The Venue:
Wiley's Last Resort

Photographs by Malcolm J. Wilson

The grounds are open and welcoming, with a dedicated outdoor stage, campground, communal bonfire area, swimming hole, and access to hiking trails that wind through the surrounding woods. Though the land is cleared and navigable—more park-like than rugged wilderness—it remains unmistakably Appalachian: pastoral, quiet, and alive with presence. By night, the woods echo softly, the stars burn bright overhead, and the modern world feels very far away.

Wiley’s Last Resort has a long and storied history. First developed in the 1930s as a mountain resort and gathering place for the community, it was once a beloved destination where families swam, picnicked, and spent long summer days on the mountain. Over the decades, the property fell into disrepair, passing through periods of loss and near-disappearance before being reclaimed, restored, and protected by those who loved it most. Today, it stands as a living preservation of land, memory, and intention: a place dedicated to wildlife, music, poetry, fellowship, and communion with nature.

For Appalachian Dungeon Fest, Wiley’s Last Resort is more than a backdrop. It is part of the ritual. In another world, this would be a druid grove or mountain refuge, a place where weary travelers gather to rest, share stories, and let the reverberations of their synthesizers carry through the trees...

What to Expect on the Grounds

☽ Outdoor setting with stage, camping areas, and shared communal spaces

☽ Swimming hole on-site (bring what you need to enjoy it safely)

☽ Flat, walkable terrain with grass, dirt, gravel, and leaf litter

☽ Mixed exposure: sunny clearings, shaded forest edges, and open sky

☽ Naturally quiet nights and expansive stargazing

☽ Bathrooms available, with additional porta-potties provided for the event

☽ Running, potable water will be available at the event, while attendees are encouraged to pack bottles/jugs of their own supply just to be prepared (plastic!)

☽ Power is present on the property, but personal outlet access should not be assumed

☽ Fire is allowed only at the designated community bonfire pit

This is a family-owned, privately held preserve, and all events hosted here are private. Respect for the land, the rules of the venue, and the sanctity of the space is non-negotiable. Attendees are strongly encouraged to review the venue guidelines in the FAQ and to treat Wiley’s Last Resort with the care it deserves.

When you arrive, the hope is simple: that you feel you’ve stepped somewhere rare...an otherworldly escape that seems impossible until you’re standing in it.

Gettin' there

Venue address:
5087 US-119 N, Whitesburg, KY 41858 

Driving

Driving is the most reliable way to reach the venue. Expect winding mountain roads as you approach Pine Mountain. Night driving is possible but slower; arriving during daylight is recommended. GPS and mapping apps work, but cell service may become limited closer to the venue.

Flying

If you are traveling by air, plan for a pleasant drive after landing. Nearest airports include:

⚔ Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) – approximately 2.5–3 hours by car

⚔ Blue Grass Airport (LEX) – approximately 3 hours by car

A rental car is strongly recommended, as rideshare services are extremely limited in the area.
Bring yer friends and everybody chip in on some wheels! It will be worth it.

Final Notes

⚔ Cell service may be unreliable near the venue. Commission a map from your local cartographer (or download directions beforehand) before goin' off-grid.

⚔ Stock up on supplies before you head up the mountain. There are plenty of places to grab supplies in Whitesburg. 

⚔ Give yourself extra travel time and embrace the pace change

Bein' there

Camping is available on the grounds of the venue and is primitive by design. Open camping areas are available throughout the property. Terrain is generally flat and park-like, with grass, dirt, gravel, and leaf litter. Campsites are not assigned; attendees are encouraged to be considerate and communal. It's a groovy place...just pick somewhere you like and be respectful of other folks.

Bring everything you need to camp comfortably. This is a secluded natural setting, not a developed campground, and planning ahead will significantly improve your experience.

Alternative Lodging

For those who prefer not to camp, limited off-site lodging options exist, though availability is sparse and distance should be expected.

Options may include:

★  Local cabins or short-term rentals

★  Small motels or inns in and around Whitesburg and nearby towns--Airbnb is likely your best bet, as there are several results in town

If you plan to stay off-site, be aware that:

★  Lodging options are limited and may book quickly

★  Driving to and from the venue will involve mountain roads

★  Night driving should be approached with care

Recommendation

Whenever possible, camping on-site is strongly encouraged. Appalachian Dungeon Fest is imagined as a shared retreat, a temporary village in the mountains, and staying on the land is the best way to experience it fully (and at zero cost).

Event Schedule

This event is scheduled for June 13th and 14th, a Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's performances will begin during the day at the advertised time (undetermined at the time of writing, check for updates) and run into the evening. Sunday performances will start in the afternoon and end at a good time in the evening so that those who wish to travel that night can do so at a somewhat reasonable hour. However, we encourage those in attendance to simply enjoy Sunday evening as a winding-down, last-hurrah before the last of us head our separate ways Monday morning.
Specific performance schedule TBA.

Food & Supplies

As Appalachian Dungeon Fest unfolds in a secluded mountain setting, on-site food is limited, and attendees should plan ahead. The nearest full-service grocery stores are in Whitesburg, roughly twenty to thirty minutes down the mountain, and this is the best place to stock up on meals, drinks, and camping essentials before the final drive to Wiley’s Last Resort. Once you arrive, there are no nearby stores, so preparation is key. Bring enough food, water, and personal supplies to sustain yourself for the weekend, and remember to leave nothing behind. Always make sure food is stored securely. We are in nature. Do not leave out bear treats.

Recommended Camp Pack

This is a weekend in the mountains, not a survival trial, but thoughtful preparation ensures a smoother, more immersive experience. Bring the shelter, bedding, and clothing that you consider suitable for changing weather, along with a reliable light and a means to stay hydrated. Consider swimwear for the on-site swimming hole, layers for cool nights, and insect protection. A few comforts—such as a chair, a blanket, or a battery pack—can enhance your stay, but the heart of the festival is in the land, the music, and the company. Whatever you bring, plan to leave with, respecting the preserve and your fellow adventurers.