camp.ky
Remote location in Daniel Boone National Forest next to a stream and off of a rural dirt road. Multiple fire circles. Spacious enough for multiple vehicles. Lots of trash, empty beer cans, used condoms, and discarded diapers. Rope swing into creek. Did not encounter a soul during my stay, but this was a very spoiled, party location, which made me uncomfortable. Surrounding wilderness worth exploring. Not recommended. No cell service.

camp.ky
A primitive grassy clearing next to serene lake nestled in the woods. Located in Land Between the Lakes, there is a vast network of dirt roads here, and numerous other camping opportunities. Four-wheel drive recommended. Requires backcountry camping permit. $7 for 3 nights. Spacious enough for multiple vehicle-supported campers. Minimal trash. Beautiful site. A best-kept secret. Recommended. Good cell service.

camp.ky
The parking lot of a coffee shop in Beattyville, Kentucky, near Daniel Boone National Forest. The coffee shop is very charming and a must-visit. Location is sketchy and not discreet for overnighting. Feisty young barista, "You can camp out there, but it's your own ass if something happens." This was the first and last time I slept in a coffee shop parking lot. Bothered at 3:00 AM by someone who wanted wifi password. I'm not kidding. Not recommended. Some cell service.

Free, well-maintained, Turkey Foot Campground, located deep within Daniel Boone National Forest. Very beautiful setting next to aquamarine stream in a mossy valley. Roughly a dozen vehicle-accessible pads with fire rings, tables, and vault toilet. The surrounding area is suited for motorized exploration. Best-kept secret. Unspoiled. Very pleasant stay. Can't believe it's free. Highly recommended. No cell service.

Mediocre primitive campsite on hill overlooking lake in Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. Not far from highway on eastern edge of recreation area. Requires backcountry camping permit. $7 for three nights. Adequate for a few vehicle-supported campers. Moderate amount of trash strewn about. Land Between the Lakes has a vast network of dirt roads worth exploring. Many other camping opportunities. Recommended only if looking for quick and convenient. Excellent cell service.

Located in Land Between the Lakes, this is a primitive, remote, grassy campsite with a superb view of the lake to the west. Secret spot. At the foot of an eroded descent requiring four-wheel drive to negotiate the washout. Rocky beach access, campsite is located on the shore near water level. Room for multiple vehicle-supported campers. Good privacy! Surrounding wilderness ripe for exploration. Recommended. Good cell service.

A well-maintained campground offering access to lake in Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. A $7 backcountry camping permit is required for 3 nights, however with permit one can camp almost anywhere in the forest. Vehicle-accessible camping pads, nice fire rings, tables, vault toilet. Surrounding wilderness is great for overland exploration, with many camping opportunities. Recommended, but not extraordinary and possibly crowded at peak season. Some cell service.

Located on the western shore of Land Between the Lakes, this is a reasonably well-maintained campground with multiple pads offering spectacular views overlooking lake to the west. Room for one or two vehicles per site, many sites available. Fire rings, tables, vault toilet. The surrounding area features a vast wilderness filled with primitive roads worthy of exploration. Requires $7 backcountry camping permit for 3 nights stay. Recommended. Excellent cell service.

Superb location for vehicle-supported camping near Red River Gorge in Slade, Kentucky. $3 per night, or $20 for an entire week. Behind coffee shop, just down the street from Miguel's Pizza. Camping area unimpressive, but spacious, with access to amenities and interesting venues. Hot-spot for outdoor adventure and rock-climbing. Red River Gorge has amazing scenery, waterfalls, and rock formations. Seek local knowledge. Highly recommended. Some cell service.

This is a flat, wooded, primitive campsite next to a lake. It is right off of a paved road. There is a fire ring. Very popular destination for locals, especially during the warm season. The site is spoiled with trash and human activity. Seems like a party spot. No cell service. Enough room for two or three vehicles. Not far from I-70 if traveling cross-country. Not recommended.