The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lake Cumberland. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Lake Cumberland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping."
"Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening."
"But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there."
"There are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."
ScoutNot able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.
TravelerVisited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping. You can only set up your tent on the designated tent pad, luckily we had heavy duty stakes that could get through the ground. The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too. There were a few cars that drove through the middle of the night but no issues. We left our site unattended for hours to check out the streams and rivers and nothing was missing. Lots of beer bottles left over and shattered so I have to pick up the trash before letting my dog out. There are more sites down the gravel road but we went with the first one we came to.
GuideOne picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
GuideThere are three dispersed camp sites along this road. We stayed at the first and largest of the three. This first site has room for two groups. It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing.
TravelerIt was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to “mow” the grass down, and set up fine. But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there. Outside for normal outside life inconvenience; it was a beautiful, quiet pasture. We were even blessed with see several bats fly around at night. There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!
Dispersed camping near Lake Cumberland in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tent camping allowed at Lake Cumberland's dispersed sites?
Yes, tent camping is allowed at Lake Cumberland's dispersed sites, but with specific restrictions. At Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road, you must set up your tent only on designated tent pads. This site offers amenities like a picnic table and fire pit, making it suitable for tent campers who want to enjoy the creek views. Some campers have reported needing heavy-duty stakes to secure tents properly in certain seasons. Always respect site boundaries and follow posted regulations to avoid fines or being asked to relocate.
Are there any free dispersed camping areas around Lake Cumberland?
Yes, free dispersed camping is available around Lake Cumberland. Swain Ridge offers secluded free camping, though with important restrictions - camping at the trailhead or roadside is permitted, but setting up in open fields can result in a $1,000 fine. The area provides a quiet, natural setting but campers should be prepared for typical outdoor challenges like ticks and poison ivy. When using these free areas, practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. Always check current regulations before your trip as rules for dispersed camping can change seasonally.
Where can I find primitive camping spots around Lake Cumberland?
Lake Cumberland offers several primitive camping options. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 provides three dispersed sites along the road, with the first site being the largest and having enough room for two groups. It even features a small swimming hole with a rope swing. Another option is Redbird Boat Ramp, which serves primarily as a boat ramp but also offers some primitive camping opportunities nearby. These dispersed sites typically provide minimal amenities, so come prepared with everything you need including water, waste disposal bags, and food storage.
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