S-Tree Campground

Star4.61
109 reviews
US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Quick Facts

1,440 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

April 8 through Nove...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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S-Tree Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this campground.
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
606-864-4163
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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 109 reviews

98 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"S-Tree Campground receives mixed reviews, with positive feedback highlighting its scenic beauty, well-maintained vault toilets, and suitability for OHV riders. Negative feedback often centers on noise levels due to ATV traffic and lack of amenities like water or electric hookups."

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Campground Map

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

S-Tree Campground

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Driving directionsFrom Berea: travel east on KY 21E (Chestnut/Big Hill Road) for approximately 5 miles until it ends at US 421. Turn right (south) on US 421. Take US 421 west for approximately 18 miles to McKee KY, then turn right (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, make a slight right (west) on Forest Service Road 43 (S-Tree Road). Go 1 mile, turn left (south) on Forest Service Road 20 (Tussey Hill Road) and follow the signs. From McKee: Take US 421 west from McKee for 0.5 mile. Turn left (south) on KY 89 for 3 miles, make a slight right (west) on Forest Service Road 43 (S-Tree Road). Go 1 mile, turn left (south) on Forest Service Road 20 (Tussey Hill Road) and follow the signs.
The campground cannot accommodate trailers longer than 25 feet due to one-lane roads and no turnouts. Interior access roads to sites 11 through 20 are extremely narrow and steep. RV-friendly access is available at the first right after the picnic pavilion.
Nearby places
McKee (approximately 4 miles to the campground entrance via KY-89)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be found in McKee, approximately 4 miles from the campground entrance.

Best Time to Camp at S-Tree Campground

From April through November, S-Tree Campground showcases the full spectrum of Appalachian seasons. Early spring arrives with crisp mornings that may still carry winter's bite, gradually warming as wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer transforms the ridge into a leafy sanctuary where humid days give way to cool mountain evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds, while temperatures begin their gentle descent, reminding late-season campers to pack extra layers for those chilly November nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open during summer with full trail access; popular and often noisy on weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Hardwood ridge suggests excellent fall color; season aligns with campground open dates and praise.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open starting April 8; crisp mornings early in season but trail access and wildwood appeal present.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed November 21–April 8; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely aligns with the open season (April 8 through November 21).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April 8 through November 21.
  • Current Alerts: Loop B is closed for reconstruction.

About S-Tree Campground

Perched high on a forested ridge above the winding Horse Lick Creek, S-Tree Campground offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive mountaintop retreat has become a beloved basecamp for OHV enthusiasts who come to explore the surrounding trail networks. Each wooded campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, level tent pad, and traditional lantern pole—creating the perfect blend of rustic charm and practical comfort. The centerpiece of the campground is a beautifully preserved 1930s stone picnic shelter, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who helped shape these forests. Modern vault toilets provide necessary facilities while maintaining the campground's wilderness character.
S-Tree Campground offers primitive camping for tents and small RVs, with first-come, first-served availability. It is particularly popular among OHV enthusiasts due to its proximity to motorized trail systems.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Open 24 hours/day
  • no specified check-in time.
Check-out
  • Open 24 hours/day
  • no specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

S-Tree Campground caters primarily to off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, with direct access to the Renfro Loop Trail and Sheltowee Trace Trail Section #25. Additional recreational options include picnicking at the historic shelter, hiking, and wildlife observation in the dense hardwood forest.
HikingHiking opportunities include the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail (269 miles) and the Renfro Loop Trail (4.3 miles), which supports motorized vehicles less than 50 inches wide, mountain biking, and foot travel.
BikingThe Renfro Loop Trail and Sheltowee Trace Trail support mountain biking. Terrain is rugged, with some trails requiring advanced skill levels due to maintenance challenges.
Wildlife viewingThe mature hardwood forest surrounding the campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads leading to the campground are narrow and steep, and potholes may pose challenges. Wildlife-related risks are not specified.
Active AlertsLoop B is closed for reconstruction.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at S-Tree Campground

Reviews

4.6
109 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
S-Tree Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
S-Tree Campground receives mixed reviews, with positive feedback highlighting its scenic beauty, well-maintained vault toilets, and suitability for OHV riders. Negative feedback often centers on noise levels due to ATV traffic and lack of amenities like water or electric hookups.
Review Summaries
Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as clean, scenic, and well-suited for dirt bike and ATV use. Many users appreciate the free camping and the spacious and wooded campsites.
Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from ATVs, lack of potable water, and challenges with road access are common concerns. Some reviewers note the presence of homeless individuals and limited cell service as drawbacks.
Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early on weekends to secure a spot, bringing enough water and supplies for a self-sufficient stay, and being prepared for noise from OHV traffic. Using a smaller RV or tent...
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Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and off-season periods but experiences heavy OHV traffic on weekends. Noise levels and site availability vary significantly by season.
Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We dry camped because of no amenities in an RV (under 24'). Loved campsite #10 and the fire pits." - Kelly Mckiski "It's a nice camping area but must be into dirt bikes and four-wheelers." - Valerie...
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Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #10 is highlighted as particularly enjoyable. Sites are grouped into two loops: sites 1-10 and 11-20. Access to sites 11-20 is challenging for RVs, so smaller vehicles are recommended.
Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground does not meet accessibility standards, and no specific feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no detailed feedback or features related to pet-friendliness are mentioned.
Based on 109 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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