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Map showing campground location near Parkers Lake, Kentucky
Camper submitted image from Swain RidgeView 3 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Parkers Lake, Kentucky

Swain Ridge

2 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Accessible by car with walk-in options available, Swain Ridge provides dispersed camping within Daniel Boone National Forest near Parkers Lake. This US Forest Service site allows both pets and alcohol, operating as an open field where campers can drive in to establish their sites. One visitor noted using their vehicle to flatten tall grass before setting up camp.

The area presents typical forest challenges including ticks and poison ivy around the field edges. Dark skies create good conditions for stargazing, with minimal light pollution affecting visibility. Campers should be aware that camping directly in the open field may result in fines, though roadside and trailhead camping remains permitted according to recent visitor reports.

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Map & DirectionsSwain Ridge is located in Kentucky near Parkers Lake

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

36.90380551 N
84.42143739 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Swain Ridge

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2.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2023

Gravel only

Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.

SiteOpen field
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 23, 2023

Quiet Pasture But Ticks

It was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to “mow” the grass down, and set up fine. But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there. Outside for normal outside life inconvenience; it was a beautiful, quiet pasture. We were even blessed with see several bats fly around at night. There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!

Sitepull off pasture right before the swain ridge trail head
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Swain Ridge by Sierra E., May 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Swain Ridge by Sierra E., May 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Swain Ridge by Sierra E., May 23, 2023
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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Swain Ridge offers a secluded camping experience in a natural setting. The area consists primarily of an open field or pasture area surrounded by natural vegetation. Visitors should note that camping directly in the open field is not permitted and may result in significant fines (reportedly up to $1000). Camping is allowed at the trailhead or along the roadside instead. The location provides a quiet, peaceful environment, but visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions including ticks and poison ivy along the field edges. This campground is best suited for those seeking isolation and a primitive camping experience away from crowds.

Does Swain Ridge have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Swain Ridge does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Swain Ridge?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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