Dispersed camping near Eddyville, Kentucky offers outdoor opportunities in a region characterized by limestone outcroppings and mixed hardwood forests. Located where the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers create Kentucky and Barkley Lakes, this area experiences temperature ranges from 30°F winter lows to humid 90°F summer days. Fall camping provides cooler temperatures and reduced insect activity compared to peak summer months.
What to do
Water activities: Lake access at Demumber's Bay provides shoreline fishing and kayaking opportunities. The bay has a boat ramp and zero-entry areas for launching small watercraft. "Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The views of the lake are amazing, and this is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft," reports one camper.
Hiking: Trail exploration at Jackson Falls offers routes with varying difficulty levels through forest and rock formations. The area includes a 3-mile trail circling Lake Glendale nearby. "There is an easy 3 mile hike around the lake... There are several historical sites in area. Illinois Iron Forge, Garden of the Gods, and segments of the Trail of Tears," notes a visitor who explored multiple attractions.
Wildlife viewing: Morning or dusk wildlife spotting yields the best results for seeing deer, turkey, and various bird species. "We saw several groups of wild turkey as we made our way to the campsite," reports a camper at Forest Service Road sites. Bring binoculars and keep food secured as encounters with raccoons and other scavengers are common in less developed sites.
What campers like
Solitude: Remote locations at Forest Service Rd 343 provide peaceful camping experiences with minimal neighbor interaction. "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!" shares an enthusiastic camper.
Lake views: Waterfront spots at Neville Bay offer unobstructed water views and easy shore access. "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," reports a summer visitor. Sites closest to the water tend to fill quickly, especially during weekends from April through October.
Affordability: Low-cost or free camping options are available throughout the region with proper permits. "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5," notes a Forest Service Road 343 camper, highlighting the budget-friendly nature of primitive camping near Eddyville.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many sites require careful vehicle consideration. "The road in is rough, but a 2wd truck could make it in dry weather," reports a camper at Forest Service Rd 343. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the most remote locations, particularly during or after rainfall.
Permits: Most dispersed camping requires permits acquired before arrival. "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!" explains a Demumber's Bay visitor. Permits typically cost $10-20 per night depending on location.
Limited amenities: Pack essentials including drinking water. Vault toilets exist at some locations like Demumber's Bay and Neville Bay, but most Forest Service Road sites have no facilities. "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," explains a camper at LBL FS154.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with flat terrain for tent setup. "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," notes a camper describing Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road. Sites near toilet facilities make family camping more comfortable.
Safety considerations: Pack first aid supplies and insect protection. Ticks are prevalent in spring and summer months, requiring regular checks and appropriate repellent. "There are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere," warns a Jackson Falls visitor, highlighting the importance of preparation when camping with children.
Recreational planning: Bring water toys for lakeside camping. Inflatable rafts, fishing gear, and beach toys can keep children entertained at water-adjacent sites. "Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!" shares a family who enjoyed Bards Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Scout ahead for larger rigs at Lake Glendale Recreation Area. "We run a 28ft RV and were able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading. We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible," advises an RV owner who navigated the forest roads.
Hookup availability: Plan for dry camping at most sites. "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," reports a Neville Bay camper, noting the typical generator restrictions that apply at most sites.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. Many dispersed sites near Eddyville have natural, ungraded surfaces that may require significant leveling for RVs. "Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric," shares a Lake Glendale visitor.
