Top Free Dispersed Camping near Green River Lake

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Green River Lake, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Green River Lake, KY (2)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    8 Reviews
    60 Photos
    68 Saves

    Overview

    Dale Hollow Lake Primitive Camping is a unique series of 32 locations with a total of over 70 individually designated family campsites dispersed over 620 miles of shoreline. Campsites are located in both the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Primitive camping offers a unique rustic lake front camping experience. Remote locations along the shoreline offer campers a peaceful nature experience. Most designated tent sites are accessible only by boat; while a few can be reached by country road.__ Campers are advised that these areas are remote, primitive sites. Toilets are vault/pit type outhouses. Campers desiring on-site attendant, security and law enforcement services are encouraged to use developed campgrounds where such services are provided. These services are not provided for primitive camping.

    Recreation

    Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.

    Facilities

    Dale Hollow Lake, with its crystal clear water and forested hillsides, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities and holds the world record for smallmouth bass and is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Boating and water skiing are popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for campers to explore the lake.

    Natural Features

    Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about three miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American bald eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second-largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies__ There is no fee to make a reservation. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A $10 service fee may be charged to changes made to an existing reservation (see full policies for when this is applicable). A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night___s recreation fee for a campsite. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made locally at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $5 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Green River Lake

9 Reviews of 2 Green River Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    January 24, 2023

    Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    Dale Hollow Eagle Point

    I camped at Eagle Point for a quiet relaxing few days , but due to a group of young lads who camped near me that was not going to be the case. They were loud and annoying and did not care for anybody else's privacy.

    The camp site was ok , reached down a very bumpy track not suitable for RV or similar.

    There was a porta toilet which was a bonus but lots of trash left behind by other campers.

    The site is on the top of a high cliff so no water swimming was possible. Very shady area. There is a boat ramp next to the site which was in constant use day and night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park
    April 28, 2020

    First Creek Dispersed Camping — Mammoth Cave National Park

    All down hill

    First Camp Dispersed tent sites are an enjoyable hike down into the First Creek ,creek bed of Green River in Mammoth Cave National Forest, Ky

    If you go early enough in the season you will see some awesome rock formations. Once all the foliage fills in its not as picturesque .

    Find Ollie Rd on the back side of Mammoth and take the gravel road straight at the hard right turn. First Creek can be hiked to from two different parking areas and it’s part of the Loop trail used by hikers and horseback riders alike. A map is very useful for distances and trail directions because the markers are not always where they are supposed to be. There is an beautiful pond/lake at the bottom of the hike that empties into the Green River. Realize of course water = snakes and take precautions. Two choices of tent sites. Both have a fire ring , lantern hook and tent pad. Firewood is all around :) tote in your water or filtration system and everything you need cause the hike back up that hill ain’t short! It gets DARK here! You should have some beautiful star gazing opportunities and some wildlife interactions. Once again take precautions with your food, it’s a long hike back up that hill! Bug spray! Enough said! Love this out of the way area but it can be quite spooky ;) Enjoy ;)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
    May 17, 2017

    Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

    Plankyard: Great price. Ok location.

    We stayed for 2 nights at the Plankyard site. We were expecting the site to be more remote - but these sites are right off a large parking area and boat ramp. The sites are not well marked and there was some litter. There were lots of trees and shade, and ample water access. We won't be going back to that site, but will definitely be checking out some more of the primative camping sites in the area. For $3/night you really can't complain!



Guide to Green River Lake

Camping near Green River Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Green River Lake is known for its fishing spots. Campers at Fishing Creek - Lake Cumberland say, "Love this campground. My family and I spend several weeks here each summer." It's a great place to cast a line and enjoy the lake views.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the lake. One visitor at Kentucky Green River Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is really pretty, the showers were pretty decent. Other campers were well behaved and it was fairly peaceful."
  • Boating: Bring your boat or rent one nearby. Campers at Holmes Bend appreciate the access to the water, stating, "The beach is great and right next to the marina."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Kendall Campground highlights, "The bath house was clean. Showers were on a timer... but overall a very quiet place."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers enjoy the natural surroundings. One visitor at Pulaski County Park noted, "Great Lake views. A lot of hiking and mountain bike trails," which often come with wildlife encounters.
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Horse Cave KOA offer plenty for kids. A reviewer said, "There were a ton of things for kids and families to do. There was a pool, playground, pond, etc."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Horse Cave KOA mentioned, "The only reason it’s not getting 5 stars is because it's right on the Interstate, and that noise wasn't the most peaceful."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Smith Ridge Green River Lake states, "If you need to use the showers or bathroom, they never fix anything."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Fishing Creek - Lake Cumberland is open from May 1 to September 26, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Campers at Born Again Camping / Antiques enjoyed, "Lots of outdoor games for kids and adults as well as a train ride for the kiddos."
  • Pack snacks and games: Keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Kentucky Lake Cumberland mentioned, "We found the view of the lakes beautiful and would absolutely go back."
  • Plan for quiet time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A camper at Kentucky Pulaski County Park said, "I left a day earlier than planned because I couldn't even hear my little radio over the bass blasting from someone several hundred yards away."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Smith Ridge Green River Lake mentions, "The picnic tables were secured to the ground taking up a good bit of the site for our rug and chairs."
  • Be prepared for power issues: Some campgrounds have known electrical problems. A camper at Smith Ridge Green River Lake noted, "Their solution was to use less appliances."
  • Bring extra cords: Campers at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park recommend, "Take an extra power cord. Electric and water are laid out poorly."

Camping near Green River Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from fishing and hiking to family fun and RV adventures. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions