Alum Ford Campground

$15.00/night

Show on map (423) 569-9778 biso_information@nps.gov

Alum Ford Campground, 4947 Alum Road
Whitley City, KY 42563

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

Alum Ford Campground has six sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, bear-proof garbage cans, and food storage lockers. A vault toilet facility is also available.

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.

Camp site features

Across 6 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 6 sites
Pets allowed: all 6 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 6 sites
Largest party: 6 people

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

16 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Megan D

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The campsite was beautiful and the grounds were well-maintained.

Savannah K

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This is a beautiful place! Highly recommend!

luis m

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was clean, well-maintained, and had well-spaced-out sites. I was the only one there, which was a bit of a surprise considering the good hiking trail and the boat ramp. And while I was the only one at the campsite, it seems some of the locals get together down at the boat ramp to swim. I think they left, but I woke up around 3 AM hearing some kids. I don't know if it was the same family, which leads me to say it's a bit echoey. I could hear them talking; they left some trash and made a fire on the sand, but overall my experience at the camp was great.

Adam A

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Clean campground with bear boxes and bear safe trash and recycling cans. Convenient to the river, trails, and Yahoo Falls and Arch.

Christopher A

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Campsites are really nice. The toilets are basic but they are new and clean for what they are. There is running water and flush toilets close by at Yahoo Falls day use area if needed. The area is great for hiking and river access.

Cyril J

Loop:Na

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

This is my second time staying and I really enjoyed it. It was very quiet and very little problems with bugs. I will return.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve