Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Stearns, KY is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Stearns, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$30 - $35 / night
"Blue Heron Campground near Trail town Stearns, Ky is my go to when I’m exploring this area."
"If you are a bring the kitchen sink kinda camper you might wanna find a nearby KOA or other type campground.
The campground has no signal, no electricity, no showers, no host."
$10 - $15 / night
"The campgrounds were clean and well maintained, the vault toilets were clean and stocked. Water spigots were available at the campground, but no dump station or trash cans."
"No electric..but that could have changed, haven't been in a while."
$25 - $174 / night
"The restrooms are air conditioned and were always very clean and well stocked. Directly behind the snack bar is the circle of covered wagons with a fire pit in the middle of them."
"We got a pull thru spot near the play area. It was a nice spot. This place was nice, clean, and quiet. I just wish the staff gave us more information when we arrived."
$22 - $36 / night
"Camp ground is set up pretty well. Could use a little more gravel since it's a little muddy at times but overall a great experience. Clean and convenient bath houses."
"My site, 14 was smaller than most, but right across from the bathhouse. State Employees kept it meticulously clean and did so each morning around 8am."
$18 - $240 / night
"Clean, friendly, reasonable staff with lots of good options for all levels of cabins, camp sites, RV spots, etc."
"Close to all the attractions and part of Sheltowee Trace Adventure park. We are local and spend several weekends a year celebrating with family."
"Drive in camper spots, drive up to tent spots. Two ponds. Close to laurel lake. Gated and safe. Store for all your needs."
"Nice campground surrounded by forest. They have a pond for fishing and another pond for swimming with nice Sandy beach. They also put out bouncy houses for the kids at no extra cost."
$16 - $42 / night
"Nice place, close to amenities but still feels like you’re somewhere very far."
"The bath house was very clean and the showers were hot. Our site was all gravel and level. I think every site has electric and water."
"It was dark once I set up but an awesome could helped me with fire wood and had a nice talk around their campfire. Beautiful area. Very busy on labor day weekend!!"
"Kind staff. Clear directions. Escorted to our site. Trash pickup nightly at 5.
It is clean and well run. But just too cramped for 5 stars. Neighbors on our back side were 8 to 10 feet between rigs."
"Corbin n/Laurel Lake KOA
First! Do not trust your navigation. Once you get off the interstate look for the KOA signs."
RangerThis campground is conveniently located near Corbin, KY. It sits right off the main road on the way to Cumberland Falls. There are plenty of signs and it is well marked, easy to find. When you pull in the gravel road, the main building and check in area is easily recognized and there are plenty of places to park. Check in was easy and fast. The store has a pretty big selection of camping items, clothes, food, accessories, shoes and snacks. There are also souvenirs. Just outside is the White Dog snack bar. A pretty nice menu with burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and fries. There is also an 8 unit restroom between the snack bar and main building. The restrooms are air conditioned and were always very clean and well stocked. Directly behind the snack bar is the circle of covered wagons with a fire pit in the middle of them. These were really cool looking and seemed like a fun way to camp. We stayed in the cozy cabins which are directly behind the wagons. Cozy cabin 2 had air conditioning, a full size bed and and bunk bed. There was a counter, microwave and mini fridge. 3 stools, a broom, clock, lamp, garbage can, ceiling fan and an electric fire place. Really quaint but a perfect way to camp without being too expensive. Electricity but no running water. There is also a small porch with 2 chairs and side table. A ceiling fan on the front porch is nice. There is a fire pit and a separate raised grill for cooking. The cabin was very clean and bug free. It’s walking distance to the restrooms but the wagons are closer. We walked around the RV and other camping sites as well. The RV sites we saw, were pull through sites and seemed very roomy and easy to get in and out of. The entire campground runs slightly downhill but overall offers flat sites. There are nice, shaded tent sites and an open, sunny area for group camping. The zip line runs from the entrance of the campground and runs over the group camp area, ending just beyond it. There are 2 zip lines available for different age groups. They offer many different activities through their company, such as electric bikes, white water rafting, zip lines, and tubing. We did the rafting and tubing. The rafting was fun and a great way to introduce beginners to the sport. The rapids were not too wild and none of us fell out of the raft. There were several areas to jump out and swim and that was fun. At the end of the rafting, a boat picks you up and you eat lunch and take a boat ride back to the bus. To get to the tubing, you have to drive yourself and it’s an hour drive to get there. The tubing trip lasted about 2 hours and was not very fun. The water was very still and basically we just barely floated down the river in the hot sun. There were 2 areas with small rapids but they didn’t make up for the rest of the still water being boring. We also got separated from our group. By the time we made it to the take out spot, everyone else had gotten out of the river and the shuttle left us behind. We waited for about 10 minutes and decided to start walking back to where we got in the water. After a while, the shuttle came back and saw us. He stopped and picked us up but ultimately felt this was dangerous as we were in the middle Daniel Boone Forest, alone, walking on the road. I would NOT recommend the tubing. It was not worth the money or the drive. If I was reviewing just the tubing experience, I would give 1 star. Everyone at Sheltowee were nice and professional. Our guide, Free (yep, that’s his name), was nice and funny and knowledgeable about the river. If we go again, we would request him again. We would definitely camp here again and recommend it to friends. The only reason I can’t give 5 stars is because of the tubing experience and the fact that it was not clear, when the reservation was made, that the tubing was 1 hour away.
ScoutThis campground is great for larger groups, as they allow multiple tents/campers per site. Most campsites overlook the lake and have a lovely view of sunset. Only complaint is the amount of trash we picked up upon arrival. The beach access was virtually unusable due to trash everywhere, but we spent the majority of our time boating on the lake. Cabins are nothing to write home about, but they were functional and air conditioned.
LegendBlue Heron Campground near Trail town Stearns, Ky is my go to when I’m exploring this area.
There are SEVERAL excellent camping locations throughout Daniel Boone National Forest, each has its own atmosphere:) Blue Heron Campground is very basic but reminds me of a little oasis on top of the hill surrounded by adventure (LMAO, lame). Anyway, you have some choices, the driveway in has several sites in a row, more vehicle teaffic but plenty of room to set up your toys. The first loop is just past the dump site with the playground in the middle and showerhouse nearby, not a lot of shade. The back loop to the right offers more privacy and less traffic, more shade also.
The main attraction aside from the extensive trail system in the Blue Heron area is the Blue Heron Mining town and the actual Site at the bottom of the hill.
You can ride the old train from Stearns https://bsfsry.com/to the tipple at the bottom. I took a friend for his birthday a few years ago and we got to ride in the actual locomotive section. Cool stuff if that’s your thing.
As far as the trails go they take you to some awesome overlooks, waterfalls and historic sites. Take a hydration and overnight pak in case of wrong turn ;)
GuideI was not a fan of this campsite. Bathrooms need a lot of TLC and the sites were too close together. However, there is a park near by and several hiking trails.
GuideArrived around 5 pm on a Monday to ample options for sites. We wanted a flat, electric-only spot for our truck camper and near (but not too near) a bathhouse. Easy to find this: sites are well-laid out and there are multiple bathhouses, all very well-maintained (crisp paint jobs) and very clean. Sites on the lower perimeter will get road noise but interior sites were very quiet. Hosts were friendly and welcoming. Campground connects to a couple trails, 5 min drive to main park office and “attractions.”
LegendThis was my favorite spot we camped in all year! They lock the gate at dusk, so make sure you arrive earlier or you won’t get in!!! You can reserve your spot, they have plenty of room between sites, there’s some good hiking, the creek runs through so you can hear the running water all night. Bathroom were immaculate, they clean them religiously. Can’t say enough about this gem!
GuideFrozen Head is a wonderful place. For starters, the ranger that was on duty at the Visitor's Center was so helpful and kind. The campground is in close proximity to many of the trailheads. There is a nice bathhouse, but all the sites are rustic (non electric). There are also many well kept backcountry sites with fire pits if you are backpacking. The surroundings are gorgeous: the foothills of the Appalachians and the hiking is superb and challenging. If you are able, make sure to hike to the Lookout Tower! This is a great park and campground if you want to experience the beauty of East Tennessee without the crowds of the Smoky Mountains.
TravelerNice place, close to amenities but still feels like you’re somewhere very far.
Pros: tranquil, beautiful, waterfalls at several locations on site, views of the lake from every location and I mean every location, clean, flushing toilets
Cons: they close the gate at night but it isn’t locked. Almost thought we were locked out and was ready to turn around, bathrooms sort of have a feeling of a rest area public bathroom but just cleaner
All in all, I think we will try and come here again.
TravelerCamp ground is set up pretty well. Could use a little more gravel since it's a little muddy at times but overall a great experience. Clean and convenient bath houses. Sites laid our really well for buddy camping. Already booked 2 more weekends there this summer!! Ice and firewood on site for sale. Utilities placed conveniently close to rv pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Stearns, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Stearns, KY is Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Stearns, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 glamping camping locations near Stearns, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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