Top Free Dispersed Camping near Barkley Lake

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Barkley Lake? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Barkley Lake, KY (7)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Barkley Lake

15 Reviews of 7 Barkley Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS-326
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    March 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    March 18, 2024

    Demumber's Bay

    Beautiful great signal peace and quiet

    Wonderful locations all as you head to this particular spot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    September 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,

  • Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    September 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...

  • Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    January 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point
    August 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.



Guide to Barkley Lake

Camping near Barkley Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the great outdoors, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the calm waters of Energy Lake Campground. One visitor shared, "The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted... my favorite lake to kayak through with all three dogs on board."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Piney Campground. A camper noted, "Great place to take the family. Nice hiking trails."
  • Fishing: Many campers love the fishing opportunities at Hurricane Creek. One review mentioned, "Nice campground right on the lake. Family friendly, lots of children on their scooters."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Hillman Ferry Campground. One family said, "The bathrooms were very clean. The showers were OK."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. A visitor remarked, "The campground is well laid out. Each site has a paved parking pad, some overlooking the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Clarksville RV Resort. One reviewer said, "The employees are so nice and so helpful."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service at Hillman Ferry Campground. A camper warned, "Please be aware there is very little cell phone service and the internet was down while we were there."
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: If you're staying at Hurricane Creek, note that there are no showers available. One visitor mentioned, "on-site bathrooms and showers were dirty."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds, like Energy Lake Campground, are only open from March to November. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Clarksville RV Resort. A parent noted, "Have a playground, pool and a Jamaican restaurant just off the freeway."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for kids, such as Piney Campground. One camper said, "We had a great time at Hillman Ferry. The bathrooms were clean and everyone was so nice!"
  • Quiet Areas: For a peaceful experience, consider Hurricane Creek. A visitor shared, "Quiet campground the last weekend of October."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, like Lake Barkley State Resort Park. One RVer mentioned, "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground."
  • Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check out Piney Campground. A camper noted, "Some sites are hard to back into and require much work to get level."
  • Dump Stations: Make sure your chosen campground has a dump station, like Energy Lake Campground. One visitor said, "There was a dump station, trash and recycling near the campground entrance."

Camping near Barkley Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.