Alum Ford

Alum Ford provides boat launch access to a remote section of the Big South Fork Cumberland River in McCreary County, located seven miles west of Whitley City at the end of Highway 700. The ramp accommodates both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks and canoes. This is a popular takeout point for paddlers, particularly those completing the 8-mile beginner-friendly flatwater paddle from Yamacraw Bridge, which represents the upper, calmer section of the river.

The adjacent Alum Ford Campground offers six reservable campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it convenient for multi-day paddling trips. The area is situated within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Note that access roads can occasionally be closed; contact the campground at (423) 569-9778 to confirm conditions before your trip. Expect some boat traffic from anglers and motorized craft using the ramp.

Overview
Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists of six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring.
Recreation
The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the...

Overview
Alum Ford Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork seven miles west of Whitley City, Kentucky at the end of Highway 700. The campground consists of six campsites each with picnic table and fire ring.
Recreation
The campground is located adjacent to the Alum Ford Boat Launch, providing access for motorized and non-motorized watercraft to this remote section of the Big South Fork River where it becomes Lake Cumberland. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail also passes through the campground. The Sheltowee Trace is a 260-mile back country trail through Daniel Boone National Forest, Big South Fork NRRA, and Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, & Pickett State Parks in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Facilities
Alum Ford Campground has six sites with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, bear-proof garbage cans, and food storage lockers. A vault toilet facility is also available. 
Natural Features
This small campground sits above the Alum Ford Boat Ramp which provides access to the Big South Fork River. 

Nearby Attractions
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot is located about 9 miles away in the town of Stearns, which offers train rides and other educational opportunities for campers. More information can be found online at https://bsfsry.com. 
Just a few miles from Stearns is Blue Heron Mine, also known as Mine 18, a historic abandoned mining town that has been rebuilt as an outdoor museum. Visitors can hear audio presentations from actual people who lived in the community in the 1950s.  
Additional attractions include the Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, offering additional recreation opportunities.

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