The Daniel Boone National Forest surrounding Staffordsville offers primitive camping opportunities in elevations ranging from 700 to 1,300 feet. Dispersed camping areas near Cave Run Lake and along the Red River provide natural settings with minimal development, catering to tent campers seeking solitude. Most campgrounds open seasonally from April through October, though weather patterns can extend or shorten accessibility depending on rainfall and trail conditions.
What to do
Hiking near rock formations: At Red River Gorge Campground, campers can access numerous trails leading to natural arches. "Princess Arch offers 105ft of elevation and is a quick 0.6 mi hike from the parking loop. There are bathrooms and trash bins at the parking loop," notes Wayne H.
Water activities: The region's waterways provide opportunities for kayaking and swimming during summer months. "Camp amongst the tree line and branch out into the cool clear water on a hot summer's day! Taking a leap off the jumping rock should not be missed," recommends Jess P. about Red River Gorge.
Fishing access: Multiple sites offer direct water access for anglers. "The main activity of folks in the campground seemed to be fishing, so I assume the fishing is good," notes a camper about Paragon Dispersed Camping Area. Many lakeside sites allow for direct boat or kayak launching.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities for bird watching. "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," reports Kevin C. about his stay at Paragon.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Red River Gorge Adventures, campers appreciate the spacing between sites. "It's very spacious, I've camped on holiday weekends and never had other campers within 100 ft of my site. I've also been on weekends where I was the only camper there," shares Josh J.
Cost-effective options: Free and low-cost camping appeals to budget-conscious visitors. "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake," states Wayne H. about Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.
Water proximity: Campsites with direct water access rank highly among tent campers. "The entire campground runs alongside the river bank, so you can put in your own kayak/canoe or rent one from them," notes Josh J. about Red River Adventures.
Natural camping surfaces: Many primitive sites feature varied terrain options. "There are wide open spaces, sites in the trees, sites with sandy floors, etc.," explains a camper about the best tent camping near Staffordsville, Kentucky.
What you should know
Pack out trash requirements: Dispersed camping areas often lack trash collection facilities. "There are no trash cans or dumpsters in the area, so plan accordingly," advises Shari G. from her experience at Paragon.
Campsite cleanliness varies: Some areas may require cleanup before setup. "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," reports a camper at White Sulphur Horse Camp.
Limited cell service: Communication options are restricted in many areas. "There was slight cell service for Verizon & AT&T, enough for maybe text but not very consistent," notes John about White Sulphur Horse Camp.
Permit requirements: Some camping areas require passes. "Pick up your parking pass at the Shell gas station at 12187 Campton rd, Stanton, KY. A three days pass is $5," advises Wayne H. regarding Red River Gorge.
Tips for camping with families
Structured campgrounds for kids: Families with younger children may prefer more established sites. "This campground is actually a veteran owned boating rental/shuttle service with an attached campground. It is super family friendly, they have an 11pm quiet time and strict alcohol policy," notes Josh J. about John Swifts Lost Silvermine Campground.
Easy swimming access: Look for sites with gentle water entry points. "If you wade out into the water about 15ft upstream of the boat launch, the river is relatively flat with a sandy bottom that is about 5' at normal water level. Excellent place for an afternoon swim," recommends a camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning activities can include nature observation. "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," shares Kevin C. about Paragon Dispersed Camping Area.
Prepare for variable weather: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the region. Pack appropriate rain gear and set up tents on higher ground when possible to avoid water collection during sudden downpours.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most dispersed camping near Staffordsville lacks amenities for larger rigs. "There is no potable water or electrical hookups, but with our solar panel we are always ready for primitive sites," notes Shari G. about her experience at Paragon.
Gate access restrictions: Some campgrounds have controlled entry times. "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," explains Andrew C.
Level parking challenges: Finding suitable RV spots requires advance scouting. Some areas have uneven terrain that makes leveling difficult without proper equipment or site selection.
Seasonal road conditions: Spring access can be limited by muddy conditions. "Can be very muddy!" warns Lynn G. about dispersed camping areas after rainfall.
