Turkey Foot Campground — Hotel in Beattyville

First weekend camping of the season and first time to Turkey foot. Overall it was a good camping experience. We traveled south on US 421 from Berea to Mckee where we turned North on KY 89. From there it's pretty easy, just follow the signs. I also memorized the route on Google Maps which helped finding the campground. The last couple of miles of the trip, the road turns from blacktop to gravel road.

It is a fairly secluded area and there is no cell service there. On the AT&T network, we lost cell service about 4 miles before arriving to the campground. Actually, this was a rather nice inconvenience, leaving the technology behind for a while. With this in mind though, be aware that you are a good distance from the nearest hospital and no way to call for help if need be. As always, beware of your surroundings and never leave food laying around as it may attract bears.

There are a total of 15 campsites available for use along with a couple of picnic areas. When we arrived, there was only one other site in use. I’m not sure if this was because it was still early in the season or this is normal. We had our pick of campsites and set up on one that was a good distance from the gravel loop around the campground. Before sunset, there were two more vehicles that came in and set up camp further down.

Most sites have a fire ring/grill combination and all sites had one or two lamp poles, a heavily built picnic table and a tent pad. There was some garbage left behind by previous campers, but the area was pretty clean. Two vault toilets service the camp sites and the picnic areas which were clean and didn’t have a bad smell to them. This may be due to the start of the camping season. It is a nice walk around the loop, and we stopped down by the creek to skip some rocks.

We arrived mid-day Saturday, and left mid-day Sunday. I would like to come back when we can stay longer, maybe spend two or three nights. I would recommend...

To begin, I cant disagree, this campground is beautiful. The creekbed is dry right now and you are able to walk it pretty much as far as you will. Tons of river stone, little fishes, and beautiful foliage to keep your attention. Decently maintained with sites that are graveled and laid out in a comfortable fashion. Some sites are larger than others and each layout is a little different with a different view.

Turkey Foot loop is not bad for hiking. Be forewarned, the traverse up the hill on the trail has washed and is quite a trek. Make sure you wear good hiking boots/shoes. The forest views make the trail worth it. Not the hardest Ive hiked but pushes you a bit for sure.

I have some complaints and I think it needs to be said as those who are looking for the peace and quiet of this campground will be sorely disappointed. Was here for 3 days and never saw a park ranger. People are taking advantage of this. Generators were an issue. There were 2 campers that had generators. Neither generator was silent or in a box of any kind. One site almost appeared to be homesteading, which you cannot do in the Daniel Boone system. The generators made the peace we were seeking unattainable and sleep was impossible. Also dogs. Our dog was with us and is a very sweet and well trained animal. Others are not. I should be able to traverse the campground without your dog trying to eat me or bark me off the side of the road. I should also be able to sleep without a dog barking me awake every time a leaf rustles. Long story summed up, Turkey Foot is lovely and was a hidden gem. However, it no longer appears to be a hidden gem and with more people comes more problems. Especially when the park rangers do not have a presence. Disappointed with this times experience. People...

I can't say enough how incredible this site is... at least 2.5 miles off paved road, you'll know it's coming when you see the ominous forest of darkness surrounded by trees just in front of you... isolated enough, especially during the week... stayed here from a Wednesday through Monday.... only left because of personal things to take care of. Awesome animal sounds at night.... last night I was there, there were two owls? talking to each other from opposite sides of my tent.... one got closer at some point. So freakin cool to hear their communication at night. Vault toilets are better than portapots in the army. Smells like.... wet, but not mold. Take a flashlight even during day to check for spiders near where you're putting your backside. Usually kept an eye on em while I peed n all lol. Dont leave doors open, otherwise flies gather on toilet and next person has to wave them away before sitting. Gorgeous.... gorgeous green everywhere... beautiful water under cool rock ledge.... steps created around many sites that go up and down from tree lines... options for more open sites, or more isolated privacy, at least one site has...