Dispersed camping options near Greenup, Kentucky extend into both Kentucky and Ohio within public lands managed by the National Forest Service. Most sites require self-sufficiency with limited or no amenities, particularly in the Ironton District of Wayne National Forest and Daniel Boone National Forest. The Cave Run Lake area provides waterfront primitive camping with variable road conditions, especially during wet seasons when access may become difficult or restricted.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife watching: The Sand Hill Trailhead area provides access to trails along Vesuvius Lake with opportunities to see local flora and fauna. "It is a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs," notes one visitor to Sand Hill Trailhead.
Fishing and boating: Many dispersed sites offer water access, particularly around Cave Run Lake. Visitors to Paragon Dispersed Camping Area report good fishing opportunities. "Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back," according to one camper.
Off-road vehicle trails: The Ironton area features designated ATV trails for appropriate vehicles. "The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Sites along Cave Run Lake offer direct water access. "The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy," writes a camper who visited Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.
Wildlife encounters: Morning wildlife viewing provides memorable experiences at Hanging Rock Recreation Site. "Awesome morning sunrise!" mentions one visitor, while another camper at a different location notes encounters with "woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds."
No-cost camping: Free camping appeals to budget-conscious travelers. "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," writes one camper.
What you should know
Campsite availability: With limited sites and no reservation system, planning arrival time becomes critical. "There are only 7 sites and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area)," advises a camper regarding Hanging Rock Recreation Area.
Trash management: Site conditions vary significantly between visits. "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," recommends a camper who visited Paragon.
Seasonal accessibility: Gates may restrict access during certain periods or weather conditions. "June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road," reports one visitor about Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with adequate space and privacy for family needs. "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," notes a visitor to Paragon.
Water considerations: No potable water exists at most sites, requiring planning. "Make sure to bring your own water treatment," advises a camper about primitive camping at Kentucky Paragon.
Nighttime activities: Some locations experience unexpected nighttime traffic. "Cars came and went all night. People are living there. There were people hunting something until 2 am with flashlights. (Guessing frogs)," reports one camper about their experience.
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: Limited turnaround space affects RV camping options. "We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn't know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome," writes a visitor to Hanging Rock Recreation Site OH.
Navigation challenges: Public and private land boundaries create confusion. "Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land... Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map," advises an RVer who visited the area.
