Little Lick Horse Boondocking In Somerset, Kentucky

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Little Lick Horse Boondocking
In Somerset, Kentucky
Guide and Tips

Previous Reviews:

Little Lick Horse Boondocking: Little Lick Horse Campground is open Year Round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 Nights at Little Lick Horse Campground. Little Lick sits on a long ridgetop north of the Cumberland River, west of the Rockcastle River, and offers plenty of opportunities to see the natural beauty of the forest.

The campsites are improved, with tent pads, fire grates, lantern holders, and picnic tables. This campground was designed for horses, providing access to the Nathan McClure Trail. Loading and unloading areas for horses are located at the end of the trail along with parking spaces for vehicles. If you wish to ride the trail only halfway, there is a pickup point midway along the Nathan McClure Trail.

About This Location

So, if you’re craving some peace and quiet while boondocking near Somerset Kentucky, Little Lick Horse boondocking kind of fits the bill. It’s a primitive camping spot with tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, perched up on a ridgetop north of the Cumberland River. Not everyone’s looking for a fancy campground, right? Sometimes you just want to hear the wind in the trees.

You can stay up to 14 nights, which is pretty generous. The place is tucked in the woods, with easy access to hiking and horseback trails, and it’s managed by the U.S. Forest Service—so you’re getting that natural setting vibe but still have trash collection, which is honestly a relief. Whether you’re hauling horses or just want a rustic escape, Little Lick Horse boondocking is a solid pick if you’re boondocking near Lake Cumberland.

Little Lick Horse Boondocking In Somerset, Kentucky

If camping with your horse sounds like your thing, Little Lick Horse boondocking is worth a look. It’s primitive, sure, but that’s kind of the charm. You’ll find the basics: fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, and tent pads—nothing over the top, just what you need.

The campground is free (yes, free!) and open all year. There are about 6 to 15 sites, so it never feels packed. Pull in, set up, and you can hit the nearby trails—Little Lick Trail #502 and Nathan McClure Trail #530 are right there.

You get a view over the Cumberland River, which is honestly pretty great at sunrise. The Forest Service runs the place, and there are corrals for your horses, which is a thoughtful touch. Trash service is provided, but you’ll need to bring your own water and supplies—don’t expect hookups or luxuries at this spot.

Key Details:

You’ll probably enjoy the quiet, the forest views, and the easy access to trails for riding or hiking. The campground really suits folks who want things simple and natural, especially if you’re bringing your horse along.

Directions

To get to Little Lick Horse boondocking, start in Somerset Kentucky. Take KY 192 east for about 21 miles—don’t rush, it’s a pretty drive.

Once you’ve hit that mark, turn right (south) onto Forest Road 122. The road isn’t exactly a highway, so just take it slow and watch for potholes.

Keep an eye out for signs to Forest Road 816B. Turn there and keep going for 8 miles, winding through the woods.

Little Lick Horse boondocking is on a ridge in Pulaski County, just north of the Cumberland River. If you’re using GPS, the coordinates are roughly 36.9719, -84.3984.

Double-check that your vehicle can handle narrow, sometimes bumpy forest roads. Not the best place for a low-slung sedan, honestly.

If you’re bringing horses, Little Lick Horse boondocking is set up for equestrian use. There are picket lines and corrals, so your animals will be secure.

Just a heads up: there aren’t big hooks for tying horses to trees, so stick to the provided setups. Always follow the posted rules—it helps keep the place nice for everyone.

If you like having a map in hand, the forest service usually has printable guides that lay out the roads and trails. Check for Little Lick Trail #502 and Nathan McClure Trail #530—they’re close by and worth exploring.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

You can get to Little Lick Horse Boondocking by taking a gravel road. The drive is about 5 miles, winding through the trees with plenty of curves. It’s a bit of a trek, but honestly, that’s part of what keeps things peaceful out there.

Little Lick Horse boondocking caters mostly to off-road vehicles and folks with horses. It’s really not the best spot for big RVs or regular tents, so keep that in mind. Before heading out, double-check that your vehicle can handle gravel and rough terrain—it’s not exactly a smooth cruise.

Camping at Little Lick Horse boondocking area won’t cost you a dime. Each spot comes with a fire ring, picnic table, and a tent pad, which is honestly more than I expected from a free site. There’s a certain charm to that simplicity.

You can stay for up to 14 days, which gives you plenty of time to unwind. There are vault toilets on-site, but don’t expect water or electric hookups. If you need those, this probably isn’t your place.

Key vehicle and pricing info:

Helpful Boondocking Information Links:

Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace

State Specific Information Links

Kentucky Park Service
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife