Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
3.8936 reviewsParagon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for camping at this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider606-784-6428
What Campers Say
3.89
Mixed Reviews
Based on 36 reviews
71 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewslake
"The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate the beautiful lakefront location and the free camping experience, others criticize the lack of maintenance, frequent littering, and occasional crowding. A recurring issue is the closure of gates without prior warning, complicating access to the site."
Fees & Passes at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Unlimited stay duration, but seasonal lake-level changes might restrict access.
Cancellation: No reservations needed, hence no cancellation policy applicable.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
Experience the full spectrum of Kentucky's seasons at Paragon, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland—though you'll want to pack extra layers for those truly cold nights. As spring awakens the forest, comfortable temperatures return, building to warm summer days perfect for swimming and lakeside lounging. Throughout the year, gentle breezes sweep across the water, occasionally bringing refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics and create nature's own symphony.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: No peak season pricing applicable as the site is free.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: Site temporarily closed as per authoritative source. Closure reasons include potential flooding and other hazards.
About Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
Escape to the tranquil shores of Cave Run Lake at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, where 10 primitive campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Each site comes equipped with a lantern post to guide your evening wanderings and a fire ring perfect for starlit storytelling sessions. Nestled along a narrow, intimate section of the lake, this hidden gem invites paddlers and kayakers to explore calm waters where motorboats rarely venture, creating a peaceful haven for those who prefer the gentle splash of oars to the roar of engines.
The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area is a primitive camping site offering free camping with no advanced reservations required.
Historical SignificanceWhile Paragon may not boast historic landmarks or ancient artifacts, its significance lies in offering modern adventurers a chance to create their own stories and traditions in this unspoiled corner of Kentucky's wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kentucky's seasons at Paragon, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland—though you'll want to pack extra layers for those truly cold nights. As spring awakens the forest, comfortable temperatures return, building to warm summer days perfect for swimming and lakeside lounging. Throughout the year, gentle breezes sweep across the water, occasionally bringing refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics and create nature's own symphony.
ElevationNature plays an active role in shaping your camping experience here, as Cave Run Lake's water levels dance with the seasons. When lake levels climb above 733 feet, the landscape transforms dramatically, reminding visitors that they're guests in an ever-changing natural environment. This dynamic relationship between land and water creates unique camping opportunities throughout the year.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the emerald embrace of Daniel Boone National Forest, where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral around your campsite. The dense canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns while providing sanctuary for countless woodland creatures. Just steps from your tent, the serene waters of Cave Run Lake beckon, their glassy surface reflecting the surrounding forest like nature's own mirror, broken only by the occasional ripple from jumping fish or gliding waterfowl.
Geological RegionDiscover the natural splendor of Daniel Boone National Forest, a geological masterpiece carved by ancient waters and shaped by millennia of natural forces. This enchanting region surrounding Cave Run Lake showcases Kentucky's remarkable biodiversity, where verdant forests cascade down to meet pristine waters. Wildlife thrives in this protected landscape, from white-tailed deer browsing at dawn to great blue herons stalking the shallows, creating endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not detailed in available resources.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small primitive sites, some located directly on the water's edge.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites in full view of neighboring sites. Several users commented on the lack of seclusion.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the lake for scenic views and easier access to water.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Unlimited stay duration, but seasonal lake-level changes might restrict access.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific limit mentioned in official sources.
Groups
No information on group sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spread out along the lakeshore. Some are very close to each other with low privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; walk-in only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only and first-come-first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations needed, hence no cancellation policy applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Outdoor activities at the Paragon Dispersed Camping Area include fishing, paddling, and hiking. The close proximity to Cave Run Lake enhances the recreational options.
Fishing
Fishing is popular due to the site's location on Cave Run Lake. Specific types of fish are not mentioned in the available data.Boating
The campground is located on Cave Run Lake, known for calm waters ideal for non-motorized boating.Water Sports
Paddling is supported due to the calm conditions on the lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed at designated fire rings within campsites.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours specified; some reviews mention noisy parties.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential flooding if lake levels exceed 733 feet. Wildlife hazards, including snakes, were mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsSite temporarily closed as per authoritative source. Closure reasons include potential flooding and other hazards.
Weather at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Cumberland Ranger District Office, 2375 KY 801 South Morehead, KY 40351, Phone: 606-784-6428. Nearest hospital or police station details unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing applicable as the site is free.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is seasonally available (mid-April to November). However, many user reviews criticize the abundance of litter left behind by previous campers.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cave Run Lake, offering direct access for paddling and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include litter, unclean porta-potties, noisy parties, and lack of privacy between campsites.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Driving directionsFrom I-64, take exit 137 (KY 32) toward Morehead. Turn right on US 60. In less than one mile, turn left onto KY 519. Continue to follow KY 519 south for several miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 947. The campground is on the right. From Morehead, take KY 519 S for 9.3 miles. Turn left onto Paragon-Craney Road/Tunnel Road (Forest Service Road 947). Destination will be on the right.
Road access is straightforward, primarily using paved roads, but includes Forest Service Road 947 which may be narrower. Seasonal lake level changes can render the site inaccessible if levels rise above 733 feet.Nearby places
Morehead (approximately 10 miles, 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
No information available regarding closest supplies for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.9
36 reviews
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Paragon Dispersed Camping Area has received mixed reviews. While some appreciate the beautiful lakefront location and the free camping experience, others criticize the lack of maintenance, frequent littering, and occasional crowding. A recurring issue is the closure of gates without prior warning, complicating access to the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the scenic views, proximity to the lake, and the opportunity for free camping. Comments like "great free campsite" and "beautiful free camping spot right on the lake" highlight...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints focus on the litter left by previous visitors, lack of maintenance (e.g., dirty porta-potties), and instances of loud, disruptive campers. Additionally, users reported issues with...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to have a backup plan due to possible closure of gates. Bringing trash bags to clean up campsites and carrying all necessary supplies, including water, is highly recommended....
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Trash and maintenance issues seem to be exacerbated during busier seasons such as summer and weekends. Spring may present flooding issues due to the rising lake levels, making some sites inaccessible.
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Absolutely beautiful spot!" but "people do not clean up after themselves here." (Lindsey Carman). "We drove 5 hours and just when we thought we could finally set up camp and relax, the gates were...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific issues with some campsites include flooding during high lake levels, as noted in a review where 7 of the 10 sites were underwater (April 2024).
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility features.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user noted that their dog enjoyed the trip, indicating pets are allowed (e.g., "our dog likes it. We enjoyed it.").
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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