Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, offering tent camping opportunities near Dawson Springs, Kentucky. The recreation area sits at elevations between 350 and 560 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F and winter lows averaging 25-35°F. Camping sites range from basic gravel pads to natural clearings with minimal development.
What to do
Water activities at Smith Bay Campground: During summer months, kayaking and swimming are popular at Smith Bay Campground where you can access both rocky and sandy beaches. According to Kirstin A., "We kayak so it was perfect for us to leave them on the shoreline so we could come and go as we please. It is a rocky beach but very clean. Just a short paddle away are some sandy beaches."
Wildlife viewing at Lake Mauzy East: The wetland areas provide excellent bird watching opportunities with minimal crowds. As one camper noted, "Super quiet, tons of birds, and we saw snake mounds but not yet seen one...birds and butterflies and owls...OH MY."
Drone flying opportunities: Some open campsites offer excellent drone launching areas. Michael W. reports about Smith Bay: "This is a great place to launch a drone," making it perfect for aerial photography enthusiasts looking to capture the lakes and forested peninsulas from above.
Beach exploration at Sugar Bay: The shoreline offers swimming and relaxation spots with varying beach types. "Swimming allowed in Sugar Bay (no lifeguard) and in late September the water was warm," notes Laura H., highlighting that even in early fall, water activities remain enjoyable.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy and direct water access at Forest Service Rd 343, where dispersed camping provides solitude. One reviewer shared, "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app. I had one other person show up to cook, but they left shortly after. Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!"
Midweek tranquility: The less developed campgrounds offer exceptional peace during weekdays. A camper at Sugar Bay noted, "We love all the bays and coves at LBL. We prefer less crowded camp areas and that is what sugar bay offers. Right on the water with access to several other things close by."
Natural camping surfaces: Sites at Sugar Bay Campground feature grass pads rather than developed platforms. As Brittni F. describes, "Spots are in the grass and nothing fancy but perfect for us that love to Tent camp and enjoy natural comforts over amenities."
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. Scott B. mentioned about Sugar Bay, "Nice and quiet, beautiful stars at night and good cell service if you needed it," offering a rare combination of natural darkness with connectivity.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Backcountry camping in Land Between the Lakes requires permits that cost $10 per night for most dispersed sites. One camper at Forest Service Rd 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."
Road conditions: Many of the best tent camping sites near Dawson Springs, Kentucky have challenging access roads. A camper at LBL FS154 - Dispersed advised, "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 toilet at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away."
Seasonal water levels: Lake water levels change significantly between seasons, affecting shoreline camping spots. A reviewer at LBL FS154 observed, "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."
Wildlife encounters: Nocturnal animals frequently visit campsites. Michael W. warned at Smith Bay, "Raccoons and skunks visit the campsites nightly, so you must keep everything put away or risk a big mess like some we saw who had left there food out on a screened gazebo/tent."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural beaches: For family tent camping near Dawson Springs, Kentucky, select locations with gradual water entry. A visitor to Old Boy Scout Campground shared, "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. This place used to be used for Boy Scout Summer camps. It's a nice little finger of land that has water all around."
Bring portable toilets: Most remote sites lack toilet facilities. Staci R. noted about Old Boy Scout Campground, "There is no drinking water, no toilets, no port-a-john, nothing here but quiet," making portable facilities essential for families with young children.
Plan for supply runs: No convenience stores exist within the recreation area. According to Brad H., "The road is very close with energy lake campground nearby if you need firewood or anything else that you may run out of," highlighting the importance of knowing where to restock.
Consider weather patterns: Spring and fall offer milder temperatures but can bring unexpected storms. As Tim D. shared, "Very quit!!! [sic]" about Old Boy Scout Campground, showing that the peaceful environment provides an excellent setting for families to connect away from crowds and noise.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: For campers bringing small trailers, Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access offers varied terrain options. One RVer noted, "We stayed at site 20 with a 36' travel trailer we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site. Cravens Bay is secluded and about a 2 mile drive off the main road running through LBL."
Campground navigation: The internal roads at many campgrounds are challenging for larger vehicles. The same visitor explained, "The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow."
Generator usage restrictions: Quiet hours are officially in place but may not be enforced. According to Wesley B. at Cravens Bay, "Good campground. You have to deal with a lot of fishermen and seasonal campers. There is enough room to spread out from other campers. A far drive from any services or attractions."
Off-grid preparation: RVers should be prepared for dry camping conditions. One camper advised, "If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming."
