Alum Ford Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served honor system. No advance reservations accepted. Campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site.
Black Bears at Big South Fork
Black bears call Big South Fork NRRA home. Help keep them healthy and safe by storing all food, cooking items, feed, cosmetics and coolers properly stored when at campgrounds or in the backcountry.
Firewood ban is in effect for the park.
Firewood ban is in effect for the park. Only firewood from the surrounding counties of Scott, Morgan, Pickett, and Fentress, in Tennessee, and McCreary in Kentucky, can be brought into the park. Firewood is for sale or you may use dead and down wood.
The Use of Drones is Prohibited at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited at Big South Fork and all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available...
Temporary Closure of Kentucky Trail Between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road April 12-14
Fire crews will be conducting prescribed fire operations within Big South Fork NRRA, April 12-14, between Ledbetter Ridge Road & Waters Cemetery Road.
TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON CAMPFIRES IN THE BACKCOUNTRY IN EFFECT
Due to drought conditions, there is a temporary restriction on campfires in the backcountry. Use of backpacking stoves that utilize pre-packaged compressed gas canisters is still permitted. Carry extra water as springs may be running low or dry.
Coronavirus Update 3-30-20
Changes in park operations to protect park visitors and employees from the coronavirus pandemic: All visitor centers, campgrounds, and Leatherwood Ford Day Use Area are closed. Park gates, trails, and roads are currently open. Stay tuned for updates.
Big South Fork Visitor Centers Remain Closed
All Big South Fork visitor centers remain closed until further notice.
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Temporarily Closed Until Further Notice
No entry will be allowed into the park, except for employees, residents, and other authorized persons. Through traffic is permitted.
Closure of Big Creek Road for Necessary Repairs Beginning October 5
Big Creek Road will be temporarily closed for necessary repairs to a section of embankment and roadway. Included in this closure are the road, boat launch, picnic area and Sheltowee Trace Trailhead. Repairs are estimated to be complete by October 31.
O&W Bridge Closed for Routine Inspection October 5
Tennessee Dept. of Transportation will inspect the historic bridge on October 5. The bridge will be closed to vehicles 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ET), but accessible by foot traffic if/when it is safe to do so.
Road Work Along Highway 297 to Resume June 8, 2022
Repairs to Highway 297 at Big South Fork will resume June 8, with crews milling/paving the Cumberland River Bridge and sections of Highway 297 within the park boundaries. Work is scheduled to take place Monday thru Friday, expect minimal traffic delays.
Temporary Closure of John Muir Trail Bridge at Station Camp Creek
Effective January 13, 2022, the trail bridge on John Muir Trail/Sheltowee Trace Trail that crosses Station Camp Creek will be temporarily closed for repairs.
Bandy Creek Pool Closed for Staff Training June 9, 2023
Bandy Creek Pool will be closed Friday, June 9, 2023. Lifeguards will be participating in mandatory training during that time. The pool will reopen Saturday, June 10.
All Open Fires Prohibited Due to Very Dry Conditions
Due to the extremely dry conditions currently being experienced, park officials have determined that it is necessary to prohibit the use of all open fires and activities, which unduly increase fire danger.
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Closed
Bandy Creek Visitor Center is closed today, January 19, due to hazardous weather conditions. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected throughout today.
Temporary Trail Closure During Ongoing Storm Recovery
Work crews at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area have cleared all roads and most trails of hazardous trees from the major weather event on May 26. Due to safety concerns, some trails are still closed to all pedestrian, bike, and horse traffic
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed Due to Inclement Weather
Bandy Creek Visitor Center Will Be Closed February 20, 2025, Due to Inclement Weather
Temporary Partial Closure of Twin Arches Loop Trail for Rehabilitation
The Twin Arches Loop Trail will undergo partial closures for stair and ladder rehabilitation. One side of the loop will close at a time, but access to the Twin Arches will remain open via an out-and-back hike.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| biso_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (423) 569-9778 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Regulations | |
| NPS Campground Website |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!