Barren Fork Horse Camp

Show on map 606-376-5323

Barren Fork Horse Camp is a popular campground for horseback riders who enjoy the forest setting. Several interconnecting trails provide miles of riding pleasure. A nearby pond has water for horses. Visitors can also enjoy fishing at a nearby pond. Campers without horses are welcome to camp here. There are no hookups or dumping stations.

View Guide with Map

Barren Fork Area Trail Map, 11x17

The campground offers 41 campsites that accommodate horse trailers and RVs up to 35 feet. A picnic shelter at the campground is available for group-use.

Negative Coggins Test Required. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture requires a negative Coggins or similar test for equine infectious anemia and a valid certificate of veterinary inspection.

Area Trails: Arabian #622 (4 miles) and Canter #625 (2.75 miles) are close to the horse camp and connect with other trails such as the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail Section 30 (10 miles), Belgian #624 (3 miles), Flat Rock Ridge #616 (1.5 miles), Draft #617 (.75 miles), Indian Creek #626 (1.75 miles) and North Flat Rock #627 (3 miles).

Site history: The Barren Fork Horse Camp was once the site of a coal mining town operated by the Barren Fork Mining and Coal Company. The mining activities occurred from 1881 to 1935, producing what was considered some of the best quality low-sulfur coal in McCreary County at the time.

Nearby Facilities: Barren Fork Picnic Area

Fees

There is a $15/night fee for overnight camping. Pay at site using fee envelope. Recreation Passes and Permits

Directions

From Somerset, take US 27 south 22 miles. From I-75: Take exit 25 for US 25W toward Corbin. Turn right at US-25W S/Cumberland Falls Road and go 7.4 miles then take a slight right at KY 90 W. Go 20 miles and turn south onto US 27 for 5.7 miles to Stearns Ranger District office. From Stearns Ranger District Office, take Barren Fork Road (Forest Service Road 684) for 0.8 miles. Turn right at the split in road. Go 0.1 mile to campground at right.