Paragon Boondocking In West Liberty, Kentucky – Guide for RV Enthusiasts

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

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Paragon Boondocking
In West Liberty, Kentucky
Guide for RV Enthusiasts

ADDRESS
Paragon-Craney Rd West Liberty, Kentucky GPS: 38.048074, -83.394839 Elevation: 722′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Forest Service (Official) This is a FREE campsite.

Previous Reviews:

Paragon Boondocking: Paragon Dispersed Camping Area is open year-round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 nights at Paragon Dispersed Camping Area. This primitive camping area has 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Chemical toilet available

About This Location

If you’re after a quiet place to camp for free near West Liberty Kentucky, Paragon Boondocking might just do the trick. Tucked in the Daniel Boone National Forest, this dispersed camping area has somewhere between 6 and 15 sites—enough to give you options but not so many that it ever feels crowded.

You can stay here up to 14 nights without paying a dime. That’s a real bonus for budget travelers or anyone trying to keep things simple.

The Forest Service manages the area, and it stays open year-round. You’ll get those natural surroundings you crave, with privacy that’s hard to come by at busier campgrounds.

Just a heads up, though: you’ll need to bring your own supplies and stick to the rules about food and trash storage. It’s all about keeping wildlife safe and the site clean for the next folks.

Paragon Boondocking is known for its easy access and peaceful vibe. If you’re the type who likes the outdoors without a ton of neighbors, you’ll probably dig it.

Paragon Boondocking In West Liberty, Kentucky

You’ll find Paragon Boondocking Area close to West Liberty Kentucky, right inside Daniel Boone National Forest. It’s public land, managed by the Forest Service, and you can swing by any time of year.

There are about 6 to 15 campsites for free dispersed camping, and you’re allowed to stay up to 14 nights. Some sites have fire rings or lantern posts, but don’t expect luxury—this is primitive camping at its core.

The elevation here is roughly 722 feet, which doesn’t really matter unless you’re super into topography, but it’s nice to know. Paragon Boondocking is about 60 miles east of Lexington, so not too far if you need to run into town.

You’ll find parking for tents, RVs, and even smaller campers. Just remember, there are no hookups or fancy amenities.

Alcohol’s a no-go on national forest land, and yeah, you really do need to store your food and trash right—nobody wants a bear encounter. The area’s quiet and private, perfect if you’re after a mellow outdoor escape.

Feature	Details
Location	Paragon-Craney Rd, West Liberty, KY
Number of Sites	6–15
Length of Stay	Up to 14 nights
Elevation	722 feet
Amenities	Fire rings, lantern posts (some sites)
Management	U.S. Forest Service
Alcohol Policy	Prohibited

Bring everything you’ll need—there’s nothing in the way of services out here. Cell service is spotty at best, so don’t count on streaming Netflix.

Directions

Getting to Paragon Boondocking isn’t too complicated, but it helps to know the basics. Start by heading for the center of West Liberty.

From there, take Paragon-Craney Road. The camping area’s along this stretch, so keep your eyes peeled.

Punch these GPS coordinates into your device: 38.048074, -83.394839. That’ll get you right to the spot.

If you’re coming in from a major highway, just follow signs into West Liberty first. Then look for Paragon-Craney Road—it’s not hard to find, but you don’t want to miss it.

Once you’re on Paragon-Craney, keep an eye out for Forest Service signs marking the dispersed camping area. It’s pretty straightforward, but still easy to drive right past if you’re daydreaming.

The U.S. Forest Service runs the site, and if you hit any snags or need more info, give them a call at 606-784-6428. They’re usually pretty helpful.

Check your vehicle before you go—the road can get narrow or a bit rough in places, especially after rain. Plan ahead and maybe glance at the weather; nobody likes surprises when they’re camping.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

You can get into Paragon Boondocking by driving along Paragon Road. Since August 2019, the gate by Highway 519 has actually been open, which is a relief if you hate carrying gear for miles.

Now, cars, trucks, and RVs can make it to the first two loops. That means you can camp, swim, or fish without too much hassle getting in.

The roads are generally fine for most vehicles, though if it’s just rained, things can get a little dicey. It pays to keep an eye on the weather and maybe check road conditions before you roll in.

Camping here doesn’t cost a thing—no parking fees, no permits, just show up and pick your spot. It’s a rare find these days, honestly.

You can stay for up to 14 nights at a time. After that, you’ll need to clear out for a bit before circling back.

Food storage is a big deal. If you don’t want uninvited guests (think: bears), stash your food in a hardtop, trunk, or a proper bear container.

Cooking and eating areas should stay clean, too. No one wants to wake up to a wildlife party at their campsite.

Summary of key points:

Feature	Details
Vehicle access	Open gate near Hwy 519
Vehicle types	Cars, trucks, RVs
Cost	Free
Max stay duration	14 nights per visit
Food storage requirements	Use hardtop, trunk, or bear container