Best Tent Camping near Stanton, KY

Daniel Boone National Forest surrounding Stanton, Kentucky offers diverse tent camping options, with Red River Gorge Geological Area serving as the primary destination for primitive tent camping. The region features both established tent campgrounds and dispersed backcountry tent sites throughout the forest. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area provides free tent-only camping with lakeside sites about 30 minutes northeast of Stanton. Red River Gorge Adventures offers riverside tent campsites with basic amenities, while walk-in tent sites can be found along Tunnel Ridge Road in the Red River Gorge area. Most primitive tent camping in the gorge requires a permit available at the Shell gas station in Stanton for approximately $5 per three-day stay.

Most tent campsites in the area feature natural surfaces ranging from forest duff to sandy riverbanks. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with dispersed camping areas providing minimal amenities beyond fire rings. Vault toilets are available at trailheads and some established campgrounds, but most backcountry tent sites require campers to pack in all supplies, including water. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months. Campers should prepare for limited or no cell service throughout the region. At Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, visitors should bring their own toilet paper and plan to pack out all trash, as no dumpsters are provided. The Ole Cornfield offers more developed tent sites along the Licking River with clean bathrooms and shower facilities.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking to natural arches and rock formations. According to reviews, the best tent campsites are often found near water sources, providing both scenic views and practical access. One visitor noted that Red River Gorge offers "primitive and paid campsites both available, depending on your comfort level and preference." Weekday visits typically provide more solitude, as one camper observed that weekends can become "a zoo" with rock climbers and hikers. The region attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with tent camping possible in all seasons. Areas deeper in the backcountry offer greater seclusion, with campers reporting they "never had other campers within 100 ft of my site" even on holiday weekends at some locations.

Best Tent Sites Near Stanton, Kentucky (12)

    1. Red River Gorge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    8 miles

    $10 / night

    "No fee, but you do need a permit which you can buy at nearby town. Camping is in the forest, so lots of shade. There is no water. Trash disposal and vault toilets at the parking lots at trailheads."

    "primitive and paid campsites both available, depending on your comfort level and preference."

    2. Red River Gorge Adventures

    8 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-1012

    $8 - $20 / night

    "The campsites are fairly primitive, only including a fire ring and a nice picnic table. They do not have any water or electric hookups and no cell service, which is all a plus in my opinion."

    "The spots were all primitive with rock fire rings. One site had a pic nic table. During our two night stay the other sites were all filled with families, so very kid friendly. Not a lot of amenities."

    3. The Ole Cornfield

    9 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    25 miles
    Website

    "They provided a fire ring and a picnic table for us. The bathrooms are kept very clean and offers quality toilet paper and paper towels."

    "Justin our camp host stopped by that evening dropped us off a fire ring and firewood. (Also has picnic tables if you want one)this is included in the price of the campsite."

    4. HomeGrown HideAways

    3 Reviews
    Bighill, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (859) 986-3478

    $15 - $75 / night

    "Nestled in a narrow valley between high ridges of The Knobs, this campground gives the feel of secluded country living with your own trails and creeks to explore."

    "Instead of sleeping in it, which would have been perfectly comfortable, we actually used it as more of an extra shelter and we pitched out tents in the field in front of the Yome."

    5. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 784-6428

    "**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."

    "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."

    8. Clay Lick

    Be the first to review!
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    26 miles
    Website

    9. North Fork

    Be the first to review!
    Clearfield, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    10. Free Spirit Homestead

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    Morehead, KY
    34 miles
    +1 (606) 293-3633

    $15 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Stanton, KY

523 Reviews of 12 Stanton Campgrounds



Guide to Stanton

Tent camping near Stanton, Kentucky offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy the beauty of the Red River Gorge and surrounding areas.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the stunning rock formations and trails at Red River Gorge Campground, where well-traveled paths lead to breathtaking views.
  • Enjoy family-friendly camping at Red River Adventures, which features primitive sites right on the river, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
  • Hike to the picturesque Hanson’s Point from Red River Adventures for one of the best views in the gorge after a rewarding 2.5-mile trek.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

Specific local attractions to explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stanton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stanton, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Stanton, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Stanton, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.