Free Camping in Kentucky
Discover 15 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Spring, Fall, Winter
Climate
Humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters
Terrain
Mountains, Forests
Free Spots
15 locations
Camping Spots (15)
Daniel Boone – Cope Fork/FS 9
"Free dispersed camping around Daniel Boone NF Kentucky. Hemlock ravines and sandstone ridges with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Redbird District. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Narrow turnarounds Arrive early to claim a legal
Daniel Boone – Cave Run Backroads
"Free dispersed camping at Daniel Boone – Cave Run Backroads in Kentucky. Hardwood hills and lake benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cave Run Lake. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Busy holidays Arrive early
Land Between the Lakes Backroads
"Free dispersed camping around LBL NRA Kentucky. Lake peninsulas and oak-hickory forests with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Turkey Bay/FS roads. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Permit rules apply Arrive early to claim a legal
Daniel Boone – Red River Gorge Dispersed
Dispersed/primitive camping opportunities around Red River Gorge region (where permitted). Popular area; follow closures and rules.
Daniel Boone – Cave Run Lake Primitive
Primitive tent camping areas near Cave Run Lake. Some designated primitive sites; verify seasons.
Daniel Boone – Sheltowee Trace Primitive
Primitive tent camping along Sheltowee Trace corridor (where allowed). Leave no trace; check permits.
Land Between the Lakes – Backcountry Areas
Primitive/backcountry tent camping opportunities within LBL designated zones. Check rules, permits, and fire restrictions.
Big South Fork – Backcountry Areas
Backcountry tent camping in Big South Fork region (where allowed). Rugged terrain; self-sufficient camping.
Cumberland Falls – Forest Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping in nearby forest zones (where permitted). Waterfall area is busy; verify regulations.
Laurel River Lake – Primitive Areas
Primitive tent sites around Laurel River Lake region. Some designated primitive loops; check rules.
Daniel Boone – Auxier Ridge Area Primitive
Primitive tent camping around Auxier Ridge vicinity (where allowed). Highly visited; arrive early.
Green River Lake – Primitive Area
Primitive tent camping options around Green River Lake recreation areas. Some designated sites.
Cave Country – Forest Road Pullouts
Forest road primitive pullouts in Kentucky cave country (where permitted). Follow local regulations.
Daniel Boone NF – Red River Gorge vicinity
Sandstone arches & cliffs. Pullouts along forest roads outside main areas.
Daniel Boone NF – Red River Gorge vicinity
Sandstone arches & cliffs. Pullouts outside main recreation areas.
Popular Camping Areas
- Daniel Boone National Forest
- Land Between the Lakes
- Red River Gorge
Important Regulations
- 14-day camping limits
- Fire restrictions during dry periods
- Rock climbing regulations
Permits: Most national forest camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in Kentucky
Kentucky offers excellent Appalachian mountain camping with rock arches, caves, and the famous Daniel Boone National Forest providing diverse camping experiences.
Best Free Camping Areas in Kentucky
Kentucky offers diverse free camping opportunities across mountains, forests, caves, lakes, rivers. The most popular areas include Daniel Boone National Forest, Land Between the Lakes, Red River Gorge, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit Kentucky for Camping
The best times for free camping in Kentucky are during spring, fall, winter. The state's humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
Kentucky Camping Regulations
Before camping in Kentucky, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in Kentucky typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore mountains, forests, caves, lakes, rivers at your own pace.