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Wiley's Last Resort is about a hundred acres on top of Pine Mountain in Letcher County, KY. Jim Webb aka "Wiley Quixote" purchased the property in 1996 and began restoring, developing, and naming all the nooks and crannies that make up this wonderful place.
Wiley's Last Resort is a vibrant and welcoming campsite nestled in the heart of Pine Mountain. The host, Steve, is widely appreciated for his hospitality and knowledge about the area's rich history. Campers can enjoy a mix of rustic charm and modern conveniences, like power outlets and a fridge, amid a backdrop of historical structures and scenic trails. However, some visitors noted maintenance issues, particularly with the pond and certain facilities, suggesting it might need some care to fully meet its potential.
Great place. It is located on Pine Mountain and the property leads to the Pine Mountain Scenic Trail. It is surrounded by beautiful Rhododendron. The host Steve was very friendly and helpful.
It was perfect spot to base camp for Pine Mountain Trail and Bad Branch Falls area. Safe and Steve the host was very knowledgeable about the area and upgraded our primitive camp to a cabin as it is really off season for them.
Steve was an excellent host. He talked us through the history of the land, provided recommendations for hikes, and even shared fresh pears from a tree on the land. He was considerate and accommodating. One night, we walked to the Flats to stargaze, and let him know as we were headed up there. Later, a vehicle drove up to a site in the same field, but they only used their running lights, not their headlights. We were able to continue soaking in the Milky Way undisturbed.
The natural beauty there is breathtaking, and I found myself wishing I had juuuuust one more day to explore. The wifi signal is strong everywhere, so I was able to send photos out in real time.
My only caveat is that the roads there are a little rough and require focus to navigate. My little Kia Soul did just fine, but I'm already planning to rent a 4 wheel drive next time to make it easier. And there will DEFINITELY be a following trip - beautiful land and excellent hospitality deserves another visit!
We arrived on a Sunday very late. I’m not sure if it’s because other campers were there before us but I feel like this area has been let go a lot. The host was Accommodating and brought us firewood and for the price I really can’t complain but it seems like it used to be a really great place, but it looks like it is being neglected.
My favorite camping spaces were available. Camping on top of Pine Mountain is Beautiful, and there’s some nice hiking trails up to the top of the Mountain. I have a lot of good memories camping at Wylie’s.
Steve was a perfect host very friendly walk around the camp very beautiful, was in the process of working on water issues do to storms in the winter, nice people will do it again
Wonderful campground with wonderful folks. Lots of hiking trails nearby, and downtown Whitesburg is just a short drive away. We will definitely be back!
This place was exactly what we wanted, roughing it in a quiet place in the mountains with some outlets, pretty string lights, a fire pit, rain shelter options, lots of “back country” holler-style style campsites & trails, out houses, off road exploring with four wheeled drive. And some hidden rock faces to scramble and photograph.
We car & tent camped with a dog. The host dogs are friendly, and chase away any bears in the area :)
Our host Steve, was incredibly responsive & friendly and he guided us throughout the whole process with what sites to book, what to explore on the property, and directions to a few local spots too.
We camped way back when Jim Webb was around and feel like the place still has his heart and soul in it. From the dedicated trails, to flamingo decor, to finding Jim Webb original poems through out the place and running into good hearted stranger folks who are down to hang, we had a wonderful time. Thanks!
Stayed at Mars, but the whole place is so unique and the hosts are welcoming. Definitely will be back and recommend highly for others to stay at Wiley's.
Loved this spot. So eccentric and full of history -- it's built on the ruins of a 1930s resort, and there are two cabins on the property that date back to the 1800s (!) Steve is super helpful as a host and taught me a ton about rare native plant species growing in the area. There also are power outlets and a fridge available for your use, which I was not expecting and which was a pleasant surprise. Tons of wildlife, including black bears that keep a nice safe distance from you (they hang out on the opposite side of the pond from the campsites) and will be totally chill if you just want to watch them playing about and doing bear stuff.
Waking up and seeing Mars Rock first thing every morning is reason enough alone to visit this place, not to mention the kind people, beautiful trails, dog-friendly environment, and fun decorations :)
Lovely experience! I felt right at home. Beautiful space, awesome energy, very friendly folks (and dogs too), clear, easy-going communication. Rustic and also has everything one could need—fantastic views & hikes, fresh water, bathhouse, a variety of camping spots, live music if you’re lucky. Woods full of poetry and it’s clear there has been a longstanding and intentional practice of creating, practicing, and cherishing all things community. Seems like a place one shows up to just when you need to be there.
Wiley’s Last Resort is a unique place. It was started by Jim Webb, an advocate for the environment and the downtrodden. Steve welcomed us and showed us to our site. He talked about the background of the area and about Jim. Site was on the pond, which was down a little due to flood damage.
This place and the people who maintain it's sanctity will change your life. Steve is a gracious, attentive, and resourceful host. The cabins by the pond allow for an intimate experience with the lush environs. If you enjoy diverse plant and fungus identification you'll love it here. Perfect for a solo escape or made merrier by inviting your friends. The bathroom and sand bar area amenities were well stocked and clean as well as being perfectly charming in their decor - I hope you like flamingos.
One of the most unique, wonderful, remote, dispersed camping trips I've ever had. Steve was wonderful & met us upon our late arrival to provide tips & directions to camp spot options. Such a cool experience. Will definitely be back & hope to be able to stay a bit longer next time!
Pine mountain is beautiful and this place has a lot of potential but it's not being met. The swimming hole/pond is "leaking" and in spite of being full from massive flooding a month ago, is already incredibly low and looks to be filled with rust. The "dock" in the middle to jump off of has rusted off ladders that need to be replaced/condemned.
The bathroom access I paid extra for so I could shower was Closed bc of septic issues and has a large, intentional hole cut in the main door, looking directly at the toilet. While maybe funny 20 years ago, it just felt creepy with frat house vibes.
The Leave No Trace principles didn't seem to apply to the owners who had broken, rusted chairs at the camp site, a giant sheet of broken glass near ours, random garbage throughout the woods near our site, and a massive pile of beer cans spilling out of of dilapidated seating area, also filled with broken, rusted crap. Beer cans were on the ground near a stage and the general vibe was "dude has a dope party spot for his people" with little regard to much else.
I also had my dog with me and the owners outdoor dog, while incredibly sweet, barked all night and tried to attack my dog the following morning. I told the owner, Steve, and he apologized and said she'd lost a fight with another dog the week before and was trying to be an alpha. Which.. what??
Honestly the place could be dope as hell but probably not without new management or they hire some staff to care for the place.
The time i had at Willies was probably the most communal bonding experience ive ever had with a group of complete strangers. Everyone at the camp at the time (including Steve) were volunteering with flood relief and were genuinely kind and giving people. We hung out together every night as if we'd know eachother all along.
The pond was good for a refreshing dip, and the property is actually pretty large and has several trails and really neat areas. Near the pond area is a flush toilet and a shower, which was really convenient.
Its definitely an eclectic place, so maybe not your style if you need things neat and tidy but otherwise you won't regret your stay.
I found this site last fall and was happy to be back this spring when I was passing through the area again. The land is beautiful and reminds me to slow down, with bonus access to the Pine Mountain Trail on the property as well. It’s perfect place to unwind, it is primitive camping so bring extra water and such, but the host also has some amenities near the pond, only a short walk for Mars where I camped. The host is very nice, I keep to myself when camping but he is willing to help out! The property has some interesting history and structures worth checking out as well.
It’s also a short drive down the mountain to some fast food restaurants if needed.
Steve was very welcoming and friendly. He told us to pick any site, explaining where to look. He came by and chatted about the fact his place had been a resort in the 30’s & 40’s and its more recent history. Steve even brought us coffee in the morning! It’s a beautiful place, high up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. We would go back if we’re in the area!
Wiley’s is a wild, weird, wonderful place! Steve was a great host and we had an awesome time tent camping in “Baton Rouge!” The trails are great and it was a super cool stay!
S
Sydney M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Location
Whitesburg, Letcher, Kentucky, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking