White Oak Boat-In Campground
4.4512 reviewsUS Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744
White Oak Boat-In Campground
$28.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
$28/night per single site, $48/night per double site. Payments are made at self-serve pay stations using cash or check only. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites only.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at this exclusive boat-in campground, where the gentle lapping of Laurel River Lake serves as your morning alarm. Each secluded campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: sturdy tent pads, picnic tables for lakeside meals, fire rings for evening gatherings, and lantern poles to light your way under starlit skies. Fresh drinking water and clean vault toilets ensure convenience without compromising the wilderness experience. While you won't find electricity or modern plumbing here, the self-serve pay stations make check-in effortless, leaving more time for what matters—immersing yourself in nature's tranquility.
White Oak Boat-In Campground is primarily designed for tent camping. It features 39 lakeshore campsites that are accessible by boat or a 3-mile hike. Campers should expect a primitive camping experience with no electricity or developed facilities.
Historical SignificanceWhile this pristine corner of Daniel Boone National Forest may not boast historical markers or ancient artifacts, it offers something equally valuable—a chance to create your own story in a landscape that remains refreshingly untouched by time.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a gentle mix of cool temperatures and refreshing rains, gradually warming into the sultry embrace of summer. The magic happens during those perfect weeks when spring transitions to summer—imagine crisp mornings giving way to sun-drenched afternoons, all under brilliantly clear Kentucky skies. These moderate conditions create ideal camping weather, when the lake sparkles invitingly and evening campfires feel just right.
ElevationNestled along the rolling contours of Laurel River Lake, the campground offers varied elevations that create intimate camping spaces and stunning water views. The gentle slopes leading to the shoreline provide natural terraces for each campsite.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking up in a private woodland sanctuary, where mature trees create a natural cathedral overhead and provide cooling shade throughout the day. Each campsite is carefully positioned to maximize both privacy and lake access, with generous spacing that makes neighbors feel miles away. The real star here is Laurel River Lake itself—imagine exploring hidden coves by kayak, discovering dramatic cliff faces that plunge into crystal-clear waters, or simply watching the sunset paint ripples across the surface. Whether you're casting a line for bass, carving through glassy waters on skis, or exploring underwater worlds with scuba gear, this pristine lake offers endless adventures.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Daniel Boone National Forest, this campground provides exclusive access to one of Kentucky's crown jewels—Laurel River Lake. This 5,600-acre aquatic playground boasts some of the cleanest, clearest water in the region, with nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shoreline creating countless opportunities for exploration. The lake's impressive depth and clarity make it a haven for water enthusiasts, while the surrounding forest provides a lush backdrop of hardwoods and evergreens that showcase Kentucky's natural beauty in every season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets meet accessibility standards. The terrain may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues due to the campground's boat-in or hike-in nature.
Sites SizeSites include tent pads of unspecified dimensions.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are wooded and spaced far enough to provide a sense of seclusion, as per official descriptions.
Total Campsites39 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near central amenities for easier access to water and restrooms. Campsite #12 is recommended for its location and features.
Best CampsitesUser review highlights campsite #12 as an excellent spot, offering privacy and lakeside views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Stay limited to the operational season (April 25th - September 28th).
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit directly mentioned.
Groups
There is no mention of designated group sites in the authoritative source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive layout with campsites spaced apart for privacy. Facilities centrally located (water and vault toilets).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 25th - September 28th.
Reservation PlatformsNo online platforms available; payment done at self-serve pay stations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 39 lakeshore campsites are first-come-first-served; usually fill up on weekends during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy mentioned; all sites are first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
White Oak Boat-In Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that capitalize on its lakeside location. Activities include hiking and biking along the nearby Cold Rock School Trail #430, and water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming in Laurel River Lake. The lake’s 5,600 acres of clear, deep water and 200 miles of shoreline provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including the Cold Rock School Trail #430, a 3-mile trail that connects to the campground.Fishing
Fishing is permitted on Laurel River Lake, which supports activities like angling. Specific fish types are not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is available in Laurel River Lake. There are no designated swimming areas or lifeguards mentioned.Biking
The Cold Rock School Trail #430 supports biking and spans 3 miles to the campground.Boating
Boating is a primary access method to the campground. The lake allows moorings near campsites.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as otters have been observed at the campground, as noted by a user in their review.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is open only from April to September.Water Sports
Water sports such as skiing and scuba diving are mentioned as popular activities on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are No specific mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as copperhead snakes, mosquitos in restrooms, and seclusion risks. User reviews mention mosquitos and occasional snake sightings.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
London Ranger District Office (12 miles) can provide assistance, but the closest hospital or police station is in London.
Good to know
Peak season datesTypically weekends during peak camping season (April to September).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Laurel River Lake with most campsites near the water's edge. Boat moorings available.
Common complaintsMosquitos infesting restrooms and occasional snake sightings. Lack of electricity and primitive facilities may not suit all campers.
HostHosts are present; user testimonials mention a helpful and friendly host. Review by Ben Hamilton suggests ongoing improvements by a host.
Campground Map
US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744
Driving directionsFrom I-75 take exit 38 (London) and travel west on KY 192 for 12 miles. Turn left (south) on Forest Service Road 774. Go 2 miles to the Marsh Branch Boat Ramp. Boaters will travel approximately one mile south to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads up to the Marsh Branch Boat Ramp. From there, accessibility is limited to boating or hiking a 3-mile trail (Cold Rock School Trail #430).Nearby places
London (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving), Marsh Branch Boat Ramp (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes driving).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in London, KY (12 miles away). No stores at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
12 reviews
White Oak Boat-In Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe White Oak Boat-In Campground as a beautiful and secluded destination, ideal for campers who enjoy primitive and peaceful lakeside camping. Many reviews highlight the scenic beauty of the sites, particularly their proximity to the water.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic surroundings, seclusion of campsites, and the presence of basic but clean facilities like vault toilets and water spigots. One user stated, 'Our site overlooked a...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the primitive nature of the facilities, with some users mentioning issues such as mosquito infestations in the restrooms and the presence of wildlife like snakes. One user...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, as the area is remote. One user advised, 'Good thing we brought our lugaloo,' referring to portable toilet equipment.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season weekends tend to fill up quickly, as stated in the authoritative content. Reviews mention the campground being quiet and less populated during off-peak seasons.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct quotes: 1. 'Great place, some of the ingresses into the campground are hard to see from the water but we camped in #12 and it was a great spot.' 2. 'Bathrooms and water spigot. We even saw...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user specifically mentioned campsite #12 as a great spot, describing it as an excellent place to camp.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility experiences beyond the mention of accessible vault toilets.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention experiences related to pets.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025