The best camping near Daniel Boone National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Daniel Boone National Forest adventure.

97% (32 reviews)

Waterfalls, arches, lakes, hiking—This massive national forest has all the recreation you could want

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Daniel Boone National Forest

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Daniel Boone National Forest

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(9)

Koomer Ridge Campground

108 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(1)

Claylick Boat-in Campground

13 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

Clear Creek Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(1)

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

White Sulphur Horse Camp

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(1)

Zilpo Campground

103 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

Grove Boat-In Campground

31 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

Grove Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

Holly Bay Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

Bell Farm Horse Camp

5 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(2)

Great Meadows Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(2)

Craigs Creek Group Campground

3 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

Love Twin Knobs campground! And Cave Run Lake has the most amazing sunsets!!

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(7)

Twin Knobs Campground

66 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

White Oak Boat-In Campground

51 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(2)

Bee Rock Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

S-Tree Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

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(5)

Turkey Foot Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Daniel Boone National Forest

Barren Fork Horse Camp

41 sites In Daniel Boone National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest

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(235)

The Harrican Lakehouse

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · KY

There is a lot of history in this land. It's been in my family for over a hundred years. They worked the land with their hands and so have I. It's a special place. Come see for your yourself and be our guest at The Harrican! Learn more about this land: Unplug and unwind at this two story cabin built right on the water in the heart of the Kentucky Wildlands! Even though there is complete peaceful seclusion it does get a little noisy when the bullfrogs start their evening ritual. There is a dock and pier perfect for fishing or swimming. Firepit, grill with gas provided, two boats, fishing poles, lots of seating on the wrap around porch, two bedrooms; one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds and just lots of natural beauty and peace! The BIG update everyone has been waiting for; the plumbing and electricity are now complete! We have all the ammenities to make your stay comfoetable and relaxing! Early and late check in and check out options available when availability exists the day before or after your booked stay. Thank you for interest in the Harrican Lakehouse!

99%

(583)

Patrick's Point River Camp

75 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents212 acres · Williamsburg, KY

Looking for a quiet peaceful camp on 212 acres in the Appalachians Mountains along side the Upper Cumberland River under a canopy of shade trees? We offer WIFI, hot showers, restrooms, kayaks, shuttle service, hiking trail, horse trail, wildlife stands, electric, water, easy access to the river, 130’ x 100’ covered pavilion, tent camping, cabins, RV sites, and much more. Whether you are looking for a unique swimming hole location, a place to go fishing, kayak access, hiking trails or just a quiet place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee, we promise you will not be disappointed. You may wish to lay in a hammock along the river or under our covered 100 x 130 pavilion. We also have a beautiful creek to explore, very secluded and off the beaten path with lots of wildlife to enjoy. In addition to our relaxing atmosphere, this camp will also give you and your loved ones an incredible view to enjoy throughout your stay. Only 15.0mi via KY-90W by vehicle or 14mi by kayak to Cumberland Falls State Park with many hiking trails. One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you! These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, Patrick homestead-started soon after the Revolutionary War. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply along this river and these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands. Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Appalachian and on the bank of the Upper Cumberland River. A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!

95%

(690)

Rockcastle Riverside

50 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Livingston, KY

Started as a retirement experiment, Rockcastle Riverside is a story told of music and family. We have almost 200 acres of beautiful country surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rockcastle County. With a mile of river to swim, kayak, and fish and enchanted forest trails to hike, climb, or play, we have all of the best Kentucky has to offer! We have more established sites with fire rings, or you can find a place off the beaten path for more privacy, if you choose. The riverside is perfect for hammock camping, too. We love music and often host bands on the weekends. We rent kayaks and canoes on site, as well. While there are almost 200 acres to escape into, on any fine night, the stage sits wit a drum kit and the will to make music within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Come play, come get away....we have it ALL! We have a little of something for everyone!

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(1)

Powell River Camp & Retreat

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Harrogate, TN

Riverside Camping on the Powell River in Northeast Tennessee, near the Cumberland Gap where TN, KY, and VA meet. Our campsites sit along the Powell River, offering a peaceful retreat in the early stages of development. We are dedicated to restoring and enhancing the land through ongoing projects such as clearing overgrowth, planting native species, and practicing responsible riverfront stewardship. You may see us working on-site—feel free to say hi! We offer 5 individual campsites with access to a shared riverfront. Private Booking: If you are interested in reserving the entire property for a private experience or group-camp, please contact us for availability. Toilets: Two portable composting toilets (5-gallon bucket system with a toilet lid, biodegradable bags, and composting wood shavings, enclosed in a private tent). A permanent outhouse structure is under development. Water: There is no potable water on-site. We recommend bringing your own, though we will provide two gallons at each campsite for convenience. Pets: Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Please clean up after them. Alcohol: Adults of legal drinking age may consume alcohol responsibly. No glass bottles are permitted. Firewood: Available for purchase on-site. Location: The property is approximately five minutes from Pump Springs on Powell River Road. Parking: The gravel driveway leads into to a grass field with a designated parking area. Gate: Our entrance has a well-loved farm gate, and we are working on building a new one. Please close the gate behind you upon entering to help maintain privacy during your stay. Footwear: While the riverfront is glass-free, we recommend wearing river shoes or sandals for safety. Lifejackets are not required, please swim and float at your own risk. Fishing is permitted; however, proper licensure is required. For the safety of all guests, fishing is not allowed in the beachfront area where guests swim and walk. Please walk upstream or downstream before casting. Looking to add some excitement to your stay? Hiking, tubing, and shuttle services are available through Cumberland Gap Adventure Company. Message us if you're interested in turning your camping trip into an unforgettable outdoor experience!

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(103)

Breathtaking Waterfall & Campsite

11 sites · Tents35 acres · Jamestown, TN

Book by the end of March and get a Early Bird Discount! SLTABXED (10%) This hidden paradise has a waterfall that used to have a mill on it in the early 1900's. There are cliffs on each side of the creek making it the perfect spot for serene relaxation. Following upstream is an assortment of spots to pitch a tent. The most notable sites are surrounded by hemlock tree's and is peaceful when birds chirp over the small rapids echoing from the large overhang *I am in the process of making multiple sites but until I do so it is first come first serve. There are multiple sites at main campsite and along creek, I've had a private event of thirty people staying at once. There are also smaller spots next to waterfall, uphill near cliff and I've had people go below falls for some complete wilderness (blocked by gorge and waterfall). With this being said, I do offer private bookings and accommodate special events! *I travel for work, so I won't always be here, but I will send directions and details after confirmation and make sure all is savvy during. Please be respectful to one and another and let me know asap if any issues arise but truthfully everyone has been amazing and I thoroughly enjoy meeting and getting to know everyone! Thanks for your contribution in turning my dream into a reality!

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(70)

Wow Mountain Resort

5 sites · Tents150 acres · Somerset, KY

We saw this land and immediately thought this is our Eden and now we want to share it with you. We hope you love it too. There is a cave camping site and 3 other active sites. We are adding 5 more campsites very soon. They will be basic bare bone campsites with no tent platforms or fire places. The original 4 have tent platforms and fire places.

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(68)

HomeGrown HideAways

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Berea, KY

HomeGrown HideAways is a farm, lodging, and event facility nestled in a hundred-acre holler in the Appalachian foothills near Berea, Ky. Our lodging features treehouses, yurts, a bunkhouse, retro camper, water/electric hook-ups, and campsites. We also host weddings, retreats, and other events so advance reservations are required. For insurance purposes and the safety of our own livestock and pets, we do not allow guests to bring their pets/ESAs onto the property. Prepare to UNPLUG as we do not have cell service or wifi (there IS a landline for guests to make phone calls located in the Community Farmhouse). All guests from tent to treehouse have access to our solar-powered Community Farmhouse featuring a fully-stocked chef-inspired kitchen, restrooms, coin-op laundry, and upstairs multi-purpose room with a library and board games. There is also an outdoor kitchen area with additional cooking space including a grill, microwave, and sink (sink is closed in the winter so the pipes don’t freeze). Next to the Farmhouse is a massive pavilion with picnic tables for al fresco dining and firewood bundles to purchase. BRING CASH! Our seasonal bath house is generally open from April or May to October or November based on the prevailing temps. There are 4 flush toilets, 2 sinks, and 2 hot showers. The floors are concrete so we recommend shower shoes and you'll want to bring your own towels and shampoo/soap. The farm has a small playground, yard games, creeks, and a steep and rugged hiking trail that loops the mountain. We're also just 8 miles from the hiking trails at the Berea College Pinnacles, 8 miles to Owsley Fork Reservoir, 20 minutes to Anglin Falls, 12 miles to Berea, 35 minutes to Richmond, Ky, and a scenic hour to Red River Gorge. For other activities, restaurants, shopping, music, and more, we're happy to share our favorites, but highly recommend checking out the Berea Tourism website.

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(17)

Soggy Bottoms Campground

17 sites · RVs, TentsLiberty, KY

Welcome to Soggy Bottoms, a family-owned campground nestled in the woods along the Green River. We have a great location for fishing and kayaking with easy access to the river and plenty of room for the kids to play. Our campground has a variety of rv sites (full hook up, water and electric, water only), primitive tent sites, a bathhouse, and a camp store for your convenience. We also offer kayak and tube rentals. Come join us for your next outdoor getaway!

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(23)

The Harrican

7 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · KY

Learn more about this land:This is a beautiful 200 acre farm that has been in my family for over 100 years. My father (at age 93) still harvests hay on 100 of the acres twice annually. Primitive campsites range from soft and scenic rolling fields with mountainous backdrops to completely wooded areas with the wild Rockastle River within 1 mile from the property. Discover a rare campsite available between two cliffs that the Native Americans originally called home. It remains just as they found it. There is an easily accessible large flat cliff area perfect for multiple tents and campfires! However, if a little more comfort is your style, you can unplug and unwind in a two story cabin located on a beautiful and secluded 2 acre pond with a dock and pier that can be reserved for $85 nightly. I classify the Lakehouse Cabin as primitive glamping! Wildlife is present every single day! We are near two Wildlife management reserve areas and completely surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Deer, turkey and so much more can be observed daily in their natural habitat. This is truly an amazing and rare gem right here in our beloved Bluegrass State!

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(4)

Rustling Pines Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · London, KY

Located at 3558 White Oak Road London, KY 40741 you can escape to nature at Rustling Pines Campground. Nestled just steps from the Daniel Boone National Forest, Rustling Pines Campground offers the perfect getaway to experience Kentucky's stunning natural beauty. With thoughtfully designed accommodations, an onsite trail system, horse stables, obstacle course, and natural playground, we invite you and your loved ones to immerse yourselves in the great outdoors. At Rustling Pines Campground, our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families, groups, and individuals to enjoy the great outdoors. We believe that spending time in nature is essential for personal growth, and we strive to create opportunities for our guests to connect with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Booked 3 times

Gray Hills

8 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Gray, KY

150 acres of raw, peaceful beauty tucked in the Appalachian foothills—just 20 minutes off I-75 near Corbin in southeast Kentucky, but a world away. Gray Hills is a primitive escape for families, friends, and solo wanderers alike—designed to quiet the chaos, steady the soul, and focus on what truly counts. Our sites are surrounded by rolling hills, quiet woods, and big skies. Choose your experience: Pondside – Camp by the water where frogs sing at dusk and mist rises at dawn. Ideal for fishing, relaxing, or spotting wildlife. Bring your own kayak or rent one on site (availability varies). Hilltop – Secluded, breezy, and wide-open, with stunning sunrise and sunset views. Feels like the edge of the world. All sites are primitive—no hookups, no concrete, just fire pits, natural trails, and the kind of peace that gets into your bones. Our dirt roads are a little bumpy to keep speeds safe. The campsites, trails, and key spots are kept cleared—the rest stays wild for the deer, turkey, and everything else that lives here (yes, bugs too—bring repellent!). A nearby train runs on its own schedule—it’s part of the holler charm. If you love it rugged, real, and peaceful, join us at Gray Hills where you can breathe deep and stay wild! Need help finding your ideal campsite? Let us guide you! Best sites for fishing - 1, 2, 3 Best site for kayak launch - 2 Best sites for most seclusion - 4, 6, 7, 8 Best sites for RVs/campers - 3, 5 Best for large groups - 3, 6, 7 Best sites for stargazing - 5, 6, 7, 8 Best sites for sunsets - 2, 6 Best sites for sunrises - 7, 8 Best sites for hammock camping - 2, 3, 4, 8 Shaded sites - 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 Sunny sites - 5, 6 (some shade), 7 Best sites to Breathe Deep and Stay Wild - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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(56)

Savvy Retreat

2 sites · RVs3 acres · Mc Kee, KY

Peaceful and private camping spot with a 50 foot Pavilion to park a camper or pitch a few tents under to enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding you. 25 minutes from the historic downtown of Berea and the Pinnacle Trails. 30 minutes from Flat Lick Falls Recreational Area & Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Down the road from Rock Lick that gives you access to four wheeling trails. Very pet friendly. Come enjoy the beauty that our small town has to offer, surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forrest.

The best camping near Daniel Boone National Forest guide

Overview

About

Gorgeous rugged terrain awaits you in this stunning, 708,000-acre national forest run by the National Forest Service. And it has everything.

Want to go fishing or boating? Head to Lake Cumberland, Cave Run Lake, or Laurel River Lake. The Red River Gorge is noted for its amazing roped rock climbing.

Are hunting or target shooting your thing? You're in the right place. If you want to lose yourself in nature while hiking, head for the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail—Or choose from dozens of other well-maintained trails, including equestrian trails. This massive park spreads over 21 counties with four separate ranger districts.

Cabins near Cave Run Lake make your visit to the forest easy and cozy. Also near Cave Run Lake, you can find tent and RV campgrounds, horse camping, and boat-in camping. There's more boat-in camping at Laurel River Lake, plus more equestrian camping in the Stearns District. Check out Lake Cumberland for excellent RV choices.

97%

32 ratings · 4 reviews

Recommends

· September 2018

Twin Knobs Campground

Campsites can be reserved in advance.

Nina F.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2018

Koomer Ridge Campground

Great central location to use as a base while doing other activities in the Gorge or stay in the campground and explore the nearby trails.

Nina F.

3 reviews

November 2017

Koomer Ridge Campground

Do yourself a favor and go camp just north of here in the Red River Gorge. Go to the visitors center and you can get a parking pass so you can park within the Gorge overnight, and then you can camp off any trail. There are tons of official trails, and even more unmarked trails that are some of the coolest hikes and scenery you can imagine.