Jones Creek Boondocking In Murray, Kentucky – Off-Grid Camping Amenities and Tips

by John Rodgers / Sunday, June 29, 2025 / Published in Kentucky

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Jones Creek Boondocking
In Murray, Kentucky
Off-Grid Camping Amenities and Tips

ADDRESS
Forest Service Road 172-C Murray, Kentucky GPS: 36.680655, -88.053501 Elevation: 436′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Forest Service This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Jones Creek Boondocking: This is a free dispersed campsite. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite. DO NOT TAKE ROAD 351!!! You will get stuck on a mound and have to get towed. I was told by the Forest Service that two miles south is a paved road to Jones.

About This Location

If you’re after a quiet spot to camp that won’t drain your wallet, Jones Creek boondocking near Murray Kentucky is worth a look. Jones Creek boondocking provides free boondocking near Kentucky Lake, so you get a real taste of nature—no frills, just you and the outdoors.

This spot is known for dispersed camping, which means you can set up camp with hardly any restrictions. It’s a favorite for those who want to get away from the usual crowds and rules.

The area’s easy enough to find—just head to Forest Service Road 172-C. You’re sitting at about 436 feet elevation, surrounded by woods and water, which honestly just makes everything feel a little calmer.

Whether you’re rolling in with an RV or pitching a tent, Jones Creek boondocking gives you the basics: peace, quiet, and no extra fees. It’s nothing fancy, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a camping trip.

Jones Creek Boondocking In Murray, Kentucky

Jones Creek boondocking is simple, kind of rugged, and tucked away near Murray Kentucky. You’ll find it off Forest Service Road 172-C, not far from Kentucky Lake.

People come here for primitive camping. No hookups, no running water, no restrooms—just the woods.

The vibe is basic dispersed camping, and honestly, that’s the draw. The gentle landscape at 436 feet elevation is easy on tents and small RVs. You’re close to water, so if you like fishing or just watching wildlife, you’re in luck.

You won’t find amenities here. No bathrooms, no water, no electricity—bring what you need. It’s really for folks who want solitude and don’t mind roughing it a bit.

If you’re into hiking, fishing, or just chilling by the water, Jones Creek boondocking is a good pick. You’ll probably see more deer than people. Just remember, since it’s primitive, Leave No Trace isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must.

Key Details:

Feature	Information
Location	Forest Service Road 172-C, Murray
GPS Coordinates	36.680655, -88.053501
Elevation	436 feet
Amenities	None (primitive boondocking)
Nearby Features	Kentucky Lake, wooded areas

Directions

Getting to Jones Creek Boondocking in Murray Kentucky isn’t too tricky, but you’ll want to pay attention. Start out driving east on Highway 68/80 from Murray.

After a bit, turn south onto the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway. This road puts you closer to where you’ll camp.

Next, swing west onto Forest Service Road 172. That’s your direct route to the Jones Creek access.

Plug in the GPS coordinates 36.680655, -88.053501 if you’re not feeling adventurous. Elevation’s about 436 feet, for what it’s worth.

Keep an eye out for signs pointing to the boat ramp and camping area along Road 172. Dispersed camping spots are scattered near the creek, so you might have to poke around a bit.

Double-check if you need a dispersed camping permit before you settle in for the night. Local rules can change, and nobody likes a surprise.

If you’re using a GPS or a mapping app, just search for Jones Creek Boat Ramp in Murray, KY 42071. That’ll get you close enough.

Some stretches of road out here are narrow and, well, not exactly smooth. Take it slow, watch for critters, and don’t rush.

Coming from farther away? A digital map or GPS is your friend—missing a turn out here isn’t much fun.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

Jones Creek boondocking is pretty easy to reach with most standard vehicles—think cars, trucks, or even smaller RVs. The roads out here are usually in decent shape, though if you’re driving something massive or extra heavy, you might run into trouble on some of the narrower parts.

You’ll probably want a vehicle with a bit of clearance, since the terrain can get uneven in spots. Off-road vehicles aren’t necessary, but hey, if you’ve got one, you’ll have zero problems getting around.

There are no entrance fees or camping charges at Jones Creek boondocking. Boondocking here is totally free, which is a huge plus if you’re looking to stay near Kentucky Lake without spending much.

Just a heads-up: bring all your own supplies. There aren’t any on-site amenities, so you’ll need to handle your own water, power, and waste.

Feature	Details
Vehicle Type	Cars, trucks, smaller RVs
Road Condition	Mostly good, some uneven spots
Fee	Free
Services	None (self-sufficient camping)

Definitely check the local conditions before heading out, especially if there’s been rain. Sometimes the roads get muddy or slick, and that can make access trickier than you’d expect.