Dispersed camping near Calvert City, Kentucky centers around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL), encompassing 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 350 to 650 feet and a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, and summer brings high humidity levels that affect comfort at primitive sites.
What to do
Fishing at waterfront sites: Forest Service Road 343 provides excellent fishing access with several waterfront spots along Kentucky Lake. As one camper noted, "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app. I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!" The site features direct lake access with zero-entry points for easy shore fishing.
Hiking nearby trails: Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a 3-mile trail around the lake. A visitor shared, "The trail around the lake is about 3 miles; a nice hike that really gives you a good look at the park. On the hike you pass two large shelters built by the CCC as well as the boat ramp, dam, and swimming beach."
Wildlife viewing: LBL hosts diverse wildlife including the Elk and Bison Prairie. While camping at LBL FS154 - Dispersed, one camper mentioned, "The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle," providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the shoreline.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the privacy of dispersed sites. One visitor to Forest Service Road 343 commented, "Stayed here 4/17-18. The first day I was visited by an older man on a dirt bike who was just out riding... Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake."
Quiet atmosphere: Neville Bay gets praise for its peaceful setting. "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," reported one camper, highlighting the comfort even during peak summer months.
Cost-effective options: Free camping near Calvert City, Kentucky exists but requires knowing permit rules. A camper at Forest Service Road 343 noted, "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5," providing valuable information about reducing costs.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Dispersed camping permits must be purchased in advance. At LBL FS154 - Dispersed, a camper advised, "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Road conditions: Many forest service roads have challenging terrain. One Forest Service Road 343 visitor warned, "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. unfortunately there was some trash at our site when we arrived."
Sanitation awareness: With no facilities at most sites, proper waste disposal is crucial. A camper at LBL FS154 emphasized, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible swimming areas: Demumber's Bay offers family-friendly water access. A camper observed, "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."
Consider bug activity: Summer months bring heavy insect presence. One visitor to Demumber's Bay reported, "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."
Multiple site options: Finding the right spot for family needs matters. A Demumber's Bay visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Dutchman Lake Camp offers accessible parking for various vehicle sizes. A visitor explained, "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am. There's a large turnaround that could fit many vehicles, but someone was already parked there and we didn't want to disturb them."
Ground conditions: Many sites have limited level areas. At Neville Bay, an RVer observed, "Nice little area 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."
Consider clearance needs: Seasonal conditions affect accessibility. A Forest Service Road 343 visitor cautioned, "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, especially if it has rained."
