Adventure Outpost.
Digital disconnection: The area forces a technology break with limited connectivity. "Great area, no service or wifi," notes Wyman M. about Kingdom Come State Park. Another camper at Cavitts Creek Park mentions, "At sites 1&2 and outside the shower house you can get a good enough signal (2 bars) to use internet apps. The campground does have an open wifi, but it doesn't reach to the tent camping sites."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. Kingdom Come provides specific infrastructure: "Each [site] with its own picnic table, fire ring, and pole for stashing your food away from bears," explains a repeat visitor to the park.
Ground conditions: Rocky soil makes tent stake installation difficult at most sites. "Bring a hammer or find a rock to hammer your tent stakes in because the ground where you would want to pitch a tent is mostly rock," warns a visitor to Cavitts Creek Park.
Water access limitations: Most tent sites lack direct water hookups, requiring planning. "They are primitive with no running water, but good pads, picnic tables, food hangers, shade from trees, and fire rings. There are men's and women's bathrooms, with running water in the sinks, but no water faucets as in other camps," explains a Kingdom Come camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lake areas provide cooling recreation during hot summer months. "The lake was really pretty and there was a long trail around it," notes Kari H. about Cavitts Creek Park.
Kid-friendly natural features: Several campgrounds offer accessible natural formations. "There is also a natural rock bridge close to the campsites called Log Rock," mentions a Kingdom Come visitor, noting it's within walking distance of the camping area.
Bathroom accessibility: For families with young children, consider site location relative to facilities. "Quite hilly to get to [the bathhouse] from some of the spots," warns a Cavitts Creek camper, suggesting families with small children should request sites closer to restrooms.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine," notes Grant M. about the steep access road to Kingdom Come State Park Campground.
RV parking surface quality: Cavitts Creek offers designated RV areas but with tight spacing. "The RV parking was a gravel lot with large RVs packed in tight," observes a tent camper who visited the RV section.
Road grade challenges: Mountain access roads feature steep grades and tight turns. "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP!" warns an RV camper at Kingdom Come, emphasizing that smaller trailers and camper vans manage better than full-size RVs on the winding mountain roads.
