Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cerulean, KY

Looking for dispersed camping near Cerulean? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cerulean, KY (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cerulean

14 Reviews of 5 Cerulean 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

  • Kari M.
    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.
    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.



Guide to Cerulean

Camping near Cerulean, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around Energy Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Energy Lake is ideal for nature viewing, hiking, swimming and hanging out by the camp fire."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Hurricane Creek. A camper shared, "We went horse back riding and canoeing!"
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Check out the playgrounds at Hillman Ferry Campground. A family noted, "We rode our bikes all over the place and enjoyed the playground and lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One review for RJourney Clarksville RV Resort stated, "The bathrooms were clean and everyone was so nice!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Hillman Ferry Campground. A visitor remarked, "The site was spacious and clean. Plenty of room for our 30' travel trailer."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Energy Lake Campground highlighted, "The staff at this campground is AMAZING, and very knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell phone reception. One camper at Hillman Ferry Campground warned, "Please be aware there is very little cell phone service."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, are only open from April to October. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads leading to campgrounds can be narrow. A visitor to Hurricane Creek noted, "Roads getting into park were narrow. But worth the trip."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. RJourney Clarksville RV Resort has a pool and playground, making it family-friendly.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. A family at Hillman Ferry Campground enjoyed riding bikes and playing at the creek.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the camp store. One camper at Energy Lake Campground mentioned, "Their store had everything we needed during our stay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so be prepared with leveling blocks. A review for Kenlake State Resort Park mentioned, "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need water and electric, make sure to choose sites that offer these amenities. A camper at Canal - Lake Barkley appreciated the "water and electric were at the site."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Clarksville RV Resort noted, "Due to the valley the CG is located in, the interstate noise is magnified."

Camping near Cerulean, 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 Cerulean, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cerulean, KY is Forest Service Rd 343 with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cerulean, KY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Cerulean, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.