Best Dispersed Camping in Kentucky

With Kentucky’s 45 state parks, the greatest length of navigable waterways in the lower 48, and the world’s longest cave system, the state of bourbon and horse racing is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. A diverse state with numerous distinct natural regions, Kentucky has a plethora of camping locations. Whether you choose to visit a state park or national forest, you don’t have to look hard to find amazing locations for camping in Kentucky.

For some of the most romantic and rugged landscapes in the state, visit the Red River Gorge in the south. With some of the most spectacular sites for camping in Kentucky, the gorge is a popular destination with visitors and locals alike. Climbers and hikers love the steep and rocky hillsides and cliffs which make the gorge famous. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge offers endless overnight options. From dispersed camping in quiet stretches of forest to whimsical treehouse and full-access campgrounds, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to spend the night. Snag a site next to a lake with record-sized muskies and you won’t have to go far to get on the water first thing in the morning.

If you love fishing, visiting Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is a must. With an abundance of lakes and rivers teeming with fish, it’s an angler’s dream. Enjoy lazy afternoons canoeing on the river or get an adrenaline rush on thrilling rapids. Nature lovers will love the plethora of wildlife and numerous hiking trails that wind through lush shaded forests.

Keep exploring Kentucky’s shaded forests and rugged cliffs in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in southeast Kentucky. Boaters will delight in the park’s large, languorous rivers and quick-flowing streams. Sheer bluffs and rocky gorges characterize the river valleys where water flows over rugged rapids and slows in quiet pools.

There are a variety of options for camping in Kentucky near the Big South Fork, from primitive to developed campgrounds. If you’re travelling with horses, stay in the horse camp, complete with a tack store stocked with essentials. Keep in mind that most parks and campgrounds have a ban on bringing your own firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. Check with the campground regulations before you come, as some allow collection of wood on the forest floor and other require you to purchase firewood from a ranger. Wherever you choose to stay, with the Dyrt you can be sure to find the best camping in Kentucky.

Best Dispersed Sites in Kentucky (14)

    1. Forest Service Rd 343

    7 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY

    "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted."

    "Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake an doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."

    2. Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Daniel Boone National Forest, KY
    Website
    +1 (606) 784-6428

    "We simply love camping in the National Forest Service campgrounds, most often because they are isolated, beautiful, inexpensive and usually, very quiet."

    "This drive in campground is awesome for those who like to camp for free. Right off the highway! Located on Cave Run Lake. No fire pits, no restrooms, no water or electricity hookups."

    3. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Warm Springs, KY
    Website

    "I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice."

    "No signal, so make sure you have a map or know which way you came."

    4. Demumber's Bay

    5 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY

    "Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."

    "There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by."

    5. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Stearns, KY
    Website

    "Visited here in the middle of January with all the snow and I was hot tent camping."

    "Dispersed camping.   We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening."

    6. LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "This site is quite remote feeling, but for a dispersed site, it is absolutely the BEST, which is why it is sometimes difficult to secure it, being it is first come first served."

    "You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away."

    7. First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park

    1 Review
    Sweeden, KY
    Website
    +1 (270) 758-2180

    $8 / night

    "First Camp Dispersed tent sites are an enjoyable hike down into the First Creek ,creek bed of Green River in Mammoth Cave National Forest, Ky

    If you go early enough in the season you will see some awesome"

    8. LBL FS-326

    1 Review
    Cadiz, KY
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time."

    9. Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    1 Review
    Jellico, KY
    Website

    "There are three dispersed camp sites along this road.  We stayed at the first and largest of the three.  This first site has room for two groups.  It also has a small swimming hole with a rope swing."

    10. Swain Ridge

    2 Reviews
    Parkers Lake, KY

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Kentucky

27 Reviews of 14 Kentucky Campgrounds



Guide to Kentucky

Kentucky offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the freedom of dispersed camping, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience stunning views and wildlife at the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, where you can enjoy fishing and birdwatching right from your campsite.
  • Discover the serene beauty of Demumber's Bay, featuring multiple dispersed spots along a paved forest road, perfect for kayaking and enjoying the lake.
  • Explore the secluded charm of Forest Service Rd 343, where you can find tranquility by the water and enjoy the company of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Top Activities While Free Camping in Kentucky

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping in Kentucky

  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many areas like Swain Ridge lack trash disposal facilities, ensuring the beauty of nature remains intact.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road, where amenities are minimal, and you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and practice food safety to avoid attracting animals, especially in areas like Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, where encounters with bears can occur if food is left out.