Great Meadows Campground
4.6726 reviewsOff Rock Creek-Bell Farm Road (Forest #137), McCreary County, KY
Great Meadows Campground
$10.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use costs $10/night per single site and $15/night per double site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single sites only. Payment is by cash or check via fee envelope.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Great Meadows Campground, where two distinct camping loops—Deer Loop and Raccoon Loop—offer primitive sites for both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This secluded haven sits within a tapestry of mixed hardwood forests, with the melodic waters of Rock Creek serving as your constant companion. While the camping experience remains refreshingly simple, essential amenities including vault toilets and potable water ensure comfort without compromising the natural setting. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding wilderness, while anglers will discover prime fishing spots along the creek's pristine waters.
Great Meadows Campground supports primitive camping, including for tents and RVs, but lacks full-service amenities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Appalachian seasons at Great Meadows, where spring awakens the forest with temperatures dancing between the crisp upper 30s and pleasant mid-60s. Summer transforms the campground into a warm retreat, with temperatures climbing comfortably into the 80s—though be prepared for the occasional appearance of sizeable horseflies during peak season. Autumn paints the hardwoods in spectacular colors while maintaining those perfect camping temperatures in the 60s. Throughout the year, mountain weather can surprise with sudden rain showers and the possibility of flash floods, adding an element of adventure to your stay.
ElevationPerched at 1,000 feet above sea level, Great Meadows enjoys the refreshing mountain air that keeps spring and fall temperatures delightfully cool, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings and comfortable sleeping under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering oaks, stately pines, and ancient hemlocks that create a verdant canopy overhead. The crown jewel of Great Meadows is Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River that flows gracefully alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters offering both a soothing soundtrack and endless opportunities for contemplation. This pristine waterway invites visitors to cast a line, wade in its cool shallows, or simply relax on its banks while nature performs its timeless symphony.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Daniel Boone National Forest, Great Meadows occupies a special corner of Kentucky's wilderness where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. The campground is enveloped by a rich forest ecosystem featuring majestic mixed hardwoods, fragrant hemlock groves, resilient shortleaf pines, and mighty oaks that have stood sentinel for generations. Rock Creek, carving its path adjacent to the camping areas, serves as a liquid lifeline through this verdant wilderness, its waters having shaped the land over countless millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets meet accessibility standards, and the campground is generally considered accessible.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long and are equipped with gravel parking aprons.
Sites PrivacyDeer Loop offers poor privacy due to close proximity of sites, while Raccoon Loop provides better separation between sites. Vegetation offers some shade and privacy in Deer Loop but less in Raccoon Loop.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRaccoon Loop is recommended for creekside sites and better privacy. Deer Loop offers more shade but less privacy.
Best CampsitesPrime sites by Rock Creek in Raccoon Loop.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not stated.
Groups
.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground has two loops: Deer Loop is compact and shaded, while Raccoon Loop is horseshoe-shaped and creekside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1st - November 15th. Water shut off during closed season.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation system; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. Popularity may vary depending on season.
Cancellation PolicyNot stated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Great Meadows Campground offers primarily outdoor and wilderness activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking nearby trails, and observing the natural surroundings. The campground is located near the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and the Rock Creek trout stream.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from the campground, including sections 37 and 38 of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Mark Branch Trail #635, and Gobbler's Arch Trail #636. These trails cater to various skill levels and provide a great opportunity to explore the wilderness.Fishing
Rock Creek, a designated Kentucky Wild River, runs adjacent to the campground and is stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing opportunities are abundant for those interested.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife. Bears and owls have been spotted, and the area is rich in biodiversity. A 'Food Storage Order' is in place to prevent wildlife encounters.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter season, so no winter recreation options are applicable.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly mentioned. User reviews highlight fire rings at campsites.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, and flash flood warnings are posted for both loops. User reviews also mention sightings of snakes and bears.
Active alertsFlash flood warnings and strict food storage advisories are active.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Stearns Ranger District Office, 3320 US 27 North Whitley City, KY 42653. Phone: 606-376-5323
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates as a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility, so no trash or recycling services are provided. Campers should plan to manage their own waste.
Proximity to water featuresRock Creek flows adjacent to the Raccoon Loop and offers fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome users reported trash and noise issues in Deer Loop. Narrow, pothole-filled gravel roads are frequently noted. Lack of guarantees for campsites due to first-come-first-served policy was another concern.
HostNot stated.
Campground Map
Off Rock Creek-Bell Farm Road (Forest #137), McCreary County, KY
Driving directionsFrom Whitley City, travel south on US 27 for 1 mile and turn right onto KY 92. Travel 5.3 miles then turn left on KY 1363, travel 11.4 miles to the end of the blacktop. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 564 (Bell Farm Road) and travel 1.2 miles before turning left onto Forest Service Road 137 (Woods Road) and continuing for 4.4 miles.
The road access includes steep and winding terrain along State Rt. 1363 and the latter part consists of dirt/gravel single-lane roads. User reviews mention potholes and narrow conditions requiring careful negotiation.Nearby places
Whitley City (1 mile), Stearns (approximately 18 miles)
Nearby supplies
Approximately 25+ miles to the nearest store as per user review. Supplies should be brought beforehand due to the campground's remote location.
Camper Reviews
4.7
26 reviews
Great Meadows Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, seclusion, and primitive camping experience offered by Great Meadows Campground. Many campers appreciate the trout fishing and hiking opportunities, while others note the lack of cell service and the basic amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include the scenic beauty, peaceful surroundings, good fishing opportunities, and well-developed campsites with fire rings and picnic tables.
Based on 26 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the rough road leading to the campground, the absence of showers, and the occasional presence of trash left by other campers. Other concerns include noisy campers using...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own toilet paper and supplies as the vault toilets are not frequently serviced. They also suggest arriving early to secure a spot, as the campground operates on a...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular seasons due to moderate weather and fewer bugs. Summer sees more campers but also presents challenges like horseflies and hot weather.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great primitive campground... Beautiful area, secluded, great place to unplug from technology.' - Justin Atkinson. 2. 'The vault toilets are fine, but not serviced often.' - Sheryl Melvin. 3. 'We...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Deer Loop is described as compact with poor privacy, while Raccoon Loop offers more separation between sites and is adjacent to Rock Creek. A few reviewers recommend specific 'prime campsites by the...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific user reviews about accessibility were found.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific user reviews about pets or pet-related policies were found.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025