Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. There is no fee for dispersed camping anywhere on the Daniel Boone National Forest outside of the Red River Gorge. Backcountry campers in the Red River Gorge must purchase and display a Daniel Boone National Forest recreation pass in their vehicle(s).

Dispersed camping means no services (such as trash removal) and few or no facilities (such as tables and fire pits) are provided. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. When camping outside of a developed campground, the following actions are prohibited:

• Camping in violation of posted signs;
• Camping within 100 feet of the base of any cliff, or back of any rock shelter;
• Camping within 300 feet of any developed road (including Tunnel Ridge Road and its associated parking lots) or trail in the Red River Gorge;
• Camping within 300 feet of the water’s edge or of any road or trail leading to the water’s edge of Cave Run Lake, Laurel River Lake or Lake Cumberland.

*These restrictions do not apply when camping at designated campsites.

Click the link next to the map to go to the Daniel Boone National Forest website!