USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
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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
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
Back to top
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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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