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Best Tent Camping near Sandy Hook, KY

665 Reviews

Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds Sandy Hook, Kentucky with several tent camping options, including Paragon Dispersed Camping Area in Clearfield and North Fork Campground. The Red River Gorge area, approximately 30 miles southwest, offers extensive primitive tent camping opportunities with both established and backcountry sites. White Sulphur Horse Camp in Salt Lick provides tent-only sites year-round, while The Ole Cornfield offers riverside tent campsites with more amenities. Free Spirit Homestead, located north of Sandy Hook, features five walk-in tent sites in a more secluded setting.

Most primitive tent campgrounds near Sandy Hook require campers to bring their own water and supplies. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area features basic pit toilets but no drinking water, making it essential for tent campers to pack in all necessities. Sites are typically set on natural surfaces with minimal improvements. According to reviews, not all dispersed sites have established fire rings, and campers should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain. The Red River Gorge area requires permits for backcountry tent camping, available for purchase in nearby towns. Seasonal considerations affect tent camping access, with North Fork Campground operating from early May through late September.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking, fishing, and paddling activities. One visitor noted that Paragon Dispersed Camping Area is "on the less busy side of the forest" with free sites that can be selected by driving along the road. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting sightings of herons, woodpeckers, and hawks from their tent sites. For those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences, Red River Gorge offers numerous options, though weekday visits are recommended as "weekends can be a zoo" according to experienced campers. Walk-in tent sites at Star Gap Arch provide proximity to natural features with a 1.25-mile hike required to reach the designated camping areas.

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Best Tent Sites Near Sandy Hook, Kentucky (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sandy Hook, KY

26 Photos of 17 Sandy Hook Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sandy Hook, KY

665 Reviews of 17 Sandy Hook Campgrounds

  • R
    Aug. 13, 2018

    John Swift's Lost Silvermine Historic Campground

    Great family-friendly, primitive car camping

    This campground is easy to access and good for individuals or groups; it's mostly covered with grass though there are areas that are more dirt, closer to the river. It's nestled between the Red River and Highway 715, so you are pretty close to the road and will hear some road noise, but it's a pretty quiet 2-lane highway. There are picnic tables and fire-rings at each campsite, and it is easy to pitch a few tents in close proximity if you are there with a group. The toilets are port-a-potties scattered throughout the campground. You are asked to sign a waiver and agree to the quiet hours (11-6). The campground is gated and the gate is closed and locked at 10 pm (but the campground manager sleeps on-site). The firewood we purchased here was very wet though, and never burned well. This is typical of much of the firewood purchased at the RRG though, unless you buy kiln-dried from the store. Canoe and kayak rentals happen at the site as well. This was perfect for camping with my 10-month old, without needing to hike in from the car. A good balance between a crowded state campground and backcountry camping.

  • Chris M.
    Jul. 17, 2020

    Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    Great camping on the lake

    Camping: As far as camping goes there’s a little variety. On top of the hill there is camper sites with full hook ups which is actually quite spacious and spaced out from other sites compared to other campgrounds, but some sites are better than others of course. There is also primitive tent camping on top of the hill, but appeared slightly cramped. In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in. All sites throughout have fine gravel pad, picnic table, a fire ring and access to numerous bathrooms of which have a compost toilet and running water for the sink. Camp staff will deliver ice or firewood to any site if requested. Extras: The main attraction is the lake of course which is quite clean for swimming, boating or fishing, but can be a little busy at times. There are a few hiking trails near by, but I wouldn’t come here for that. There is a golf course and I did notice, but didn’t get to check out, there is a place called The Cove at Yatesville lake that has a beach for swimming with climbable inflatables in the water, kayak rentals and among other things. Conclusion: A great local place to have fun on a lake, but not somewhere I’d travel an extended distance to see.

  • Jeffrey A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2023

    Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    Lovely NF Campground

    Koomer Ridge is really an excellent campground!  As of April 2023 all sites were first-come, first-serve (no prior reservations permitted).  We camped one night and thoroughly enjoyed it!  No hook-ups but the site was level for a 21" campervan and had a HUGE tent pad, 2 lantern posts, fire ring and picnic table in a spacious site.  Plenty of trees for hammocks, too!  Sites were more than adequately spaced out around the campground and some were quite private.  Multiple trails leave straight out of the campground and head into the Red River Gorge, a nice feature.  Campground is heavily wooded, too, so plenty of shade should be available during the summer months.

    The shower house is next to Site 14 and was clean though chilly but had hot & cold running water and was modern/updated.  Only ding here was that a couple of the toilets were out of service during our stay - no big deal as the campground was fairly empty and I hope they'll be addressed before summer crowds arrive.

    The campground is on a ridge - so apart from the sites themselves, there is very little flat ground to be had.  Not a drawback, just an observation.  But the hills make for a lovely setting and beautiful sunsets/sunrises filtering through the trees.  Only criticism is the proximity to the Mountain Parkway nearby; had we been tent camping, the traffic noise would have been a nuisance all night.  But in the campervan it wasn't noticeable, fortunately!  Not enough to cost a star, but worth noting if you're using a tent or soft-sided camper.

    Red River Gorge is an extraordinary and beautiful place to explore, and Koomer Ridge is an excellent basecamp from which to do so!

  • Chris H.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem

    We've stayed at Twin Knobs twice now in our popup camper. First time was at F26, second was at F24. We love how the outer loop sites have such quick access to the water.

    Both sites are shaded very well and the sites themselves are huge. We could see other campers through the trees but we felt pretty well secluded.

    Each site has several tall poles with hooks for trash bags/food storage. as well each site has a large fire pit with flip-over grill for cooking.

    The firewood bundles are a bit pricey ($7) at the checkin shack, but I'm glad they are available. we purchased at least 7 bundles to have a pretty much constant fire through the day and night.

    The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There was a bit of an overflow issue our first day on site but it was resolved in less than an hour by the loop hosts.

    Pop's bbq was a hit both nights we were there. We ordered carryout (covid) and ate at camp on the provided picnic tables. The Dollar General is also adequately stocked.

    All in all a fantastic visit which we will repeat ASAP. it's too bad they close at the end of October. I bet winter camping there would be a treat.

    Cheers,

    Chris

  • M
    Jan. 26, 2022

    Callie’s Lake and Campground

    Impressive

    We were very pleased with this campground. When we first checked in, the smell of the food in the campground store was to die for. We had plans to cook at our campsite, but the specials that night were very tempting. The staff was kind and helpful, and provided us with a map of the property. The bathhouse was a nice touch! There are many campsites of multiple types available, but there are several primitive sites that still feel secluded and surrounded by trees. There are several sites that can be accessed by a sedan, but some of the sites farther back really require something more suited to off-road driving. We were in a Subaru Forester and had no issues, but did actually have to help push a Camry out of a rut. We visited in October 2021 and it seemed like the area we selected was still slightly under construction. The campsite was wonderful, but the picnic table was sitting on a slope and we were having a difficult time preventing our food from falling off. A flatter spot for the picnic table would be our only suggestion to the owner. My friend used a tent and was happy to see a flat spot cut out of the slope our site was situated on. I used a hammock and didn’t have any trouble finding suitable trees. We loved it and will definitely be back!

  • Kelley K.
    Aug. 20, 2020

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful place, easy kayak launch, clean restrooms and showers

    We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in. I was by myself with my son and dog so I felt more comfortable being here near the bathhouse. There are raccoons who like to eat so be sure to put your food up at night. The lake is really calm. There are boats coming in and out but not "traffic" per se, no issues at all kayaking and we went out several times. Fishing was good with rooster tails and panther martin spinners (silver), 1/8 and 1/16 oz. The water was down so there were a lot of places to paddle onto the shore and wade fish. There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water. I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water. We never left the campground during the weekend, so I can't comment on the proximity to restaurants but it was only 5-8 min or so back to town. I had terrible phone service with Sprint here. We did have one new camper come in at 3am on Saturday morning to set up their tent and being so close to the entrance of the hike-in spots, I woke up. That was tough. When we go back, I'll pick a site further back up the hiking path and bring a wagon to tote our stuff. The staff at the gate are amazing and so friendly. The restrooms are clean. Three showers. NO ONE other than the tent campers seemed to use the bath house so I never waited for a shower or anything and there were several families tent camping and the rv sites were completely full. It's a really nice and safe place. I really recommend it and look forward to going back. One thing, the actual tent pad was 11x13 and seemed a bit small but worked fine for us.

  • Frank H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Sandy Springs Campground

    Nice campground

    This was the last campground before returning home from a month long camping road trip across the country and back. Picturesque camp directly on the Ohio River. Very level. Small campground with about 40 sites. Basically all sites are for RVs and equipped with electrical and water and most with sewer. We were tent camping and set up and a very soft & thick grassy space on one of the empty sites. The owners plan to install dedicated tent sites along the edge of the woods. There is a camp store with most needed items. Ice and firewood sold. Very spacious and individual toilet and shower & sink rooms. Good showers with plenty of hot water. Playground for children. Volleyball for anyone. Dumpster for trash. Great people. Easy to make reservations.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2025

    Red River Adventure

    Ownership was changing; hopefully improvements followed

    We were with a group that had reservations here but when we arrived mid-afternoon, the gate was locked, no one was there, and there was no cell service. A member of the group drove to where there was cell reception and called but no one answered the phone. Eventually, we spoke with the father of the outgoing owner who gave us the gate code and we set up camp. The manager showed up a few hours later but the owner did not arrive until early evening; it was then we learned new owners were taking over the next day! 

    This is a primitive campground which is not a problem for us, but it had a neglected feeling to it (due likely to pending ownership change). Fortunately, the vault toilets had recently been serviced and were not too bad. Toilet paper but no hand sanitizer. Outdoor non-private solar showers that do not guarantee hot water (and it was chilly when we were there, so no one tried to use them). 

    There was no place to put garbage that I saw and there was loose garbage where it should have been collected. 

    Most sites had a fire ring marked by rocks.

    Some sites had gravel pads while others had grass. They were clearly marked but you had to watch out for the drainage ditch when backing into the site. There is no separation between sites, but we were the only ones there so not a problem for us.

    The main draw for this campground is the kayak rentals and transportation to the put-in site. Kayaking was fun, despite obstacles in the river due to recent rains (and parts of the campground were also flooded). The price was reasonable -$10 per person. I am hopeful the new owners made some improvements, although this may raise the price!

  • Katrin M.
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    Very nice campground

    We camped here over the weekend in a double campsite. It was very spacious and clean. The site had 2 picnic tables, 2 lantern poles, and and a fire pit. Everything was leveled, so the tent set up was really easy. The campground is very well maintained. Some sites have stairs in order to reach the tent pads. There is a bathhouse with flushing toilets and nice showers. They also have pit toilets, which I never used. There are several trails, that start from the campground. The area is absolutely stunning, but it was extremely hot, so we couldn't do too much hiking. But the plan is to return in fall.

Guide to Sandy Hook

Daniel Boone National Forest offers several primitive camping options near Sandy Hook, Kentucky, with most sites located between 900-1,200 feet elevation. The forest spans over 700,000 acres across eastern Kentucky, providing tent camping opportunities on natural surfaces with variable terrain. Many sites require campers to pack in their own supplies and pack out all trash due to limited amenities.

What to do

Wildlife watching: At Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, campers report excellent bird watching opportunities. One visitor noted, "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."

Kayaking and fishing: The Ole Cornfield offers river access for water activities. "We went kayaking (they have a kayaking service on site) and played in the river. Far enough away from the road that we didn't hear any noise, just the river running," reports one camper. The proximity to both the Licking River and Cave Run Lake provides multiple water recreation options.

Hiking to overlooks: Red River Gorge Campground serves as a base for hiking to scenic vistas. "Hanson's point at the red river gorge is often called the best view of the Gorge. To get to Hanson's point you'll have to earn it by hiking for about 2.5 miles, but trust me when I say it's worth it," writes one visitor who recommends downloading the AllTrails app to stay on track.

What campers like

Affordability: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate the free dispersed sites at Paragon. "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," notes one reviewer.

Clean facilities: White Sulphur Horse Camp maintains well-kept restroom facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The place was clean, restroom facilities were stocked with TP. There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent."

Riverfront camping: Many campers value the waterfront sites for the best tent camping near Sandy Hook. One camper at Red River Gorge Adventures shared, "This is my all time favorite campground. It's very spacious, I've camped on holiday weekends and never had other campers within 100 ft of my site. The entire campground runs alongside the river bank."

What you should know

Weather preparedness: After heavy rain, many tent sites throughout Daniel Boone National Forest become muddy. Campers should pack waterproof footwear and tent footprints.

Gate schedule awareness: Some campgrounds control access with gates. At Red River Adventures, "They close the gates at night and don't open the gates till 8 am was the only drawback. The gate adds to the security of the campground I liked that they control coming and going at night times."

Limited amenities: Primitive camping requires self-sufficiency. A review of The Ole Cornfield explains the situation at many sites: "When you arrive the host (Justin), brings you wood and a picnic table. Helps if you need anything. The campground is always extremely clean as are the bathrooms. Water and electric on site with a wide spot."

Tips for camping with families

River play areas: The Ole Cornfield offers shallow water play spots ideal for children. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such. And yes we turn them loose," shares a regular visitor.

Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for children to explore safely. One camper noted, "We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run."

Nature activities: The Red River Gorge area offers family-friendly outdoor experiences. "Frog hunting (catch and release)" was mentioned as a fun nighttime activity by one family who stayed at a riverside campsite.

Tips from RVers

Level sites: RVers report that The Ole Cornfield offers flat, accessible campsites. "The RV sites are new, drive through and flat, with electric, and water. There something cool to be facing the cornfield and being in unique open space. Our dog loved it!" writes one RVer.

Dump station access: For longer stays, note which campgrounds have proper facilities. "It has 10 RV sites and riverside tent sites. The sites are level and pull through with 50 amp service. There is city water available and a dump station," reports a camper about The Ole Cornfield.

Campground selection: When seeking the best tent camping near Sandy Hook with an RV, consider seasonal closures. North Fork Campground only operates from early May through late September, limiting options during off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Sandy Hook, KY?

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