Turkey Foot Campground

4.46

147 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Kentucky Camping Near Red River Gorge Hiking Camping Kentucky +9 more

Quick Facts

900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens London Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens London Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Turkey Foot Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are charged for camping at Turkey Foot Campground. All sites are free and available on a first-come-first-served basis.

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

859-428-7706

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 147 reviews

129 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacywell-maintainedsites

"Users generally appreciate the natural beauty and seclusion of Turkey Foot Campground, though concerns about nighttime activity and the lack of ranger patrols have been noted. Its no-fee structure is a common highlight."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Turkey Foot Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom US 421: take KY 587 north and turn left onto Forest Road 4 (Turkey Foot Road). Follow FR 4 to FR 345 (Elsam Fork Road). Turn right onto 345 and follow signs to the campground. From Arvel take KY 587 south and turn right onto Forest Road 4 (Turkey Foot Road). Follow FR 4 to FR 345 (Elsam Fork Road). Turn right onto 345 and follow signs to the campground. From Berea: From I-75, take Berea Exit 76. Head east on KY 21. Stay on KY 21E (Big Hill Road) approximately 5 miles until it ends at US 421. Turn right (south) on US 421. Take US 421 west for approximately 18.4 miles to McKee, KY. Turn left onto KY 89. Travel approximately 3 miles on KY 89N and turn right on Macedonia Road for 0.5-mile. Turn left on Forest Service Road #4 (Turkey Foot Road) for 1 mile. The road turns to gravel. After 1.9 miles, turn left onto Forest Service Road 345 (Elsam Fork Road) and follow signs to the campground.

The road into the campground is gravel and narrow, with a steep descent and a creek ford at the entrance. Access may not be possible during high water periods or flooding.

Nearby places

McKee is the nearest city, located approximately 6 miles from the campground. Berea is roughly 25 miles away.

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in McKee, KY, about 6 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Turkey Foot Campground

Turkey Foot's seasons paint an ever-changing canvas of outdoor experiences. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing creek waters, while summer offers a leafy green refuge from the heat. Fall transforms the forest into a kaleidoscope of colors, and winter reveals the stark beauty of bare trees against crisp skies. However, nature rules here – during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, War Fork Creek can swell beyond its banks, making the necessary creek crossings impassable and the campground temporarily inaccessible. This seasonal ebb and flow adds to the campground's wild character, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in an untamed landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Leafy green refuge from heat; popular in peak months though holidays can be busy.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in KY

Fall foliage transforms the area; season highlighted as especially scenic and pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and rushing creek waters; recommended seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 21–Apr 8; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season typically aligns with summer months, though specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from April 8 to November 21.
Current Alerts: None provided, though users report flooding issues and accessibility challenges during rainy periods.

About Turkey Foot Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Turkey Foot Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This hidden gem features 15 secluded campsites scattered through a canopy of mature forest along the babbling waters of War Fork Creek. As a true primitive camping destination, Turkey Foot provides the essentials for a memorable outdoor adventure – each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table for gathering, a fire ring for evening stories, a level tent pad for comfortable sleeping, and a lantern pole to light your way. Modern conveniences are limited to well-maintained vault toilets, keeping the focus on the natural world around you. Best of all, this slice of wilderness comes without a price tag – all sites are completely free, making it perfect for budget-conscious adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity.

Turkey Foot Campground is focused on primitive camping, with a mix of dedicated tent and combined-use sites. It is a first-come, first-served facility with no RV-specific amenities.

Weather and SeasonsTurkey Foot's seasons paint an ever-changing canvas of outdoor experiences. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing creek waters, while summer offers a leafy green refuge from the heat. Fall transforms the forest into a kaleidoscope of colors, and winter reveals the stark beauty of bare trees against crisp skies. However, nature rules here – during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt, War Fork Creek can swell beyond its banks, making the necessary creek crossings impassable and the campground temporarily inaccessible. This seasonal ebb and flow adds to the campground's wild character, reminding visitors that they're truly immersed in an untamed landscape.

ElevationPerched at 900 feet above sea level, Turkey Foot Campground enjoys a gentle mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during warm months and crisp, refreshing conditions perfect for campfire gatherings. This modest elevation creates an ideal sweet spot – high enough to escape the sultry lowland heat but not so lofty as to bring harsh mountain weather. Spring and fall are particularly magical here, when the elevation combines with seasonal transitions to create those perfect camping days where the temperature feels just right from sunrise to sunset.

Natural Features and SceneryWar Fork Creek serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its gentle murmur providing a constant natural soundtrack to your camping experience. The creek winds through a cathedral of mature mixed hardwoods and evergreens, creating a multi-layered forest ecosystem that shelters wildlife and filters dappled sunlight to the forest floor. This pristine woodland setting offers the kind of rustic serenity that modern life rarely provides – where the loudest sounds are chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the creek's perpetual conversation with the rocks. Each campsite feels like its own private wilderness retreat, separated by generous buffers of trees and understory that ensure both privacy and that essential feeling of being alone with nature.

Geological RegionTurkey Foot Campground rests within the ancient geological wonderland of Daniel Boone National Forest, where millennia of water and weather have carved a landscape of subtle beauty. The campground's position along War Fork Creek places it within a natural corridor where water has patiently sculpted the terrain, creating gentle slopes and small hollows perfect for camping. The surrounding mature mixed forest – a blend of deciduous giants and steadfast evergreens – tells the story of ecological succession in the Cumberland region, where nature has been left to flourish undisturbed. This location offers campers a chance to experience the timeless Appalachian forest ecosystem that Daniel Boone himself once explored.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates multiple guests, with some sites having double tent pads.

Groups

No group-specific sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutAll campsites are located on one side of a loop road, offering both privacy and proximity to the creek.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations. Sites are first-come-first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up, first-come-first-served. Early arrival is recommended during busy weekends or holidays.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not required.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets meet accessibility standards, but the campsites do not meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Site SizeSites include single and double configurations, with tent pads and space for multiple setups such as hammocks and large tents.

PrivacyThe campsites are considered well-spaced and secluded, offering significant privacy. "Sites, located on one side of the loop, are pretty secluded," noted one review.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early during peak times to secure the most secluded or desirable sites. Avoid camping during heavy rain due to flooding risks.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Turkey Foot Campground provides a range of outdoor activities. Visitors often enjoy hiking, picnicking, and observing the natural beauty of the area. The creek offers opportunities for wading or dipping during warmer weather.

HikingThe campground connects to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, a 269-mile trail, and the Turkey Foot Loop Trail System, a 4.5-mile hiking-only trail. The latter includes some steep sections and areas affected by erosion.

SwimmingWhile there are no designated swimming areas, visitors often cool off in War Fork Creek. One reviewer suggested that it was a 'cool spot for summer swimming.'

Wildlife viewingThe secluded environment supports wildlife viewing, particularly bird calls, including owls at night. "Owls calling, quiet nights, beautiful forest," one user remarked.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding during heavy rain is a significant hazard. The creek ford at the entrance may become impassable. Wildlife such as bears may be attracted to food left unsecured.

Active AlertsNone provided, though users report flooding issues and accessibility challenges during rainy periods.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in McKee, KY, approximately 6 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash collection or recycling available at the campground. Campers must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to War Fork Creek, which offers opportunities for wading and skipping rocks.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate an occasional ranger presence but not consistent patrols.

Weather at Turkey Foot Campground

Reviews

4.5

147 reviews

Recommended

Turkey Foot Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally appreciate the natural beauty and seclusion of Turkey Foot Campground, though concerns about nighttime activity and the lack of ranger patrols have been noted. Its no-fee structure is a common highlight.

Review Summaries

Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the well-maintained campsites, privacy between sites, and the tranquil environment. 'Sites are secluded and spaced far enough away from each other for plenty of privacy.' Many enjoy the...

Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Nighttime disturbances and generator noise were common complaints, alongside reports of 'suspicious activity' at night. Several users mentioned the lack of ranger presence as a contributing factor.

Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a good site, especially during peak seasons. Bring everything you need, including drinking water and trash bags, as the campground is entirely primitive. Users recommend...

Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful during the week and early seasons but can become overcrowded during holidays. Flooding and access issues during heavy rains were noted.

Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful secluded tent campsite. Long windy roads lead to the perfect destination.' 2. 'The tentsites are pea graveled and level. Some campsites are doubles and have 2 tentsites and 2 tables.'...

Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight the privacy and spaciousness of individual campsites. Some sites can accommodate larger groups or equipment setups, but double-check to ensure suitability for your...

Based on 147 reviews