Big South Fork to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 16
Published January 9, 2023

Martin Luther King, Jr. monument; image by Big South Fork

ONEIDA, TN -- Since 1986, the third Monday in January has been designated as a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and civil rights leader dedicated to nonviolence. On this day, the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be observing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday by authorizing one night of free camping at the Alum Ford Campground as well as for all backcountry camping permits.

Alum Ford Campground offers a serene camping experience near the edge of the Big South Fork River on the Kentucky side of the park. There are six campsites with grills, picnic tables, and lantern hooks as well as accessible vault toilets. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail also passes through this campground.

Other fee free days during 2023 include April 22 to mark the start of National Park Week, August 4 to celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary, September 23 to observe National Public Lands Day, and November 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Visit www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm to learn more about fee free days in 2023. For further information, call (423) 569-9778.