Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers tent camping near Calvert City, Kentucky through a network of designated tent sites, self-service campgrounds, and dispersed camping areas. Situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the area spans 170,000 acres with over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Water activities on Kentucky Lake: Twin Lakes Campground provides direct lake access where campers can launch kayaks and small watercraft. According to one camper, "Twin lakes actually has two campgrounds associated with one name, and they are right next to one another. This twin lakes is older, with a boat ramp and ONE port-a-jon... but this one has almost all shade and canopy, has campsites tucked away from the others."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Old Boy Scout Campground offers excellent wildlife watching from its peninsula setting. A visitor noted, "There were a lot of persimmon trees loaded with fruit, if you'd like to make jam." The site is primitive but provides access to Energy Lake campground nearby if you need supplies.
Hiking access: Forest Service roads connect to trail systems throughout Land Between the Lakes. One camper at Forest Service Rd 343 recommends "seeing the buffalo on the way in or out" and mentions "swimming in the water nearby" as worthwhile activities.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Smith Bay Campground offers multiple tent sites directly on the shoreline. A camper reports, "We stayed at a site right off the water. We kayak so it was perfect for us to leave them on the shoreline so we could come and go as we please. It is a rocky beach but very clean. Just a short paddle away are some sandy beaches."
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the spacing at Cravens Bay. One review states, "The sites in-between the two high and low ground areas are very private and two are definitely secluded." Another mentions, "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."
Night sky viewing: Sugar Bay Campground offers excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Nice and quiet, beautiful stars at night and good cell service if you needed it." Many tent sites are positioned with open sky views for optimal star viewing.
What you should know
Permit requirements: All dispersed camping in Land Between the Lakes requires permits. A camper at LBL FS154 Dispersed advises: "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Water access limitations: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water. One camper explains, "You either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water." Another notes "there is still a central pit toilet that is cleaned regularly but can still get smelly during the heat of the day."
Road conditions: Access to some tent sites requires suitable vehicles. A review of Forest Service Rd 343 warns: "The road in is rough, but a 2wd truck could make it in dry weather." Another camper adds, "This is down a very rickety, rutty, gravel to a campsite that is just ruts."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for swimming: Sugar Bay Campground offers swimming opportunities in warm months. A camper reports: "Swimming allowed in Sugar Bay (no lifeguard) and in late September the water was warm. No showers or bathrooms, but each camp spot has a table and fire pit."
Playground facilities: Sportsman's Anchor Resort and Marina provides additional amenities for families. A visitor notes, "There is onsite bathrooms and showers, along with a store and wood for sale for 50 cents a piece! Great deal! There's also a playground and pool for members!"
Wildlife precautions: Families should prepare for wildlife encounters. Reviews mention raccoons and skunks visiting campsites nightly. "Raccoons and skunks visit the campsites nightly, so you must keep everything put away or risk a big mess like some we saw who had left there food out on a screened gazebo/tent."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds limit generator use. A camper at Smith Bay notes: "Generators are only allowed during the day. However, there is no one to enforce this." Consider battery power sources for tent camping near Calvert City if staying at sites with generator restrictions.
Site leveling challenges: Many tent sites near Calvert City are not level. A review of Smith Bay states: "Most campers here are in tents. I suspect this is because the sites are not very level." Bringing additional ground pads and careful site selection is advised.
Campground layout navigation: Redd Hollow Campground offers improved sites for small RVs and tents. A reviewer notes: "The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV." Another adds, "Sites are gravel and pretty level. At least half of the sites have a view of the lake."
