S-Tree Campground

Hello, fellow Kentuckians! Are you yearning for an authentic outdoor experience that takes you deep into the serene beauty of our state's wilderness? Look no further than S-Tree Campground, a rustic and highly regarded camping destination nestled within the magnificent Daniel Boone National Forest near Sandgap. If your ideal getaway involves rugged trails, breathtaking scenic views, and a truly secluded atmosphere, S-Tree Campground offers a memorable adventure. This article is designed to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes S-Tree Campground a unique and appealing choice for your next outdoor excursion, highlighting its location, the services it provides, and the distinct features that make it a favorite among those who appreciate genuine wilderness camping, all from the perspective of a local Kentuckian.

S-Tree Campground is not your typical resort-style camping experience. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the focus is on outdoor activities and enjoying the tranquility of the forest. Whether you're an avid off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat to pitch a tent and disconnect, S-Tree Campground provides a unique setting. Our aim is to present all the factual information you need to make an informed decision about visiting this remarkable part of Kentucky's natural heritage.

S-Tree Campground is strategically located on Tussey Hill Rd, Sandgap, KY 40481, USA, within the sprawling Daniel Boone National Forest. This position places it on a ridge above Horse Lick Creek near McKee in Jackson County, offering a truly immersive forest experience. The remote setting is a significant part of its charm, providing the seclusion that many campers seek.

Accessing S-Tree Campground requires navigating forest roads, which are well-maintained gravel roads. From Berea, you'll take KY 21E, connect to US 421, then KY 89, eventually turning onto Forest Road 43 (S-Tree Road) and then Forest Road 20 (Tussey Hill Road), following signs to the campground. From McKee, the route is similar, involving US 421, KY 89, and then the forest roads. While the roads are generally suitable for standard vehicles, visitors should be prepared for typical forest road conditions. It's important to note that the campground "cannot accommodate trailers 25 feet or more due to one lane roads and no turn-outs," which is a crucial accessibility detail for RVers. This emphasizes that S-Tree is best suited for tents, smaller pop-up campers, or shorter trailers. The journey to the campground, while scenic, is part of its secluded nature, ensuring a true escape from the bustle of everyday life.

S-Tree Campground provides a foundational set of services designed for a rustic and authentic camping experience. It's important for visitors to note what is and isn't available to ensure they come prepared for this type of outdoor adventure. The campground is operated by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

• Campsites: The campground features 20 campsites, suitable primarily for tents and smaller trailers (under 25 feet). Each campsite is "wooded," offering natural shade and a more secluded feel. Sites are available on a "first-come, first-served basis," meaning reservations are not typically taken, so early arrival, especially on weekends, is advisable.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a tent pad (a leveled area for pitching tents), a fire ring (or grill, as noted in some descriptions) for campfires and cooking, and a lantern pole. Loop A has two double campsites, and Loop B has two fire circles, though Loop B has been undergoing reconstruction.
• Toilets: "Vault toilets are centrally located" within the campground, providing basic restroom facilities.
• Free Camping: A significant advantage for budget-conscious adventurers is that S-Tree Campground is a "free" campsite.
• Trail Access: The campground offers direct access to adjacent off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, including "Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail, Section #25 and the Renfro Loop Trail." This is a key service for OHV enthusiasts.
• Picnic Areas: A small picnic area near the entrance features a "historic picnic shelter" built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Other picnic sites are available near where a fire lookout tower once stood.

Important Note: There is "no electricity, water or dump station available" at S-Tree Campground. Campers must "pack out your trash," emphasizing a Leave No Trace ethic. The lack of potable water means visitors must bring their own drinking water. This reinforces the rustic nature of the campground.

S-Tree Campground is highly regarded for several distinctive features and highlights that create its unique appeal, especially for those seeking a more rugged and immersed outdoor experience in Kentucky.

• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: Multiple reviews highlight the "very secluded" nature of the campground, providing a "quiet well maintained stopover, or a woodsy weekend retreat." This peaceful environment is ideal for campers seeking to escape urban noise and genuinely connect with nature.
• Awesome Scenic Views: Visitors consistently praise the "awesome scenic views," indicating that the campground offers picturesque vistas of the surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest and Horse Lick Creek area.
• Access to Maintained Trails: The campground serves as a gateway to "great maintained trails," including sections of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and the Renfro Loop Trail. These trails are popular for "off-highway vehicle users" and also provide opportunities for hiking.
• OHV "Riders Paradise": For enthusiasts of ATVs and other off-highway vehicles, the proximity and access to dedicated trails make S-Tree Campground a "Riders Paradise." This is a significant draw for a specific segment of outdoor adventurers.
• Rustic and Authentic Camping: The absence of electricity, potable water, and dump stations contributes to a genuinely rustic camping experience. This appeals to those who prefer to "rough it" a bit more and rely on their own resources, fostering a deeper connection with the wilderness.
• Historic CCC Shelter: The presence of a "historic picnic shelter" constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s adds a touch of historical significance and character to the campground.
• Well-Maintained Grounds (despite rough terrain): Despite the inherent ruggedness of the trails and potential for mud after rain, reviews mention "great maintained trails" and that the "campsite was clean. Campground very well maintained," indicating a commitment to upkeep by the Forest Service.
• Free Access: As a free campground, it offers an incredible value for outdoor enthusiasts, making a wilderness escape more accessible.

It is important to note the specific highlight/challenge of "pretty muddy in spots after hard rains" and "trails were rutted up pretty bad with potholes," requiring "4 wheels" over 2 for the "rough terrain and larger rocks," indicating the nature of the trails and the need for appropriate vehicle types for off-roading.

For inquiries about S-Tree Campground, including current conditions, specific trail information, or general questions about the Daniel Boone National Forest, you can contact the London Ranger District office, which manages this area:

Phone: (606) 864-4163

Mobile Phone: +1 606-864-4163 (likely the same main line)

Address: While the campground's physical address is Tussey Hill Rd, Sandgap, KY 40481, USA, for administrative inquiries, it's often best to contact the London Ranger District office of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The official US Forest Service website for S-Tree Campground is also an excellent resource for alerts, maps, and detailed information.

It is highly recommended to call ahead for updates on trail conditions, especially after heavy rains, and to inquire about any seasonal closures or specific rules for OHV use.

For Kentucky residents, S-Tree Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for a true wilderness escape right within our beautiful state. Its location within the Daniel Boone National Forest provides convenient access to a vast network of natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities that are cherished by locals. Whether you hail from Lexington, Louisville, or smaller communities, the drive to this secluded haven is an investment in an authentic outdoor experience.

S-Tree Campground is particularly suitable for Kentuckians who embrace a rustic camping style. If you have an RV under 25 feet, or prefer tent camping, and you are self-sufficient regarding water and power, this free campground offers incredible value. It's a prime destination for OHV enthusiasts who will appreciate the direct access to well-maintained trails like the Sheltowee Trace and Renfro Loop. Hikers will also find the "great maintained trails" and "awesome scenic views" highly rewarding. The "secluded and peaceful" atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking quiet reflection or a genuine disconnect from daily life.

While acknowledging the potential for muddy conditions and rugged terrain on trails after heavy rains, these aspects are part of the authentic wilderness experience that many Kentuckians seek. By choosing S-Tree Campground, you're embracing the rugged beauty of our state's national forest, supporting its preservation through responsible use, and creating lasting memories in a truly unique setting. We highly recommend S-Tree Campground for your next Kentucky outdoor adventure, especially if you're ready to explore the "rough terrain and larger rocks" and enjoy the solitude of our wild lands.

S-Tree Campground

Tussey Hill Rd, Sandgap, KY 40481, USA