Paul Van Booven WMA Boondocking
In Clayhole, Kentucky
Tips for Wilderness Camping
Â
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Long Fork Road Clayhole, Kentucky GPS: 37.431894, -83.180352 Elevation: 1355′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Fish and Wildlife This is a FREE campsite. |
Â
Previous Reviews:
Paul Van Booven WMA Boondocking: This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.
About This Location
If you’re after a quiet spot to camp without shelling out fees, Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking in Clayhole, Kentucky, might be just your thing. There’s free boondocking tucked among forests and reclaimed mine land.
You can stay overnight in designated primitive spots, surrounded by woods and wildlife, and it won’t cost you a dime. It’s a no-frills setup—just you, your gear, and the sounds of the wild.
The area sprawls across more than 2,000 acres, with deer, elk, and rabbits roaming around. If you’re craving some outdoor solitude or want to poke around nearby places like Red River Gorge, this place could work.
Camping here is about simplicity. You bring everything you’ll need, and you pack it all out when you leave.
It’s a raw, peaceful camping experience—no crowds, no amenities, just nature doing its thing.
Paul Van Booven WMA Boondocking In Clayhole, Kentucky
Boondocking at Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking puts you in the middle of 2,000 acres of forest and old mining land. It’s in Breathitt County, not far from Clayhole, and honestly, it’s about as peaceful as it gets.
You’ll be camping without hookups in the primitive camping spots. These are basic—no running water, no electric.
Bring your own supplies, especially water. There’s really nothing provided.
The WMA is managed for wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you spot deer, elk, quail, or rabbits. If you’re into wildlife viewing, you’ll probably enjoy camping here.
Weather can be a bit unpredictable. Winters drop into the 20s (Fahrenheit), while summers sometimes climb into the 80s.
Plan your clothes and gear with the seasons in mind. It’s not the place you want to be caught unprepared.
Here’s a quick info sheet to help you plan:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Long Fork Road, Clayhole, KY |
| Elevation | About 1,355 feet |
| Activities | Wildlife viewing, hiking |
| Camping | Primitive campsites only |
| Seasonal Weather | 20s°F in winter to 80s°F summer |
Check local rules before you go. Overnight camping is only allowed in certain areas, and you’ll need to stick to wildlife and land use guidelines.
Directions
Getting to the Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking area: If you’re coming from Jackson Kentucky, head 6 miles south on Highway 15. After that, turn east onto Highway 476 and keep going for about 12 miles.
Coming from Hazard? Take Highway 80 east for 7 miles. Then, go west on Highway 476 for around 14 miles.
Watch for the turn onto Buckhorn Creek Road. This road will guide you toward the WMA.
The Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking area sits close to Clayhole, Kentucky, and the main route in is Kentucky Highway 476. Not every gate is open, so don’t just wander in—stick to areas marked for public access.
A quick cheat-sheet for getting there:
| Step | Action | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | From Jackson, go south on Hwy 15 | 6 miles |
| 2 | Turn east on Hwy 476 | 12 miles |
| 3 | From Hazard, go east on Hwy 80 | 7 miles |
| 4 | Then go west on Hwy 476 | 14 miles |
| 5 | Turn right on Buckhorn Creek Rd | Follow signs |
That should get you to Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking area or whatever outdoor adventure you’re after.
Vehicle Access And Pricing
You can get to Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking area with a standard vehicle, which is pretty convenient. The roads in are mostly gravel and dirt, so if the weather’s dry, you should be fine with a regular car. If it’s been raining, though, you might want something with higher clearance or four-wheel drive—just to be safe.
Primitive camping spots are the name of the game here. Don’t expect any frills; there’s no hookups or restrooms, and the experience is about as basic as it gets. Thankfully, you can park close to the campsites, so hauling your stuff isn’t a huge hassle.
There’s no fee to camp overnight at Paul Van Booven WMA boondocking area, which is honestly refreshing. The designated primitive sites are completely free, so you can just show up and settle in without worrying about extra costs.
It’s worth double-checking local and state camping rules before you go. Sometimes there are seasonal restrictions or changes, and nobody wants a surprise when they roll in.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Standard cars to 4WD |
| Road Condition | Gravel and dirt |
| Camping Fee | Free |
| Facilities | Primitive (no hookups/restrooms) |
Â
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Wildlife Viewing |
Â