6
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Alum Ford Campground
Overview Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists of six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring. Recreation The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the Big South Fork River where it becomes Lake Cumberland. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail also passes through the campground. The Sheltowee Trace is a 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee. Facilities The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the Big South Fork River where it becomes Lake Cumberland. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail also passes through the campground. The Sheltowee Trace is a 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee. Natural Features This small campground sits above the Alum Ford Boat Ramp which provides access to the Big South Fork River. Nearby Attractions The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. Just a few miles from Stearns is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s. Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
- 6 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (6).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Alum Ford Campground special
Seven miles west of Whitley City on a winding Kentucky back road, Alum Ford Campground sits where the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River bends through a landscape of sandstone bluffs, hemlock groves, and dense Appalachian forest. This is the Kentucky side of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, a stretch of rugged gorge country that feels far more remote than its proximity to small-town McCreary County might suggest. Six sites offer a quiet, no-frills camping experience with basic amenities and no hookups. A boat launch at Alum Ford provides access to the river for canoes and kayaks, and the surrounding trail system connects to some of the most spectacular hiking in the region, including routes that wind past natural arches, rock shelters, and overlooks above the river gorge. Fishing for smallmouth bass in the Big South Fork is a local favorite. Spring wildflower season, roughly April through mid-May, transforms the forest floor into a carpet of trillium, lady slippers, and dozens of other species. Fall foliage in October is equally stunning. Summer is warm and inviting for river recreation, though humidity runs high. The campground is first-come, first-served, and its small size means it can fill on holiday weekends, so arriving on a Thursday or Friday gives you the best chance at a site. Alum Ford is pure Kentucky backcountry at a gentle pace.
Campsite Inventory
6 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE VAULT TOILETS
Accessible Vault Toilets
BOAT RAMP
Boat Ramp
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Standard
Driveway entry
Back-in
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
20, 21, 22, 23
Driveway surface
Gravel
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
6
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Riverfront
RECYCLING
Recycling
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
(423) 569-9778
biso_information@nps.gov
Getting There
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Alum Ford Campground.
How do reservations work for Alum Ford Campground?
Reservation availability for Alum Ford Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Alum Ford Campground?
Alum Ford Campground currently lists Unknown (6).
Where is Alum Ford Campground located?
Alum Ford Campground is in Tennessee near Oneida. Coordinates: 36.7652, -84.5472.
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