Best Tent Camping near Benton, KY

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers numerous tent camping options near Benton, Kentucky, with both established and dispersed sites for tent campers. Sugar Bay Campground and Smith Bay Campground provide waterfront tent campsites with basic amenities, while Forest Service Road 343 and LBL FS154 offer more primitive backcountry tent camping experiences. These areas are situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, creating numerous shoreline camping opportunities for tent campers seeking water access.

Sites throughout the area typically feature gravel or grass tent pads with minimal grading, and most include fire rings and picnic tables at established campgrounds. Dispersed tent camping requires a special permit available at visitor centers or online before arrival. According to one visitor, "This site is quite remote feeling, but for a dispersed site, it is absolutely the BEST." Many backcountry tent sites lack potable water, requiring campers to either filter lake water or bring their own supply. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Cravens Bay and Smith Bay, but dispersed tent camping areas have no sanitation facilities, requiring proper backcountry waste disposal techniques.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for kayaking, swimming, and hiking the North-South Trail that runs through Land Between the Lakes. The shoreline tent sites offer direct water access, with some featuring small pebble beaches ideal for launching kayaks or swimming. A camper noted that "We visited Smith Bay for 4 days last week and plan on returning with our adult children next week." Weekdays typically provide more solitude at tent campgrounds, while summer weekends see higher occupancy rates. Most tent-only areas feature ample shade from the surrounding forest, providing relief during hot Kentucky summers. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to backcountry tent sites. Wildlife sightings are common, with raccoons and coyotes frequently visiting tent camping areas after dark, requiring proper food storage.

Best Tent Sites Near Benton, Kentucky (23)

    1. Sugar Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Right on the water with access to several other things close by. Spots are in the grass and nothing fancy but perfect for us that love to Tent camp and enjoy natural comforts over amenities."

    "No showers or bathrooms, but each camp spot has a table and fire pit. Service was pretty much none existent, but that doesn’t bother me. No body was camping anywhere near us either"

    2. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    17 miles

    "Unfortunately the best one on the water was taken when we showed up but we set up in a different site and had a wonderful night."

    "Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake an doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."

    3. Smith Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Kentucky has a Dollar General!)"

    "It's a bit off the beaten path, on a gravel off-shoot from the Birmingham Ferry Campground drive. (Usually, we will check for a spot at BF 1st, and then head to SB if all the prime spots are taken."

    4. Sportsman's Anchor Resort and Marina

    1 Review
    Hardin, KY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 354-8493

    "Everyone is friendly and being so close to the water was an added bonus! The docks were within walking distance to us and honestly the view was spectacular!"

    5. Twin Lakes Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Twin lakes actually has two campgrounds associated with one name, and they are right next to one another."

    6. Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

    7 Reviews
    Kuttawa, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."

    "Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect! Highly recommend for tent camping."

    7. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    18 miles
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters."

    "Approx 1-1/2 miles off the highway down a one lane gravel road. Approx 30 sites. Sites are gravel and pretty level. At least half of the sites have a view of the lake."

    8. Old Boy Scout Campground

    5 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    20 miles

    "It is within a half mile (or less) of Dispersed LB-154, and mimics it, except there still exists the old road coming in and circling around."

    "This is a primitive site, and is considered back country camping, meaning you will have to obtain a back country pass from the Golden Pond Visitor Center."

    9. Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Barkley Lake, TN
    24 miles
    Website

    "This is a car camping site however you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area. Highly recommend."

    "Ranger Review: Matador Droplet at Ginger Bay Land Between the Lakes, Ky.

    Campground Review:We visited Ginger Bay boat ramp and dispersed camping area while at Land Between the Lakes(LBL) , Ky."

    10. LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak. "

    "The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Both spots had fire pits"

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Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Benton, KY

665 Reviews of 23 Benton Campgrounds



Guide to Benton

Tent camping near Benton, Kentucky offers a variety of scenic locations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from secluded spots to well-equipped sites, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Redd Hollow Campground features picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals and campfires.
  • Smith Bay Campground offers clean outhouses and a central pit toilet, ensuring basic sanitation needs are met.
  • Old Boy Scout Campground provides a primitive camping experience with ample space for tents and a peaceful atmosphere.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At Jones Creek, visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming in the beautiful lake, making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Bacon Creek is ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding nature trails, perfect for those looking to connect with the outdoors.
  • Twin Lakes Campground offers opportunities for kayaking and boating, providing a fun way to experience the local waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Benton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Benton, KY is Sugar Bay Campground with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Benton, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Benton, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.