Rustic camping near Gilbertsville, Kentucky offers wilderness experiences along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley within the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions in the 60-70°F range. The area's terrain varies from flat shorelines to moderately rolling hills with elevation changes of 100-200 feet.
What to do
Kayaking and small watercraft: Many dispersed camping areas provide direct water access with natural launch points. At Demumber's Bay, "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," notes one visitor.
Swimming spots: The natural shorelines create informal swimming areas during summer months. "I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!" reports a camper at Forest Service Rd 343. Water levels change seasonally, with one camper noting, "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 viewing: The recreation area hosts bison herds and diverse bird populations. "Would recommend swimming in the water nearby and would recommend seeing the buffalo on the way in or out," suggests a Forest Service Rd 343 visitor. Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Waterfront proximity: Many campsites sit directly on the water's edge. At LBL FS154 - Dispersed, "The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle." This access lets campers enjoy shoreline fishing and water activities without driving.
Quiet atmosphere: Most dispersed sites provide peace away from crowds. A visitor to LBL FS-326 shares, "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." The campsites typically see minimal foot traffic during weekdays.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates ideal night sky viewing conditions. "Several Nice Spots... Both spots had fire pits," notes a camper at LBL FS154, while another mentions the "Nice quiet primitive camping" available at Neville Bay, which provides open sky views from waterfront sites.
What you should know
Seasonal bug activity: Insect populations vary dramatically by season. "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," reports a late August visitor to Demumber's Bay.
Permit requirements: Most dispersed camping requires permits purchased in advance. "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 Rd 343 camper. Permits cannot be purchased at camping locations.
Limited facilities: Most areas have minimal or no amenities. At Neville Bay, campers find "Nice quite primitive camping. Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp." Another camper adds it's a "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site arrival timing: Arriving early improves site selection chances. "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," advises an LBL FS154 visitor. Weekday arrivals provide better options than weekends.
Water safety planning: No lifeguarded swimming areas exist at dispersed sites. "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!" notes an LBL FS-326 camper. Parents should establish water boundaries with children.
Emergency preparations: Cell service varies throughout the recreation area. "Lost cellphone service immediately upon entering reserve, FYI," shares a visitor to Jackson Falls, a site within driving distance of Gilbertsville. Families should download offline maps and bring first aid supplies.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many forest roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "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," advises a Forest Service Rd 343 visitor. Another notes, "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."
Generator limitations: Check local rules about generator usage. At Neville Bay, "There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm," notes one RV camper. Maintaining quiet hours helps preserve the wilderness experience for all campers.
