USDA  Forest Service
 
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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest

1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568




Camping on London Ranger District

Protect our forests. Don't move firewood...

2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).

Developed Campgrounds on London Ranger District.

Learn about campground rules and regulations.

Kentucky law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public places and prohibits open containers of alcohol.

Note: Please contact Ranger Stations in early and late season to verify campgrounds are open.

London Ranger District
761 S. Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
606-864-4163

Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROGS) are letter-sized information sheets about our campgrounds, recreation areas and trails. The front page of the ROG will tell you how to get there, what facilities are available, if a fee is required, contact information, safety tips, historic information and much more. The back page of the ROG has a map of the campground. These ROGs are available in PDF formats. If you don't have a PDF reader, Download FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

S-Tree | Turkey Foot | Grove Drive-In | Grove Boat-In | Holly Bay

Craigs Creek Group Use | Rockcastle | White Oak Boat In

S-Tree Campground

Description S-Tree Campground, next to Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, is in a remote forest setting. It has vault toilets and a picnic shelter. No drinking water is available. Hiking, OHV, bike and horseback riding are allowed on portions of the Sheltowee Trace and Renfro Loop Trail. Each campsite has a gravel parking space, tent pad, fire ring, picnic table and lantern pole. There are twenty sites. Please pack out your trash.
Phone 606-864-4163 (London Ranger Station)
Season 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Fee None
Directions Take US 421 west from McKee for 0.5 mile, turn left (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, turn right (west) on Forest Road 43. Go 1 mile, turn left (south) on Forest Road 20 and follow the signs.
Map S-Tree Campground map (pdf)

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Turkey Foot Campground

Description This campground is located near War Fork Creek. The campground has vault toilets, a picnic area, and a playing field. No drinking water is available. Hiking, OHV, mountain bike and horseback riding are allowed on portions of the Sheltowee Trace. Each campsite has a gravel parking space, tent pad, fire ring, picnic table and lantern pole. There are fifteen sites. Please pack out your trash.
Name 606-864-4163 (London District Office)
Season 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Directions Take KY 89 north from McKee for 3 miles, turn right (east) on Forest Road 4, follow the signs for 3 miles.
ROG/Map Turkey Foot map (pdf)

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Grove Drive-In Campground

Description Grove Campground sits on a ridge above Laurel River Lake, about 10 miles from Corbin, KY and 15 miles from Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. The lakeshore can be reached by trails or by making the short drive to Grove Marina.
Phone London District Office 606-864-4163
Campground Seasonal 606-528-6156
Reservations For reservations (on Loop B) contact http://www.recreation.gov/ or call 1-877-444-6777 or 1-877-833-6777 (for hearing impaired). Reservations must be made at least five days in advance. Campsites may be reserved for the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. All other sites are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites are usually filled on weekends during the peak camping season.
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Directions From I-75 at the south Corbin interchange (exit 25), take US 25W for 5 miles, turn right (north) on KY 1193. Go 2 miles. Turn right (northeast) on Forest Road 558. Go 3 miles to Grove.
Sites Most of the sites are wooded. Each site has a paved vehicle pad, gravel tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Drive-in sites have electric and water located at the site. Walk-in sites have access to centrally located water but do not have electricity. This campground has 52 drive-in sites and 4 walk-in tent sites. Restrooms/showers and dumpsters are centrally located and a recreation vehicle dump station is located near the entrance.
Other Amenities GROVE MARINA. Grove Marina is a full-service marina located within 1/2 mile of the campground. Campers can obtain rental boats, camping and fishing supplies, fishing licenses, and detailed maps of the lake. The marina is open year round. A public boat ramp is located at the marina.
SWIMMING. There is no beach at the campground. Swimmers are welcome at the public beach operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is located at Laurel River Dam.
TRAILS. Several short trails lead to overlooks and the lake. Detailed information and maps of other hiking trails may be obtained at the campground entrance station.
ROG/Map Grove Drive-In Map (pdf)

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Grove Boat-In Campground

Description Grove Boat-In Campground is accessible by boat from Laurel River Lake or by trail from Grove Campground. The campground sits at the end of two peninsulas separated by a small bay. These campsites are favored by boat owners who wish to keep their boats near their campsite. There are 31 lakeside tent sites. 
Phone No reservations. Call 606-528-6156 (Grove Campground-seasonal) or 606-864-4163 (London District Office).
Season/Fee 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Directions From I-75 at the south Corbin interchange (exit 25), take US 25W west for 5 miles, turn right (north) on KY 1193, go 2 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 558. Go 3 miles to Grove, then 0.5 mile to Grove boat launch and boat 1 mile north to campground.
Sites Most of the sites are near the water’s edge, with moorings near each site. The sites are spaced well apart and provide a sense of seclusion. Each site has a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Self-serve pay stations, water, and vault toilets are centrally located. There are no flush toilets or showers.
Other Amenities SWIMMING. There is no beach at the campground. Swimmers are welcome at the public beach operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is located at Laurel River Dam.
TRAILS. A service road connects the boat-in campground to Grove Drive-In Campground, which has several loop trails.
GROVE MARINA AND BOAT RAMPS. Grove Marina is a full-service marina located within 1/2 mile of the campground. The marina is owned and operated by a private interest under agreement with the Forest Service. Campers can obtain rental boats, camping and fishing supplies, fishing licenses, and detailed maps of the lake. The marina is open year round and is handicap accessible. A public boat ramp is located at the marina. Other nearby boat ramps are Flatwoods and High Top.
ROG/Map Grove Boat-In Map (pdf)

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Holly Bay Campground

Description Holly Bay Campground is located on the west side of Laurel River Lake, about two miles south of Laurel River Dam. The campground is popular because of its sheltered wooded sites and close proximity to the lake.
Phone 606-864-4163 (London District Office) or 606-878-8134 (campground seasonal)
Reservations For reservations (on loops D & H) contact http://www.recreation.gov/ or call 1-877-444-6777 or 1-877-833-6777 (for hearing impaired). Reservations must be made at least five days in advance. Campsites may be reserved for the period obetween Memorial Day and Labor Day. All other sites are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites are usually filled by mid-week during the peak camping season. Drive-in sites are the first to fill.
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Directions From I-75 at the London interchange (exit 38), take KY 192 west for 14.2 miles, turn left (south) on KY 1193, go 3 miles.
Sites A number of sites offer a view of the water, but none are located directly on the shoreline of the lake. Each site has a paved vehicle pad, gravel tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and lantern poles. Drive-in sites have electricity and water located at the site. Walk-in tent sites have access to centrally located water but do not have electricity available. This campground features 75 drive-in and 19 walk-in tent sites, centrally located dumpsters, restrooms, showers and camper’s boat ramp. There is a recreation vehicle dump station located near the entrance. Interpretive programs are presented during the summer.
Other Amenities HOLLY BAY MARINA. Holly Bay Marina is a full-service marina location within 1/2 mile of the campground. The marina is owned and operated by a private interest under agreement with the Forest Service. Campers can obtain rental boats, camping and fishing supplies, fishing licenses, and detailed maps of the lake. The marina is open year round and is handicap accessible. A public boat ramp is located at the marina.
SWIMMING. There is no beach at the campground. Swimmers are welcome at the public beach operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is located at Laurel River Dam.
TRAILS. The Wintergreen Trail begins at the campground amphitheater and makes a 1 mile loop within the campground. The 269–mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail also passes through the campground. Several other hiking trails are located within a ten-minute drive of the campground. Detailed information and maps may be obtained at the campground entrance station or the London District Office.
NATURALIST PROGRAMS. During the summer, campers are welcome to attend programs on the area’s natural and cultural history. Check with the London District Office or the campground bulletin board for information on times and locations.
ROG/Map Holly Bay Campground map (pdf)

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Craigs Creek Group Use Campground

Description Tucked away on the backwaters of Good’s Branch on Laurel River Lake, Craigs Creek Group Use Area is the only group camp on the London District. It sits on the site of an old farm. Campsites are sheltered by walnut and pine trees. The group area has a large playing field as well as a volleyball court and horseshoe pits. 
Phone 606-864-4163 (London District Office) or 606-528-6156 (campground seasonal)
Reservations Sites are available by reservation only through http://www.recreation.gov/ or call 1-877-444-6777 or 1-877-833-6777 (for hearing impaired).
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Directions From I-75 at the London interchange (exit 38), take KY 192 west for 12.2 miles, turn left (south) on Forest Road 62, go 2 miles to the site.
Sites The group-use sites feature picnic tables, fire circle, lantern posts, and large pedestal grill. Vault toilets, water, and trash bins are centrally located. Two of the sites accommodate up to 30 people and one has a maximum occupancy of 60 people. There is no electricity.
Other Amenities PICNIC SHELTER. The picnic shelter can be reserved by campers or by groups that want to use it for the day only.
SWIMMING. There is no beach at the campground. Swimmers are welcome at the public beach operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is located at Laurel River Dam.
BOAT RAMPS. The nearest boat ramp is Craigs Creek Boat Ramp, about 3/4 mile from the group use area.
TRAIL #420. Craigs Creek Trail #420 connects the group camp with the boat ramp. This fairly level graveled walk offers several nice views of Laurel River Lake.
ROG/Map Craigs Creek Group Use Campground Map (pdf)

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Rockcastle Campground

Description Rockcastle Campground is located on the backwaters of Lake Cumberland at the mouth of the Rockcastle River. The campground is bounded on one side by the lake and on the other side by massive sandstone cliffs.
Phone London Dock Marina - 606-864-5225.
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Sites Most of the campsites are designed for tent camping although a few are large enough to accommodate pop-up campers. Each site has tent pad, grill, picnic table, and lantern poles. The sites are near the water’s edge. 24 sites, a few suitable for pop-up campers. Water: Centrally located in campground area. Restrooms: Vault toilets.
Directions From I-75 at London exit 38, turn west on KY 192, go 14 miles, then turn south (left) on KY 1193 for 1 mile, turn west on KY 3497, go 6 miles to end of road.
Other Amenities PICNIC SHELTER: Picnic shelter is located near the campground entrance and is available on a first come, first served basis.
MARINA. There is a full service marina at the campground. The marina is owned and operated by a private interest under agreement with the Forest Service. Campers can obtain rental boats, camping/fishing supplies, fishing licenses and detailed maps of the area. The marina is open April through November.
TRAILS. Some of the most popular hiking trails on the London District leave from the campground. Dutch Branch trail is one mile long and leads hikers through a rich cove forest of beech and hemlock. Scuttle Hole Trail climbs through a crack in the cliffs to reach overlooks of the lake. Lakeside South trail follows the shore of the lake and connects with Twin Branch and Ned Branch trails to form a seven mile loop around the campground. Detailed information and maps are available at the marina or the London District office.
ROG/Map Rockcastle Campground map (pdf)

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White Oak Boat-In Campground

Description White Oak Boat-In Campground is one of two boat-in campgrounds on Laurel River Lake. It is accessible by boat or by a foot trail which begins near Marsh Branch boat ramp. The boat-in campgrounds are popular with boaters who wish to keep their boat near their campsite. 
Phone 606-864-4163 (London Ranger Station) or 606-528-6156 (Grove campground - seasonal)
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Sites Most of the campsites are located near the water's edge and there are moorings near each site. The sites are spaced far enough apart to provide a sense of seclusion. Sites have a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. Self-serve pay stations, water and vault toilets are centrally located. There are no flush toilets or showers. Accessible by boat or via 2-mile walk on trail #430; trailhead located adjacent to Marsh Branch Boat Ramp. 51 sites. Drinking water and chemical toilets, centrally located.
Directions Located on the west side of Laurel River Lake near Marsh Branch boat ramp From I-75 at the London interchange (exit 38), take KY 192 west for 12 miles, turn left (south) on Forest Road 774, go 2 miles to Marsh Branch boat launch. Boat in 1 mile south to campground.
Other Amenities SWIMMING. There is no beach at the campground, but there is a public beach operated by the Army Corps of Engineers at Laurel River Dam.
HIKING. Cold Rock School trail connects the campground to a trailhead rear Marsh Branch boat ramp. The trail is 3.3 miles long and is marked with white diamonds on trees.
MARINA/BOAT RAMP. The nearest marina is at Holly Bay. Marsh Branch boat ramp provides the nearest access to the campground.
ROG/Map White Oak Boat-In Campground map (pdf)

 

Bee Rock Campground

Description The Bee Rock Overlook presents a beautiful view of the dramatic rocks and cliffs along the Rockcastle River. The Bee Rock Campground features camping units on the east and west sides of the Rockcastle River.
The cliff known as Bee Rock was once hollow. Old folk tales relate that there were so many honey bees in the area that they blotted out the sun. Their invasion of local beehives became so great that local beekeepers dynamited the cliff and destroyed Bee Rock. According to the legend, there was so much honey that it flowed down the cliff and into the Rockcastle River.
The campground also features the Old Sublimity Bridge, a historical structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s. The stone used in the abutments was quarried from the adjacent sandstone cliff.
Phone 606-864-4163 (London District Office)
Season/Fees 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Sites West Side: 18 single, 1 double; East Side: 8 single, 1 double disabled accessible.
Restrictions BE AWARE: Swift currents and undertows on this river can make swimming and wading very dangerous. No swimming within 100 feet of boat ramp. Low-lying areas are prone to flooding.
Directions From I-75 at London exit 38 (London), turn west on KY 192, go 18 miles to the bridge over Rockcastle River between Somerset & London.
Other Amenities Drinking water at campground. No water in the winter.
Restrooms: Disabled accessible pit toilets at campground.
Accessibility 1 disabled accessible tent site on East side; disabled accessible toilets.
ROG/Map Bee Rock Campground (pdf file)

 

Little Lick Campground

Description Little Lick sits on a long ridgetop north of the Cumberland River, west of the Rockcastle River, and offers plenty of opportunities to see the natural beauty of the forest. The campsites are improved, with tent pads, fire grates, lantern holders, and picnic tables. This campground was designed for horses, providing access to the Nathan McClure Trail. Loading and unloading areas for horses are located at the end of the trail along with parking spaces for vehicles. If you wish to ride the trail only halfway, there is a pickup point midway along the Nathan McClure Trail.

Phone 606-864-4163 (London Ranger Station)
Season 2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).
Fees None
Sites 6 family units. 2 double units.
Restrictions When parking, do not block access to gates
Directions Take KY 192 east from Somerset for 21 miles, turn right (south) on Forest Road 122. Follow signs on Forest Road 816B for 8 miles.
Other Amenities No drinking water. Streams for horses. Restrooms are vault toilets.
Horse trailer parking available.
ROG/Map Little Lick Campground (pdf file with map of campground and trails)

 

Note: Please contact Ranger Stationsin early and late season to verify campgrounds are open.

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Author: Recreation staff
Last Updated: February 10, 2009

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