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.

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. 

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.

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.

Important Notices

• This campground does not have potable water nor electric service. 

• Cell service is not good in this area.

• Please be advised that an approved Permit or Authorization by the superintendent is required before providing business services within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery and setup, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle and transportation services, guided hikes, guided floats, and similar activities.

  To apply for a permit, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/biso and navigate to the "Doing Business With the Park" section. There you will find application forms, instructions, and contact information. 

Available Activities

• Boating - Boating
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Fishing - Fishing
• Kayaking - Kayaking
• Photography - Photography
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Rafting - Rafting
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Paddling - Paddling
• Motor Boat - Motor Boat
• Hunting - Hunting
• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping
• Birding - Birding

Contact Information

Phone: (423) 569-9778

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip