Best Dispersed Camping near Taylorsville, KY

Dispersed camping near Taylorsville, Kentucky primarily centers around the Knobstone Trail in southern Indiana, approximately 60 miles northwest of Taylorsville. Known as the "Little AT" by backpackers, this trail system offers primitive camping opportunities along its rugged route. Jackson Trailhead serves as another access point for dispersed camping in the region, with sites scattered along connected trails. Both areas exist on public land with minimal development and require proper backcountry camping practices.

Several access points serve the Knobstone Trail and surrounding dispersed sites, though conditions vary seasonally. The trail involves significant elevation changes with continuous ups and downs that challenge hikers. Water availability becomes limited during summer and fall months, requiring proper planning and filtration equipment. Fire regulations permit campfires in most areas, though campers should practice leave-no-trace principles. Jackson Trailhead access requires navigation of what one visitor described as "a decrepit gravel road" before reaching suitable parking and camping areas. Most sites lack amenities and require self-sufficiency.

The primitive camping experience in this region provides challenging terrain and natural landscapes characteristic of southern Indiana. According to one backpacker, "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail and creek beds." Campers report occasional problems with ticks, particularly in spring months. The area attracts those seeking solitude, though accessibility varies significantly. Multiple road crossings occur every 5-10 miles along the Knobstone Trail, providing potential exit points if needed. Finding specific campsites requires some exploration, as one visitor noted: "there are campsites along the trail just have to find them." Wildlife viewing and fossil observation opportunities enhance the primitive camping experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Taylorsville, Kentucky (2)

    1. Knobstone Trail

    4 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 358-2160

    "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

    "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

    2. Jackson Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Borden, IN
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 294-4306

    "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Taylorsville, KY

2 Photos of 2 Taylorsville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Taylorsville, KY

5 Reviews of 2 Taylorsville Campgrounds


  • Dave E.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Knobstone Trail

    Best backpacking in Indiana!

    Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times. There are plenty of great places to camp along the trail. Water can become scarce in the summer/fall months, but if you walk far enough, you're likely to come by a stream of some sort. Be respectful of the leave no trace rules and if you see any dickheads out there on 4 wheelers, take their picture and report them.

  • Maris H.
    Oct. 29, 2020

    Knobstone Trail

    The KT earns its nickname 'little AT'

    The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds. You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year.

    Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow. There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can. The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did.

    There is occasional trail magic but don't depend on it if thru hiking. I have not stayed in any campgrounds near the trail, so I can't review those, but the trailheads all have adequate parking and signage, and I found topo maps online for free.

    Let someone know your itinerary, have a means for filtering water, and enjoy!

  • Desert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    not accessible

    Maybe Google Maps took me to the wrong place (probably not).  I drove back and forth on the road several times looking for this place  The only thing I found was what I believe was the entrance with a cable across it.  There was no place to park otherwise.

  • loganx11 The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2023

    Jackson Trailhead

    good spot just gotta find it!

    there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them

  • Susan C.
    May. 24, 2025

    Knobstone Trail

    Top notch place and people

    The entire park is just beautiful. It's very family friendly and quiet. The sites are spacious, and there are a lot of nature things to do.


Guide to Taylorsville

Dispersed camping near Taylorsville, Kentucky extends beyond the Knobstone Trail system to include additional primitive sites with varying accessibility. The region features limestone formations and mixed hardwood forests typical of the transitional zone between the Bluegrass and Knobs regions. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring camping often encounters muddy conditions after rainfall.

What to do

Fossil hunting: The creek beds around Knobstone Trail contain numerous fossils visible to observant hikers. As one camper noted, "Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail and creek beds."

Water filtration planning: Seasonal stream availability requires campers to plan accordingly. One experienced hiker advises, "You're never too far from water, although the quality may differ depending on the time of year. Have a means for filtering water."

Trail navigation: The trail system challenges hikers with continuous elevation changes. Visitors should obtain maps ahead of time as one camper suggests: "I found topo maps online for free. Let someone know your itinerary."

What campers like

Challenging terrain: The rugged landscape provides physical demands uncommon in the region. According to one backpacker at Knobstone Trail, "It's no walk in the park. There are continuous ups and downs that will challenge your leg strength and footing at times."

Bailout options: Multiple road crossings provide safety alternatives if needed. A hiker explains, "There are road crossings every 5 to 10 miles, so if you run out of something or need to bail you can."

Solitude opportunities: The lesser-known trail system allows for quiet camping experiences away from crowds. "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists," notes one regular visitor.

What you should know

Site discovery required: Finding suitable camping spots requires exploration rather than reservation. At Jackson Trailhead, visitors report "there are campsites along the trail just have to find them."

Seasonal pest concerns: Spring hiking brings increased tick activity. One camper warns, "Watch out for ticks. My dogs and I got loads of them in April 2020 from Leota to Spurgeon Hollow."

Access challenges: Some trailheads have difficult approaches. Visitors describe reaching Jackson Trailhead requires navigating "a decrepit gravel road" before finding suitable parking areas.

Leave No Trace practices: Primitive camping areas require proper backcountry ethics. As one camper observed, "The KT asks that you respect leave no trace philosophy, and I felt most hikers did."

Tips for camping with families

Family-friendly sections: Some areas offer more accessible camping for groups with children. One visitor describes portions of Knobstone Trail as "very family friendly and quiet. The sites are spacious, and there are a lot of nature things to do."

Trail difficulty consideration: Parents should research section difficulties before bringing children. The trail system earns its nickname as some sections are described as "The Little AT" with significant elevation changes.

Water source planning: Families need extra water planning during dry months. Experienced campers recommend carrying additional water for children, especially during summer when "water can become scarce."

Tips from RVers

Limited vehicle access: RV camping near rustic sites requires careful planning as most areas are hike-in only. While some trailheads have parking areas, they typically accommodate only passenger vehicles rather than larger camping rigs.

Nearby developed alternatives: RVers seeking proximity to primitive trails should consider established campgrounds with hookups within driving distance of trailheads. These provide basecamp options while exploring day hikes in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Taylorsville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Taylorsville, KY is Knobstone Trail with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.