K
Katlyn H.
Guide
GuideLaurel Lake Camping Resort
Beautiful Grounds
The bathrooms are very clean well lit.
Camping near McKee, KY
107 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 (107)
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
"Our site was down a path about 60 steps from our parking space. The tent site area was rocky. We always use small rug runner next to our air mattress in our tent, which was a must for this site."
"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."
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 107 McKee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near McKee, KY
601 Reviews of 107 McKee Campgrounds
- KKatlyn H.Guide
Laurel Lake Camping Resort
Family oriented
The place is full of activities for all of the family. A nice list of amenities including fishing kayaking playgrounds and disc golf.
Luke M.
ScoutMiddle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Great hiking but the campground is kinda meh
I’m glad we visited this park but I feel like calling it a “resort park” is pushing it. We visited Silver Springs State Park in Florida, and Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia and their amenities were much better.
Pros:
- The trails are beautiful. Natural Bridge, Chimney Rock, Princess Arch, and Grey’s Arch were all wonderful.
- The staff seems nice and willing to help
- There is a restaurant in the park and it has decent prices
Cons:
- The dryer near the bathroom was non-functional. It had a sign-up noting that it didn’t work so I know that staff knew about it. Despite that, it was not repaired during our several day trip.
- The dump station is on the main entrance to the Middle Fork Campground and it is on the right side of the road. This means you have to stop in the middle of the oncoming lane to dump your tanks. It is a really weird layout.
- The bathrooms could used better cleaning. My wife noticed pee stains on one of the toilets and it present for several days on our trip which indicates they weren’t being cleaned very well.
- The
Other thoughts:
- Site B35 is weird because you have back in past several sites to get into it. We have a camper van with a 360 cameras so this isn’t too bad for us, but it would be a pain if you had a larger rig.
Kate E.ScoutKoomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest
Really nice walk to site!
Our site was down a path about 60 steps from our parking space. The tent site area was rocky. We always use small rug runner next to our air mattress in our tent, which was a must for this site. It rained before we arrived, so we saw where water would pool near the front of the tent pad (this was two steps up from the rest of the campsite) so we set up our ten near the back. Nice big picnic table and fire pit.
Very private site with huge trees. Being August and down in a valley meant very little wind at the site so it was quite muggy as expected. Pit toilets nearby were fine. Wish there would have been a hook for our light at night. Full bathrooms were in the main loop of the campground. They were fine, not the worst we've experienced, but not the best either.
Tons of great hiking nearby (within 20 minutes or so). There was also a nice trail just off the campground near our site.
- Nan N.Guide
Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground
Very clean, beautiful park with lots of amenities
The sites are pretty spacious, varying degrees of level, but the park is well maintained with beautiful flowers, clean bath houses, friendly staff. I'm disappointed we were just doing an overnight here as I would have liked to have gone to the pool and done some hiking. Overall a great experience. I was a little concerned when the youngsters in the park were still running amok at 10:15pm, but then realized quiet hour isn't until 11... and little later than I would have preferred, but they were having fun and things did get quiet around 10:30pm. If you don't want that, I might suggest not picking a site right across from the main playground. I would definitely stay here again. They also have a couple of adorable cottages available too.
- IIrene M.Guide
Camp Nelson RV Park
Needs updating.
A lot of permanent rundown trailers parked haphazard as the sites are not laid out nicely. Stray cats running around. Muddy at the sites. Saving grace was clean bathhouse but who ever heard of automatic showers? Wasting a lot of water.
- HHolly B.Guide
Corbin - Laurel Lake KOA
Creepy
This was the creepiest place I have ever stayed. I had all kinds of strange vibes from it. Maybe because it was raining. I don’t know. The guy who worked there was super nice. I won’t be back though.
- HHolly B.Guide
The Farm RV Resort
Very nice and clean
I only got to stay here one night passing through. I usually never use the bathrooms/showers when traveling. But when I went to check them out I decided to try them. Very clean. I’ll definitely stay here again. There weren’t many people when I stayed on a week day. So it was very peaceful and quiet. They had a nice pavilion to have a gathering at.
- WWetschScout
Cumberland Falls RV Resort
Nice hosts
Very clean and well cared for, the store is well stocked with nice extras. Shannon is very sweet.
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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