Dispersed camping near Benton, Kentucky centers around the expansive Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which spans 170,000 acres across western Kentucky and Tennessee. The area features limestone karst topography with rolling hills ranging from 350 to 650 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while winter lows can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Kayaking and small watercraft access: Multiple sites at Demumber's Bay provide direct water access. "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," notes one camper who appreciated the boat ramp and zero-entry areas for launching.
Swimming opportunities: Several lakeside locations offer swimming access. At LBL FS154 - Dispersed, the water level changes seasonally. "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," shares one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The recreation area contains various wildlife habitats. At LBL FS-326, campers report hearing natural sounds at night: "Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers value the privacy found at certain locations. At Forest Service Rd 343, one visitor explains: "The first day I was visited by an older man on a dirt bike who was just out riding. The next morning an older man on a horse stopped to talk and a couple in a Cherokee stopped to chat. Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place."
Multiple camping options on single roads: Several forest service roads contain numerous sites. At Demumber's Bay, a camper notes: "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."
Makeshift improvements: Previous campers often leave useful structures. One camper at LBL FS154 explains the accommodations: "The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most dispersed camping near Benton requires advance permits. At Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road, a visitor clarifies: "Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!"
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads range from paved to primitive. One Forest Service Rd 343 camper states: "The road is gravel and bumpy so you might not want to take a smaller car on it but just fine for any awd, truck, van, etc."
Seasonal insect activity: Summer and early fall bring increased bug activity. A Demumber's Bay visitor reports: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for flat ground: Some areas offer better tent camping surfaces than others. A camper at Neville Bay shares: "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend."
Consider sites with basic amenities: Families may appreciate locations with minimal facilities. "Nice little area to camp at. Well suited for tents," notes a Neville Bay visitor who brought a travel trailer despite the primitive conditions.
Plan for seasonal water levels: Water access points change throughout the year. At LBL FS154, a camper explains: "I stayed at two different 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."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: RVs at primitive sites have limited power options. A Neville Bay visitor mentions: "There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm."
Size considerations: Most dispersed sites have space limitations. "We went with our 30 ft travel trailer," reports a Neville Bay camper, indicating that moderate-sized RVs can access some areas.
Road assessment: RVers should evaluate access roads carefully. One visitor at Forest Service Rd 343 cautions: "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted. I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance."
