Details
5238 Mine 18 Road, Strunk, KY, 42649
National Park ServiceLast Updated: December 6, 2025
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
Blue Heron Campground is located in the Kentucky portion of Big South Fork, 9 miles west of Stearns off Highway 742. The campground offers a total of 45 sites all with water and electric hook-ups, picnic tables, fire-rings, access to restrooms and showers and a dump station.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Blue Heron Campground is open and on the reservation system from April through November. Campsites that are not reserved are on a first-come/first-served basis throughout the season.
Weather
The weather along the Cumberland Plateau can be best described as unpredictable. Each season brings its own weather patterns. Summers are generally hot and humid, with high temperatures sometimes eclipsing 90 degrees. The low temperatures in winter often dip below freezing. Spring sees the most amount of precipitation, but rainfall can occur in various amounts throughout the year.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Internet Connectivity
Showers
Cell Phone Reception
Amphitheater
Dump Station
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Food Storage Lockers
Directions
Exit I-75 onto HWY 92 at Williamsburg (Exit 11). (This road has been recently upgraded and provides a direct access to Stearns and Blue Heron) Turn right on 92 for approximately 20 miles. Continue at the 4-way stop light straight across 27 to HWY 1651. Watch for signs to Blue Heron. Turn left on Mine 18 Road (HWY 742). Mine 18 Road ends at Blue Heron Interpretive Center. The Blue Heron Campground will be on the right before you reach the end of the road.
Rates & Fees
Camping Fee
This fee covers one night of camping for up to 6 persons.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Firewood must be purchased and/or collected from the local vicinity; to learn more visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/.Regulations Overview
All food, food items (mustard, ketchup, etc), coolers (even if they are empty or have ice, water, pop, etc), must be kept in a vehicle or trailer with hard sides, except while preparing or eating it. Parking is allowed on the asphalt surface ONLY, not on the grass or gravel pads (gravel pads are for tents). Pets MUST be restrained on a leash AT ALL TIMES. QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10:00 PM (ET) TO 6:00 AM (ET) Alcohol is prohibited in the Kentucky area of the Park. All grey water (dishes, shower, etc) must NEVER be dumped onto the ground. Bicycles may be ridden at night only if you have a light in the front and a red reflective marker on the back. Bicycles MUST stay on pavement or gravel while in the campground. Motorized vehicles not designated for on highway use (i.e. ATV’s, golf carts, etc) are prohibited on public roads including campground roads within the Big South Fork NRRA.Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair access is available from the campsite #29 to the bathhouse. The campground is paved with the exception of the tent pads which are gravel.
Internet Information
Free WiFi is available at the campground kiosk.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
All sites have 20 and 30 amp service with water. There are no sewer hookups on each site.
RV Maximum Length
50
Additional Information
The Blue Heron Mining Community is located just a few miles from the campground and is open year-round for visitors who wish to learn about life in a company owned coal mining town. The Stearns Depot Visitor Center is located 9 miles away in the Big South Fork Scenic Railway Depot in Stearns, Kentucky. The visitor center is open daily from April through mid-to-late December each year.
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Campground has one accessible site (#29) which is near the bathhouse. The bathhouse has an accessible restroom with a hot water shower and toilet.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
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