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Best Tent Camping near Strunk, KY

689 Reviews

Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offer diverse tent camping options near Strunk, Kentucky. Clifty Campground at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park provides tent-only sites with amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles. For more seclusion, backcountry tent camping in Big South Fork requires permits but rewards campers with pristine natural settings. TVA Public Land at Fork Bend offers free primitive tent camping along Norris Lake, while North Cumberland WMA provides tent sites in wooded areas with opportunities to spot elk.

Sites vary considerably in terrain and accessibility throughout the region. At Clifty Campground, tent sites feature gravel pads with varying sizes and shade coverage. One camper noted that "sites 048, 049, and 050 are more isolated from other sites," making them preferred choices for tent campers seeking privacy. Backcountry tent camping requires proper preparation as most areas lack facilities. TVA lands feature dirt and forest duff surfaces with minimal improvements beyond fire rings. During hunting seasons, tent campers should verify access to Wildlife Management Areas, as restrictions apply. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other carriers.

In early fall, many tent campsites offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. According to reviews, TVA Public Land at Fork Bend provides "peaceful, private" waterfront tent camping with "beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the water," though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for access. Rock Creek Campground in the Obed Wild and Scenic River area features tent-only sites with bearproof food lockers and access to hiking trails, though spaces can be "very close together" during peak season. Primitive tent camping areas typically lack potable water, so campers should bring their own or be prepared to treat water from natural sources. Walk-in tent sites at Rabbit Road Campground offer "semi-private" camping with fire pits at each site.

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Best Tent Sites Near Strunk, Kentucky (36)

    1. Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

    5 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY
    16 miles
    +1 (606) 309-4808

    $28 - $31 / night

    "We looked at the tent site map on the state resort park map and nothing looked GREAT except for Clifty Campground spots 050, 048, and 049 they all look isolated from any of the other sites with 050 being"

    "Each site had a water hook up, standard lantern/trash pole, fire ring, electric box, and was a short walk from the Clifty campground bathroom."

    2. Backcountry Camping

    1 Review
    Oneida, TN
    14 miles
    Website

    $5 - $25 / night

    "We parked at the Twin Arches Loop National Recreation Trail head, then made our way down into the valley to view the two gorgeous and huge arches there."

    3. Tranquility Creek

    1 Review
    Williamsburg, KY
    17 miles
    +1 (772) 501-5012

    $60 - $100 / night

    4. Rabbit Road Campground — Indian Mountain State Park

    1 Review
    Jellico, TN
    16 miles
    Website

    "Primitive isn’t our mode of camping, but we rode our bikes up the road to check out this beautiful campground. Easy to find, marked with a sign."

    5. North Cumberland WMA- Royal Blue Unit

    2 Reviews
    Pioneer, TN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 663-2000

    "We were in our rooftop tent, so we we’re looking to drive in and had several options. There were several fields you could rent camp in though."

    " North Cumberland/Royal Blue is located a few miles off I-75, and is a good spot for outdoor recreation. This place is a bid draw for ATV’s, and from what I understand they ride up there year round."

    6. TVA Public Land- Fork Bend

    11 Reviews
    La Follette, TN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 632-2101

    "I recently learned that TVA land is free to camp on, so I sought out some close to me and found Fork Bend. If you want to get away from people, this place is for you."

    "(Disclaimer: I pack heat whenever I am alone.)

    The site was pretty much shaded by the forest canopy throughout the day, with full sun toward the edge of the water."

    7. Grove Boat-In Campground

    4 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "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!!"

    8. Daniel Boone National Forest Bell Farm Horse Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Stearns, KY
    13 miles
    Website

    9. Rockcastle

    2 Reviews
    Laurel River Lake, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-5225

    "The site are well spread out for the most part, the view is very nice if you get to camp on the water, and we were able to find space on a major holiday which was very welcome."

    10. Pulaski County Park

    11 Reviews
    Nancy, KY
    34 miles
    Website

    "It has RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses.. There are several cabins on site. Great  lake views and beach.  Lots to do at PCP."

    "There are hiking trails near the entrance of the camp. There is several different types of camp areas ranging from primitive to cabins."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Strunk, KY

34 Photos of 36 Strunk Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Strunk, KY

689 Reviews of 36 Strunk Campgrounds

  • Rebecca J.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Pure gold for such an inexpensive price

    I think lots number 712 and 13 are the best because they are situated right around a beautiful pond with massive lily pads and dragonflies. It is about a 20 minute drive to a local store or a save a lot when we forgot some groceries. The trees are mature so there is plenty of shade and lofty space between each lot. We are on a paved site surrounded by gravel picnic table light post and fire ring also with a food storage bin to keep out the bears! It gets quiet! It gets dark! For $20, it is unbeatable. :-)

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Daniel Boone National Forest Little Lick Horse Camp

    Listen for banjos

    You will drive and drive and drive...and drive on the gravel road. However the road is good and the signage will get you there! Follow the little tent signs to Little Lick Horse Camp in the woods of Daniel Boone NF. The Nathan McClure trailhead is in the campground so there will be other traffic coming in. There are a few good size sites, with picnic table, fire ring and not much else. This is primitive, to include no toilet so bring your bucket or whatever you use.....remember Leave No Trace ;) Dark and starry skies, quiet and woodsy....try not to think about any scary wood based movies. Horses, llamas, trail bikes and dogs would be perfect for this campground. The sites are big enough for more then one tent or hammock. There are several other nice/challenging trails nearby and the Rattlesnake Motorcycle route in the area.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2018

    Blue Heron Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    What are you here for?

    Alum Ford Big South Fork Recreation Area is in my top 10 favorite areas.

    I try to participate in the Yamacraw Trail Run every year because it is just AWESOME, and this area is part of their route due to the excellent scenery of the area.

    If you like trees, hills, streams, falls, historical markers, old cabins and history , plus not much use of modern technology when you camp then you will thoroughly enjoy Big South Bend! 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. Just you, a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. Oh, and there is one pit toilet. Bring 5$ cash for the honor pay station and your hiking shoes and watercraft. There is a Trailhead at the back of the 6 site campground and a boat ramp down the hill.

    The sites are well maintained and old , probably CCC built with wood steps leading up or down to your site. There is no direct access to the boatramp but there is a short trail that connects the sites to the boatramp that runs along the cliff face down to the ramp.

    The trailhead is part of the Sheltowee Trace Trail and connects to the Yamacraw Bridge. You could easily stage a multi day backpacking trip from Alum Ford to take in the local sights.

    Not far up the road is the Yahoo Picnic Area. I think it used to be a campground just by the way it’s set up. Picnic tables on pads and a nice old pavilion for groups with a grill. Past that Yahoo Falls. This is a technical, moderate trail down to the tallest falls in Kentucky. Also a very old area but maintained with newer restroom facilities. The loop trail was approximately 1.5 miles long with a metal staircase on one side and trail on the far side. This is also part of a thru trail. Get you an old fashion paper map before coming cause your fancy electronic gear may or may not work here.

    This is one of many areas through the Kentucky/Tennessee Big South Fork if you are able plan for an extended stay to check the whole place out;)

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Nice little primitive campground on the river

    We camped here for one night on a Saturday. 

    The campsites have a fire ring, picnic bench, and lantern pole. Each campsite has their little parking space except site 9, 10, and 11. It is one parking spot for 3 cars and you have to walk about 100 feet. The campsites are very close together. We were very lucky with campsite 11 bc nobody around us showed up. Probably due to the bad weather the first day. The campsite was very spacious and was right on the creek. 

    There is no electricity or water at the campground. The vault toilet had no flushing water but was clean and didn't have a smell. The Obed area is very inviting for fishing, hiking, and rock climbing. There are trails that start right from the campground. If you need an escape from the daily grind, that's your place.

  • Davina B.
    May. 9, 2019

    Rock Creek Campground — Obed Wild and Scenic River

    Great Little Hiking and Fishing Spot

    Rock Creek Campground is the only campground for the Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park. It's a primitive campground with 11 sites for tents only. RVs are not allowed. There is a restroom for campers with pit style toilets. No potable water available, but there is plenty that you can treat.

    Each site has a picnic table, lantern hook, bearproof food locker, fire ring with grill, and a tent pad. Bearproof trashcans are located throughout the campground. A section of the Cumberland Trail begins at the campground. The Emory River runs right alongside the campground with easy access. There is no camp store, but the town of Wartburg is about a mile away if you need anything.

    Pros: Good hiking trails and great fishing. Easy access to the river. Restrooms available.

    Cons: The sites are very close together and it gets quite crowded during the summer months and on weekends. A public road runs right next to the campground so there is traffic at times when people are coming and going from work. No camp store or potable water available. Bathrooms are not kept stocked.

  • I
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Barren Fork Horse Camp

    Litter Ruins Great Spot

    We needed a spot for Labor Day weekend and discovered Barren Fork Horse Camp in Daniel Boone National Forest near Whitley, KY. There are lots of great hikes and natural bridges in the area to check out. We had no problem finding a site. The biggest negative is the amount of trash that was left in the fire rings and the litter strewn throughout the woods. This is a beautiful campground, but the litter was the worst we’ve ever seen. There is potable water available near the vault toilet buildings, but no electricity or dump station. There are no rules on generator use, so beware that your neighbor may run the generator all day and night. The price of the campground was $8 for one night/$12 for two nights. With just a little TLC, this could be a great place to camp.

  • Lori H.
    Aug. 4, 2019

    Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful Night Sky, Quiet Camping

    Pickett State Park is a great spot to camp if you like peace and quiet, but don’t want to have to backpack in to a spot. Despite the small campground, it was pretty much empty on the first weekend in August when we stayed. It is near the Big South Fork, and Scott State Forest, so there’s lots of great hiking, horseback riding, river recreation, etc. nearby. From other reviews on The Dyrt, I learned the park is excellent for stargazing, and it is true, you will have amazing views at night, we slept in a tent without a rain fly, just so we could see the stars!

    The campground has several sites with electric and some without. We stayed in B1, which did not have electric. All the sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the ones on the outside of the loops back up to the woods and trails. All the sites are spacious.

    The restrooms were clean, but they must be pretty old. There were some areas in need of tile repair, but it was just a cosmetic issue, so it didn’t bother me. The showers were nice, and everything was clean.

    The campground also has cabins, and those seemed to have more guests than the campground. They have a set of cabins that were connected, like apartments, and they have some larger, freestanding cabins too. They had a group site as well, but I did not go to it.

    The park has a lake with swimming area, and canoe/kayak/paddle board rentals, a swinging bridge, playground, tennis courts, a gigantic picnic area, and several great trails.

    This was a very pleasant find, and we will definitely return!

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2020

    Bandy Creek Campground — Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

    Very Nice Campground

    We camped two nights last week in Loop A, the tent only, nonelectric section. Being mid-week, there were not many people, meaning it was also nice and quiet. The sites are roomy, with a large tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, lantern hook, and a food storage locker. Yes, this is bear country, but we didn't see any during our visit. The bath houses are as nice as you're likely to find in a national park, with flush toilets, hot showers, and an outside sink for dish washing, etc. There is also a large, wheelchair accessible bathroom with roll-in shower. A water hydrant is available to fill jugs and tanks.

    We drove through the other loops to see what they look like, because Loop A isn't open in winter. Should we decide to camp here in winter, Loop B is the only section open. But, that will let us use an electric heater. 

    Be aware that some things are not open in 2020 due to Covid-19. The park visitors centers are still closed, the swimming pool wasn't open mid-week, and the check-in building was unstaffed when we arrived. There was a sign at the check-in point telling us to reserve and pay for our site using Recreation.gov. We had cell service there, so no problem. It you don't have service, drive across the road to the Camp Store (which is not always open) to use WiFi there. There is a note on the front door with the password. 

    There are so many things to do in Big South Fork and surrounding areas that you really need to just visit the park website and make a list of things to do. Some are easy and roadside, others not so much. For example, to hike the Twin Arches Loop Trail, you'll drive several miles of dirt roads to reach the trailhead and end up hiking about 6 - 6.5 miles. The description says the loop is 4.6 miles, which is true, but you have to add another 1.4 miles for the out-and-back from the parking lot to the start of the loop. The loop trail isn't bad, but the access trail has steep stairs. Anyway, find something you like and enjoy the Cumberland Plateau.

  • Deserrae P.
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Frozen Head State Park Campground

    Unexpectedly Very Nice

    I stayed at this campground for one night this past spring during April. My friends and I went rock climbing at the Obed and originally we were going to stay at the usual climbers campground spot. After checking it out and realizing we were unprepared to set up a tent in a gravel mud puddle we checked out frozen head's campground and it was so nice. The place we set up our tent was relatively dry for the cold, wet weather (about as good as it gets). The fire rings and picnic tables were great and so were the hiking trails. The best part was how big, nice, and clean the bathrooms were. The bathrooms were kept extremely warm for the weather.

    TLDR (Too Long Don't Read)

    • IDEAL location to camp if you are climbing at the obed
    • AMAZING bathrooms especially if you are camping in cold wet weather
    • would 100% return if I am looking for camping in TN
    • GREAT price

Guide to Strunk

Tent campsites near Strunk, Kentucky range from primitive lakeside spots to wooded backcountry areas within 20 miles of town. Situated in the Cumberland Plateau region at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the area features rugged terrain with abundant wildlife and seasonal temperature variations. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F in spring and fall even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: At Backcountry Camping in Big South Fork, campers can explore the Twin Arches area. "We parked at the Twin Arches Loop National Recreation Trail head, then made our way down into the valley to view the two gorgeous and huge arches there," notes camper Tim H., who adds that "some of the 'stairs' down into the canyon are steep so be prepared."

Horseback riding access: While personal horses aren't permitted on Cumberland Falls State Resort Park trails, nearby options exist. According to a visitor to Grove Boat-In Campground, "This is a great place for the family. The hike have great views, the facilities are clean and well kept."

Mountain biking: The trail system at Pulaski County Park provides varied terrain for cyclists. One reviewer mentioned that "The trails are varied and pretty cool. They twist and turn and cross creeks and hill tops," noting they are "all mountain bike oriented and a few are challenging."

What campers like

Waterfront solitude: TVA Public Land at Fork Bend offers secluded camping along Norris Lake. A camper reported, "My site could easily have fit 3 vehicles, and there were 3 fire rings. I was separated from the neighbors by a grove of trees and could sort of see them but it wasn't intrusive."

Hammock camping spots: Several backcountry locations accommodate hammock setups. One visitor to Big South Fork described, "We found a good place to set up our hammock gear a little ways off of the trail, then we fixed our supper at a nearby over hang, and finally snuggled in for a wonderfully cold night."

Wildlife viewing: North Cumberland WMA offers opportunities to observe local fauna. A reviewer mentioned the area is "full of Elk too, so keep an eye out!" Another camper noted, "If you want to escape civilization and enjoy camping for free, this is a good spot."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At North Cumberland WMA-Royal Blue Unit, "The road was pretty rough in some places so I would recommend having 4wd just to be safe."

Bathroom facilities: Comfort stations vary widely between campgrounds. At Clifty Campground, one camper described, "Shower facilities reminded me of middle school camp... kind of mildewed... and well... rustic. Everything functioned and it wasn't 'gross' just old."

Campsite spacing: Site privacy varies considerably. At Rabbit Road Campground, "The sites are semi private, and 1-9-10 are the most popular sites used, according to the Ranger."

Permit requirements: Some areas require advance planning. For Big South Fork backcountry, a camper advises, "Make sure you have your permit with you while camping and have a wonderful time in this beautiful valley."

Tips for camping with families

Beach activities: Pulaski County Park offers shoreline recreation. A visitor mentioned, "Great beach access. Quite and very clean," while another noted there are "several play ground areas close by for the kids to play."

Multiple recreational options: Some parks combine various activities. One reviewer commented that Pulaski County Park has "RV sites, tent sites, and shelter houses. There are several cabins on site. Great lake views and beach. Lots to do at PCP."

Child-friendly environments: Consider timing for quieter experiences. A camper observed, "Despite the no alcohol rule, there's still a lot of partying at night. No one really enforces that. It can get loud."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Rabbit Road Campground, a visitor noted, "The camping path and sites were well marked, and sites started at #10, next to the parking lot, and family bathhouse."

Water levels: Seasonal changes affect shoreline campsites. At Pulaski County Park, one RVer mentioned, "Not crowded right now and the water is WAY down," indicating how reservoir levels impact site availability.

Utility access: Water and electric options vary between sites. At Clifty Campground, "Sites 40-47 have electric and water. Sites 48-50 do not but all sites are close to the bath house."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Strunk, KY is Clifty Campground — Cumberland Falls State Resort Park with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Strunk, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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