Great Meadows Campground

For Kentuckians yearning for a true escape into the heart of nature, Great Meadows Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to unplug and immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Situated in a serene and verdant landscape, this campground provides a genuine wilderness experience, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity, tranquility, and direct access to outdoor adventures. It’s a cherished spot for locals, offering a much-needed respite from the demands of everyday life, all within the breathtaking scenery of our beloved Bluegrass State.

Great Meadows Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it’s a gateway to exploring the rich natural heritage of Kentucky. Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking to relax by a peaceful creek, this campground has something to offer. Its commitment to maintaining a primitive yet comfortable environment ensures that visitors can truly connect with the outdoors without unnecessary distractions. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Great Meadows Campground a standout choice for campers in Kentucky. We'll cover its secluded yet accessible location, the essential services and amenities it provides, its unique features and highlights, and important contact information. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate why Great Meadows is perfectly suited for Kentucky residents seeking an authentic and rejuvenating outdoor adventure.

Prepare to discover a place where the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water replace urban clamor, and the stars shine brighter than you thought possible. Great Meadows Campground invites you to experience the untamed beauty of Kentucky's wilderness, fostering memories that will last a lifetime.

Great Meadows Campground is located in the southeastern part of Kentucky, within the vast expanse of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its address, Kentucky 42647, USA, places it near Stearns, Kentucky, in McCreary County. This location offers a prime spot for those looking to explore the rugged and beautiful terrain of the national forest while still being reasonably accessible for Kentucky residents.

The campground is developed on both sides of a central road, featuring two distinct loops: Deer Loop and Raccoon Loop. The Raccoon Loop is notably nestled against Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, adding to the scenic appeal and recreational opportunities. While the setting is undeniably wild and forested, providing that desired sense of escape, reaching Great Meadows Campground requires navigating a combination of paved and forest service roads.

To get there, travelers typically take US 27 south from Whitley City, then turn onto KY 92, and later KY 1363, before finally turning onto Forest Service Roads (like #564 and #137). These forest service roads, particularly as you get closer to the campground, might be gravel. It's always advisable to check road conditions, especially after heavy rains or during winter months, as accessibility can sometimes be impacted. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, indicating that larger vehicles can generally reach the site, though caution on narrower forest roads is always wise.

Despite its primitive nature and "away from everything" feel, Great Meadows Campground is within a reasonable driving distance from various Kentucky cities. For instance, it's approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes from Lexington and about 2 hours and 17 minutes from Bowling Green, making it a feasible destination for a weekend trip or a longer vacation for many Kentuckians. Its location within the Daniel Boone National Forest means it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring numerous surrounding natural attractions and recreational areas, including those within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

It's important to note that while the campground offers a sense of seclusion, it is not entirely isolated. However, campers should be prepared for limited or no cell service, which contributes to the peaceful, unplugged experience but requires planning for offline navigation and communication. The ease of drive-in access, combined with its immersion in the national forest, makes Great Meadows a convenient yet authentically wild destination for Kentucky locals.

Great Meadows Campground offers a foundational set of services designed to provide a comfortable yet primitive camping experience within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The focus is on essential amenities that support an immersive outdoor adventure, rather than extensive modern conveniences.

• Campsites with Basic Amenities: The campground features 18 primitive sites suitable for both tent and RV camping (RVs up to 35 feet). Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a designated spot for outdoor meals and gatherings. Parking is available at the individual campsites.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and accessible vault toilets are available throughout the campground. These facilities are maintained and meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities, offering a necessary convenience for campers.

• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water spigots are available at various points within the campground, typically from mid-April through October. This essential service ensures campers have access to clean water for drinking and cooking, though visitors should always confirm availability, especially outside the main season.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Great Meadows Campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning sites cannot typically be reserved in advance. Campers simply arrive and select an available site. This adds to the spontaneous nature of primitive camping but means arriving early, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure a spot.

• Fee System: A fee is required for overnight use of the campground. As of available information, fees are typically $10 for a single site per night and $15 for a double site per night. Payment is handled through a self-serve pay station using fee envelopes (cash or check only). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes may provide a 50% discount on single campsites.

• Year-Round Access (Partial): The Deer Loop side of the campground is generally open year-round, offering winter camping opportunities, though water services are shut off during the colder months to prevent freezing. The Raccoon Loop is typically open from April 1 to November 15.

• No Electric Hookups: It's important for campers to note that Great Meadows Campground does not offer electric hookups at its sites. This reinforces its primitive nature, requiring campers to be self-sufficient regarding power.

• No Dump Station or Trash Pickup: The campground operates on a "Pack it in - Pack it out" principle. There are no dump stations for RV waste or trash cans for refuse collection. Campers are responsible for packing out all their trash, contributing to the preservation of the natural environment.

• No Campfires Allowed: While specific rules can vary, some information indicates that campfires may not be allowed at Great Meadows Campground, or regulations can be strict due to fire danger. Campers should always check current fire restrictions with the Daniel Boone National Forest before visiting.

These services collectively define the primitive yet functional experience at Great Meadows, encouraging campers to embrace a more self-reliant approach to their outdoor adventure.

Great Meadows Campground, while offering a primitive camping experience, boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Kentucky. These elements contribute to its unique appeal and provide memorable experiences for visitors.

• Proximity to Rock Creek, a Kentucky Wild River: A significant highlight is the campground's adjacency to Rock Creek. This designated Kentucky Wild River is a pristine waterway known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for rainbow trout. Its clear waters also invite wading, swimming in various swimming holes (which campers often discover), and kayaking, providing ample water-based recreation right at the campground's doorstep, especially along the Raccoon Loop.

• Immersion in Daniel Boone National Forest: Being situated deep within the Daniel Boone National Forest means campers are surrounded by a diverse, rugged, and lush forest ecosystem. This provides a genuine sense of wilderness, with towering trees, vibrant flora, and the sounds of nature creating a peaceful and restorative atmosphere. The forest offers extensive opportunities for wildlife viewing, from common birds to white-tailed deer and potentially more elusive species.

• Access to Extensive Hiking Trails: The area around Great Meadows is a gateway to numerous hiking opportunities. Notably, sections of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail (Sections 37 and 38), a prominent long-distance trail, are nearby. Additionally, other trails like Mark Branch Trail #635 and Gobblers Arch Trail #636 offer varied exploration options. This makes the campground an ideal basecamp for trekkers of all skill levels, looking to discover the hidden gems of the forest.

• Spacious and Grassy Campsites: Despite their primitive nature, the campsites at Great Meadows are often described as spacious and "green and grassy." This provides comfortable ground for pitching tents and setting up camp, with plenty of room between sites to ensure privacy and a sense of solitude, which is highly valued by primitive campers.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and good maintenance of the campground, including the vault toilets and water spigots. This attention to upkeep, even in a primitive setting, significantly enhances the camping experience and demonstrates a commitment to visitor comfort.

• First-Come, First-Served Charm: While it can require strategic planning, the first-come, first-served policy contributes to a less commercialized feel. It means more spontaneous trips are possible, and the atmosphere often feels more communal among fellow outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate this traditional camping style.

• Seasonal Accessibility: The staggered opening of the loops (Deer Loop open year-round, Raccoon Loop seasonally) allows for varied camping experiences across different times of the year, from crisp autumn leaves to snowy winter quietude (with water shut off in winter for Deer Loop).

These features collectively create a compelling package for campers seeking an authentic, nature-focused adventure in the heart of Kentucky, emphasizing the raw beauty and recreational opportunities that the Daniel Boone National Forest provides.

For those planning a visit to Great Meadows Campground within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, direct contact information for the campground itself is typically managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees national forest recreation areas. Given its primitive nature and first-come, first-served policy, there isn't a direct reservation line for individual sites, but general inquiries can be directed to the relevant Forest Service office.

Address:

Great Meadows Campground
Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Road
Stearns, KY 42647
USA

The provided address of Kentucky 42647, USA, aligns with the general location. More specific directions usually involve navigating Forest Service Roads. It's advisable to use GPS coordinates (Latitude: 36.628297, Longitude: -84.726545) or detailed maps of the Daniel Boone National Forest in conjunction with the address for precise navigation.

Phone:

Inquiries regarding Great Meadows Campground, including current conditions, operating seasons, fees, or specific regulations (like fire bans), should be directed to the managing district of the Daniel Boone National Forest. For Great Meadows, this typically falls under the Stearns Ranger District Office.

• Stearns Ranger District Office Phone: (606) 376-5323

This number is the primary contact for general information about the area, including Great Meadows Campground. They can provide the most up-to-date details on water availability, road conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to fees or access.

Website:

For comprehensive information, including maps, alerts, and detailed descriptions of recreation areas within the Daniel Boone National Forest, visiting the official U.S. Forest Service website is highly recommended. A search for "Daniel Boone National Forest Great Meadows Campground" will typically lead to the relevant page on their site (e.g., fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=39722). This site often contains critical "Alerts & Warnings" that could impact your visit.

On-Site Payment:

As it operates on a self-serve, first-come, first-served basis, payment is made at a self-serve pay station using fee envelopes (cash or check only). There is no attendant to take payments directly at the campsite.

Always check the official Forest Service website or call the Stearns Ranger District office prior to your trip, especially if you have specific concerns about conditions or amenities, as information can change due to weather or maintenance.

For Kentuckians seeking an authentic and deeply rewarding outdoor experience, Great Meadows Campground stands as an exceptionally suitable choice. Its appeal lies in its ability to deliver a genuine wilderness escape, perfectly aligned with the desires of locals who cherish their state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Firstly, its location within the Daniel Boone National Forest is a significant draw. For residents across Kentucky, this means easy access to a vast, protected natural area without the need for extensive travel across state lines. It offers a true feeling of immersion in the wild, far from urban sprawl, yet it remains within a reasonable driving distance for a weekend trip or a longer, more extended stay. This convenient proximity makes spontaneous getaways feasible, allowing Kentuckians to easily tap into the therapeutic benefits of nature.

Secondly, the primitive nature of Great Meadows Campground is precisely what makes it so appealing to a specific segment of the local population. For those who appreciate self-reliance and a less commercialized camping experience, the absence of electric hookups and the "pack it in, pack it out" policy are not deterrents but rather a testament to its commitment to untouched wilderness. It fosters a deeper connection with the environment, encouraging campers to truly disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the basics of outdoor living. The clean vault toilets and potable water, while basic, provide essential comforts that make primitive camping manageable and enjoyable.

Moreover, the wealth of recreational opportunities directly available from Great Meadows Campground caters perfectly to the active Kentucky outdoor enthusiast. Being situated along Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, offers exceptional fishing, wading, and kayaking experiences. The abundant hiking trails, including access to segments of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, provide endless exploration for hikers of all levels. For locals, this means a diverse array of activities are literally at their fingertips, allowing them to pursue their passions for fishing, hiking, and general outdoor exploration without having to drive to multiple locations.

Finally, the very essence of Great Meadows—its serene atmosphere, spacious sites, and the quiet beauty of the forest—provides a much-needed sanctuary. It’s a place where the stars are bright, the air is fresh, and the sounds of nature prevail. For Kentuckians, who often pride themselves on their state's natural heritage, Great Meadows Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's a cherished retreat that embodies the spirit of Kentucky's wildlands and offers an authentic, rejuvenating escape right in their own backyard.