Barren Fork Horse Camp

Open

Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates April 1 through November 15. Sites are first-come, first-served at $15 per night, payable by cash or check via fee envelope. Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders receive 50% off.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 2:48PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY

2:48 PM — July 3rd, 12:30 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values near or exceeding 105 degrees. Additionally, low temperatures mainly in the 70s will provide only limited relief tonight. * WHERE...Portions of east central, northeast, south central, and southeast Kentucky. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Fees waived at Natural Arch, Billy Branch for Independence Day, July 4

In recognition of Independence Day, visitors will not be charged recreation fees at standard amenity fee* sites, Saturday, July 4, 2026. *Standard amenity fees are often charged at picnic areas, developed trailheads and destination visitor centers. Natural Arch Picnic Area and Billy Branch Picnic…

Daniel Boone National Forest

Offices closed for Independence Day, July 3

All Forest offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, in recognition of Independence Day. Offices will resume normal hours of operation Monday, July 6, 2026.

About

Barren Fork Horse Camp sits on historic ground in the Daniel Boone National Forest, occupying the site of a former coal mining town that operated from 1881 to 1935 under the Barren Fork Mining and Coal Company. Today, it serves as a premier equestrian destination in southeastern Kentucky with 41 campsites designed to accommodate horse trailers and RVs up to 35 feet in length. The campground provides essential amenities including potable water from faucets, vault toilets that meet ADA accessibility standards, and picnic tables at the shelter and select campsites. A group picnic shelter accommodates up to 50 people on a first-come, first-served basis unless reserved. A nearby pond serves dual purposes: watering horses and fishing. Several interconnecting trails depart from or near the campground, including Arabian Trail (4 miles), Canter Trail (2.75 miles), and connections to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail Section 30 (10 miles). All horses and pack animals require a negative Coggins test and valid veterinary inspection certificate.

Directions

From Somerset, take US 27 south 22 miles. From I-75: Take exit 25 for US 25W toward Corbin. Turn right at US-25W S/Cumberland Falls Road and go 7.4 miles, then take a slight right at KY 90 W. Go 20 miles and turn south onto US 27 for 5.7 miles to Stearns Ranger District office. From the Stearns Ranger District Office, take Barren Fork Road (Forest Service Road 684) for 0.8 miles. Turn right at the split in road. Go 0.1 mile to campground on right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length 35ft
Max Trailer Length 35ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (606) 376-5323

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

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