Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

Star3.99
87 reviews
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

758 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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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

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USFS
Provider
606-784-6428
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What Campers Say

3.99

Mixed Reviews

Based on 87 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."

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Campground Map

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Good lake recreation in summer but trash, crowding and gate closures increase in peak times.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood forest setting suggests strong fall color and scenic appeal for autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring flooding can make some sites inaccessible; trash issues worsen in busy periods.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter 'crystalline wonderland' possible but cold and services limited.

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.
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Stay Limit
Unlimited stay duration, but seasonal lake-level changes might restrict access.

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.
FishingFishing is popular due to the site's location on Cave Run Lake. Specific types of fish are not mentioned in the available data.
BoatingThe campground is located on Cave Run Lake, known for calm waters ideal for non-motorized boating.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area

Reviews

4.0
87 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 87 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...
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Based on 87 reviews

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...
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Based on 87 reviews

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....
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Based on 87 reviews

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 87 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 87 reviews

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 87 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews on accessibility features.
Based on 87 reviews

Pet-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 87 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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