Back Country Camping in Kentucky
When most people think of going camping, they head for the traditional campground equipped with cabins, showers, rec centers, even playgrounds for the kids; but if you want to really experience the elements, back country camping is for you. Some of the best back country camping awaits you in Kentucky. You can pitch your tent in the middle of nowhere, fish from some of America's most awesome lakes and wake up to a beautiful sunrise.
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Land Between the Lakes
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Land Between the Lakes is a prime place to go for back country camping; you can really get beyond the sidewalks here on 170,000 acres of uncultivated land and over 300 miles of shoreline.There is total isolation in the forests and hiking trails and back country camping is permitted year round anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except for cemeteries, picnic areas, fee campgrounds, the Environmental Education Area and within 200 yards of Highway 68. You'll need to get a Back Country Camping Permit at the Visitor's Center at Golden Pond.
Cumberland Gap
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Cumberland Gap National Historic Park has trails that lead to remote wilderness areas where back country camping is allowed with a permit; the permits are free and you can get one at the Visitors Center. When camping here be aware of bears, which are active in Cumberland Gap. For your protection keep all your food stored inside your vehicle until you plan to use it and dispose of all trash in park bear-proof containers.
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Red River Gorge
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The Red River Gorge is inside the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Here you'll find 40 acres of good, level camping ground where there's plenty of room to pitch your tent and enjoy a primitive camping experience.You'll also have access to 1,200 feet of the Red River for fishing and boating, so bring your canoe or small boat. If you want to hike, there are nature trails and horses are welcome. Red River Gorge is just minutes from Natural Bridge State Park.
Big South Fork
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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area claims 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau and has stunning natural geological formations and lush vegetation. You'll see picturesque gorges and sandstone bluffs in this vast wilderness and back country camping permits aren't required, but are recommended for your safety. The Bandy Creek Campground here is in the Tennessee portion of Big South Fork and has 181 campsites; some have water and electric hook ups and some are sites for tent camping. Other good camping sites are Honey Creek Overlook and Blue Heron.
Mammoth Cave
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When you visit Mammoth Cave National Park you can hike, canoe, go caving and go camping. Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system and is a great place to "rough it;" there are dozens of campsites in the back country and along the rivers here. Three of the campsites are developed and at least a dozen are primitive sites along the Green and Nolin Rivers.
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References
- Photo Credit camping in the forest image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
