Grove Campground in Kentucky on map
Grove Campground
Pretty Laurel River Lake is the backdrop for this prime camping destination.
Grove Campground is situated on the shores of scenic Laurel River Lake, within the Daniel Boone National Forest. Upon passing the campground entrance station, manned by friendly folk, it is evident that this place is well cared for and integrated into the natural beauty of the lakeside woods. And even if you can't get one of the four coveted walk-in tent sites or the five other prime tent-camping sites, you'll still end up at a worthwhile destination.
The campground host is just beyond the entrance station in A Loop. Several sites here cater to RVs. There are also many double sites; though the sites themselves are appealing, this is the least desirable area for tent campers. Turn right and dip into B Loop, which has 12 campsites that are well groomed and well separated from one another. The shaded sites that are not on flat ground have been leveled. Pines and maples grow tall above the camps, many of which require a short walk down steps to reach the actual camping area. A bathhouse lies in the middle of this quiet locale. The Spruce Creek hiking trail leads away from this loop and makes a loop of its own to reach a vista overlooking the Spruce Creek arm of Laurel River Lake. C Loop, the best area for tent campers, is not really a loop at all but a series of campsites, many of them doubles, strung along a dead-end road. Campsite C2 requires a short walk to reach but is especially good for tent campers. Descend to an auto turnaround. The sites here are close to the lake and are good for tent campers as well. Campsites C5-C9 all require a short walk, although they are not officially walk-in sites; located in deep woods, they also offer great tent camping. Campsite C10 also requires a short walk and would be a good site to reserve.
The Fishing Point Trail takes campers tothewalk-in tentsites. These four sites are set back from a parking area and require only a short walk to reach. The only thing these sites don't have is electricity, yet they are much cheaper than the electric sites. What a bargain! I would stay here anytime I could. The Fishing Point Trail makes a loop and continues to a point on the lake. The nearby Duff Branch Trail continues to the Grove Boat-In Campground, on Laurel River Lake. About one-third of the standard campsites are used by tent campers. The walk-in tent sites are the last to fill, and they cannot be reserved online.
A boat ramp is just a short drive away beyond the campground entrance.
The Oak Branch Trail leads to the ramp. Though there is no official swim area, most campers swim off the shore where they can. The Singing Hills Trail is the last of the many short paths on this peninsula that offer walking opportunities for campers. Because the whole area is on a dead-end road, the campground and surrounding paved roads are good for casual bicycling. I think of Grove Campground as a place to relax and not feel like I have to do anything. Though summer is a great time to visit, consider coming here in September or early October, when the place is pretty quiet and the leaves are starting to turn. The days are still warm, and the nights are starting to cool down. But no matter the season, you will enjoy your stay at Grove Campground.
Key Information about Grove Campground
ADDRESS: 761 South Laurel Rd., London, KY 40744
OPERATED BY: U.S. Forest Service CONTACT: 606-528-6156, www. fs. usda. gov/ dbnf; reservations: 877-444-6777, recreation . gov
OPEN: Mid-April-mid-October
SITES: 4 walk-in tent sites, 52 others
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring, upright grill, lantern post, tent pad; some have water and electricity
ASSIGNMENT: Tent sites are first come, first served; some others can be reserved.
REGISTRATION: At campground entrance booth
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, water spigots, beverage machines
PARKING: At walk-in parking areas and at campsites
FEE: $16 walk-in sites, $26-$31 others ELEVATION: 1,010 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Grove Campground
¦ Pets: On 6-foot leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: At campsites only
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit
Getting to Grove Campground
From Exit 25 on 1-75, take ky 25 West south to ky 1193. Turn right on ky 1193, and follow it for 2.8 miles to Forest Service Road 558. Turn right on FS 558, and follow it 3 miles to reach the campground.
GPS COORDINATES N36° 56.615' W84° 12.920'
