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Best Dispersed Camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

10 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour of Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in Kentucky. Jellico Creek Road Dispersed #1 offers free camping with fire rings and allows both tents and RVs. A camper noted, "There are three dispersed sites along this road. The first and largest site has room for two groups and a small swimming hole with a rope swing." Redbird Boat Ramp provides primitive camping with riverside access, though it lacks amenities. Reviews indicate it has "plenty of space for a couple RVs" and is "about ten miles off I-75."

Swain Ridge permits camping at the trailhead or roadside only, with a $1000 fine for camping in open fields. The area features secluded pasture sites, but visitors should prepare for ticks and poison ivy along field edges. Asher Hunting Access Area offers drive-in dispersed camping but prohibits alcohol, pets, and campfires. Public land camping regulations vary by location, with fire restrictions common on most sites. Campers should practice leave-no-trace principles, as no toilets or trash facilities are available at these primitive locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

7 Photos of 4 Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

10 Reviews of 4 Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Campgrounds

  • Amin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Better than I expected

    So we weren't sure what we would end up finding here. I will say that there are a lot of places to camp, many many many options away from the porta potties. If you get within about 20-30 feet of those they are a bit stinky. The one camp site we chose was a great place, tons of space and well manicured. A lot of options for pull up to your campsite or park and walk to campsite spots.

    My only complaints are about the campers that stay there. The litter isn't horrible, but it's not great. It is a leave no trace place. Apparently some people have difficulty with throwing away their trash.

    When we stayed last night there was a person that kept peeling out up and down the gravel road (3/4 times) in a diesel truck at 10:00 at night. Not very courteous to all of us at the campground.

    And I was awakened at 2:00 a.m. by our camping neighbors when they were playing loud music. Also not cool, thankfully they stopped shortly after

    Overall we were very pleased with this campground, beautiful views, it was hard choosing one spot. We will be coming back, and hopefully we won't have loud campers next time.

  • Karli P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    So Much Potential!

    We arrived at this dispersed campground at around 7:30 on a Saturday evening in July. It was pretty packed but since we were planning on leaving early the next morning, we took a family’s offer of taking over their spot as they left.

    We use a roof top tent so unfortunately we weren’t able to camp at the actual site, instead we set up on an almost level gravel parking area that had a private trail to the actual camp site. There were garbage cans and a port-a-potty set up right there, which is why this site lost some stars. Even though these facilities were provided, people didn’t use the garbages and there was a lot of garbage on the ground, including broken glass that made us worry about our pup’s paws. Also, the port-a-potty was pretty yucky..neither my husband nor I were willing to use it.

    Now, I want to reiterate that this is a geographically beautiful spot! Humans just need to take better care of it 💚

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    Gravel only

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

  • Tripp A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Closed to Public

    I drove over an hour to get here to find that it is “closed to public for vandalism”. I was very upset by this but obviously nothing I could do. Just wish I knew how to check before driving all the way. But the drive! Woah! So beautiful, I wish there was a way I could find out when it opens back up because I was very much looking forward to camping here.

  • Pam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1

    Jellico Creek 1

    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.

  • Sierra E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2023

    Swain Ridge

    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!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    CLOSED.

    I rode all the way over here from Greeneville to check out the area in order to bring a group of friends camping next weekend.

    BUT the entire campground is closed. When I pulled up to the iron gate and saw the sign, it read "CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC DUE TO VANDALISM AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY"

  • h
    May. 13, 2024

    Palmers Junction Dispersed Camping - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not too shabby for the south

    Lots of lil cozy pull offs on an easy gravel road. Lots of longer term people staying it seemed like (or just really full send camping friends lol). Many fire rings and spots by the lake. Unfortunately the other reviews are right - A decent amount of trash. There are trash cans and porta potties. I’ve seen worse porta potties at festivals but there were a few stinky ones.

Guide to Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park in Virginia, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

  • Enjoy a refreshing swim at the small swimming hole with a rope swing at Jellico Creek Rd Dispersed #1, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Redbird Boat Ramp

  • The Redbird Boat Ramp offers a unique opportunity for boating enthusiasts to launch their vessels and enjoy a day on the water, all while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Secluded Spots for Nature Lovers

  • For those seeking tranquility, Swain Ridge provides a quiet pasture setting, ideal for stargazing and enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature, though be mindful of ticks and poison ivy in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is Asher Hunting Access Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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