Best Tent Camping near Fort Knox, KY
Tent campsites near Fort Knox, Kentucky offer a mix of established and dispersed options within a reasonable drive. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed in Hoosier National Forest provides primitive tent camping with no amenities, while Houchin Ferry Campground in Mammoth Cave National Park offers more structured sites along the Green River. Other options include Old Mill Tent and Hammock Camping and Happy Hollow Homestead, both located across the state line in southern Indiana.
Most primitive tent sites in the region have minimal amenities. Mitchell Creek Road features roadside pull-offs with no facilities—just small clearings along a gravel forest road. One visitor described it as "basically a make your own campsite" with limited spots. Houchin Ferry Campground includes fire rings, picnic tables, and porta-potties but no showers or running water. The campground at Old Mill provides fire pits and picnic tables with portable toilets available. Many sites allow fires when conditions permit, but campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival.
The tent camping experience varies considerably across locations. Sites at Happy Hollow Homestead are well-spaced with a tree canopy ideal for hammocks, offering more privacy than typical campgrounds. A recent review noted the area "felt safe and perfect for relaxation in the woods." At Houchin Ferry, tent sites sit along the Green River with fishing access, though a visitor mentioned the sites are "very close to each other." Mitchell Creek Road provides true backcountry solitude but requires self-sufficiency—no water sources or toilet facilities exist. Some walk-in tent sites require short hikes from parking areas, particularly at Happy Hollow and sections of Mitchell Creek Road. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, with reviewers frequently mentioning disconnecting as part of the experience.
