W
Wetsch 
Scout
ScoutCumberland Falls RV Resort
Nice hosts
Very clean and well cared for, the store is well stocked with nice extras. Shannon is very sweet.
Camping near McKee, KY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping areas around McKee, Kentucky include established campgrounds and primitive sites within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Turkey Foot Campground and S-Tree Campground provide free camping options with basic amenities like fire pits and vault toilets. The region includes both developed facilities with hookups, such as Renfro Valley KOA with cabin rentals, and more rustic options for tent campers seeking a wilderness experience. Several campgrounds in the area feature access to rivers and lakes, making them popular for fishing and swimming activities.
Road conditions and campground accessibility vary throughout the region, with some sites requiring careful navigation on narrow roads. A review mentioned, "S Tree campground in McKee KY is great for trail riding! Multiple trials to venture on. The campsites are huge with available fire pits and restrooms." Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly the free sites like Turkey Foot, while others like Renfro Valley KOA accept reservations. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, especially deeper in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Weather conditions are typically mild in summer but can change quickly, particularly during spring and fall when storms may affect camping conditions.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the McKee area. Turkey Foot Campground provides river access within walking distance of all sites, making it popular for swimming and fishing. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Turkey Foot Campground in McKee KY off of highway 587 is perfect for campers who like to rough it, but also likes to have a labratory near by." Developed campgrounds like Lago Linda Hideaway feature amenities such as a lake with swimming dock, pavilion gathering areas, and improved sites with water and electric hookups. The proximity to Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park provides additional recreational opportunities for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts staying at campgrounds in the McKee area. Campers seeking more solitude often prefer the primitive sites, while families typically gravitate toward the developed campgrounds with more amenities.
Best Campgrounds near McKee (106)
1. Turkey Foot Campground
"There’s a privy near the campsites and a creek the runs nearby. All sites have fire rings and lamp post along with picnic tables."
"Beautiful remote location. Great moderate hiking trails. Clean 🚻."
2. Lago Linda Hideaway
"This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."
"The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."
from $12 - $999 / night
Check Availability3. S-Tree Campground
"A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded."
"They aren't right next to the fireplace shelter, rather just around the corner. Had the place completely to myself on a thursday night/friday morning."
4. Renfro Valley KOA
"Entrance and exit are a bit steep, just take it slow :)"
"Almost all paths are gravel. If it were totally full it would be tight between many spaces. Overall nice campground good location could drive 30-45 for things to do."
5. Turkey Foot Campground
6. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
"I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."
"Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though) Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability7. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
"We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."
"It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."
from $27 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. HomeGrown HideAways
"The outhouse was perfectly clean, but there were flush toilets available if you took a little walk. This place is amazing lots of room to take walks and even a good, challenging mile or so hike."
"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."
from $15 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
"Located off I-64 in eastern Kentucky, RRG and Natural Bridge offer a wide variety of activities including hiking, camping, backcountry camping, kayak and canoe rentals, and the area has various local"
"Close to the Natural Bridge trail and multiple SUP Kentucky sites."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground
"Many activities at the park and it is also close to the birth place of Kentucky Fried Chicken. They have nice sites for larger campers and some for small units that are more shaded."
"Decent WIFI which was a big plus and, while we stayed in a full hook up site, the dump station was well positioned and easy to navigate."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Lexington, KY
- 1 hr 55 min from Knoxville, TN
- 2 hrs 24 min from Morristown, TN
- 3 hrs from Kingsport, TN
Recent Camping Photos near McKee, KY
197 Photos of 106 McKee Campgrounds
Wayne H.
Turkey Foot Campground
Liz M.
Turkey Foot Campground
Wayne H.
S-Tree Campground
Cassandra C.
HomeGrown HideAways
Phil F.
Plantasia Retreat at Anglin Falls
Lena L.
Lago Linda Hideaway
Charlie W.
Cross Mountain Campground
Kartia B.
Nocomas Pass
Kartia B.
Nocoma's Pass
Andrew G.
Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground
Jessica V.
Rustling Pines Campground LLC
Andrew
Lota. Rocks- Land of the Arches Campground
Recent Reviews near McKee, KY
593 Reviews of 106 McKee Campgrounds
- GGreg S.Scout
Grove Drive-in Campground
USFS never disappoints!
Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, it’s tough to find a bad spot to Grove Campground in Daniel Boone National Forest. Sites are both spacious and well spaced. They are paved and mostly level with a gravel pad for the fire ring and picnic table - well laid out in classic USFS fashion. Located near Corbin, KY, Grove serves as a great staging location to explore the area including Laurel River Lake and Cumberland Falls State Park. Time well spent!
- JJeffrey C.
TravelerFirefly Hills
Firefly Hills experience
We were greeted by the owner upon arrival. There are more adventures for kids at this 90 acre campground than I can list.
- Adventure playground in the woods behind our campsite
- Group campfire pit well stocked with wood and kindling for social gathering and making new friends. -Clean modern bathhouse fully handicap accessible. -100 year old historic home fully renovated for rent.
- Kids can participate in feeding farm animals and collecting eggs.
- Community garden. -Huge off leash dog park.
- Modern laundry facilities and general store offering Kentucky local treats for sale.
- New campsites and frisbee golf course under construction along south fork of Kentucky River coming soon. -Fishing ponds and hiking trails across 90 acres. -Rec room with ping pong and foosball for kids.
- 2 premium sites with good air conditioned casitas for relaxing out of the RV.
- JJaxson J.Scout
Escape With Us RV Resort
Happy camper rv very friendly close to everything
Friendly people very nice quiet atmosphere
- SSherri B.
GuideRidgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Tranquility & Trails
There's 20 RV campsites at Ridgeline Campground. Each campsite includes 30 amp electric and water hookup. The campsites are spacious but small, not suitable for big rigs. The road and campsite are paved. Trails are present in the park for humans and horses. Playground located in the center of loop at the end of road, directly across from RV sites 17 - 20. Grocery/Camp store, laundry, bathhouse, and dump station on premises.
Dave P.ScoutWoodstock Campground
Woodstock
In live locally and they keep it carry nice and always a great spot for family and kids
Jacquelyn A.TravelerLockRidge Park
Beautiful Hidden Gem
LockRidge Park is a beautiful hidden gem with stunning views, unique accommodations, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of Kentucky.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jacob B.TravelerGoldenrod Gap
Charming, lush, and cozy
Goldenrod Gap was a beautiful location to unwind for a weekend within reach of Red River Gorge. We stayed at a primitive campsite located next to the convenient showerhouse. Had anyone been using the nearby RV camping spot, we might have been a little too close to neighbors, but our stay was quiet, fun, and filled with cool wildlife sightings on the guest-only trails. Access to the campground was easy, the facilities were clean and fully functional. The hiking trails were varied in difficulty and scenery. Our favorite was Mushroom Loop Trail, which gave us a wide path up to the highest ridgeline on the property that is blooming with colorful mushrooms. But I'd like to give a shout out also to the Frog Trail that lazily followed a small stream flowing through a serene grove. Many great memories were made here, and I'm sure we will return to try out the other campsites on offer!
Danielle B.ScoutGoldenrod Gap
A Weekend Getaway in Bloom
I enjoyed a much-needed weekend getaway with friends at Goldenrod Gap! Staying at the Sand Pad site offered plenty of amenities that made the stay comfortable. The Maranda showerhouse was a pleasant surprise—easily the nicest I've experienced on a camping trip! The property is a short drive from Broke Leg Falls and offers a variety of its own trails to explore, each unique in its own way. I loved seeing all of the moss, flowers, and mushrooms along the trails. Closing out a day full of hiking with s'mores by the campfire and stargazing at Goldenrod Gap was a perfect way to kick-off the summer camping season!
Guide to McKee
McKee, Kentucky is surrounded by several camping areas in the Daniel Boone National Forest region, with both developed and primitive options available. Turkey Foot Campground, a free camping area with basic amenities, sits alongside a river and provides tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. S-Tree Campground offers spacious sites designed for off-road enthusiasts and features vault toilets but no running water. Camping options range from tent-only areas to sites that can accommodate small trailers, with few developed RV hookups in the immediate vicinity.
Access to campgrounds requires navigation of winding back roads with some challenging terrain. "It takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful," noted one Turkey Foot visitor. Several reviews mention water crossings that can become impassable during heavy rains, potentially trapping campers. The region experiences typical Appalachian seasonal variations with humid summers and mild winters, though higher elevations can be considerably cooler. Most forest service campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly at Turkey Foot and S-Tree campgrounds.
Campers consistently highlight the secluded nature and peaceful atmosphere of the camping areas near McKee. A review described Turkey Foot as "quiet, secluded, and small," noting these qualities as positive aspects of the experience. The surrounding forest provides hiking opportunities on moderate trails accessible from several campgrounds. Wildlife viewing is common, and fishing is available in the streams running alongside some camping areas. While the primitive nature of these campgrounds appeals to many visitors seeking a genuine outdoor experience, the lack of amenities and distance from services can be challenging for less experienced campers. Reviews frequently mention the issue of previous campers leaving trash behind, as most sites operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no garbage collection services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at McKee Campground?
What amenities are available at McKee Campground?
Campgrounds in the McKee area offer basic amenities for primitive camping enthusiasts. Whittleton Campground in nearby Natural Bridge State Resort Park provides access to beautiful hiking trails but has tight campsites that may challenge larger RVs. Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground offers more family-friendly amenities with sites for both large and small camping units, plus various park activities. Most primitive campgrounds in the McKee area typically include fire pits, basic restroom facilities, and access to water sources like rivers or streams, but generally no electricity.
Where is McKee Campground located and how do I get there?
Where is McKee Campground located and how do I get there?
McKee is located in Jackson County, Kentucky. Two popular campgrounds in the McKee area include Turkey Foot Campground which is situated off highway 587, making it easily accessible for visitors. For those interested in trail riding, S-Tree Campground is another option in McKee. Both campgrounds are primitive with no electricity but offer distinct outdoor experiences. To reach these campgrounds, follow directions to McKee, KY, then use local highways (like 587 for Turkey Foot) to access the specific campground areas.
How is Mayapple Retreat in McKee, KY different from McKee Campground?
How is Mayapple Retreat in McKee, KY different from McKee Campground?
While specific information about Mayapple Retreat is limited in the reviews, it likely offers a more retreat-style experience compared to the primitive campgrounds in McKee. For comparison, Koomer Ridge Campground in the nearby Red River Gorge area provides a simple camping experience with shower facilities. Holly Bay offers large, private wooded lots with electric and water hookups, clean bathrooms with showers, and access to recreational activities. Mayapple Retreat likely features more developed facilities and possibly cabin accommodations rather than the rustic, primitive camping experience found at McKee's public campgrounds.
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