Best Dispersed Camping near Scottsville, KY

Dispersed camping opportunities near Scottsville, Kentucky include First Creek Dispersed Camping in Mammoth Cave National Park and two additional primitive sites within driving distance. First Creek offers hike-in backcountry camping along the Green River in the national park, while Goose Island on J. Percy Priest Lake in Tennessee provides boat-in primitive camping approximately 85 miles southwest. Cordell Hull Horseback Trails in Tennessee, located about 95 miles west, represents another dispersed camping option accessible by vehicle.

Access conditions vary significantly between these primitive sites. First Creek requires a substantial hike down to the creek bed, with a permit needed for overnight stays. The trail intersects with routes used by both hikers and horseback riders, making a map essential for navigation. Goose Island necessitates watercraft access, requiring approximately a quarter-mile paddle from shore. Neither location offers amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash disposal. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, adhering to leave-no-trace principles.

These primitive areas provide distinctive backcountry experiences with varying levels of seclusion. First Creek features notable natural attractions including rock formations visible early in the season and a pond that flows into the Green River. "It gets DARK here! You should have some beautiful star gazing opportunities and some wildlife interactions," according to one camper review, which also notes the challenging uphill return hike. Goose Island campers should prepare for wildlife encounters, particularly after dark. As one visitor reported, "The only down side is the raccoons. They will come up really close at night begging for food. They're harmless though." Both locations permit campfires, though visitors must source firewood locally at First Creek while fires on Goose Island require bringing materials from the mainland.