Alum Ford Campground
4.289 reviews4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN, 37841, USA
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground has n...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
The campground has n...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Alum Ford Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are mentioned for camping at Alum Ford Campground, and there are no fees for using the boat ramp.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$5.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$5.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(423) 286-7275biso_information@nps.gov
What Campers Say
4.28
Satisfactory
Based on 9 reviews
36 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanspacioussites
Some mention
noise
"Alum Ford Campground is praised for its quiet, secluded atmosphere and natural beauty, though the lack of water and uneven terrain at some sites are noted drawbacks."
Fees & Passes at Alum Ford Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Cancellation: Since reservations are not required, cancellation policies are not applicable.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area website.
Best Time to Camp at Alum Ford Campground
The rhythms of the seasons paint Alum Ford in ever-changing hues, with each bringing its own rewards. Savvy campers have discovered that mid-October unveils the campground at its finest—when autumn's palette explodes across the hillsides, crowds thin to a whisper, and crisp nights give way to sun-drenched days perfect for exploration. Throughout the camping season, you'll find comfortable temperatures and generally dry conditions that make for ideal outdoor adventures.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Best
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: No peak season dates are provided, but user reviews suggest mid-October as a good time to visit.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground has no explicitly stated seasonal closure, but user reviews note closures due to road washouts.
- Current Alerts: Currently, the Twin Arches Loop Trail is partially closed for rehabilitation, affecting nearby trails.
About Alum Ford Campground
Tucked away in the heart of Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Alum Ford Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This rustic haven offers the perfect blend of primitive camping and essential comforts, with vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and stone-ringed fire pits dotting the secluded sites. Here, the modern world fades away as you settle into your own private corner of Appalachian wilderness, with hiking trails beckoning from your tent flap and the gentle murmur of the Big South Fork River providing nature's soundtrack.
Alum Ford Campground is a primitive camping area with no modern facilities, catering to tent and small trailer campers.
Historical SignificanceEvery trail and river bend at Alum Ford whispers stories of the past. This landscape once echoed with the thunder of coal trains and the ring of miners' picks, as generations of mountain families carved out their livelihoods from these rugged hills. Today, remnants of this industrial heritage—old railroad grades, mining ruins, and weathered homesteads—offer fascinating glimpses into Appalachian history, inviting campers to become temporary archaeologists exploring the Big South Fork's rich cultural tapestry.
Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of the seasons paint Alum Ford in ever-changing hues, with each bringing its own rewards. Savvy campers have discovered that mid-October unveils the campground at its finest—when autumn's palette explodes across the hillsides, crowds thin to a whisper, and crisp nights give way to sun-drenched days perfect for exploration. Throughout the camping season, you'll find comfortable temperatures and generally dry conditions that make for ideal outdoor adventures.
ElevationPerched among the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau, Alum Ford Campground offers a terrain that challenges and rewards in equal measure. The undulating landscape creates natural privacy between campsites while providing stunning vantage points overlooking the Big South Fork River valley below. This varied topography means you're never far from either a peaceful hollow or an inspiring ridgeline view.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of hardwoods, where towering oaks and maples create a living canopy above your campsite. The Big South Fork River winds through the valley below, its ancient path carved between steep, forested hillsides that seem to touch the sky. As one enchanted visitor noted, 'the area is beautiful and the campground is quiet and peaceful'—a simple truth that captures the essence of this pristine wilderness sanctuary where dense forests, dramatic terrain, and pristine waters converge.
Geological RegionAlum Ford sits within one of the Southeast's most spectacular geological showcases. The Big South Fork has spent millennia carving its masterpiece through layers of ancient sandstone, creating a landscape of deep gorges, towering bluffs, and hidden waterfalls. This rugged terrain tells a 300-million-year story written in stone, where massive sandstone formations rise like natural castles from the forest floor, and every cliff face reveals the patient artistry of time, water, and wind.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites may not be easily accessible due to stairs between parking and fire rings/picnic tables. This could pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some being spacious and flat while others are uneven and located on hillsides.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as private and secluded, although a few are closer together, making them less ideal for solo campers.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose higher sites for better views and level ground. Arrive early to secure spots near the river.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available at this location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSix primitive campsites spaced out to provide privacy; some sites are uneven or require stairs to access picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground has no explicitly stated seasonal closure, but user reviews note closures due to road washouts.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll six campsites are first-come, first-served. Reviews emphasize the importance of arriving early to secure a site.
Cancellation PolicySince reservations are not required, cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Alum Ford Campground focus on enjoying the natural surroundings, including hiking, boating, and wildlife observation.
Hiking
The campground offers good access to trails and the river, as per user reviews.Boating
A boat ramp is available and free to use. The proximity to water enhances boating opportunities.Wildlife viewing
The natural surroundings and quiet environment make this campground suitable for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are noted, but the campground remains open for use.Water Sports
The boat ramp supports activities such as kayaking or canoeing, though specific details are unavailable.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. No mention of firewood availability.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife, uneven terrain, and road washouts. "You could bring a small trailer, but definitely wouldn't bring a large one," warns a user review.
Active alertsCurrently, the Twin Arches Loop Trail is partially closed for rehabilitation, affecting nearby trails.
Weather at Alum Ford Campground
51
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Oneida, TN, including a hospital and police station. Ranger stations for the Big South Fork area are accessible for park-related emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates are provided, but user reviews suggest mid-October as a good time to visit.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Big South Fork River with a boat ramp available for use (no fees).
Common complaintsRoad access issues have been noted, particularly closures due to washouts. Some campers reported noise from ATVs and kids during peak times, stating "Noise echoes in the valley so everything is loud."
HostNo campground host is mentioned in the official or user sources.
Campground Map
4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN, 37841, USA
Driving directionsExit I-75 onto HWY 92 at Williamsburg (Exit 11). Turn right on 92 for approximately 7 miles to the intersection of Hwy 700 and US 27. Turn Left onto Hwy 700 and continue approximately 5.5 miles to the campground.
The driving route includes a mix of paved roads. HWY 92 has been recently upgraded for direct access to Stearns and Blue Heron. Roads leading to the campground may be challenging; user reviews warn of potential road washouts.Nearby places
Oneida (approx. 15 miles)
Williamsburg, KY (approx. 12 miles)
Stearns, KY (approx. 14 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Oneida, TN, approximately 15 miles away. Additional options may be available in Stearns, KY (approx. 14 miles).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
9 reviews
Alum Ford Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Alum Ford Campground is praised for its quiet, secluded atmosphere and natural beauty, though the lack of water and uneven terrain at some sites are noted drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users highlighted the clean vault toilets, peaceful environment, and spacious campsites. The proximity to trails and the river was also appreciated.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
The absence of drinking water and uneven terrain at certain campsites were common complaints. Noise from other campers was occasionally noted.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a flat, spacious site. Bring your own water, as there is none available on-site.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is less crowded in mid-October, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. However, noise from campers and ATVs can be an issue during busier times like weekends.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Really nice primitive campground. No water available, but there are streams. Pit toilets are very clean with no smells." 2. "Spent a week here in mid October and there was one other camper at a...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some campsites are uneven or located on hillsides, which can be challenging for vehicle camping. A user noted: "Some have significant stairs between parking and fire rings/picnic tables."
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Stairs at certain campsites may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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