Barren Fork Horse Camp
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Barren Fork Horse Camp
Barren Fork Horse Camp is a popular campground for horseback riders who enjoy the forest setting. Several interconnecting trails provide miles of riding pleasure. A nearby pond has water for horses. Visitors can also enjoy fishing at a nearby pond. Campers without horses are welcome to camp here. There are no hookups or dumping stations. View Guide with Map Barren Fork Area Trail Map, 11x17 The campground offers 41 campsites that accommodate horse trailers and RVs up to 35 feet. A picnic shelter at the campground is available for group-use. Negative Coggins Test Required. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture requires a negative Coggins or similar test for equine infectious anemia and a valid certificate of veterinary inspection. Area Trails: Arabian #622 (4 miles) and Canter #625 (2.75 miles) are close to the horse camp and connect with other trails such as the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail Section 30 (10 miles), Belgian #624 (3 miles), Flat Rock Ridge #616 (1.5 miles), Draft #617 (.75 miles), Indian Creek #626 (1.75 miles) and North Flat Rock #627 (3 miles). Site history: The Barren Fork Horse Camp was once the site of a coal mining town operated by the Barren Fork Mining and Coal Company. The mining activities occurred from 1881 to 1935, producing what was considered some of the best quality low-sulfur coal in McCreary County at the time. Nearby Facilities: Barren Fork Picnic Area
Before you go
Season
April 1 – November 15
Reservations
First-come, first-served
Fees
There is a $15/night fee for overnight camping. Pay at site using fee envelope. Recreation Passes and Permits
Hours
Campers only from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Accessibility
One toilet facility is accessible for persons with disabilities. Area trails do not meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.