Great Meadows Campground

Welcome to Great Meadows Campground, a serene and picturesque camping destination nestled within the natural beauty of Stearns, Kentucky! If you're seeking an authentic outdoor experience where peace and nature take center stage, this campground offers an ideal escape. Unlike many commercial parks, Great Meadows provides a more rustic and immersive camping trip, perfect for those who truly love to disconnect and reconnect with the wilderness. It's a place where the sounds of the creek and the rustle of leaves replace the everyday hustle and bustle, offering a true Kentucky outdoor adventure.

For Kentuckians who cherish the tranquility of undeveloped natural spaces and the thrill of outdoor exploration, Great Meadows Campground is a gem. Many local campers seek out spots that offer genuine wilderness experiences, away from the crowds and commercial distractions. This campground delivers on that promise, providing a peaceful haven within easy reach. As one visitor perfectly described it, "If you love nature and getting away from the crowds of people then this is a good place to go." The emphasis here is on the natural surroundings and the opportunities they present for hiking, picnicking, and quiet reflection.

Whether you're planning a family picnic by the creek, a challenging hike through the adjacent trails, or a peaceful night under the stars, Great Meadows Campground offers a variety of options to suit your outdoor desires. We'll delve into all the details you need to know about this unique campground, from its beautiful location and accessible features to what truly makes it a suitable choice for locals seeking a genuine Kentucky outdoor experience.

Great Meadows Campground is uniquely situated on Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Rd, Stearns, KY 42647, USA. This location places it deep within a lush, natural environment, making it a prime spot for experiencing the rugged beauty of Kentucky's wilderness. The campground is directly on Rock Creek, offering immediate access to its cool, refreshing waters and scenic banks.

Accessibility to Great Meadows is part of its charm as a more secluded natural retreat. The approach involves navigating a "narrow gravel road leading to these areas," which adds to the sense of getting away from it all. While this means it's not a spot for urban convenience, it perfectly suits those with a spirit of adventure and a desire for a less developed camping experience. Despite its rustic access, the location provides direct entry to "very beautiful adjacent hiking trails," a major highlight for nature lovers. There are "some easy to more advanced hiking available and multiple scenic overlooks on the road that leads into the area."

Being located in Stearns places the campground in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest territory, offering abundant opportunities for exploration. While the campground itself is remote, the nearby town of Stearns provides basic services and a glimpse into local history, including the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. This blend of remote natural beauty and accessible regional points of interest makes Great Meadows a well-positioned destination for an authentic outdoor adventure.

Great Meadows Campground offers a back-to-basics camping experience, focusing on natural amenities rather than extensive developed services. This approach appeals to campers who prefer a more authentic outdoor adventure.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features two main loops for camping: "Deer Loop" and "Racoon Loop." Both offer gravel campsites.
• Basic Site Amenities: Each designated campsite comes equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and lantern poles, providing the essentials for a traditional camping setup.
• Shade: Campers will find "plenty of shade from the sun" at both Deer Loop and Racoon Loop, offering comfort during warmer months.
• Creek-side Camping: The "Racoon Loop" campground specifically offers the added backdrop of "rock creek flowing beside the campsites," providing a scenic and soothing natural feature.
• Primitive Camping Options: Beyond the designated loops, the area provides "a few options for some more private primitive camping. Just look for the gravel pulloffs," catering to those seeking even greater solitude.
• Shelter House: A communal shelter house is available, "situated on the creek with picnic tables, paved walking path, grills, and restrooms nearby," ideal for day use or group gatherings.
• Restrooms: Basic restrooms are available near the shelter house, providing a convenient facility for campers.

It is important to note: "Water and electricity is not provided at either campground." This signifies a truly rustic camping experience, requiring campers to be self-sufficient regarding these utilities.

Great Meadows Campground stands out for its immersive natural environment and the opportunities it provides for genuine outdoor experiences.

• Authentic Natural Setting: The campground is praised for its "peaceful" atmosphere and for being a place to "get away from the crowds of people," ideal for those who love nature and solitude.
• Rock Creek Access: The presence of Rock Creek flowing alongside campsites (especially in Racoon Loop) and its cold, inviting waters for "a cool dip" during hot summer months is a major highlight.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The area boasts "very beautiful adjacent hiking trails," ranging from "easy to more advanced," catering to various fitness levels and offering ample exploration opportunities. "Multiple scenic overlooks on the road that leads into the area" further enhance the experience.
• Shaded Campsites: "Plenty of shade" in both Deer and Racoon Loops ensures comfort even on sunny days.
• Picnic and Day Use Facilities: The shelter house with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms nearby offers excellent amenities for day visitors or group picnics.
• Primitive Options: The availability of "more private primitive camping" spots appeals to experienced backcountry campers seeking ultimate seclusion.
• Wildlife Viewing: While not explicitly stated, such a natural environment typically offers opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Scenic Drive: The journey into the campground, with "multiple scenic overlooks," is part of the experience itself, setting the tone for a nature retreat.
• Affordable and Accessible Nature: By not providing water and electricity at individual sites, the campground likely keeps its fees lower, making a wilderness experience more accessible.

The reviewer's cautionary note about "crazy drivers" on the narrow gravel road is worth being aware of, but it also underscores the remote, natural feel of the area.

As a more rustic and primitive campground, Great Meadows Campground typically operates with a simpler fee structure and may not frequently offer traditional "promotions" in the same way a commercial RV park might. Pricing for primitive or basic campsites is generally quite affordable already, reflecting the fewer provided amenities.

However, it is always a good idea to inquire directly when making reservations. While not guaranteed, potential "offers" or details might include:

• Group Rates: If you are planning a large group camping trip, there might be specific pricing or reservation procedures for block bookings.
• Seasonal Rates: Occasionally, during very off-peak times, there might be slight variations in fees, though primitive camping fees are generally consistent.
• Long-Term Stay Options: For extended stays, inquire if there are any specific weekly or monthly rates, though this is less common for primitive sites.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and any specific policies, your best course of action is to contact Great Meadows Campground directly using the contact information provided below. Given the nature of a primitive campground, understanding rules regarding fires, waste, and quiet hours will also be important.

Ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Great Meadows Campground? Here’s how you can get in touch to plan your authentic Kentucky outdoor adventure:

• Address: Rock Creek-Fireroad 137 Rd, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
• Phone: (606) 376-5323
• Mobile Phone: +1 606-376-5323

It is highly recommended to call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you're looking for specific loops or primitive spots, and to clarify any details about accessing the campground and its facilities.

For Kentuckians, Great Meadows Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for those seeking a genuine escape into the state's natural wilderness. Unlike more developed campgrounds, its rustic charm and lack of electricity and water at individual sites create an authentic primitive camping experience that truly allows locals to disconnect and appreciate the raw beauty of their home state. This back-to-basics approach appeals directly to those who value self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with nature, which is a core part of Kentucky's outdoor culture.

The campground's location near Rock Creek and its direct access to "very beautiful adjacent hiking trails" are significant draws. For Kentucky residents who love exploring their state's vast network of trails and scenic overlooks, Great Meadows serves as an ideal base. The opportunity for a "cool dip in the frigid waters of Rock Creek" during hot summer months is a uniquely refreshing local experience. The "peaceful" atmosphere and the chance to "get away from the crowds of people" provide a much-needed respite from daily life, aligning perfectly with the desire for quiet natural retreats often sought by locals.

The presence of basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and communal restrooms, combined with plenty of shade and the option for more private primitive camping, makes it a versatile choice. For Kentuckians eager for a truly immersive and tranquil outdoor adventure without venturing too far from home, Great Meadows Campground stands out as an excellent choice, offering a true taste of wild Kentucky.