A dispersed camping permit from Land Between the Lakes visitor centers is required before arriving at this back-country campground. The paved forest road leads to a boat ramp on Kentucky Lake, with multiple pull-in sites scattered along the route and closer to the water.
Campers find both waterfront spots and wooded sites nearby, most featuring stone fire rings built by previous visitors. The compacted gravel roads within the camping area accommodate larger rigs, while vault toilets and trash dumpsters provide basic amenities. Staci R. notes this is "a well maintained campground whose only amenity is a vault toilet, and trash dumpster." Zero-entry areas into the lake make launching kayaks and small watercraft straightforward.
Bug activity can be intense during certain seasons, with some campers reporting swarms at dusk. The area remains relatively quiet, though abandoned campers occasionally occupy sites. Cell service reaches the campground, and the boat ramp provides lake access for fishing and paddling.
Purchase your dispersed camping permit during visitor center hours, as rangers may check for permits. If centers are closed upon arrival, obtain permits first thing the next morning to avoid issues with law enforcement officers patrolling the area.
Description
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://landbetweenthelakes.us/reservationsandpermits or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
Location
Dispersed CampingDemumber's Bay is located in Kentucky
Coordinates
36.97745163626786 N
88.15273346131613 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/22/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Demumber's Bay needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 31 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 10 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 44 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 45 min from Owensboro, KY
