Dispersed Camping

Camping - View from Inside Tent Backcountry camping, also called dispersed camping, is allowed in many areas of the forest. Toilet, trash and camping facilities are not provided for dispersed camping. Self-reliance and the solitude of being in remote areas of the forest attracts dispersed campers year round.

Commercial outfitters or guides and groups of 75 people or more must obtain a Special Use permit. Contact the District Ranger for more information.

Learn more about rules and regulations.

Don't move firewood... protect our forest from invasive species.

Dispersed Camping Areas

Cave Run Lake
Cave Run Lake is nestled among the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. It is located on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This 8,270-acre lake provides flood protection and a clean water supply to area communities. Tourists enjoy the lake for its scenery and excellent recreation opportunities. Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors.

Campgrounds: The Twin Knobs and Zilpo campgrounds provide nearly 400 campsites, some with RV hook-ups. The campgrounds also have swimming beaches and group-use picnic areas.

Boat ramps: Cave Run Lake has 12 ramps for boat launching. A Claylick (area is unavailable), Poppin Rock, Longbow, Scott Creek and Warix boat ramps. Passes may be purchased at local vendors.

Picnic areas: The Billy Branch and Boat Gunnel picnic areas are popular locations near Cave Run Lake.

Trails: Several trails are developed in the Cave Run Lake area. These trails wind through the forest, providing scenic views and glimpses of wildlife.

Some of the most popular recreation areas around Cave Run Lake include:
Twin Knobs Recreation Area
Zilpo Recreation Area

White Sulphur Horse Camp
Clear Creek Recreation Area
Clay Lick Boat-in Campground
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
Red River Gorge Geological Area

The Red River Gorge is a unique, scenic natural area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Spectacular rock features, including sandstone arches and towering cliffs, are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the gorge year-round to enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing and other recreation opportunities.

The Red River Gorge is a federally-designated National Geological Area, National Natural Landmark, National Archaeological District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gorge is also home to the federally-designated Wild and Scenic Red River and Clifty Wilderness.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulations allow hunting and trapping in the gorge. All visitors should take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and pets when using the gorge during hunting and trapping seasons. Inspect all backcountry campsites carefully before using the site. Avoid leaving food debris that may attract small animals.
Tunnel Ridge Road
Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake is located on London Ranger District and features 5,600 acres of clear, deep water and nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shore. The quiet coves and cliff-lined shores offer relaxation and quiet reflection, as well as boating, fishing, skiing and scuba diving in one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Fishing for black bass, walleye, crappie, blue gill and catfish is excellent.

The U.S. Forest Service administers the lake and surrounding shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees the operation of the lake's dam and nearby recreation facilities, including a picnic area and a swimming beach at the spillway.

Campgrounds nearby:
- Drive-in Campgrounds - Holly Bay and Grove
- Boat-in Campgrounds - Grove and White Oak
- Group Campground: Craigs Creek Group Campground
Boat Ramps nearby:
Marinas:
- Grove Marina
- Holly Bay Marina
Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
Stearns District
The Stearns District encompasses more than 171,000 acres of national forest land in four counties of southeastern Kentucky. Much of the district lies within the Big South Fork region of the Cumberland River, located in the remote foothills of the Jellico Mountains. Steeply-sloped ridges and narrow ravines characterize the land. The terrain is rugged but scenic.

Visitors will enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Dense hardwood forest, cascading waterfalls and towering sandstone cliffs are some of the area’s best natural attractions.

Two Kentucky Wild Rivers (Rock Creek and Cumberland River) and two candidates for National Wild and Scenic River designation (Marsh Creek and Rock Creek) occur in the area. The district surrounds the northern portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

Three campgrounds, three picnic areas and more than 120 miles of trails provide for multiple outdoor activities.

Stearns District Vicinity Map

Special features on the district are:
- Rock Creek - a "Blue Ribbon" trout fishery
- Alpine Picnic Area
- Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail
- Barren Fork Accessible Heritage Trail
- Natural Arch Scenic Area
- Beaver Creek Wilderness Area
- Cumberland River

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping Areas

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities