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Best Dispersed Camping near Sandy Hook, KY

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Sandy Hook, Kentucky include the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Clearfield, situated on Cave Run Lake in Daniel Boone National Forest. This free primitive camping area features approximately 7-12 lakeside and nearby sites accessible via drive-in routes. Facilities are minimal, consisting only of portable pit toilets; campers must bring all supplies including drinking water and toilet paper.

Paragon offers direct lake access for fishing and kayaking, with multiple sites located along the shoreline. The area requires self-sufficient camping practices as there are no trash receptacles, hookups, or potable water. Campers consistently report issues with site cleanliness. As one visitor noted, "We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out." Wildlife sightings include herons, woodpeckers, and hawks. The 14-day camping limit applies, though enforcement appears minimal. Sites cannot be reserved and fill quickly on weekends, particularly during summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sandy Hook, Kentucky (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sandy Hook, KY

8 Photos of 5 Sandy Hook Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sandy Hook, KY

13 Reviews of 5 Sandy Hook Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful & Free, but Lots of Trash Around

    We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet. We rolled up on a Tuesday night in mid-July and found the campground about ¾ full but still plenty of space for our little trailer. With about a dozen or so sites, some along the lakeshore, others closeby, lots of options exist to be alone or with a group. 

    There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites.  There were portable pit-toilets (bring your own TP, if you want to have some). There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly. The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good, or at least the trying is. But launching a kayak for an easy paddle about the lake couldn’t be easier from your site. 

    We arrived right after a busy holiday weekend, and found our site (and those next to it) full of extra fire rings and heaps of trash. It’s discouraging to love these camping areas and find them in such a rough state after others use them. It’s a good reminder to come prepared to pick up after yourself and others who aren’t as thoughtful. We spent a good hour cleaning up the area, and filled one section of our truck bed with it when we left. Carry it in, folks, and then carry it out.

  • Wayne H.
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Broke campers dream

    This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups. Most spots have boat in access! Will definitely be going back! Located in Morehead, KY.

  • Lynn G.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed camping in Daniel Boone National Forest

    The National Forest has hiking, multi-use trails, and boating (there is a ramp nearby). This is dispersed camping, meaning there are no amenities besides a pit toilet and a few fire rings. Make sure to bring your own water treatment.

    Yay: Close to the river, on the less busy side of the forest. Drive along the road and decide which campsite to stay at. All free.

    Nay: Sadly, there was a lot of trash at all the sites. Not all sites have fire rings. There are only 7 sites so and no reservations so you may end up out of luck (but there are many other campgrounds in the area). Can be very muddy!

    Surprise: call or visit the ranger office before entering the forest to get the latest recommendations for good trails and where to see wildlife!

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2020

    Sand Hill Trailhead

    Dispersed Camping best off Horseback Trails

    We arrived late at night wishing we had better cell reception and a paper map of the National Forest. We were grateful to have the Dyrt's info downloaded on my chromebook. Even still, Wayne National Forest is a maze of public and private land. The Ironton Campground has been closed during 2020 as part of a water main line break. We initially tried the Hanging Rock OHV trailhead, but locals used that area for partying when we were there and it wasn't ideal to camp at the trailhead with about a dozen cars speeding along the gravel roads around midnight. We found the Sand Hill Trail head and pitched camp not too far from where we parked. The NF website says fires are allowed if you make a stone ring. We just skipped it. It is a very pretty area along Vesuvius Lake with trees and bluffs. We saw a ranger in the morning and he suggested next time we just camp at the horsecamp. The pins on the Dyrt's map were inaccurately located when we were using it with multiple entries. Next time I will purchase a paper map before I go because Wayne National Forest has alot of private lands interspersed and it is not all that clear without an official map. Hopefully the Dyrt will get better at hyper locating those lines.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Motor Vehicle Area

    The Hanging Rock Recreation area features tons of well kept ATV trails for motor bikes or quads (max width allowed is 50 inches). Besides the ATV trails, there are tons of little lakes that are ideal for fishing! There is a large parking area in the middle of the park with a restroom, and at least one other restroom further down the road. I noticed several “fire pits” in gravel pull offs in the park. Not sure if fires are allowed though.

    We hiked here today to retrieve some trail cameras from the surrounding Wayne National Forest for a spotted skunk study at Ohio University. Along and just off the trails were tons of gorgeous wildflowers like trilliums, violets, showy orchids, and more!

  • Dylane S.
    Jun. 22, 2019

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Not always accessible

    June 2019 was not able to access the campsite due to a gate blocking the road.

  • Rob G.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Great spot and easy to find!

    With that being said, there was good and bad. The good was I found a spot quickly and had 2 entire ponds to myself. The bad was locals firing guns for the hell of it for an hour straight and the trash left behind from the previous campers. Once night fall hit everything was quiet so I couldn't complain too much. Awesome morning sunrise!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful location just off a paved road

    We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.

    Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.

    The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!

    The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.

    While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Hanging Rock Recreation Site

    Better Than Walmart

    We stayed in the parking lot as it was getting dark and didn’t know if there were any place to turn our rv around. Very quiet night and were visited by fireflies which was awesome.

Guide to Sandy Hook

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sandy Hook, Kentucky

  • When visiting the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, be prepared to bring your own water and firewood, as these amenities are not provided.
  • Keep in mind that while pets are allowed, it's essential to clean up after them to maintain the area's natural beauty and prevent attracting wildlife.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as some sites can fill up quickly, particularly those with stunning lake views.

Fishing and Wildlife Watching for dispersed campers

  • The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, with many campers reporting successful catches right from their campsites.
  • Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species, including herons and woodpeckers, that frequent the area, making it a perfect spot for nature photography.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife, as noted by visitors at the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.

Exploring the trails while free camping near Sandy Hook

  • The Hanging Rock Recreation Site features numerous ATV trails, making it a great destination for those looking to explore the outdoors on wheels.
  • Hikers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area, with trails leading to picturesque ponds and lush landscapes, perfect for a day of adventure.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions, as some areas may have trash left by previous visitors, so it's wise to pack out what you bring in while enjoying the trails around the Hanging Rock Recreation Site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sandy Hook, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sandy Hook, KY is Paragon Dispersed Camping Area with a 3.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sandy Hook, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Sandy Hook, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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