Kingdom Come State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with seven sites located in eastern Kentucky at approximately 2,700 feet elevation. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and pole for storing food away from bears. Campers at this park have no access to showers, and the toilet facilities provide only basic amenities with running water limited to sink areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Kingdom Come State Park Campground has a small lake stocked with trout, bass, bluegill, and sunfish just a short walk from the campsites. "If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites," notes one camper.
Hiking scenic trails: The park features multiple trails suitable for day hikes. "There are plenty of hiking trails. Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450 foot 40 degree angle granite rock facing that you can climb to get an amazing view of the surrounding mountains," writes Brian B.
Mountain driving adventure: For those seeking a thrill, the Little Shepherd Trail offers a unique driving experience. "For the adventurers you can drive along a section of The Little Shepard Trail. A one lane road that runs along the ridge of the mountain. No guard rails! With 300 foot cliffs to either side," reports a visitor.
Water activities: Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake provides water access for boating and swimming. "This campground is a hidden gem. It's in the hills, far off the beaten path, and half of the campsites are right on the water. In addition to campsites, the park has picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, a playground, and a boat ramp," explains Damon O.
What campers like
Free firewood service: At Kingdom Come State Park, rangers provide complimentary firewood to campers. "Everyday a ranger will come by and keep you stocked with wood. It's included with the price of camping," explains Brian B., highlighting an uncommon amenity that sets this park apart from others.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to see bears in their natural habitat. "We saw a bear across the valley, so take the warnings seriously and follow the instructions," advises Grant M., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage at campsites.
Quiet, secluded camping: Natural Tunnel State Park Campground provides a peaceful environment for those seeking glamping close to Wallins Creek, Kentucky. "Spent the night in a tent at Lovers Leap campground. Campground and park are clean, well maintained and up to date. Canoed Clinch River, caved in the park, and took a short guided hike through Stock Creek to backside of tunnel," shares Rob J.
Unique natural features: The region contains distinctive geological formations. "There is also a natural rock bridge close to the campsites called Log Rock," notes a Kingdom Come visitor, describing just one of the interesting natural features accessible to campers.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. "Great area, no service or wifi," reports Wyman M. about Kingdom Come State Park, a common situation at most campgrounds near Wallins Creek.
Challenging access roads: Some campgrounds require navigation on difficult roads. "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP! We made it in a mini van pulling a scamp, so you'll probably be fine," shares Grant M. about accessing Kingdom Come State Park.
Bears are present: Proper food storage is essential at campgrounds in this area. "We were really careful to keep our campsite very clean as to not attract the bears closer," explains Jess B., who still spotted bears from a safe distance during their stay.
Remote location supplies: Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake requires preparation due to its isolation. "This campground is in the hills, far off the beaten path... There is also no cell service here, so be prepared to unplug and unwind," notes Damon O., emphasizing the need to bring all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Buckhorn Dam Campground offers excellent facilities for children. "Hands down the best playground for kids we have seen in a campground," reports Marissa G., highlighting this feature for families with young children.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer swimming access during summer months. "Neighboring Leeman Field park has multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, swimming pool (Admission to the pool is included in campground fees.), tennis courts, and disc golf course," notes Julie, describing amenities at Leeman Field RV Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Organized events cater to younger campers at certain locations. "This place is very kid-friendly yet quiet! Pool is salt-water so no chlorine smell. Playground is away from most camp sites and has a tire swing and small set up," reports D.S. about Baileyton KOA.
Sports facilities: Big Ridge State Park Campground offers recreational options for active families. "Something for everyone. Clean lake, nice facilities, hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, gift shop, and a grist mill to check out," explains Nicole D., highlighting the diverse activities available.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Come prepared with blocks and leveling equipment. "Sites were pull through but pretty unlevel though. Bring lots of blocks," advises Travis S. about camping at Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park.
Dump station access: Many campgrounds provide dump stations even when sites lack full hookups. "The dump station was clean and easily accessible with a hose for flushing," notes Marissa G. about the facilities at Buckhorn Dam Campground.
Utility hookups: Baileyton KOA Holiday provides dependable services for RVers. "We had a full hook up site, relatively level. It had a picnic table and fire ring. Shower rooms, laundry room, and store, as well as snack shop!" reports Cat R., describing the comprehensive amenities available.
Narrow interior roads: Be cautious when navigating larger rigs through some campgrounds. "Roads are a little narrow in the campground, made it a little hard to back trailer in - the front of the truck was the issue hitting rocks on the side of the road," shares Kc K. about Big Ridge State Park.
