The Daniel Boone National Forest stretches across 708,000 acres of eastern Kentucky, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,750 feet. Near Parkers Lake, thick hardwood forests cover rolling hills with limestone formations and clear streams running throughout. Summer temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s with high humidity, making water access important for campers.
What to do
Trail riding adventures: Little Lick Campground connects directly to the Nathan McClure trailhead, offering miles of scenic paths. One camper reports, "Off Ky Rt 80 in Daniel Boone National Forest, keep following the tent signs, they will get you to Little Lick Campground...bring your horse, bring your trail bike, bring your dogs" (Little Lick Campground).
Riverside relaxation: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and tubing at Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground. A visitor mentions, "You can fish off the banks of the Cumberland river or take a swim. Close to trails and a waterpark too" (Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground).
Backcountry exploration: Discover secluded spots throughout Big South Fork. According to one camper, "There are several backcountry sites that people have made stone firepits and log/rock seating, it has the feel of the AT without as many people. The Burnt Mill area is awesome, but the hike can be challenging" (Bear Creek Horse Camp).
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Bear Creek Horse Camp offers dedicated equestrian camping with surprisingly clean facilities. A camper noted, "Campground was clean and barely smelled like a farm despite being filled with horses."
Affordable waterfront camping: Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground provides riverside tent sites at reasonable rates. One review states, "River side tent sites on a shaded, sandy river bank. Reserve online, go straight to camping!! Self serve, no fuss. Fire rings provided. Local guy delivers firewood to your site with one call!!"
Dark skies for stargazing: Great Meadows Campground delivers exceptional night viewing opportunities. A visitor shared, "Quiet and lovely" while another mentioned camping "right by the creek" with several swimming holes nearby (Great Meadows Campground).
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat combined with lack of electricity makes some campgrounds challenging. One camper at Barren Fork Horse Camp stated, "It's a hot place with no electric hookups at $12 a night and $100 for a yearly pass" (Barren Fork Horse Camp).
Remote locations: Many horse camps require significant travel on gravel roads. A Little Lick visitor warned, "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!"
Primitive facilities: Most equestrian sites near Parkers Lake have minimal amenities. As one camper at Little Lick noted, "This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace."
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection: Not all sites accommodate young children well. One Bandy Creek visitor shared, "The sites are pretty private and mostly wooded. There were acorns everywhere that our littles kept getting ahold of, and most of the trails are much longer than 2 miles, so there wasn't much to do with our two toddlers" (Bandy Creek Campground).
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond trails. According to a review, "The campground also has a large swimming pool, with lifeguards."
Food storage: Bear awareness is important with children. A visitor noted, "Some sites have food storage lockers (not sure if all do) as the area is a bear habitat. We saw some deer and turkeys, so there's wildlife around for sure!"
Tips from RVers
Power requirements: Horse trailer parking at some campgrounds requires strong vehicles. A Bear Creek camper warned, "Make sure you have the horse power for the hills going out. I had to back down the gravel hill and get a second run to make it up!"
Site limitations: Many equestrian camping areas near Parkers Lake have size constraints. A Bandy Creek camper mentioned, "The sites were a bit short and we couldn't park our tow vehicle in front of our 17' camper. So large campers beware."
Hookup availability: Electric connections vary greatly between campgrounds. True West Campground offers more RV-friendly options with "electric hookups, fifty-amp hookups, thirty-amp hookups" and "sanitary dump" facilities according to the campground amenities (True West Campground & Stables).
