Turkey Foot Campground

Open

Open year-round, 24 hours a day. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations required. No fees. Access road includes a steep gravel section and low water ford at the entrance.

Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 2:35PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Jackson KY

2:35 PM — July 2nd, 1:15 AM

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions are expected through Friday, with afternoon heat index values near or exceeding 105 degrees and only limited relief at night. * 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. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An extended period of hot and humid conditions continues through at least Friday - with the most oppressive conditions expected on Thursday.

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

Turkey Foot Campground is a primitive, free campground located off Elsam Fork Road (Forest Road 345) along the banks of War Fork Creek in Jackson County, Kentucky. The campground features 15 first-come, first-served sites, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, and lantern pole. A playfield with a horseshoe pit sits at the end of the camping area alongside the creek, and additional picnic tables are available near the water. Access requires navigating a steep gravel road with a low water ford at the campground entrance, making this location best suited for tent camping and smaller vehicles rather than large RVs or trailers. There is no potable water, electricity, or dump station available. Vault toilets meeting accessibility standards are provided. The campground serves as a trailhead for the Turkey Foot Loop Trail System (Trail #303), a 4.5-mile hiking-only trail. The nearby Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is also accessible from this area, making it an excellent base for exploring the forest.

Directions

From I-75 exit 76 (Berea/KY 21), travel east on KY 21. Stay on KY 21E (Chestnut/Big Hill Road) approximately 5 miles until it ends at US 421. Turn right (south) on US 421 and travel approximately 18.4 miles to McKee, KY. Turn left onto KY 89N and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn right on Macedonia Road for 0.5 mile, then turn left on Forest Service Road 4 (Turkey Foot Road) for 1 mile where the road turns to gravel. After 1.9 miles, turn left onto Forest Service Road 345 (Elsam Fork Road) and follow signs to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (606) 864-4163

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

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