USDA Forest Service
 
"" Daniel Boone National Forest USDA Logo and Forest Service Shield
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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 Rules and Regulations

Campground Camping

As a visitor to the National Forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and the natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety. Visitors found in violation of rules may face removal from these facilities, and the possibility of legal action.

OBEY FEDERAL LAWS
All visitors and users of the National Forest are subject to Federal Regulations. The points of conduct listed above are generally included in and enforceable through Federal Regulations. All of the regulations are published in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger Offices. Violation of orders and Regulations is subject to punishment by a fine or imprisonment. Authority: 16 USC 551, 7 USC 1011 (f).

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

Protect our forests. Don't move firewood.

CAMPING

  • You must be 18 years of age or older to register for a campsite.
  • Use picnic sites, swimming beaches, and other day use areas only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. At some campgrounds, visitors must obtain a Day Use Permit prior to entering the campground.
  • Campgrounds and other recreation sites can be used only for recreation purposes. Permanent use or use as a principal residence is not allowed.
  • Maximum length of stay is is 14 days, then you have to move.
  • A single site may be used by up to 6 persons with 2 vehicles. A double site may be used by up to 12 persons with 4 vehicles. Visitors and additional vehicles may be charged.
  • Only registered campers are permitted after 10 p.m.
  • Observe posted check out times. If you are late leaving, you will be charged for any additional night.
  • In campgrounds, camp only in designated sites. Do not camp in the woods or on grass.
  • A campsite must be occupied the first night of the period the facilities have been reserved. You must put a tent or a camper on the site after you have registered and paid for the site so it is obviously occupied.
  • Camping equipment cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours without permission by the Forest Ranger.
  • The federal government and concessionaires are not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
  • Remove all personal property and put your trash in refuse containers when leaving.
  • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Turn off all music and refrain from any loud activities or noises. If a neighbor camper is disturbing you, please bring it to the attention of the campground host. Generators may be used for a total of no more than 3 hours between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Pets must always be restrained or on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets are not allowed in beach swimming areas or restrooms. Pets are not to be left barking or unattended. Owners are responsible for cleaning up waste from their pets.
  • Use of fireworks or other explosives is prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
  • Alcohol intoxication or drinking alcoholic beverages in a public place is prohibited.

KEEP SITES CLEAN

  • Keep your site clean of all litter and waste. Keep garbage, litter and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other water.
  • Throw all garbage and litter in dumpsters and recycle bins provided for this purpose or take it with you
  • Garbage containers are reserved for the use of campers and visitors only.
  • Water is for personal use only. Washing cars, boats or RVs is prohibited.
  • Do not wash food, clothing, dishes or personal items, or clean fish in restrooms or at water hydrants. Electric cords may not be used in restrooms. Use water faucets for drawing water only.
  • Prevent pollution. Keep garbage, litter and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other water.
  • Use toilets properly. Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings, or other foreign substances in toilets and plumbing fixtures. 

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

  • Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times.
  • Build fires only in fire rings provided for that purpose. Firewood must be small enough to fit inside the fire ring.
  • Do not put cans, bottles, plastic, food or rocks in fire ring.
  • Do not start campfires with gasoline or camping fuel. Keep flammable materials away from campfires.
  • YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING FIRES UNDER CONTROL.
  • Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving your site or going to sleep at night.

Operation of Vehicles

  • Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to the National Forests unless otherwise specified.
  • When operating vehicles of any kind, do not damage the land or vegetation, or disturb wildlife.
  • Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them. Park only in marked parking areas.
  • Do not block, restrict, or interfere with the use of roads or trails.
  • Operate trail bikes and other off road vehicles to avoid damage to the forest. Obey area and trail restrictions on such use. 

Property

  • Do not carve, chop, cut, or damage any live trees.
  • Preserve and protect your National Forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them.
  • Buildings, structures, or enclosed areas in National Forests may be entered only when expressly opened to the public.
  • Indian sites, old cabins, and other structures, along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archeological value. Do not damage or remove any such historic or archaeological resource. 

Public Behavior

  • No fighting or boisterous behavior.
  • Keep noise at a reasonable level.

Audio Devices

  • Operate any audio device such as a radio or musical instrument, so that it will not disturb other Forest visitors.
  • A permit is required to operate a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over a body of water. 

Business Activities

Permits are required for
— Selling any merchandise.
— Posting or distributing any handbill, circular, paper or notice.
— Conducting or participating in a public meeting, assembly, or special event. 

Fireworks and Firearms

Use of fireworks or other explosives is prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
Firing a gun is not allowed:

— In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area.
— Across or on a road or body of water.
— In any circumstances whereby any person may be injured or property damaged. 

Backcountry (Dispersed) Camping

RESPECT ROCKSHELTERS!

History:

Rockshelters contain valuable archaeological evidence and historic structural remains that provide insight into the lives of historic and prehistoric people who lived in this area.  

Description:

Rockshelters provide excellent preservation for plant remains, animal bones, and other objects used by ancient Native Americans and early pioneers. The earliest signs of prehistoric agriculture have been documented from botanical remains found in rockshelters in eastern Kentucky.

Rockshelters also provide habitat for unique plant and animal species like the white-haired goldenrod (found only in the Red River Gorge) and the Virginia big-eared bat.  

Threats:

Camping, climbing, rappelling, burning, and digging in rockshelters can impact or even destroy these non-renewable resources. When rockshelter soils are mixed, compacted, or heated by these activities, the historic and prehistoric remains (especially the botanical remains) can be destroyed. Once destroyed, this valuable evidence is gone forever. 

To help, remember...

  • Camping in rockshelters is prohibited forestwide. Camp at least 100 feet away from the base of any cliff, or the back of any rockshelter. Obey signs like the at left and stay out of fenced areas.
  • Building a fire is prohibited in rockshelters. Fire destroys prehistoric organic materials, impairs the dating potential of artifacts, and damages or even destroys rock art by covering it with soot.
  • Do not build a campfire or use a stove fire within 100 feet of the base of any cliff or the back of any rockshelter.
  • Leave rockshelters undisturbed by not digging in the soil, moving rocks, or trampling the ground. Collecting or digging for artifacts is prohibited by federal law.
  • Do not use historic wooden remains found in rockshelters as firewood. These are pieces of our heritage.
  • Rockshelters are not toilet facilities. Please dispose of human waste properly using Leave No Trace techniques.
  • Avoid climbing in or rappelling into rockshelters. Archaeological sites often extend outside of rockshelter driplines. For your own safety, please do not climb above fenced area.
  • All artifacts and cultural resources are protected by state and federal laws. Report looting or vandalism to the nearest ranger stationor law enforcement officer.

More information on rockshelters and heritage resources is available at the Gladie Cultural–Environmental Learning Center located in the Red River Gorge on Cumberland District.

 

Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated: December 22, 2008

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