Best Tent Camping near Dawson Springs, KY
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers numerous tent camping options within 30 miles of Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Primitive tent campgrounds like Cravens Bay and Old Boy Scout Campground provide lakeside settings with varying levels of amenities. LBL FS154 offers dispersed backcountry tent camping on a small peninsula with lake views, while Smith Bay Campground features tent sites spaced along the perimeter with good privacy between sites. Forest Service Road 343 provides free dispersed tent camping with several sites situated near the water.
Most tent campsites in the region are set on gravel, dirt, or grass surfaces with minimal grading. Campers should bring all necessary water, as potable sources are limited or nonexistent at many locations. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Smith Bay and Cravens Bay, but dispersed sites require proper backcountry sanitation practices. A dispersed camping permit is required for backcountry tent camping in Land Between the Lakes, available online or at visitor centers. Sites typically include fire rings where permitted, though firewood may not be provided. The 14-day stay limit is standard but enforcement varies by location.
According to one camper, "Land Between the Lakes tends to be very back country with no cell service, and you have to travel at least 20 miles to a small town if you need anything, so pack in everything you need." Walk-in tent sites at Smith Bay are particularly popular with tent campers due to their proximity to the water, with some featuring pebble beaches. Sites at Old Boy Scout Campground are described as "not for the faint of heart" with several rock fire rings in different areas suitable for group camping. Midweek visits typically offer greater solitude, as reviewers note that smaller campgrounds like Smith Bay "tend to be very quiet midweek but fill up on weekends."
