Alum Ford Campground

About

Alum Ford Campground sits above the Alum Ford Boat Launch in the remote Kentucky portion of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, accessible via Highway 700 approximately seven miles west of Whitley City. This primitive campground offers six campsites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and bear-proof food storage lockers. The campground operates on an honor system with a self-pay station and is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. The location provides direct access to the Alum Ford Boat Ramp for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, allowing paddlers and boaters to explore the section of Big South Fork River where it transitions into Lake Cumberland. The renowned Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, a 260-mile backcountry trail traversing Daniel Boone National Forest and connecting multiple state parks in Kentucky and Tennessee, passes directly through the campground, making it an ideal base for long-distance hikers. This is a primitive facility with vault toilets but no potable water, showers, or hookups. Campers must bring their own water and properly store all food and scented items in vehicles or the provided bear-proof lockers, as black bears are active in the area. The campground features one accessible site near the vault toilet. Alcohol is prohibited in the Kentucky area of the park. Sites accommodate up to six people, and RVs are not suitable for this campground due to the primitive nature and site configuration.

Directions

Exit I-75 onto Highway 92 at Williamsburg (Exit 11). Turn right on Highway 92 for approximately 7 miles to the intersection of Highway 700 and US 27. Turn left onto Highway 700 and continue approximately 5.5 miles to the campground at the end of the road.