Best Tent Camping near London, KY

Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds London, Kentucky with several tent-only campgrounds and primitive tent sites along Laurel River Lake. White Oak Boat-In Campground offers tent campsites accessible only by boat, kayak, or mountain bike on a dirt service road. Clifty Campground at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park provides dedicated tent camping areas with sites 48-50 offering more seclusion for tent campers. Rockcastle Campground and Craigs Creek Group Area provide additional primitive tent camping options within a short drive of London.

Most tent campsites in the London area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. White Oak Boat-In Campground provides potable water and pit toilets but no showers or electrical hookups. Sites typically include fire rings where permitted, though firewood can be difficult to find dry due to humidity near water features. Tent pads are generally flat but may consist of gravel, dirt, or forest floor with minimal grading. Vault toilets are common at primitive sites, while developed campgrounds like Clifty offer bathhouses with showers. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some sites closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with Verizon providing better coverage than other carriers.

Tent campers seeking privacy should target specific sites at established campgrounds. According to reviews, Clifty Campground sites 48-50 offer the most seclusion for tent-only camping, with site 49 noted as "the most private spot" despite lacking electricity and water hookups. One camper observed that White Oak Boat-In Campground "fills up on weekends" but provides "wonderful atmosphere" with "spacious sites" in a wooded setting. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with the 333-mile Sheltowee Trail passing through parts of the region. Winter visitors can access some backcountry tent sites via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing when roads are closed to vehicles. Primitive tent camping areas generally provide more solitude than developed campgrounds, particularly during weekdays and non-holiday periods.

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Best Tent Sites Near London, Kentucky (15)

    1. Grove Boat-In Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "It was dark once I set up but an awesome could helped me with fire wood and had a nice talk around their campfire. Beautiful area. Very busy on labor day weekend!!"

    2. White Oak Boat-In Campground

    1 Review
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    "It’s within the Daniel Boone National Forest on Laurel River lake and is not actually an island. It can’t be accessed by car but you can bike in on a dirt service road."

    3. Rockcastle

    2 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-5225

    "The site are well spread out for the most part, the view is very nice if you get to camp on the water, and we were able to find space on a major holiday which was very welcome."

    5. Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    5 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    24 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $28 - $31 / night

    "Each site had a water hook up, standard lantern/trash pole, fire ring, electric box, and was a short walk from the Clifty campground bathroom."

    "We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being"

    6. Craigs Creek Group Area

    Be the first to review!
    Keavy, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 528-6156

    $150 - $204 / night

    7. Laurel River Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    14 miles

    8. Pulaski County Park

    11 Reviews
    Nancy, KY
    34 miles
    Website

    "It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses.. There are several cabins on site. Great  lake views and beach.  Lots to do at PCP."

    "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins."

    9. Tranquility Creek

    1 Review
    Williamsburg, KY
    26 miles
    +1 (772) 501-5012

    $60 - $100 / night

    10. HomeGrown HideAways

    3 Reviews
    Bighill, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 986-3478

    $15 - $75 / night

    "Nestled in a narrow valley between high ridges of The Knobs, this campground gives the feel of secluded country living with your own trails and creeks to explore."

    "Instead of sleeping in it, which would have been perfectly comfortable, we actually used it as more of an extra shelter and we pitched out tents in the field in front of the Yome."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

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Tent Camping Reviews near London, KY

458 Reviews of 15 London Campgrounds


  • Rebecca J.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Pure gold for such an inexpensive price

    I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. It is about a 20 minute drive to a local store or a save a lot when we forgot some groceries. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot. We are on a paved site surrounded by gravel picnic table light post and fire ring also with a food storage bin to keep out the bears! It gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable. :-)

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    Listen for banjos

    You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    What are you here for?

    Alum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.

    I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.

    If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.

    The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.

    The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.

    The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.

    Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.

    This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)

  • I
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Barren Fork Horse Camp

    Litter Ruins Great Spot

    We needed a spot for Labor Day weekend and discovered Barren Fork Horse Camp in Daniel Boone National Forest near Whitley, KY. There are lots of great hikes and natural bridges in the area to check out. We had no problem finding a site. The biggest negative is the amount of trash that was left in the fire rings and the litter strewn throughout the woods. This is a beautiful campground, but the litter was the worst we’ve ever seen. There is potable water available near the vault toilet buildings, but no electricity or dump station. There are no rules on generator use, so beware that your neighbor may run the generator all day and night. The price of the campground was $8 for one night/$12 for two nights. With just a little TLC, this could be a great place to camp.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Alum Ford Campground — Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area

    Put it on the Pad

    Ranger Review: Mountain House Meals at Alum Ford Campground ,Big South Fork, Ky

    Campground Review: Near Yahoo Falls Alum Ford this small (6 sites) primitive campground is a good place to set up base camp for activities your planning in the area. 

    Not much to the actual campground: 

    • Picnic table, bear box, tent pad ,fire ring

    • Pit toilets

    • Co-located with a boat-ramp (Cumberland River)

    • A trail that meanders along the cliff face behind the campsites that takes you down to the boat-ramp

    • Trailhead in the very back to Yamacraw Bridge and the Sheltowee Trace

    The campground is quiet aside from loading and unloading boats (which went on until after midnight) There were only two occupied sites when we arrived on a Saturday. No reservations and $5 per site. There is credit card information on the pay envelope but I prefer to use cash and not have my info floating around. 

    The campground was clean and well maintained but obviously old and in need of some restoration, no surprise with all the cuts in Park positions. I like this type of campground but not so much the noise from the boat-ramp. There is no direct put in from the sites. I doubt I would leave my watercraft tied off overnight either.

     This would be an excellent and cheap spot to do some extensive hiking from or even backpacking/dispersed camping from. Due to there being no through traffic you could leave your vehicle and odds and ends and not have to worry about anything wandering off while your gone. We camped here after hiking some of the Tennessee end of the Sheltowee Trace. Sunday we hiked some more and visited Yahoo Falls. 

    Product Review: Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals are surprisingly very good....https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/abus.html

    Now I say this from a background of years of MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat....in someone’s opinion) and T-rations. So it should only be improvement, BUT some of the other products I’ve tried were not that great. 

    I first tried Mountain House a few years ago on a backpacking trip and thought it was okay, but not great. I tried Mountain House again last year and enjoyed it a lot more. I don’t know if they changed anything or maybe I read and followed the directions ;)

    So when given the opportunity as a Dyrt Ranger to review Mountain House I was like absolutely!

    I selected breakfast items, Granola and Egg mixtures( not together;) because that’s the time of day I like quick and easy so we can get on the move.

    I read the directions and boiled my water, poured a cup in, waited 3 minutes and Had Some Scrumptious Eggs and Bacon! Just that easy, quick AND filled me up. 

    I’m trying to think of any cons but right off hand the only problem I ever had was not reconstituting it correctly. Eggs needed some salt and pepper but that would go back to preference. 

    Mountain House comes in pro-paks for backpackers and high altitudes, which are packed to save space. They have cans for crowds and kits for preppers or just emergency preparedness.

    Definitely good for at the house, in the camper and the car just in case.

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Excellent find in the woods!

    Found the perfect spot for our trailer and our friends car camping. Clean vault toilets. Each site has fire ring and picnic table. Pack in pack out even though some didn’t get the memo yet park service was there in the morning to clean. Limited to no cell service.

  • Kenny P.
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Turkey foot Campground

    All tent pad sites with fire ring/grill and lantern hook. Vault toilets are available. No garbage pickup so pack it out!! Hiking and fishing are done activities

  • Staci R.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Blue Heron Campgound

    Quite secluded, yet a great launching point to hiking and biking trails of all difficulties. This visit was for running the Yamakraw 20K, and resulted in some astonishing views of Big South Fork River! Campsites were very large, with ample room between to allow for privacy, yet everyone is nesseled into an almost level area which makes setting up easy. Plenty of bear resistant containers for trash and food storage. Shower and bath house centrally located, clean and warm. Did not have any interaction with Park personnel, but locals in Sterns were very friendly and helpful. Will visit again!

  • M
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Callie’s Lake and Campground

    Impressive

    We were very pleased with this campground. When we first checked in, the smell of the food in the campground store was to die for. We had plans to cook at our campsite, but the specials that night were very tempting. The staff was kind and helpful, and provided us with a map of the property. The bathhouse was a nice touch! There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees. There are several sites that can be accessed by a sedan, but some of the sites farther back really require something more suited to off-road driving. We were in a Subaru Forester and had no issues, but did actually have to help push a Camry out of a rut. We visited in October 2021 and it seemed like the area we selected was still slightly under construction. The campsite was wonderful, but the picnic table was sitting on a slope and we were having a difficult time preventing our food from falling off. A flatter spot for the picnic table would be our only suggestion to the owner. My friend used a tent and was happy to see a flat spot cut out of the slope our site was situated on. I used a hammock and didn’t have any trouble finding suitable trees. We loved it and will definitely be back!


Guide to London

Tent camping near London, Kentucky offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Local Activities to Enjoy While Tent Camping

  • At Grove Boat-In Campground, you can enjoy scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for kayaking and fishing.
  • Little Lick Campground provides access to numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding, perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
  • For a unique experience, visit White Oak Boat-In Campground, where you can only access the sites by boat or mountain bike, offering a true escape into nature.

Tips for Tent Camping Near London

  • Bring your own water and supplies to Rockcastle, as it lacks drinking water and other amenities, ensuring a more primitive camping experience.
  • If you're looking for a family-friendly spot, HomeGrown HideAways offers a community kitchen and plenty of space for kids to explore.
  • Be prepared for a quiet retreat at Tranquility Creek, where you can enjoy the serenity of the forest and the beauty of the stars at night.

Tent Camping Prices in the Area

  • Camping at Little Lick Campground is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Expect to pay around $10 for a night at Grove Boat-In Campground during the camping season, which runs from April to October.
  • Rates at HomeGrown HideAways vary, but you can find options for tent camping starting around $25 per night, depending on the season and amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near London, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near London, KY is Grove Boat-In Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near London, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near London, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.