Alum Ford Campground

Star4.19
33 reviews
4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN, 37841, USA

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

The campground has n...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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

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Provider
(423) 286-7275biso_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

42 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4564 Leatherwood Road, Oneida, TN, 37841, USA

Alum Ford Campground

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).

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Boating and hiking available but busier weekends and occasional ATV noise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Mid-October highlighted as the campground's finest for autumn colors and solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Pleasant weather for trails and river use, though no water services available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Fewer activities; reviews note occasional road washouts and closures.

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.
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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.
HikingThe campground offers good access to trails and the river, as per user reviews.
BoatingA boat ramp is available and free to use. The proximity to water enhances boating opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe natural surroundings and quiet environment make this campground suitable for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available but may be challenging to operate due to stiff latches.

Weather at Alum Ford Campground

Reviews

4.2
33 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 33 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 33 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of drinking water and uneven terrain at certain campsites were common complaints. Noise from other campers was occasionally noted.
Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a flat, spacious site. Bring your own water, as there is none available on-site.
Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal 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 33 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 33 reviews

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 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

Stairs at certain campsites may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 33 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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