Marshes Siding, Kentucky · McCreary County · 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 ac…
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.
Photos
A brown post with number 4 stands below steps that lead up to the campsite. — NPSCampsite with a view overlooking the river below. — NPSA green food storage locker sits near a picnic table on a campsite overlooking the river. — NPSVault toilet facility sits in gravel parking lot of campground. — NPSGravel road spurs off the main road up into the woods. — NPSWood beamed steps winding up the hill to a campsite. — NPSA small brown post with number 5 stands near trail to campsite. — NPSA gravel path leads down to a picnic table on a gravel tent pad. — NPSBrown post with number 06 stands in front of campsite. — NPS
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Alum Ford Campground
Heading to Alum Ford Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Alum Ford Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Alum Ford Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10304520) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Alum Ford Campground?
Alum Ford Campground has 6 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I contact Alum Ford Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: (423) 569-9778 or email: [email protected].
