Best Tent Camping near Hickman, KY

Tent camping options near Hickman, Kentucky include several primitive sites in wildlife management areas. The Fishing Pier campground in West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers basic tent camping with toilet facilities and year-round accessibility. Approximately 20 miles south, Donaldson Point Conservation Area in Missouri provides dispersed camping opportunities for tent campers seeking more remote experiences.

Tent sites throughout the region typically feature minimal amenities. The Fishing Pier area includes toilet facilities but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and trash service. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal bags. Donaldson Point allows alcohol and campfires, while the Kentucky wildlife management areas prohibit both. Most tent campgrounds in the area permit drive-in access, though some sites at Donaldson Point can be reached via hike-in or walk-in routes. The Big Turner Lake campground in Ballard Wildlife Management Area operates seasonally from early May through late September.

Walk-in tent sites in these areas provide access to fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers more than just fishing despite its name. The primitive nature of these tent campgrounds appeals to campers seeking basic outdoor experiences without crowds or developed facilities. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for fishing expeditions and nature observation. A visitor to the Fishing Pier campground noted, "State park with minimal facilities. Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly and helpful."

Best Tent Sites Near Hickman, Kentucky (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Hickman, KY

128 Reviews of 3 Hickman Campgrounds


  • Cameron
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    Free, primitive campground, loud partiers

    Got here on a Saturday night in late September and both of the campsites were available. Campsites consist of a clearing with a fire pit and a picnic table. No litter. No toilets. Very slow and spotty AT&T service: I was able to text but not access the Internet. The area is very pretty. Soft ground for staking a tent. Bugs were alright, no need for bug spray. There’s water access at the pond, but it’s obviously stagnant and very brackish. Big downside was a convoy of Jeeps full of partiers rolled down to the pond at 12:30am and hung out down there blasting music for an hour, which is a real sleep ruiner. This might be a local party spot, so be aware and maybe pack earplugs if you’re coming on a weekend. Upside is that it’s in a National Forest, so if both sites are taken, you can always dispersed camp

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Bootheel RV Park

    Good Overnighter

    We tried to get into an Arkansas park but they were full so we headed into Bootheel where we’ve stayed before. We called about 2 hours out and the only sites left were 30 AMP with water. GPS takes you to the campground right off I-55, but there are directions on their website that are better as far as which exit to take. Upon arrival, there are envelopes in a brown box with the available site numbers on the envelopes. We walked around to look at each site and decided on site 12. You complete the required information on the envelope, include your payment and drop it off in the drop box. The park prefers a cash payment but you can leave credit card information on the payment envelope. They do offer a Good Sam Discount. Site 12 was an easy pull through with 30 amp and water only. Parking was easy. Once set up, we found out we were blowing the breaker with only 1 aircon running, and it killed that side of the post. We plugged into site 11 on the shared post with the same results but this time we only blew the post breaker. We got a hold of the owner and she got the maintenance guy to us really quick. Come to find out, it was our 30 AMP surge protector that was the problem. Hats off to park management for a quick response. The last row has the 50 AMP FHU sites. The first three rows in the park are 30 AMP with a mix of FHUs and water & electric. We got 2 bars on AT&T and Verizon. The last time we stayed here last January they stated they were getting new park WiFi and this time the WiFi worked much better. There’s no cable but we got quite a few OTA channels. There was plenty of area to walk our dogs along the adjacent cotton fields. They also had a very nice laundry facility that was decently priced. There is quite a bit of road noise from I-55. We dumped on the way out at their dump station that only has a dump and no water for a cleaning hose. As we are based near St. Louis, MO area and traveling to northern Mississippi once a year for RV maintenance, this no frills campground makes a perfect overnighter.

  • Evelyn R.
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Ramp - West Kentucky WMA

    Great place to visit

    My family and I have visited this campground once. Although I think there are better places to camp in Kentucky, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. I think it's about WHO you are with and not WHERE you are. My family has a great time anywhere we are. The one downside to this place was that it was pretty close to the road, so I felt like we could hear all the traffic. The campsites are a little small as well, but we didn't mind. Each campsite has a fire ring and a small picnic table. We found it a little hard to nail down our tent as well. It was a little rocky, so we had to remove the rocks under the tent and use a hammer to get the tent to stay. We enjoyed hiking and some "nature walks." There are so many different birds around that it was fun to bird watch- although I have never done this before! The paths are clear and well marked for hiking. The views were great as well, and the weather was perfect when we went. There is a grocery store right down the road that we stopped at before we got there and loaded up on snacks, water, and stuff to make smores. There isn't much shade, just FYI. We brought some umbrellas which helped. We also brought our hammocks, but there wasn't any trees in our campsite to hook them up. We did bring them on our hikes and were able to put them up and eat some lunch. Another downside is that because the spaces are small, the people next to us were a little loud and stayed up pretty late so we didn't get much sleep. We understand that the summer months can be busy, which means campgrounds are packed. Highly recommend reserving your spot ahead of time.

  • M
    Sep. 22, 2020

    South Campground — Reelfoot Lake State Park

    Such a unique lake and amazing birds.

    We camp here a lot and have tried several spots in the South campground.  The ones near the lake have views but don't have water access.  There is also a pavilion near the lake.  

    Sites 22, 24, 25, 70 backup to the forest and have lots of room to set up tents, however they are the first to flood and stay wet longer.  

    The map is pretty good about and shows pictures of the sites.  At the time of this review the bathrooms between sites 64 & 66 were closed.  The bathrooms and showers near site 23 are bigger and more accessible.  The bathrooms and showers near site 4 do have a ramp but it is uneven, the space inside is much smaller and would be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.

    Site 43 has trees on both sides of the pad and, based on comments from another camper, can be difficult to back in a larger camper.

    Sites in the mid and upper 40's are also good for tent camping.  The cypress trees in the area send roots up and the ground can be lumpy because of them.  The campground has lots of gopher holes all over.  The mosquitoes are bad and you should take some strong bug spray. 

    The campgrounds does have drainage issues when it rains and if your forecast predicts rain, you might want to put your tent up on the pad.

    They opened a small gift shop this year.  The sell worms, and they now rent canoes and kayaks.  There is a boat launch near the entrance, but you can't launch anything too wide.

    This campground is due for a makeover and I heard that it is in the works.  

    If you love bird watching or photography this place is a dream; osprey, eagles, herons, egrets, and so many others are everywhere.  Pelican's stop here on their migration and I recommend the pontoon tour in October during the festival if you want to see them on the water.

  • Reviewer
    Oct. 13, 2025

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Rattlesnake Hill

    Rattlesnake Hill- is what the locals call this place. This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area and I have seen more than a few that reached that size.(I attached my pics of a massive rattlesnake on the loop trail.) Timber rattlesnakes move at night during the summer- so I wouldn't rush to camp here. Fishing is rough- as the watersnakes will chase you up the bank if they feel threatened. Insane amount of gnats, biting flies, and ticks. No water, no electricity, no trash cans. Hunters will be shooting nearby during hunting season.

  • Staci R.
    May. 5, 2023

    South Campground — Reelfoot Lake State Park

    Getting Reeled at Reelfoot

    Campground is well layed out with everything well marked. The campsites all have Blacktop drives With concrete pads for picnic tables. Picnic tables are fastened down so you cannot move them. Water and electric are near each site as well as a standard fire ring. There are 2 shower houses on each end of the campground and then there are also several bathrooms on each opposing corner so they're close to all camp sites. Beware the lake has a lot of snakes, so if you are in a lake front campsite you are more likely to see snakes. And the sights along the leg from 23 24 25 up to 68 and on down to the seventies on the map looks like it's lake front but it's actually backed with wooded overgrowth.

  • Michelle & Keith G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2022

    Hinton RV Park

    Easy, Friendly & Well kept

    We arrived just after dark. The friendly staff took us to our site right away. Nice and clean area. Quiet area. Has one restroom & shower each for men and women that is super clean in well lit area. Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2024

    General Watkins Conservation Area

    Maybe not a travel destination, but certainly a good waypoint.

    We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.

    The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.

    If you consider this waypoint, two things:

    1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.

    2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.

  • C
    Apr. 26, 2022

    Fort Massac State Park Campground

    Big rig friendly /Easy access

    This state park has large sites. It is easy access from the highway and a nice quiet spot for the night. There is a new bath house with nice, private bathrooms/shower combinations. The roads are paved and some of the sites are gravel. There are 30 and 50 amp sites, no water or sewer at the campsite. However, There is a dump station on site and potable water at spigots throughout the park. There is an on-line reservation system, but you have to make reservations 3 days in advance. We just showed up and the camp host helped us find a site. Other campers showed up late and found their own site. Site reservations are posted on a pole by each site. Find one without a reservation and the site is yours.

    There are areas in the park that get pretty muddy when it rains.

    There is a nice large area for tent campers.

    There is a new playground area for the kiddos.

    The campsites are close to the river and has access to the river.

    Beware that signage is poor and we had trouble finding the correct entrance, it is NOT the entrance by the fort and visitor center.


Guide to Hickman

Tent camping near Hickman, Kentucky centers on conservation areas and wildlife management zones where campers experience primitive accommodations with seasonal considerations. The region sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, creating a unique ecosystem for outdoor recreation despite limited facilities. Camping permits may be required in some areas during hunting seasons.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Donaldson Point Conservation Area offers sandy riverfront access for anglers seeking catfish and other Mississippi River species. "Very pretty sunset views. Area was flat and sandy.. very sandy," notes camper Pam H. about Donaldson Point.

Bird watching: The wildlife management areas near Hickman serve as important stopover points for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway, particularly during spring and fall. West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area attracts serious birders during migration seasons. "Our trip into kentucky before our adventures in the land," shares Emily W. about Fishing Pier campground.

Seasonal hunting: Both Kentucky and Missouri conservation areas permit regulated hunting during designated seasons, though campers should check local regulations and wear appropriate safety colors during hunting periods. Brad O. describes Fishing Pier as "Good primitive" camping, making it suitable for hunters seeking basic accommodations.

What campers like

Minimal crowds: The best tent camping near Hickman, Kentucky appeals to those seeking solitude rather than social camping experiences. Conservation areas typically have few designated sites and limited visitors even during peak seasons.

Accessibility: Most primitive tent camping locations near Hickman can be reached by standard vehicles without requiring specialized equipment or four-wheel drive, except during heavy rain periods when roads may become muddy.

Low cost camping: Wildlife management areas and conservation lands offer free or very low-cost tent camping options compared to developed campgrounds. The primitive nature keeps costs minimal for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts seeking tent sites near Hickman.

What you should know

Limited facilities: While toilet facilities exist at some locations like Fishing Pier campground, amenities are sparse throughout the region. Campers must practice self-sufficiency. As Dan N. notes about Fishing Pier, it offers "Simple site, more to do than fishing" but with "minimal facilities."

Regulations differ by state: Kentucky wildlife management areas generally prohibit alcohol and campfires, while Missouri conservation areas like Donaldson Point typically permit both. Always check current regulations before arrival as enforcement can be strict.

Environmental challenges: Tent camping near Hickman means preparing for bugs, especially during warm months. One camper at Donaldson Point notes "Bugs were bad" and mentions "Trash everywhere," indicating campers should bring insect repellent and practice leave-no-trace principles.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The conservation areas provide excellent settings for teaching children about native species and ecosystems. Bring field guides specific to western Kentucky and southeastern Missouri to identify plants, birds, and animals encountered.

Water safety considerations: Camping near the Mississippi River requires extra vigilance with children due to strong currents and unstable banks. At Donaldson Point, a camper noted it was "Hard to get down to the water," suggesting families should identify safe viewing areas upon arrival.

Weather preparation: The Hickman region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. Families should pack clothing layers and rain gear even during forecasted clear conditions, as river valleys can create unpredictable microclimates.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas near Hickman, Kentucky have size restrictions making them unsuitable for larger RVs. Donaldson Point Conservation Area accommodates smaller RVs but lacks hookups and has sandy terrain that can present challenges for heavier vehicles.

Generator policies: Wildlife management areas typically restrict generator use to preserve the natural soundscape. RVers planning extended stays should ensure adequate battery capacity or solar power options.

Seasonal access considerations: During wet periods, particularly winter and spring, access roads to primitive camping areas may become difficult for RVs. Big Turner Lake campground's seasonal operation from early May through late September coincides with the most reliable road conditions for RV access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hickman, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hickman, KY is Donaldson Point Conservation Area Camping with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hickman, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Hickman, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.