Alum Ford Campground
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Kentucky
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As of October 2026, Alum Ford Campground is a campground in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, Kentucky with 6 campsites. Alum Ford Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Alum Ford Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Alum Ford Campground is located at 36.7652° N, 84.5472° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 6
Alum Ford Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Next Available Dates
5 sites open on Oct 1 at Alum Ford Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.
As of 30 September 2026, 13:27 UTC.
Campsites at Alum Ford Campground
- Standard 6
- Accessible 1
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Forest.
Things to do: boating, hiking, wildlife, photography.
All sites at Alum Ford Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the NA loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsite 1 | Standard | 6 | - |
| Campsite 2 | Standard | 6 | - |
| Campsite 3 | Standard | 6 | - |
| Campsite 4 | Standard | 6 | - |
| Campsite 5 | Standard | 6 | Accessible |
| Campsite 6 | Standard | 6 | - |
About Alum Ford Campground
Overview
Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists of six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring.
Recreation
The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the Big South Fork River where it becomes Lake Cumberland. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail also passes through the campground. The Sheltowee Trace is a 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Facilities
Alum Ford Campground has six sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, bear-proof garbage cans, and food storage lockers. A vault toilet facility is also available.
Natural Features
This small campground sits above the Alum Ford Boat Ramp which provides access to the Big South Fork River.
Nearby Attractions
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com.
Just a few miles from Stearns is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.
Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.
Rules and notices at Alum Ford Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Alum Ford Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
This campground does not have potable water nor electric service.
Cell service is not good in this area.
Please be advised that an approved Permit or Authorization by the superintendent is required before providing business services within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This includes services such as RV or tent delivery and setup, firewood sales and delivery, shuttle and transportation services, guided hikes, guided floats, and similar activities.
To apply for a permit, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/biso and navigate to the "Doing Business With the Park" section. There you will find application forms, instructions, and contact information.
Alum Ford Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Alum Ford Campground?
Alum Ford Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Alum Ford Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Alum Ford Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Alum Ford Campground have?
Alum Ford Campground has 6 campsites.
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