Whitman Branch Shooting Range

Facility · Kentucky ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Daniel Boone National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,091 ft
Elevation

Whitman Branch Shooting Range is located on London Ranger District. It features has 5 shooting benches with 2 lanes at 100 yards, 1 lane at 50 yards, and 2 lanes at 25 yards. Blocks for hanging targets at the end of each lane. This range is located just south of Laurel River Lake dam off of KY 1193. 

Please pack out all target trash including shotgun shells, fragmented clay pigeons, or any targets. Do not shoot household appliances and other objects dumped in shooting areas.

Rules and Regulations 

  • Skeet, trap and sporting clays are prohibited.
  • Paper targets only. Pack out your targets.
  • Fully automatic weapons are prohibited.
  • Do not enter or use the area for any purpose other than target shooting.
  • Do not fire while persons are down range.
  • Do not enter the area behind the backstop, which has been designated as a safety zone by the placement of “Entry Prohibited” signs.

Safety Tips

  • ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
  • ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  • ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
View Whitman Range Guide and Map (pdf)

Getting there

From I-75 at London (Exit 38), take KY 192 west for 14.2 miles. Turn left on KY 1193, crossing over the dam of Laurel River Lake. Travel 1 miles from the dam, and then turn right onto Forest Service Road 4055.

36.94052, -84.27314 · 36°56'25.9"N 84°16'23.3"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, 14.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Whitman Branch Shooting Range

Can you reserve a site at Whitman Branch Shooting Range?
No. Whitman Branch Shooting Range is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Whitman Branch Shooting Range

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.