Karen and Joshua W.
Scout
ScoutKing's Coach Stop
Nice
We had a great time. Nice people who are friendly and helpful.
Best Campgrounds near Pine Knot, KY
Pine Knot, Kentucky serves as a gateway to diverse camping opportunities within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and nearby public lands. Developed campgrounds like Blue Heron Campground provide amenities such as water hookups, electric sites, and bear-resistant storage containers, while Trace Branch offers dispersed camping along Rock Creek Road for those seeking more primitive experiences. The campground options range from tent-only areas to RV-accessible sites with both 30 and 50-amp service, plus several cabin rentals at Clayton Geneva Memorial and within state park boundaries. Most developed sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets.
Road access to many campgrounds requires navigating winding forest roads with varying surfaces and grades. The Big South Fork region maintains campgrounds year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons from April through October when temperatures and conditions are most favorable. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, especially in ravines and remote sections of the national recreation area. Campers should prepare for potential wildlife encounters, particularly black bears, by using provided storage facilities. According to one visitor, "Blue Heron Campground is small which makes it that much better. The showerhouse is not new but the whole place is very well maintained."
Campers consistently highlight the region's natural features, particularly the scenic river gorges and overlooks accessible from mixed-use campgrounds. The area receives high ratings for privacy between sites and the peaceful atmosphere. Sites near water features like small ponds tend to be most popular, with campers noting the "beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies" at Blue Heron. Several visitors mentioned the abundant shade from mature trees as a significant benefit during summer months. The campgrounds provide excellent access to hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and water recreation along the Cumberland River. Visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty and basic facilities, with one camper describing the experience as "pure gold for such an inexpensive price" with sites that "get quiet" and "get dark" for authentic outdoor experiences.
Best Camping Sites Near Pine Knot, Kentucky (173)
1. Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
26 ReviewsStearns, KY4 milesWebsite+1 (423) 286-7275$30 - $35 / night
"It's located on the Kentucky side of Big South Fork. The campsites have a picnic table and a firepit. Our campsite was very nice and private with a big grassy area."
"The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site."
2. Ridgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
38 ReviewsParkers Lake, KY14 miles+1 (606) 309-4808$26 - $34 / night
"Sadly, there is a massive amount of trash at the bottom (as you can see in the pictures posted here) which takes away from the natural appearance of the falls."
"It’s has many (12) trails and many falls. Would definitely recommend shopping before camping, it’s several miles, and mountains, to get to stores."
3. Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
42 ReviewsRugby, TN19 milesWebsite+1 (423) 286-7275$20 - $140 / night
"Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop."
"Family freindly, kept very clean, great hiking in Big South Fork w/some trails even starting at the campground."
4. Indian Mountain State Park Campground — Indian Mountain State Park
22 ReviewsJellico, TN18 milesWebsite+1 (423) 566-5870$33 - $37 / night
"Large walking path and places for your dog to exercise. Loved watching the ducks swim near our campsite"
"Full hookups and close to I-75. Well kept with clean bath house. Paddle boats and walking trails."
5. Bear Creek Horse Camp — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
5 ReviewsRevelo, KY5 milesWebsite+1 (423) 286-7275$30 - $35 / night
"Totally set up for the horse crowd with plenty of horse room :) there is a day use parking and unloading area and direct access to the horse trails. Very open and well maintained."
"The Big South Fork river is some of the best smallmouth fishing around. I love the backcountry camping in BSF, it’s so peaceful, and beautiful."
6. Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground
9 ReviewsWilliamsburg, KY12 milesWebsite+1 (513) 913-0325$20 - $70 / night
"Close to trails and a waterpark too. Love the peace and tranquility. We will be going back again."
"Close to Cumberland falls!"
7. Alum Ford Campground — Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
3 ReviewsMarshes Siding, KY9 miles+1 (423) 569-9778$15 / night
"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"
8. Great Meadows Campground
8 ReviewsBig South Fork National River and Recreation Area, KY16 milesWebsite+1 (606) 376-5323$10 - $15 / night
"Great for kayaking, fishing, wading, hiking, sightseeing(areas close by to check out), also there are some swimming holes..just have to find them. can camp right by the creek and across the road is a few"
"Love it clean nice people Has water some of the time no electricity sites are well kept has horseshoe pits no stores close by no cell phone service but it does have clean toilets fishing is good"
9. Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground
16 ReviewsPall Mall, TN21 milesWebsite+1 (931) 879-5821$23 / night
"PICKETT STATE RUSTIC PARK is located adjacent to Scott State Forest, Big South Fork River, Tn and below Daniel Boone National Forest, Ky. The Campground is my favorite type, small."
"Grandma couldn’t leisurely walk, or scale some of the trails, so you have been warned. But for able bodied persons, the hikes are all doable."
10. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
2 ReviewsStearns, KY9 milesWebsite
Recent Camping Photos near Pine Knot, KY
235 Photos of 173 Pine Knot Campgrounds
Nicole O.
Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
James & Lora C.
Summer Shoals Retreat
Pam B.
Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1
Jess S.
Patrick’s Point River Camp
Amber H.
Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground
The Dyrt
Cumberland Falls RV Resort
Kenpocentaur K.
Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Shelly S.
Ridgeline Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Maurice N.
Tranquility Creek
Heather K.
Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort
Dania E.
Falls Creek Cabins & Campground
Sierra E.
Swain Ridge
Recent Reviews near Pine Knot, KY
747 Reviews of 173 Pine Knot Campgrounds
Alexandria C.
GuideBi-Color Campground (Catoosa WMA)
CLOSED!
I drove quite a ways to get here. I’ll need to find a locked gate and assigned saying that the area was closed for hog hunting. Despite it being the last day of February and the sign dating to December, it did seem to be inaccessible.
SJFScoutCraigs Creek Group Area
Beautiful Campground
Super pretty and spacious campground. The bathroom facilities were pretty nice and the campsites had awesome fire rings. Direct access to the lake via a short trail
BrianScoutTVA Public Land- Fork Bend
Freedom
A couple miles to the end. Not a soul around. Just speedboat cruising and hunters shooting. Accessible to anyone with 2wd but a good idea to have a 4 we if you get down to the giant beaches.
Aly V.
RangerTVA Public Land- Fork Bend
Nice back road drive and camping by the lake!
I was raised in this area and it was always the party spot for teens. So I was a little apprehensive about going here. But sooo glad we did. It was a late fall night and we had the entire area to ourselves by the water. Reminder the lake is really low all fall/winter before Memorial Day. It was quiet and serene and you could hear the fish jumping all evening. Some people did ride by on their four wheelers but there’s tons of ATV trails around here. Not as trashy as reviews said. And lots of man made rock fire pits. Some good flat spots for tents and we car camped.
Overall a great FREE camp spot nearby. I imagine summer nights it gets busy and packed with party/lake crowds so try it for the fall! You can go to the water and our dog loved it. So side note. It’s a long rougher gravel drive in. Our truck did good and our friends Subaru. But I wouldn’t do a car. It’s a long drive back but super secluded and a scenic drive. Also no bathrooms but tons of spots to go away from camp! Area is all around boat dock marinas for summer food/beer!
Heidi H.GuideJellico Creek Rd Dispersed Site 3
Jellico Creek #3
Using the coordinates from the dispersed site #1 post, we found our way down the road and settled on the third site. Not huge, but right next to the creek. Went to sleep to the sound of coyotes and woke up to turkeys gobbling, and saw otters in the creek over breakfast. Someone had left a bunch of trash when we showed up, bottles, cardboard, cigarette boxes, etc but we picked it up and made the most of it. Not a bunch of places to use the bathroom but just do your best. Minimal traffic down the road. Saw one car pass while we were at our site? The drive in is beautiful in the fall. There is a point where Jellico Creek Rd continues straight, and also peels off to the right, it’s really weird. But take the option to the right down across the small bridge.
- jjames R.Scout
Wilderness Road Campground
Cozy
Love this place…simple…peaceful… quiet…lots of shade for summer heat…beautiful fall colors…
- bbritton T.Scout
Cumberland Falls RV Resort
Excellent Quiet Beautiful Clean Park
We spent the day at Cumberland Falls State Park. Sharon told us about the Moonbow which just happened to occur the exact night we were there. We arrived at the park late after the amazing Moonbow and were so happy it was only a mile away. The sites were very spacious and exceptionally clean. Trevor met us at the site. It was a nice welcome and they even gave us a goody bag. Easy hook-ups from there. We enjoyed the full moon view over a peaceful fire (they have firewood available). Woke up to incredible tall trees all around us with colorful fall leaves. It was exactly what we needed. We stayed at site 11 which has a great view of the entire property. We had to continue on our journey so didn’t get to explore the lake but hope to be back to do more trails and stay here again. 10/10 recommend. PS service was a little spotty but this was a welcome break for us.
- Aly V.Ranger
Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground
So perfect
This place has clean bathrooms, wifi, secluded spots on the river to fish. Enough space for group camping too. Pick the spot the stump of banks end for the best river side spot. Book on Hipcamp! The host is amazing and delivers anything you need. Firewood, fishing bait, even fresh chicken eggs from the farm. Also does dog grooming! And you can book extra to spend time with the fluffy cows! Close to Cumberland falls!
Guide to Pine Knot
Camping opportunities near Pine Knot, Kentucky center around the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which offers a range of developed campgrounds and primitive sites. Blue Heron Campground provides electric and water hookups for RV and tent camping, while Trace Branch offers free dispersed camping along Rock Creek Road. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating everything from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping options, with Clayton Geneva Memorial Campground offering cabin-only accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
Access to most campgrounds in the area remains open year-round, though some primitive sites like Bear Creek Horse Camp operate seasonally from April through October. Many campgrounds feature bear-resistant storage containers, particularly important in this heavily forested region where black bear sightings are common. Roads to Blue Heron Campground can present challenges for larger rigs, with one visitor noting, "You have to love the roads into the campgrounds at several of these parks. All I can say is tighten your seat belt and hold on."
Campers report varying levels of privacy and amenities across the region's campgrounds. The more developed sites typically offer showers, restrooms, and electric hookups, while primitive areas provide a more secluded experience. Sites along water features are particularly popular, with campsites near ponds receiving special mention in reviews. Many visitors appreciate the relative solitude of the area compared to more crowded destinations. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Big South Fork NRRA is definitely one of my favorite places in Tennessee. It stretches into Kentucky too. So much to do and see, and the hiking and camping is equal to the Smokies in my opinion, except there's no crowds, no traffic, not many people!" Cell service is limited throughout much of the area, making these campgrounds ideal for those seeking to disconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pine Knot, KY?
What camping is available near Pine Knot, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pine Knot, KY offers a wide range of camping options, with 173 campgrounds and RV parks near Pine Knot, KY and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pine Knot, KY?
Which is the most popular campground near Pine Knot, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pine Knot, KY is Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine Knot, KY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pine Knot, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Pine Knot, KY.
What parks are near Pine Knot, KY?
What parks are near Pine Knot, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Pine Knot, KY that allow camping, notably Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Laurel River Lake.
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