S-Tree Tower Camp Ground, Daniel Boone National Forest

For Kentuckians who cherish the unfiltered beauty of the wilderness and prefer a rustic, authentic camping experience, S-Tree Tower Campground in the Daniel Boone National Forest offers an ideal escape. Located near Sandgap, Kentucky, this campground provides a direct connection to nature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the serene, wooded landscape that defines this iconic national forest. It’s a place where the focus is on the great outdoors, making it particularly appealing for hikers, off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unplug and unwind amidst Kentucky's natural splendor.

S-Tree Tower Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a straightforward, first-come, first-served approach to camping. This means you can embrace spontaneity, arriving when the spirit of adventure calls, and finding a peaceful spot among the trees. While it may not offer the extensive amenities of commercial RV parks, it provides the essential elements for a genuine forest camping experience, including direct access to popular trails and a rich history, all within the breathtaking Daniel Boone National Forest.

S-Tree Tower Campground is nestled in a tranquil part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, with its address listed as Sandgap, KY 40481, USA. More specifically, it sits on a ridge above Horse Lick Creek near McKee in Jackson County, Kentucky, placing it firmly in the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s rugged landscape.

For Kentuckians, reaching the campground involves navigating through scenic forest roads. From Berea, you would take I-75 Exit 76, head east on KY 21, then turn right (south) on US 421, and eventually connect to KY 89 before turning onto Forest Roads 43 (S-Tree Road) and 20 (Tussey Hill Road), following the signs. From McKee, the route is similar, starting from US 421 west, then KY 89, and onto the designated Forest Service Roads. While the roads leading to the campground are one-lane and do not have turn-outs, they are manageable, though trailers longer than 25 feet are generally not accommodated.

The remote setting contributes to the campground's appeal, offering a true immersion into nature. Despite its secluded feel, it's a popular spot, especially on weekends, particularly due to its proximity to significant trail systems. This blend of accessibility for prepared campers and deep forest immersion makes S-Tree a prime choice for locals seeking a genuine wilderness experience not too far from home.

S-Tree Tower Campground provides a basic, yet essential, set of services designed for traditional forest camping. It focuses on facilitating a close-to-nature experience without the modern comforts of electricity or running water at individual sites.

• Campsites: The campground features 20 individual campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites are typically wooded, offering a sense of privacy amidst the trees. Loop B, which contains 10 campsites, is open year-round, while Loop A has two double campsites.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.

• Tent Pads: Designated tent pads are available at each site, offering a level and cleared area for pitching tents.

• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a fire ring (or grill), allowing campers to enjoy campfires for cooking and warmth, a quintessential camping experience.

• Lantern Poles: Each site also features a lantern pole, useful for hanging lanterns to illuminate the camping area after dark.

• Vault Toilets: Centrally located vault toilets are available within the campground, providing basic restroom facilities.

• Historic Picnic Shelter: A small picnic area near the entrance features a historic picnic shelter, originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), offering a unique historical touch and a communal gathering spot.

• No Electricity or Potable Water: It is important for campers to note that there is no electricity or potable (drinking) water available at the campsites or within the campground itself. Visitors should plan to bring their own water supply.

• No Dump Station: There is no dump station on-site for RVs.

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: As with many national forest campgrounds, visitors are expected to pack out all their trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

S-Tree Tower Campground's appeal lies in its rugged beauty and its connection to the natural and historical landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Hub: The campground is particularly popular with OHV users due to its proximity to the Renfro Loop Trail (#302) and sections of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail (Section #25). These trails can be accessed directly from the campground, making it a favored base for off-road adventures, though OHV trails are generally limited to vehicles 50 inches and under.

• Hiking Opportunities: For hikers, the adjacent Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail offers extensive opportunities for exploration, providing varied terrain and scenic views within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The campground is also a starting point for exploring other forest service roads and trails.

• Historic Significance: The campground gets its "Tower" name from the S-Tree Fire Tower that once stood near its entrance. While the tower is no longer there, its history as an important tool for forest fire detection adds a unique historical dimension to the site. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the historic picnic shelter, further connecting visitors to a significant era of American conservation efforts.

• Immersive Forest Setting: The campsites are set within a wooded environment, offering a sense of seclusion and immersion in the natural beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest. It's an ideal spot for wildlife viewing and enjoying the tranquility of the forest.

• First-Come, First-Served Access: This feature provides flexibility for spontaneous trips, allowing campers to arrive without prior reservations and secure a site, especially beneficial during less busy periods.

• Year-Round Camping (Loop B): With Loop B open all year, S-Tree offers opportunities for camping in various seasons, allowing visitors to experience the forest's changing beauty from spring blooms to autumn foliage and even winter serenity.

• Peaceful Atmosphere (Weekdays): While weekends can see heavy OHV use, weekdays typically offer a quieter, more serene camping experience, perfect for those seeking solitude.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, S-Tree Tower Camp Ground operates differently from private commercial campgrounds. Therefore, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private business might.

• Fee Structure: S-Tree Campground is generally a no-fee site, meaning there are no charges for camping, which is a significant "value" for visitors seeking an affordable outdoor experience. However, visitors should always verify current fee status with the Daniel Boone National Forest directly, as policies can change.

• America the Beautiful Passes: While S-Tree itself may be free, visitors with "America the Beautiful" passes (National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) or "Golden Passports" may find these accepted at other fee-based areas within the Daniel Boone National Forest, which can offer overall savings if exploring multiple forest sites.

• First-Come, First-Served Availability: The first-come, first-served nature of the sites can be seen as a benefit, allowing for flexibility and avoiding reservation fees, which can be a form of savings for spontaneous travelers.

For the most current information regarding any applicable fees or forest passes, it is always best to consult the official Daniel Boone National Forest website or contact the London Ranger District Office.

For information regarding S-Tree Tower Camp Ground and the Daniel Boone National Forest, you can refer to the primary administrative office for the London Ranger District:

• Address (Campground): Sandgap, KY 40481, USA

• Address (London Ranger District Office): US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office, KY-1193 London, KY 40744

• Phone (London Ranger District Office): (606) 864-4163 or (859) 428-7706 (Supervisor's Office for DBNF: 859-745-3100)

Note: There is no direct phone number for the S-Tree Campground itself, as it's a first-come, first-served national forest site. All inquiries would typically go through the relevant Ranger District office.

For Kentuckians, S-Tree Tower Campground offers an accessible and authentic gateway to the vast natural resources of their own Daniel Boone National Forest. Its fundamental, rustic approach to camping is perfect for those who truly want to disconnect from urban distractions and immerse themselves in the quiet solitude of the forest, embracing a more traditional outdoor experience. The absence of electricity and potable water at sites encourages self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for nature's simplicity.

The campground's suitability for locals is amplified by its strong connection to popular recreational activities. For the growing number of OHV enthusiasts in Kentucky, S-Tree's direct access to designated trails like the Renfro Loop makes it an ideal staging point for exhilarating rides. Similarly, hikers can easily hit sections of the renowned Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, exploring the rich biodiversity and unique geological features of the region. The fact that sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis also provides flexibility for spontaneous weekend adventures, without the need for advance planning and reservations that can often hinder quick getaways.

Choosing S-Tree Tower Campground means embracing Kentucky's wild heritage, utilizing a valuable public land resource, and connecting with a community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories around a campfire, explore diverse trails, and appreciate the serene beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest, all within a convenient drive for residents across the state. This campground truly embodies the spirit of Kentucky's untamed natural beauty, offering a truly local and enriching outdoor escape.