Best Dispersed Camping near Barkley Lake in Kentucky

Looking for dispersed camping near Barkley Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Barkley Lake, KY (7)

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Recent Dispersed Reviews in Barkley Lake

15 Reviews of 7 Barkley Lake Campgrounds


  • Ai-Ai T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Demumber's Bay

    Extreme bug activity - late August

    Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must’ve flown into my car when i opened the door for a split second. Other than that, good stop for dispersed campers. Bathrooms were vault.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS-326
    Apr. 7, 2024

    LBL FS-326

    Lovely, quiet spot!

    This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time. Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!! The ground was flat and there was a lot of room. We were just passing through and needed somewhere quiet to sleep after two days of driving. There is a lot to do in this area! I hope I got the location right… it wouldn’t let me add the exact coordinates I saved when I was there.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    Mar. 28, 2024

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    Several Nice Spots

    I stayed at two difderent spots in March 2024. You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Both spots had fire pits

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Mar. 18, 2024

    Demumber's Bay

    Beautiful great signal peace and quiet

    Wonderful locations all as you head to this particular spot.

  • Kari M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Demumber's Bay

    Multiple Great Spots!

    This road is a paved Forest road that leads to a boat ramp. There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by. They have fire rings made by stones from previous campers. Just make sure you get a permit for the few that have the requirement. They have a sign once you get to that area by the boat ramp.

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    Sep. 19, 2022

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    5 Star Dispersed? Planning ahead will make the difference

    This site is quite remote feeling, but for a dispersed site, it is absolutely the BEST, which is why it is sometimes difficult to secure it, being it is first come first served. Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers. The roads coming out to this site are graded graveled roads, and do not require 4WD, however some of the roads are still blocked by trees felled (probably during December 2021 tornados), so you won't want to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak.  I traveled in on FS-154 and turned left onto the road that runs next to the site. When leaving, I attempted to continue traveling down the unnumbered road toward FS-134, but both directions in the fork were blocked by trees. This campsite is very popular, even though there are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation ("cat holes") as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets, there is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water. 

    The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle. I was there during the lake's winter pool, so the water was very low, leaving a lot of easy walkable entry areas into the bay or inlet area.  Forrest service checks in with dispersed campers often, so staying longer than the time allowed is usually not an option, but there are also other really nice dispersed areas near by to move to,

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Sep. 2, 2022

    Demumber's Bay

    Basic Campground - Pack in all you need (except toilet!)

    Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel. This is a well maintained campground whose only amenity is a vault toilet, and trash dumpster. The views of the lake are amazing, and this is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft. There is a boat ramp, and zero entry areas into the water for launching. 

    A Dispersed Camping (Basic Camping) permit is required to camp here and you must purchase these at any of the three Visitor's Centers PRIOR to coming out! I've been told (by LBL LEO) that if you arrive after the centers are closed, but go get the permit first thing in the morning when they open, you will be good...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Nice quite primitive camping

    Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend.

  • Jason W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Neville Bay is A-OK

    Ok, that's cheesy but true. Several groups there when we went. Very clean, well maintained primitive campground on the south end of LBL. Four stars, for what it is. If there was electric and water it would be a solid 5. Secluded but still accessible.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Jan. 11, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Great little camp ground

    Nice little are to camp at . Well suited for tents . Most of the area isn’t very level . The road going back there is gravel . We went with our 30 ft travel trailer . There is no hook ups . Can run generator until 11pm

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point
    Aug. 26, 2017

    Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point

    Functionality

    Barge Island is boat-ramp and that is all. At the end of Barge Island Rd, to the left, next to Birmingham Point Campground (privately owned) it is functional, has a porta pot, parking and a small dock.

    The sign on the way in has a tent camping symbol but I saw no evidence that anyone has ever camped in the thin strip of grass on each side of the road. It is feasible that you could though.

    If you continue straight on Barge Island Rd it turns to gravel and you end up on a small gravel beach area, good for fishing.


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Guide to Barkley Lake

Dispersed camping near Barkley Lake in Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With various spots available, campers can find secluded areas perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Dispersed campers should check out Forest Service Rd 343

  • This location provides a serene environment right by the lake, making it ideal for those seeking solitude while enjoying nature's beauty. You can find more details about this spot here.
  • The road leading to this area can be rough, but a 2WD truck can manage it in dry weather, allowing access to a hidden gem for adventurous campers.
  • Visitors have noted the friendly atmosphere, with occasional encounters with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, enhancing the sense of community among dispersed campers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Barkley Lake in Kentucky

  • Be prepared to pack in all your essentials, as locations like Demumber's Bay do not offer drinking water or electric hookups, making self-sufficiency crucial.
  • A permit is required for some areas, so ensure you obtain it beforehand to avoid any issues during your stay, especially at spots like Demumber's Bay.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, as many campers have reported beautiful views and a quiet atmosphere at places like LBL FS154 - Dispersed.

Top activities while free camping near Barkley Lake

  • Swimming and kayaking are popular activities at Neville Bay, where the calm waters provide a perfect setting for water sports.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to various fishing spots, particularly at locations like Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point, known for its fishing opportunities.
  • Hiking and exploring the surrounding trails can lead to breathtaking views and encounters with local wildlife, especially in the scenic areas around LBL FS-326.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Barkley Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Barkley Lake is Neville Bay with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Barkley Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Barkley Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.