Camping in 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)
97% (32 reviews)

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

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Stay at a public campground in Daniel Boone National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Daniel Boone National Forest

98%
(581)

Clayton Geneva Memorial Camp Ground

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Williamsburg, KY
Thank you for considering Clayton Geneva memorial campground for your camping trip. Please read the entire description including our rules and regulations. Also be sure to view the site map. The gravel driveway to the sites is passable with any vehicle As long as the vehicle Does not have an aftermarket lowered profile or entirely overloaded with gear. We offer camping ranging from primitive tent sites, to an actual cabin. Hikers, kayakers, canoes, Horses and riders welcome, located a couple miles from Daniel Boone National Forrest, seemingly endless trails through some of the most beautiful country. Bring your canoe and kayaks. Located 16 miles from Cumberland Falls State Park. Located 11 miles from Sheltowee Trade Adventure Park. Located 11 miles from Kentucky Splash Water Park. 11 miles from The Mint Casino!! Clayton Geneva Camp Ground began as a retreat for our family since the 70's. My grandparents, Donald Clayton Russell & Jewel Geneva (Davis) Russell, purchased this little piece of heaven to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cincinnati life. Judy was born in a little cabin just down the road. Judy & Don along with many family members have made cherished memories here over the years. We want to share its beauty with you and your family. Please consider, Clayton Geneva is a primitive campground, gravel drives and left as natural as possible. This is not a sculpted campsite or a concrete campground. The primitive area is as such, gravel, grass, sand terrain accessible by a one lane gravel drive that leads over the hill and around the cliff to the riverbank. This drive is absolutely passable however is left bumpy to keep traffic at a safe speed as pedestrians also walk the drive. It is passable by any vehicle as long as the vehicle is not overloaded beyond its ability and/or has an extremely low profile. Any area that is not an actual campsite is left to nature, not manicured, trimmed or sculpted. As you’ll find all the sites are clear please don’t expect micromanaging of wild growth of our native plants in areas around the sites as we reserve those areas for the wildlife to enjoy. Please consider all the above mentioned details, primitive campsites are not for everyone and that’s ok.
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from 
$15
 / night
99%
(590)

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!
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$20
 / night
99%
(236)

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!
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$35
 / night
100%
(2)

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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$30
 / night
95%
(691)

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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$25
 / night
100%
(104)

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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$48
 / night
100%
(70)

HomeGrown HideAways

16 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.
Potable water
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from 
$20
 / night

Camping in 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
  1. Daniel Boone National Forest