Bee Rock Boat Ramp

Facility · Kentucky ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Daniel Boone National Forest (NF) · Open Access

722 ft
Elevation

In March 2019 a record flood devastated the campground, boat ramp, and trails in this area. This ramp and Bee Rock Campground will remain closed until recreation facilities are safely restored. View Bee Rock Closure Order.

Bee Rock Boat Ramp is located along the Rockcastle River on the east side of Bee Rock Campground on London Ranger District. 

Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Bee Rock Boat Ramp. Learn more... 

The Rockcastle River, whose flow forms the border of Rockcastle and Laurel counties, is one of Kentucky’s best whitewater streams. The river also holds good populations of smallmouth bass and rock bass. It offers something for everyone, whether it’s mild water for anglers and family trips, or challenging whitewater for the kayaker.

The last section of the Rockcastle begins at Bee Rock Boat Ramp and ends at the Rockcastle Campground at the mouth of the river. Lake Cumberland inundates most of this section of the Rockcastle and this 7-mile flat water float is perfect for beginners and families.

The name Bee Rock comes from a local legend which states that a large number of wild honeybees used to live in this area, using a hollow area under this cliff as their hive. Tired of the wild honeybees invading their hives, local beekeepers dynamited the rock, destroying the hive and causing honey to flow down the cliff into the Rockcastle River. 

Nearby Facilities: Bee Rock Campground 

Non-native plants and animals are invading our lakes and streams. These aquatic hitchhikers:

  • Ruin boat engines and jam equipment;
  • Harm game fish and native species;
  • Raise operating costs of water and power plants.

Learn how to stop the spread... 

The facts

  • Season: The Laurel County side is open all year; the Pulaski County side is open from mid-April to mid-Oct. — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026

Recreation.gov's own page

Getting there

37.02800, -84.31995 · 37°1'40.8"N 84°19'11.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F455058697784868680705849
Low °F273036455462666558453630
Precip in3.94.04.64.75.05.15.24.03.53.33.54.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 14 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Bee Rock Boat Ramp

Can you reserve a site at Bee Rock Boat Ramp?
No. Bee Rock Boat Ramp is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Bee Rock Boat Ramp also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Bee Rock Boat Ramp's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • A fee is required to use the campground. Campers register and pay at a self-serve pay station. $15/single; $20/double. Learn more about Recreation Permits and Passes

Restrictions:

  • Rules and regulations may apply. See Alerts & Notices for more information.

Accessibility:

  • Vault toilet meets accessibility standards for persons with disabilities. Some campsites have accessible features.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Bee Rock Boat Ramp

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.