Map showing campground location near Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky

Camper submitted image from Taylor Bay Campground

Taylor Bay Campground

Taylor Bay Campground, near Cadiz, Kentucky, is a laid-back spot for those looking to enjoy some quality time by the water. With a mix of lakefront and wooded sites, it offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can kick back and soak in the natural beauty.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors appreciate the self-service setup, which allows you to stake your claim on a first-come, first-served basis. As one camper noted, “There are about 25 sites... with fire rings and picnic tables at each site.” Just keep in mind that amenities are minimal, with only vault toilets available and no running water or electricity.

For those who love the outdoors, Taylor Bay is located within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. The nearby boat ramp is a hit, especially for those looking to explore the water. Reviewers have mentioned the stunning views and wildlife, with one camper recalling, “Left in the early morning to a bunch of deer everywhere.”

While it can get busy during peak times, many campers find the well-spaced sites provide a sense of privacy. Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, Taylor Bay Campground is a great choice for a rustic getaway surrounded by nature.

Reservation Info

Self-Service Campgrounds offer basic amenities including designated campsite pads, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, vault toilets, trash pickup, lake access, and boat ramps.

You pay a nightly per camping unit fee for camping. The Basic/Dispersed Permit cannot be used at Self-Service Campgrounds.

At Self-Service Campgrounds, you choose a site, fill out a provided fee envelope, insert your camping fee into the envelope, and deposit the envelope in the “Iron Ranger” fee tube at the entrance. Please do this within 30 minutes of setting up your camp.

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Location

Public Campground

Taylor Bay Campground is located in Kentucky

Directions

From Canton, KY, take US Rt 68/State Rt 80 west 1.3 miles to Engergy Lake sign. Turn right at sign onto a gravel road (Forest Rt 134) and go 9 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn right onto Forest Rt 135 and go 0.8 miles to Taylor Bay sign. Turn right and go 0.4 miles to campground. Alternative: From Canton, KY, take US Rt 68/State Rt 80 west 5.9 miles west to Grand Rivers/"TheTrace" signs. Turn left at to "The Trace"/ North (State Rt 453) and go 7.1 miles to Taylor Bay sign. Turn irght onto Mulberry Flat Rd (Forest Rt 135) and go 0.4 miles to campground. Note: Last 0.4 miles is paved but rough.

Coordinates

36.89894146999998 N
88.02034028 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T
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Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/27/26

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
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+12709242000

Drive Time

48 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 12 min from Clarksville, TN
2 hrs 1 min from Evansville, IN
2 hrs 2 min from Owensboro, KY

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-spaced sites and peaceful backcountry setting with boat access. Some visitors expressed disappointment with crowding during peak times and occasional restroom cleanliness issues.

Kenda A.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2024

Beautiful LBL site

This is lakefront with a vault toilet and no running water. On a Wednesday night everything was quiet and peaceful. It is a self serve campground.

Site22

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Crystal H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

Amazing!

There are about 25 sites. No reservations, all sites are first come first serve. There are about 8-10 lake front. There is also about 8-10 in the woods. There is a block bathroom. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is a boat dock. There are no shower houses, no water, and no electricity.

Site24

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Staci R.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2022

Great location and price for self service "primitive" campground

Taylor Bay is a self service campground in Land Between the Lakes. All the campsites are first come, first served. There are no amenities except a vault toilet and a boat ramp. The roads leading back to Taylor Bay are all paved, and each site has a fire ring, and is usually compacted gravel. When you arrive, you find your site, stake your claim, and then go back to the "iron ranger" to fill out your camping registration, pay your fees and drop the envelope into the "iron ranger". Generators are allowed, but there are posted quiet times. I have AT&T cell service and could pick up three bars on an android.

The sites are well spaced apart to still offer some privacy. Most of the sites are shaded, but a few in the center have zero shade. If you plan on using the boat ramp, be sure to check the lake levels...the ramp drops abruptly and during low pool, may not be usable. Taylor Bay is located near Hematite Lake (picnicking & hiking), and the Nature Station on the north side of LBL.

Site20

Month of VisitAugust

(10) View All

Morgan L.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Okay ONLY if it’s not busy!!

We’ve gone when there was nobody (it was fall and pretty cold) and got to tent camp by the water and LOVED it. We went back on a weekend in June and it was awful. Packed, and RVs were loud and honestly rude. No tent only sites and RVs won’t hesitate to park next to a tent rather than by an RV. Bathroom was stocked but rancid and had no water. The site would be great if it were less busy so scope it out before hand.

SiteLake front and on the right

Month of VisitJune

Chelsey M.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2020

Beautiful

We camped for one night and arrived late with no one on duty to take payment so we used the honor system drop box. Stunning views of lake and awesome sunset. Left in the early morning to a bunch of deer everywhere.

Brad H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 4, 2019

Nice and peaceful

I often camped here when I wanted something mildly primitive but still somewhat accessible not completely away from all people. They have many sites to choose from that are near the waters edge or further away. There is always a trailer there for the host of the area. I have never seen this place plum full so it’s likely you will find a site, for tent camping. It provides some beautiful scenery and a gorgeous view in the morning as the sun rises. You occasionally get people docking or putting in water craft as they have a ramp nearby, but usually not much activity in the area.

Staci R.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2017

Taylor Bay - Land Between the Lakes

Off the beaten path in Land Between the Lakes (LBL), Taylor Bay is backcountry camping at its best. Off of the Trace, directional signs are well placed ensuring your route down Forrest Service Road 136 goes with out problems (fully paved through LBL to the camp sites). No electricity or water, there is a vault or pit toilet, which is (usually) stocked with TP (but you may want to pack a roll to be sure)! I've not had any poor experiences with the cleanliness of the pit, but others have reported issues in the past. Boat ramp is available, although I have not used it. There is a community dock available for docking if you chose to not pull your boat. Often people swim in the ramp and dock area, and this may become cumbersome with a crowd there. The majority of campsites are standard, flat, graveled sites with a fire ring. They are well spaced so you have privacy. All are first come first serve, so the early camper gets the best spots. Camping spots by the water have minimal shade, and those on the back side are very shaded. None are a far walk from water to site. Camping at Taylor Bay is considered back country camping and requires each person over 18 to have a permit, this year they are available at both Welcome Centers, any of the hosted campgrounds or online (Taylor Bay is not hosted and permits are not available on site). Pet and Family Friendly. Bring everything you need, as the closest store is at least 15 - 20 miles out.

Month of VisitJuly

(12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Taylor Bay in Land Between the Lakes?

Taylor Bay is a backcountry campground, but it's not considered dispersed camping in the traditional sense. It offers designated campsites with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. While it provides a primitive camping experience with limited facilities, campers must use the established sites rather than true dispersed camping. For genuine dispersed camping options in Land Between the Lakes, check with the recreation area management for designated backcountry areas.

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

Taylor Bay Campground is located within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, accessible off of the Trace via Forest Service Road 136. The campground is situated along the lakeshore, offering waterfront views and access. The roads leading to Taylor Bay are fully paved throughout LBL to the campsites, making it relatively easy to reach despite being somewhat off the beaten path. It provides a peaceful setting with a balance of accessibility and natural seclusion.

What boat ramp facilities are available at Taylor Bay in Land Between the Lakes?

Taylor Bay Campground features a boat ramp providing direct lake access. The facility is basic but functional, allowing campers to launch their watercraft for fishing or recreational activities. The campground's lakefront location makes it convenient for boaters, with some campsites positioned near the water's edge. For the most current condition of the boat ramp, especially during changing water levels, contact Land Between the Lakes management before your trip.

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Is dispersed camping allowed at Taylor Bay in Land Between the Lakes?

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