Some campfires are allowed despite the burning ban
by Jim Stickley, post date Nov. 8, 2008

With the weather turning cooler, the current ban on campfires may make the thought of camping in the Red River Gorge less appealing for some. For others, having a fire, even in the warmer months, is an essential fundamental of any camping trip.

If you are one of these people, don't fret. While the fire ban is still being actively enforced in the backcountry, legal campfires are burning in the heart of the Gorge along the Red River in privately owned campgrounds, and in the USFS operated Koomer Ridge Campground.

The Forest Supervisor's order prohibits "Building, maintaining, attending or using fire, charcoal, or campfire outside of a developed recreational site or developed Forest Service fire ring." Private property within the forest is not affected by the order, according to a source from the Gladie ranger outpost.

So yes, you can still sit around a campfire in the Red River Gorge. Here is where you can do it legally:

Koomer Ridge Campground
KRC works on a first come basis. The water is off for the season, and the fee is now $7.00 for any unit, single or double. Single units allow up to six campers, double units up to twelve. Visit their website for more info:
http://koomerridge.com/maps/Koomer_Ridge.pdf

John Swift's Lost Silver Mine Historic Campground
Camp next to the Red River in this privately owned campground with rock fire rings. Located 5 miles west of the Gladie Center on Hwy 715 at the intersection of Hwy 77. Canoe and kayak rentals available. The tent camping fee is $10 for two people, plus $5 for each additional person. Visit their website for more info:
http://swiftcampground.com

Pumpkin Bottom Campground
You will find this privately owned campground located at the 3 mile marker on Hwy 715. Pumpkin Bottom is less developed than other campgrounds, providing a more natural and primitive area to set up camp next to the Red River. I asked owner David Talbott about the fee, but didn't write it down as I was being jumped and humped by his overly friendly puppy named Bill. There is no website, so for more info, drop by and see David and Bill.

Red River Gorge Campground
Here you can build a campfire in a primitive campsite next to the Red River. Located on Star Gap Road, this campground has pay fishing lakes. The fee for camping is $5.00 per camper. Visit their website for more info:
http://www.redrivergorgecampground.com

Even though campfires are legal in these campgrounds, carelessness with campfires is not. The fire danger level in the Red River Gorge is still high, and the fallen leaves have increased ground fuel. David Talbott says he has owned Pumpkin Bottom since 1993 and hasn't had a wildfire yet. We can help him maintain that record.

Before starting a legal campfire, please take time to read the USFS Campfire Safety webpage:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/fire/safety/campfire.htm