Campers enjoy the serenity of the campground.
Photo: NPS
About
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.
Campsites
Location
5238 Mine 18 Road
Strunk, KY 42649
Fees
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.
Reservations
Campground reservations for sites within Big South Fork can now be made through National Recreation Reservation Service by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. Reservations may be made up to 240 days in advance.
Make a Reservation →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.
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.
Accessibility
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.
Free WiFi is available at the campground kiosk.
Firewood must be purchased and/or collected from the local vicinity; to learn more visit http://dontmovefirewood.org/.
1
All sites have 20 and 30 amp service with water. There are no sewer hookups on each site.
50
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.
0
Campground has one accessible site (#29) which is near the bathhouse. The bathhouse has an accessible restroom with a hot water shower and toilet.
1
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Developed Campground