Turkey Foot Boondocking
In McKee, Kentucky
Practical Guide for RV Travelers
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| McKee, Kentucky GPS: 37.466717, -83.915375 Elevation: 1026′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Turkey Foot Boondocking: The road in is Gravel and ~3 miles from a paved road. Turkey Foot is open April 11 to November 24. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30′. You may stay 14 Nights at Turkey Foot. We stayed here this past fall. We stayed for about a week.
There was only one other site occupied, and it was for only one night (though they left enough trash for a week). Ranger drove through pretty often. A number of folks used the area during the day, mostly to swim or fish in the adjacent river. There was a vault toilet. Each site had fire pits with bbq tops. Rivers are way too dry for any boating.
About This Location
If you’re itching for a quiet, no-cost camping spot in Kentucky, Turkey Foot Boondocking near McKee might just hit the spot. Turkey Foot boondocking offers free boondocking, with rustic sites where you can camp without hookups. It’s a simple outdoor experience—nothing fancy, just you, the trees, and maybe a few neighbors.
You’ll find both tent and RV spaces tucked into the Daniel Boone National Forest. Each site comes with a fire ring and a picnic table, which is perfect for a low-key dinner or just sitting around with friends. The spot’s close enough to McKee that grabbing supplies isn’t a hassle, but you still feel pretty far from the bustle.
Honestly, Turkey Foot boondocking is practical if you want to get into the woods without blowing your budget. There’s a certain charm to being off the grid, even if it means giving up a few comforts.
Turkey Foot Boondocking In McKee, Kentucky
Turkey Foot boondocking sits inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering a little pocket of quiet for boondockers near McKee Kentucky. It’s got that “away from it all” vibe, but you’re not totally in the middle of nowhere.
You’ll need to be ready to camp off the grid here—no hookups, so pack what you need and don’t expect much in the way of amenities. It’s a spot for folks who don’t mind roughing it a bit.
There’s some good hiking around. The Turkey Foot Loop Trail is about 4.5 miles and strictly for hiking—no bikes or horses, just boots on the ground. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail is nearby, and it stretches on for miles.
Here’s what you need to know about Turkey Foot boondocking:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | McKee Kentucky |
| GPS Coordinates | 37.4673, -83.9169 |
| Elevation | Moderate |
| Off-Highway Vehicles | Allowed but limited to vehicles under 50″ wide on some trails |
| Contact Phone | (606) 864-4163 |
The campground’s natural surroundings and easy trail access are big draws. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds and get straight to the hiking, it’s a solid pick.
Bring everything you need, especially water, since there are no guaranteed hookups or facilities. It’s a rugged camping experience, so come prepared for the basics and a little unpredictability.
Directions
To get to Turkey Foot boondocking, start out from US Highway 421 near McKee, Kentucky. You’ll head north on Kentucky Route 587 (KY 587) for a bit.
After a few miles, take a left onto Forest Service Road 345—that’s your ticket straight to the campground. The last stretch is gravel, and honestly, it’s pretty steep.
If you’re driving a big rig or towing, take it slow and steady. It can get a little dicey, especially if you’re not used to narrow or uneven roads.
Keep an eye out for signs along the way—they’re usually there, but don’t blink or you might miss one. Once you see War Fork Creek, you’re basically there.
For the GPS folks, the address is usually listed as Forest Service Road 345, McKee, KY 40447. Not the most glamorous address, but it gets you close.
If you get turned around, the campground number is (606) 864-4163—someone should be able to help with directions or road updates.
It’s smart to check the weather before you go, since gravel roads can turn slick or even a little treacherous after rain. Daylight is definitely your friend on these roads, so try not to arrive after dark.
A GPS is helpful, but sometimes those forest roads don’t show up right, so having a paper map as backup isn’t a bad idea. Better safe than sorry, right?
Vehicle Access And Pricing
Turkey Foot boondocking sits at the end of a gravel road, which stretches about 3 miles. That gravel connects you to a paved road, so just a heads-up—plan for a bit of a bumpy ride in.
If you’re bringing a vehicle, anything up to 30 feet should fit without much fuss. There are also some nearby trails that allow off-highway vehicles under 50 inches wide, if that’s your thing.
Visitors are allowed to stay for up to 14 nights at Turkey Foot boondocking. That’s honestly a decent chunk of time if you’re after an extended stay away from the usual crowds.
The campground is open each year from April 11 through November 24. It’s smart to double-check for any seasonal closures before you make the drive, just in case.
Pricing can be a bit of a mystery—it’s often free, or the fees are so low they barely register. Probably best to call the office at (606) 864-4163 to see what the current deal is or to book ahead if you’re feeling organized.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Road Type | Gravel, 3 miles from paved road |
| Max Vehicle Length | 30 feet |
| Stay Limit | 14 nights |
| Season | April 11 – November 24 |
| Contact Phone | (606) 864-4163 |
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Fire Ring Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping OHV Fishing Hiking Horse Trails Swimming Wildlife Viewing |