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Map showing campground location near Warm Springs, Kentucky

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area

5 ReviewsAdd Review

George Washington National Forest includes Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area, a free primitive camping destination managed by the US Forest Service along Hidden Valley Road. This dispersed site sits in a mountain valley next to a river, accessible by a short drive off Highway 220.

The area provides roughly five camping spots spread across two main locations. The first clearing accommodates multiple vehicles with several established fire pits, while a second spot about a quarter-mile further down the road fits two or three vehicles. Campers find level, grassy areas for tent setup. Jim M. describes it as a "quiet spot with a nice grassy level area." The main camping areas typically remain empty, even during spring visits when wild rabbits populate the clearings.

Cell phone coverage does not reach this location, so campers should prepare with offline maps or clear knowledge of their route. The Forest Service maintains a toilet facility and dump station on-site, but campers must bring all other supplies for self-sufficient camping. Fishing opportunities exist along the adjacent river, and hiking trails provide additional recreation options.

Road access ends partway through as Hidden Valley Road closes before completing its mapped route. For campers seeking developed amenities, Hidden Valley offers a more structured alternative less than five miles away.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Intersection of State Route 39 and US 220: Go north on US 220 about seven miles to SR 623 on the left. Follow SR 623 about two miles to the national forest boundary and the beginning of the Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area.

Coordinates

38.151943 N
79.761665 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

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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Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the spacious, level sites in a quiet mountain valley setting near a river. Many visitors reported easy highway access but emphasized the primitive nature with minimal amenities and no cell coverage.

R C.
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2025

Nice free camp spot(s) next to a river

Really enjoyed this place. Maybe 5-10 min off of highway 220. There are maybe 5 ish spots to camp next to a river in this mountain valley. I took the one and only site just before the proper camp site (it was the best one IMO). Need to be self sufficient though, only convenience is a toilet house. No cell coverage. Highly recommend for primitive camping.

Month of VisitMarch
Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2024

Great "out of the way" spot

Great camp site!! I pulled in while passing through the area, it was a short ride off the highway and the road in was nice. Quiet spot with a nice grassy level area. will definitely stay here again when I get back up this way.

Month of VisitMarch
Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 4, 2022

Nice place to pitch a tent or 4x4 in

I have stayed here twice, once in the spring and once in the winter.  Both times, the main camping area was empty.  There is a large clearing off of Hidden Valley Rd (38.14822,-79.76883) just past Poor Farm Camp A Rd.  that can easily accommodate multiple vehicles with 3 or 4 fire pits.  In the spring, it is covered in wild hares.

If you follow the road further, about a quarter of a mile, is another spot for about two or three vehicles.  On the map, Hidden Valley Rd says it goes through, but the road is closed.

Month of VisitFebruary
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area located and how do I get there?

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area is located just 5-10 minutes off Highway 220. The access is relatively straightforward with a turn onto Hidden Valley Road, where you'll find a large clearing at coordinates 38.14822,-79.76883 just past Poor Farm Camp A Road. The road is well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles. Since there's no cell service in the area, it's important to have directions saved or a map handy before arriving to ensure you can find your way both to and from the site.

What amenities and facilities are available at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area?

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. There's a toilet house on site, but you'll need to be self-sufficient for everything else. The area features multiple established fire pits (approximately 3-4) in the main clearing. The site offers level, grassy areas suitable for setting up tents and parking vehicles. No potable water, electricity, or trash services are available, so campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

What activities can I enjoy at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area?

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for trail hiking and exploration. The site is situated in a scenic mountain valley with a river running alongside the camping area, perfect for fishing or simply enjoying the peaceful natural setting. The remote location provides ideal conditions for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Wildlife viewing and photography are popular activities given the pristine natural surroundings. During different seasons, you can experience diverse landscapes from spring wildflowers to winter wonderlands.

Are there any permits or regulations for camping at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area?

Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area follows standard dispersed camping regulations. No permits or reservations are required, and camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The area can accommodate multiple vehicles with several designated fire pits. Standard Leave No Trace principles apply—pack out all trash and respect the natural environment. Camping is permitted in established sites only to prevent environmental damage. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so check with the local Forest Service office for current regulations before your trip, especially during dry periods.

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