Camping Journal

Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - Blue Heron Campground, KY	Date: 6/21/2001
Miles Towed: 700	Weather: H mid 90's L mid 70's

Having never camped in Kentucky, we decided on a four day weekend to try out the southernmost campground we could find in KY. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is split between TN and KY, with a campground in each. The campground in KY is the smaller of the two, the Blue Heron Campground.

The Blue Heron Campground has water and electric on each of the 45 sites with a common dump station. During the day the campground is staffed by a National Park Service ranger, and a campground host is on site 24 hours a day.

While some sites are out in the open, most are around the edges of a wooded area providing adequate cover and shade. Each site has a level paved area to park your camper/vehicle, but be careful several have a very short area. A crushed stone area for a tent or dining cover also has a fire ring with grill attached. A picnic table and lantern post complete the amenities on each site.

The campground has a modern bath house with hot showers and flush toilets. While they are showing signs of age, they were more than adequate.

A group fire ring with bench seating is adjacent to site #17 for groups who may want to gather at this campground. A children's play area is in the center of the camping area which includes swings. All roads in the campground are paved so it is very bicycle friendly. Hiking abounds in the park for all skill levels. Other activities in the area include whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. For those who have their own horses, Big South Fork has horse campgrounds.

Other public lands in the area include the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Pickett State Park and Forest (TN).

Handicapped sites include a site that is fully covered in level concrete, including the areas around the raised fire ring as well as around the water/electric posts. The handicapped site is next to the bath house and while the mens/ladies rooms do not have handicapped facilities, a common family bath room is fully handicapped accessible. A roll in shower area, hand held shower a seated level, shower seat and toilet with grab bars are all in a single room available to handicapped campers.