Growing Stones Campground

For Kentuckians seeking a camping experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Growing Stones Campground in McKee offers a truly distinctive and "super laid-back" retreat. More than just a place to pitch a tent, Growing Stones is rapidly gaining a reputation as a welcoming hub, particularly for the climbing community due to its prime location near the renowned Foxtown Boulders. However, its appeal extends far beyond climbers, drawing in anyone who appreciates a friendly atmosphere, unique accommodations, and a genuine connection to Kentucky's stunning natural landscapes. The owners, Bobby and Angel, are consistently praised for their hospitality and their dedication to enhancing the property with new features, creating a vibrant and evolving space. It’s a place where you might stumble upon live music, discover hidden local gems with the owners' help, and leave feeling like you’ve found a second home in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Growing Stones Campground is strategically located at 2000 Foxtown-Lake Creek Rd, McKee, KY 40447, USA. This address places it in close proximity to the celebrated Foxtown Boulders, a significant draw for rock climbing and bouldering enthusiasts in Kentucky. Situated within the broader region of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the campground benefits from the area's rich natural beauty, including lush forests, hiking trails, and scenic vistas.

While McKee itself is a smaller, rural community, the campground's location on Foxtown-Lake Creek Road offers a balance of accessibility and seclusion. Visitors typically reach McKee via well-maintained state routes that connect to larger highways in Kentucky, such as US 421. From McKee, the local roads leading to the campground are generally navigable, though as with many rural camping destinations, some sections might be unpaved or winding. It's always a good idea to check local road conditions, especially after heavy rain. The close proximity to Foxtown Boulders means that climbers can quickly access their preferred climbing areas, while other visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the forest with convenient access to nearby attractions in Jackson County and the broader Red River Gorge region. The journey to Growing Stones promises an immersion into Kentucky's scenic backcountry.

Growing Stones Campground goes beyond typical primitive camping by offering a mix of unique accommodations and communal facilities, all designed to foster a relaxed and enjoyable stay. While specific exhaustive lists of all services may not be publicly detailed, based on reviews and common campground offerings, here’s what visitors can typically expect:

• Diverse Camping Accommodations:

  • Primitive Campsites: For traditional tent campers who prefer a rustic experience, secluded primitive sites are available.
  • Unique Stays (Yurts, Teardrop Campers, Trailer Campers): Growing Stones offers specialized accommodations like solar-powered yurts and teardrop campers. These options provide a comfortable glamping experience, often including features like full-size beds, private campfires, and even air conditioning in some units.

• Communal Outdoor Kitchen: Some unique accommodations have access to a shared outdoor kitchen, complete with amenities like a flat-top griddle, microwave, and refrigerator, enhancing the cooking and dining experience.

• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides access to toilets, with plans for a soon-to-be-finished shower house, which will significantly enhance comfort for all campers.

• Campfires and Fire Pits: Campfires are allowed, with private campfire pits and grill grates available at sites, perfect for cooking and enjoying evenings outdoors.

• Wi-Fi Access: Uniquely for a rustic campground, Wi-Fi is available near the main house, allowing guests to stay connected if desired, or just check necessary information.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.

• Owner Assistance and Local Guidance: The owners, Bobby and Angel, are highly praised for being super friendly and helpful, often assisting guests with local information, like finding nearby caves or trails.

• Proximity to Foxtown Boulders: This is a major highlight for the campground, making it an ideal base for rock climbers and bouldering enthusiasts. Foxtown Boulders is a rapidly developing area within the Daniel Boone National Forest, known for its high-quality sandstone and diverse climbing challenges. The campground's close proximity means minimal travel time to some of Kentucky's best bouldering spots.

• Unique Accommodations: The availability of yurts and teardrop campers sets Growing Stones apart. These options offer a comfortable and memorable camping experience for those who prefer more amenities than a traditional tent, including solar power, beds, and even air conditioning in some units.

• Laid-Back and Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews consistently emphasize the "super laid back" vibe and the "super friendly" owners. This welcoming environment contributes significantly to a positive and relaxing stay, making guests feel at home.

• Live Music and Entertainment: The presence of a stage and occasional performances by "talented musicians" add a unique and engaging social element to the campground, even on "slow nights," enhancing the overall experience.

• Owner's Local Expertise: The owners, Bobby and Angel, are praised for their helpfulness, including assisting guests in exploring local attractions like caves. This personalized guidance can greatly enhance a visitor's experience of the surrounding area.

• Ongoing Property Improvements: The mention that the owner is "working on adding new features to the property" indicates a commitment to continuous improvement, suggesting that the campground will only get better over time.

• Access to Outdoor Activities: Beyond bouldering, the campground's location in the Daniel Boone National Forest provides easy access to a variety of other outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing, ensuring there's something for every nature lover.

Specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers for Growing Stones Campground are not extensively detailed in available information. Given its unique, owner-operated nature and focus on a personalized experience, offers may be more informal or seasonal.

However, it is always recommended to:

• Contact Directly: The best way to inquire about any current deals, seasonal rates, or special packages is to call Bobby and Angel directly using the provided phone numbers. They may offer discounts for longer stays, group bookings, or during off-peak seasons.

• Check Social Media/Website: If Growing Stones Campground maintains a social media presence or a website, these platforms would be the most likely places for them to announce any current promotions or events, such as live music nights or special rates.

• Inquire About Returning Guest Benefits: Given the strong positive reviews and the desire for repeat visits, it's possible they offer incentives for returning campers, though this would need to be confirmed directly with the owners.

The "special offer" of Growing Stones often lies in its unique atmosphere and the personal touch provided by the owners, which many guests find more valuable than a simple discount.

Address: 2000 Foxtown-Lake Creek Rd, McKee, KY 40447, USA

Phone: (606) 287-3363

Mobile Phone: +1 606-287-3363

For reservations, inquiries about the unique accommodations (yurts, teardrop campers), or to simply learn more about what Growing Stones Campground has to offer, reaching out to Bobby and Angel directly via phone is the most effective method. Their helpful and friendly nature, as noted in reviews, suggests they will be happy to assist you in planning your visit.

Growing Stones Campground is an exceptional destination for Kentuckians seeking a unique, relaxed, and adventure-filled escape right in their home state. Its strategic location near the famed Foxtown Boulders makes it an undeniable hub for the local climbing community, offering unparalleled access to some of Kentucky's best bouldering. But its appeal extends far beyond just climbers.

For any local looking to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse themselves in nature, Growing Stones provides a laid-back atmosphere that fosters genuine relaxation. The availability of diverse accommodations, from traditional primitive sites to comfortable yurts and teardrop campers, means there’s an option for every comfort level. What truly sets Growing Stones apart, however, is the personal touch of its owners, Bobby and Angel. Their friendly demeanor, willingness to share local insights (like guiding guests to nearby caves), and efforts to continuously improve the property create a welcoming and evolving environment that many guests describe as feeling like home.

The added bonus of occasional live music on a dedicated stage provides a unique social element, allowing campers to enjoy local talent under the stars. For Kentuckians, this means an easily accessible retreat that offers more than just a place to sleep; it’s a community, a natural playground, and a cultural experience rolled into one. Whether you’re an avid climber, a family seeking a memorable glamping adventure, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat with friendly faces and starry nights, Growing Stones Campground in McKee is perfectly suited to deliver an unforgettable local Kentucky experience. It’s a place that embodies the spirit of Kentucky hospitality amidst its stunning natural beauty, ensuring visitors will "definitely be back."