Best Dispersed Camping near Oil Springs, KY
Dispersed camping options near Oil Springs, Kentucky include Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Daniel Boone National Forest and Paul Van Booven Wildlife Management Area. Paragon offers approximately a dozen primitive sites along Cave Run Lake, with both lakeside and nearby options available. These free campsites provide basic accommodations for tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access. According to reviews, the sites can fill quickly on weekends and holidays, with limited availability during peak seasons.
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area features pit toilets but no potable water, electrical hookups, or trash facilities. Campers must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies, including toilet paper. Several campers noted significant trash issues, with one stating they "spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left." Fire rings exist at some sites but not all; fires are permitted when no bans are in effect. Wildlife sightings include herons, woodpeckers, hawks, and bears have been reported in the area.
Access to these camping areas can be inconsistent. The Paragon area sits just off a paved highway, making it relatively accessible for most vehicles. However, some visitors report occasional road closures: "June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road." Contacting the ranger station before departure is recommended for current conditions and wildlife information. The proximity to Cave Run Lake provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, with boat launch access available from many campsites. The campground layout offers limited privacy between sites, particularly during busy periods.
