Best Dispersed Camping near Livingston, KY

Dispersed camping zones near Livingston, Kentucky include several primitive sites concentrated along creek beds and forest roads in the surrounding area. The Trace Branch Dispersed area along Rock Creek Road provides free camping opportunities without developed facilities. Additional primitive options include Jellico Creek Road with multiple dispersed sites, Swain Ridge, and the Redbird Boat Ramp area. These undeveloped locations typically permit tent and small RV camping on public land without prior reservations or fees.

Road access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved surfaces. Jellico Creek Road features three separate dispersed sites, with the first being the largest and offering space for multiple camping groups. Many access roads may become challenging during wet weather, with several requiring slower speeds and potentially higher clearance vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary by location, with fires permitted at Trace Branch, Jellico Creek, and Redbird Boat Ramp, but prohibited at other locations including Swain Ridge.

Primitive sites in this region provide varying levels of seclusion and natural features. Trace Branch Dispersed camping offers creekside camping with designated tent pads in some areas. Several locations feature water access, with Jellico Creek providing a small swimming hole with a rope swing. Campers should prepare for variable conditions, as some areas have notable challenges. A review noted: "There are more sites down the gravel road but we went with the first one we came to." Another visitor to Trace Branch mentioned: "One picnic table and fire pit. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening." Swain Ridge campers have reported encounters with ticks and poison ivy along field edges, suggesting appropriate preparation for backcountry conditions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Livingston, Kentucky (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Livingston, KY

3 Photos of 5 Livingston Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Livingston, KY

5 Reviews of 5 Livingston Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Gravel only

    Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.

  • Matthew H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2025

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Great Spot

    Visited 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.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2024

    Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek.

    One picnic table and fire pit.  Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    Jellico Creek 1

    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.

  • Sierra E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Quiet Pasture But Ticks

    It 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!


Guide to Livingston

Dispersed camping sites near Livingston, Kentucky offer backcountry experiences throughout Daniel Boone National Forest and surrounding public lands. The region features elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet with several creek watersheds providing water access opportunities. Primitive camping areas typically remain accessible year-round though winter conditions from December through February can bring freezing temperatures and occasional snow accumulation requiring appropriate gear.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Redbird Boat Ramp provides direct access to fishing waters popular with local anglers. "It's nice and private. Nothing special there is a boat ramp. Plenty of space for a couple RVs," notes Kody Bear A., who visited in September. The boat ramp serves as both a launch point and camping area with room for multiple vehicles.

Wildlife observation: Swain Ridge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially at dawn and dusk. One camper reported, "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!" Wildlife sightings vary seasonally but commonly include deer, small mammals, and various bird species.

Swimming access: During warmer months, several dispersed sites provide swimming options. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 features "a small swimming hole with a rope swing," according to Pam B., making it popular during summer months when water levels are adequate for safe swimming.

What campers like

Creek proximity: Many primitive camping sites near Livingston offer creek access for cooling off and water collection (requiring treatment). Matthew H. noted about Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road, "Visited 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."

Astronomical viewing: The limited light pollution in this rural region creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. Sierra E. mentioned about Swain Ridge: "It was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to 'mow' the grass down, and set up fine... There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!"

Site capacity: Some dispersed areas can accommodate multiple camping groups. Pam B. described Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1: "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."

What you should know

Site restrictions: Not all open spaces permit camping despite appearances. Jacob M. warns about Swain Ridge: "Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine."

Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional preparation and equipment. Matthew H. reports from Trace Branch, "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."

Pack-in, pack-out requirements: All dispersed camping areas require visitors to carry out all trash and waste. Aaron R. simply notes about Redbird Boat Ramp, "It's a boat ramp," highlighting the lack of facilities requiring complete self-sufficiency from campers.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose locations with established tent pads when available. Pam B. notes about Trace Branch, "Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek. One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening."

Wildlife precautions: Take measures to avoid tick exposure, particularly in warmer months. Sierra E. cautions about Asher Hunting Access Area, "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."

Noise considerations: Some sites experience occasional vehicle traffic during night hours. Matthew H. mentions, "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."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle access limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have gravel or dirt access roads with limited turnaround space. Kody Bear A. notes about Redbird Boat Ramp, "Plenty of space for a couple RVs. No amenities. About ten miles off 75."

Space constraints: Larger RVs may find limited suitable parking at most primitive sites. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1 is described by Pam B. as having "room for two groups," but most sites accommodate only smaller RVs or vans rather than larger motorhomes or trailers with limited level parking.

Water availability: No hookups exist at any primitive camping locations, requiring RVers to arrive with adequate water supplies. Matthew H. notes, "The entire river was frozen over and ponds were frozen too," highlighting that even natural water sources may be unreliable depending on season.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Livingston, KY is Swain Ridge with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Livingston, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Livingston, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.