Daniel Boone National Forest Guide
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Daniel Boone National Forest, spanning over 708,000 acresin eastern Kentucky, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its rugged sandstone cliffs, sprawling woodlands, and more than 600 miles of trails. Popular attractions include the Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls (also known as the "Niagara of the South"), and scenic lakes like Cave Run and Laurel River Lake. The forest's diverse landscapes are ideal for hiking, boating, climbing, and wildlife watching.
Camping in Daniel Boone National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest offers a range of campground options, from basic sites to more developed ones,with amenities like showers, electricity, flush toilets, and water. Some campgrounds require reservations, so check in advance to find a site that meets your needs.
Paid Campgrounds
Grove Boat-In Campground
$23-$40 per night.
Zilpo Campground
$25–$38/night; additional fees: $10/electric, $8/extra vehicle, $8/RV dump station.
Koomer Ridge Campground
$22-$30 per night for a tent site; $8/extra vehicle.
Holly Bay Campground
$25–$76 per night; extra vehicle: $10; dump fee: $10.
White Oak Boat-In Campground
$23-$40 per night.
Grove Drive-in Campground
$25–$76 (includes hookup surcharges).
Holly Bay Campground
$38-$76 per night. Extra vehicle fee: $10; dump fee: $10 (non-registered camper).
Private Campgrounds Near Daniel Boone National Forest
Before planning your trip to the forest, check out the top campgrounds in Kentucky. You can also look for campgrounds in nearby cities.
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds
Red River Gorge Geological Area (various sites)
No trail use fee. Vehicles in the Red River Gorge and Indian Creek area (north of KY 15) must display a permit for backcountry camping between 10 P.M. and 6 A.M.: $5/day, $7/3 days, or $50/annual pass.
S-Tree Campground
Free.
Turkey Foot Campground
Free.
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
Free.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
Cave Run Lake
Free. Some areas and boat ramps require a fee pass purchase.
Laurel River Lake
Free. A recreation fee applies to boat ramps at Flatwoods, Grove, Holly Bay, Marsh Branch, Craigs Creek, and Laurel Bridge.
Barren Fork Horse Camp
$15 per night.
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Holly Bay Campground
Holly Bay Campground sits on the west side region of Laurel River Lake on London Ranger District. It offers a total of 75 RV sites with electric and water hookups. Each site offers a paved vehicle pad, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. An incline boat ramp and fish cleaning station are available on site. Holly Bay Marina is a full-service facility nearby with fishing equipment, boat rentals, and camping supplies. The campground offers a family- and pet-friendly environment.
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Cumberland Falls Campground
Enjoy the great outdoors in Cumberland Falls Campground, featuring 50 campsites with water and electric hookups. The campground is currently open from mid-March to mid-November. It is a pet-friendly setting with plenty of amenities such as a grocery store, dump station, restrooms, and showers.
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Corbin/Laurel KOA
Corbin/Laurel KOA is a big-rig-friendly, pull-through RV campground with water, sewer, and electric hookups. At camp, you can enjoy the swimming pool, shade from mature trees, cable TV, and Wi-Fi accessibility at most campsites. The campground also provides propane and firewood for purchase. Plus, it has a dog park for your furry family members.
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Rockcastle Riverside Campground
Rockcastle Riverside Campground features 40 RV sites with each having electric and water hookups. The campground offers a full-service dump station. Kayaking, rock climbing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking are a few things to do here. Festivals are also held at this campground, and musicians come from all over to play for the campers. Pets that are leashed and service animals are welcome at this campground. RV rates start at $35 a night.
RV Rentals Near Daniel Boone National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore the diverse hiking trails in Daniel Boone National Forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Easy Trails
Rock Bridge Trail Distance: 1.4 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Markers Arch Trail
Distance: 0.81 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Neds Branch Trail #405
Distance: 4.97 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Sheltowee Trace NRT: Section 15
Distance: 6.77 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Chimney Top Trail
Distance: 0.68 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Challenging Trails
Sheltowee Trace NRT - Northern Terminus to Cave Run Lake
Distance: 38.27 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Swift Camp Creek Trail # 219
Distance: 6.7 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Auxier Ridge Trail #204
Distance: 1.99 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Gray’s Arch Trail Distance: 2.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Indian Staircase Trail
Distance: 2.98 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
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Van Hook Falls and Cane Creek Valley
This trail enters the primitive Cane Creek Wildlife Management Area, descending to gorgeous Cane Creek with its huge rock slab formations. Then, it veers north past Cane Creek to reach Van Hook Falls. Along the trail are rock formations, sandstone bluffs, and waterfalls. The waterfalls along the pathway tend to flow with more current after a good rain, but that also means it will most likely be muddy.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bark Camp Trail
The Bark Camp Trail sits within the London Ranger District, not far from the town of Corbin. It follows along the north side of Bark Camp Creek and passes under rock shelters and cliffs. After about a mile from the trailhead, you'll come across a small beautiful waterfall. When you reach the junction with Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, you'll see a beautiful cascading falls flowing over the rocks. The creek is well stocked with rainbow trout and other freshwater fish.
Length: 6.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Hawk Creek Valley Suspension Bridge Trail
Hawk Creek Valley Suspension Bridge Trail crosses over Hawk Creek, which is generally well-stocked with various fish species. The trail is highly trafficked and worth it to view the amazing overlooks, 100-foot suspension bridge, and several waterfalls. The route of the trail has an elevation gain of about 560 feet. Pets are allowed on the trail.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Courthouse Rock and Double Arch via Auxier Ridge Loop
The trail is heavily trafficked and primarily used for hiking, backpacking, camping, and rock climbing. The Courthouse Rock and Double Arch trailhead are just past Gray's Arch picnic area. You will catch scenic views of Double Arch, Raven's Rock, and Courthouse Rock along the trail. As you follow the staircase down the ridge to meet up to the Auxier Ridge Loop, located in the Red River Gorge, you'll see sheer cliffs on each side of the ridge.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Lick Creek Trail
Lick Creek Trail is situated near Whitley City, Kentucky. It follows an old roadbed along a ridge for approximately 1 mile before changing to a footpath. You'll encounter some metal staircases that were placed on the trail to simplify its intensity. The trail also features rock overhangs, shelters, woodlands, foliage, and scenic views of the surrounding valley. Near the end of the trail, you'll pass under a waterfall.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Buffalo Canyon Trail
The Buffalo Canyon Trail starts at the Natural Arch Scenic Area. On the trail, you will experience many beautiful views of wildflowers and other nature. The trail is accessible all year round but can become muddy and slippery after a rainfall or winter snowstorm. It's primarily used for nature trips, bird-watching, and hiking.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Daniel Boone National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Hiking:There are a variety of trails, from short scenic hikes to challenging backcountry routes. Popular options include the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and trails in Red River Gorge, perfect for all skill levels.
Rock Climbing:The sandstone cliffs of Red River Gorge offer challenging overhangs and stunning routes. Climbing is permitted except in posted closed areas.
Fishing:Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, and Rockcastle River offer excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can also try trout fishing in stocked streams and peaceful shoreline fishing at designated lakes and ponds. A Kentucky fishing license is required.
Water Activities:Daniel Boone National Forest offers boating, kayaking, and tubing at Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake, and major rivers like the Red and Rockcastle. Swimming is popular at Zilpo, Twin Knobs, and Laurel River Lake, with scuba diving allowed at Laurel River Lake.
Wildlife Watching:Spot elk, black bears, eagles, and falcons at top locations like Shallow Flats, Red River Gorge, Laurel River Lake, Redbird WMA, and Beaver Creek WMA. Remember to respect wildlife and their habitats.
Stargazing:Daniel Boone National Forest, a recognized dark sky location, offers clear, uninterrupted views of the stars, particularly at Red River Gorge.
Target Shooting: The Daniel Boone National Forest features four year-round shooting ranges: Clear Creek, Whitman Branch, Appletree, and Keno. These ranges are perfect for practicing safe hunting.
OHV Trail Riding:The Daniel Boone National Forest offers over 150 miles of OHV trails, including the Redbird Crest and White Sulphur OHV Trail systems, which require a fee pass.
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Hiking
The forest has well over 600 miles of trails that take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The trails also provide horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities.
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Fishing
You can fish in several routinely stocked streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout the forest.
How to get to Daniel Boone National Forest
Address: 1700 Bypass Road, London, KY 40744
Fee: Entry fee $3.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Boone National Forest
Does Daniel Boone National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Daniel Boone National Forest has free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest as long as you leave no trace when it's time to break camp.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Daniel Boone National Forest. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days while dispersed camping in the forest. Developed campgrounds may have different limits on their stays, and guests should check with their individual campgrounds to see those limits.
Is Daniel Boone National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Daniel Boone National Forest is open all year-round. Hikers and bikers can access the forest anytime during the year, and will find plenty to do.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak, canoe, and raft in Daniel Boone National Forest. The areas many lakes and streams make great spots for water activities and paddling.
What type of wildlife lives in Daniel Boone National Forest?
Wildlife living in Daniel Boone National Forest includes bears, white-tailed deer, squirrels, foxes, quail, mink, muskrats, and raccoons. You'll also find many birds and fish in the forest as well.
