Map showing campground location near Kuttawa, Kentucky

Camper submitted image from Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

Land Between the Lakes houses Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access, a US Forest Service campground that sits two miles off the main road on Forest Service Road 118. This drive-in facility accommodates RVs up to 30 feet and provides boat ramp access directly to Kentucky Lake. The campground splits into distinct areas, with sites scattered between low ground near the water and elevated positions on higher terrain.

Campers find themselves in a relatively secluded setting where seasonal residents and local anglers make up much of the regular traffic. The narrow, hard-packed gravel roads wind through sites that vary considerably in privacy, with some tucked away from the main camping areas. An on-site attendant handles check-ins and maintains basic supplies including ice and snacks. Cell service reaches the area, though campers should expect limited connectivity to other services.

Daniel B. noted the campground's appeal for those willing to forgo showers: "There is a boat ramp and a dock for your boating needs, and many spots along the shoreline to set up camp for some waterfront views and sounds from the lake." The facility includes standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, plus a dump station for RV users. Firewood is available on-site.

For additional camping choices, see campgrounds around Kuttawa. This spot works well for campers prioritizing lake access over full hookups.

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Location

Public Campground

Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access is located in Kentucky

Coordinates

36.96200093 N
88.04800067 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 3/30/26
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/30/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 3/30/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 3/30/26
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 3/30/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 3/30/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

42 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 17 min from Clarksville, TN
1 hr 55 min from Evansville, IN
1 hr 56 min from Owensboro, KY

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the remote lakefront setting with spacious, waterfront sites and affordable pricing. Several reviews noted the lack of showers and hookups, making it ideal for dry camping enthusiasts seeking privacy and lake access.

lowrent0321

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 9, 2024

Quite, Private.

Very nice campground, better than what I expected. We stayed at site 20 with a 36' travel trailer we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site. Cravens Bay is secluded and about a 2 mile drive off the main road running through LBL.

There is a attendant at the site that you have to check in with first who will let you know what sites are available and pay after you have chosen your site and settled in. The attendant station did have some snacks for sale as well ice, also in the event that you may need assistance with any problems at you camp site or even with your camper the attendant more than likely has the tools to help you.

The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow. Cravens Bay basically breaks down into two areas, the low ground (first sites upon entering) and the high ground (sites further in at the top of the hill), there are some sites scattered in-between these two areas but for the most part the largest campsites areas are the high and low ground sites. The sites in-between the two high and low ground areas are very private and two are definitely secluded.

We stay three days and during that time other than the occasional fisherman or the attendant driving by it was definitely very private and quite. There were some seasonal campers there who were very helpful and friendly (even cut up some timber for us to burn).

If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming. Defiantly for the nature lovers out there, nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning.

Month of VisitApril

Benjamin C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

Very secluded!

We stayed here in the middle of July in 2019! Wow was it hot! It also had a bit of flooding, how ever it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim. Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect! Highly recommend for tent camping.

(4) View All

Wesley B.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 22, 2020

Good Primitive Camping

Good campground. You have to deal with a lot of fishermen and seasonal campers. There is enough room to spread out from other campers. A far drive from any services or attractions.

John B.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2018

Kayaking fun spot

Awesome

Adelle C.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2018

cheap and cool

not cool as in cold, it was scorching hot. but being on the river and with such a great view, the shade was a good deal. super inexpensive and the camp host is very nice.

(5) View All

Daniel B.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 5, 2017

A Peaceful spot in LBL for picnicing, camping, boating, biking.

This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers. There is a picnic area higher up the campgrounds offering nice reprieve from the hot sun with ample shade, and some have a nice overlook view of the lake below. There is a boat ramp and a dock for your boating needs, and many spots along the shoreline to set up camp for some waterfront views and sounds from the lake. I loved the intimacy of this place – there weren’t a lot of spots to choose from, but it was a great spot close to the other recreation services on offer (the Woodlands Nature station is south only a few miles). If you can do without the showers, I would recommend staying here within the park. In fact, I would say this is the best non-shower site in the park.

Month of VisitJuly

(13) View All

Staci R.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2017

Craven' some quiet time!

Tucked away on an old dead end road (Forrest Service Rd 118), Craven's Bay campground is remote back country camping, right on the lake, but far away from any visitor attraction in Land Between the Lakes. Craven's Bay is a favorite of locals to both sides of the Rivers, and many who stay here are decendants of the gone by era of folks who lived in the area before TVA and the government converted it to Land Between the Lakes. It is a drive to get anywhere, so bring everything you need. The roads leading back are all paved, and the campground is also right off the North South hiking trail, so bikers and hikers also find Craven's Bay a welcome rest stop.

Month of VisitJune

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I enjoy near Cravens Bay Campground?

Cravens Bay Campground offers excellent water-based recreation opportunities with direct lake access. Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The campground features a boat ramp for easy water access. Visitors can enjoy scenic lake views from some campsites and the picnic area. While the campground itself is somewhat isolated from other attractions in Land Between the Lakes, it provides a peaceful setting for those seeking a quiet outdoor experience focused on water activities.

Do I need reservations for Cravens Bay Campground?

Specific reservation information for Cravens Bay Campground isn't clearly outlined, but the campground appears to have some seasonal and regular campers along with day visitors. Given its remote location and popularity among locals, it's advisable to contact Land Between the Lakes management directly to confirm current reservation requirements, especially during peak summer months when visitation is higher. The campground can be relatively quiet with few visitors during certain periods, while other times it hosts fishermen and regular campers.

What amenities are available at Cravens Bay Campground?

Cravens Bay Campground offers basic amenities in its secluded setting. The campground has multiple campsites with enough space to spread out from other campers. There's a picnic area in the higher section of the grounds that provides ample shade and overlook views of the lake. A boat ramp is available for water access. The campground does not have showers, and services are located a significant distance away. Some sites can accommodate larger RVs, with at least one camper reporting successfully parking a 36' travel trailer, though turning around may require driving to the end of the campground.

Where is Cravens Bay Campground located in Land Between the Lakes?

Cravens Bay Campground is located in a remote area of Land Between the Lakes, tucked away on a dead-end Forest Service Road (FS 118). It sits right on the lake in a secluded location that's approximately 2 miles off the main road that runs through Land Between the Lakes. This back-country camping spot is quite isolated from the major visitor attractions in the recreation area, making it a peaceful retreat favored by locals from both sides of the rivers.

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