Top Free Dispersed Camping near Jamestown, KY
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Jamestown? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Jamestown just for you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Jamestown, KY (4)
1. Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
8 Reviews•60 Photos•68 SavesOverview
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.
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 nights 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
$5 / night
2. Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
1 Review•1 Photo- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
3. Swain Ridge
2 Reviews•3 Photos•12 Saves- Pets
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Redbird Boat Ramp
1 Review•2 Saves- Fires
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Jamestown
11 Reviews of 4 Jamestown Campgrounds
Pam B.
Guide
Trace Branch Dispersed - Rock Creek Road
Small Campsite on the shores of Rock Creek.
One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
- JJacob M.
Scout
Swain Ridge
Gravel only
Not able to camp in open field. 1000$ fine for doing so. Camping at trailhead or on road side is fine.
- Sierra E.
TravelerSwain Ridge
Quiet Pasture But Ticks
It was wonderfully secluded, we used the car to “mow” the grass down, and set up fine. But we did have ticks EVERYWHERE and poison ivy along the edges of the pasture. We had a ball we were playing with roll in there. Outside for normal outside life inconvenience; it was a beautiful, quiet pasture. We were even blessed with see several bats fly around at night. There was no light pollution so we had a great time star gazing!
Andy K.
Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN
I only spent 3 nights at Kemper Flats primitive campground for a fishing trip. We reached Kemper by pontoon boat from Willow Grove Marina a short 20 min ride. Nice site primitive cabin toilet no water faucet. Bring it in, take it out.
- Andy K.Legend
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.
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Kemper Flats Dale Hollow TN primitive camping
We took a pontoon boat out to Kemper Flats on Dale Hollow lake for a few days relaxing fishing. Primitive site, island with a porta toilet. Camp right on the side of the lake, very quiet and peaceful
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Taylors Ford primitive camping lakeside
Taylor’s Ford primitive campsite is down a steep windy track not suitable for big rigs. There are about 4 lakeside sites available all with good lake views
- Andy K.Legend
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Cove Creek camping lakeside
Cove Creek at Dale Hollow lake in TN is a primitive campsite with lakeside camping. There are water faucets for drinking water and a pit toilet available. Great views of the lake and plenty of sites available
- Hope G.Scout
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Terrible
We got there late for a primitive site and all the sudden the mgr and police show up mind u the mgr passed us 3 times instead of stopping as a professional mgr should he calls police and tells me the website does not state primitive lol. It was cluttered loud and tacky.
- Melody S.Guide
Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Beautiful Spot
Beautiful spot close to the water. Secluded area that can be reached via GPS coordinates ONLY (we learned this after trying to check in at the Dale Hollow campground).
Things to know:
- there was no dumpster for trash
-hike in spot with vault toilet
- 45 minutes from Standing Stone State Park
- VVerity O.Scout
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 Jamestown
Camping near Jamestown, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Explore Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a short drive from Jamestown, this park is famous for its stunning caves. One visitor at the Mammoth Cave Campground said, "The caves themselves are spectacular and not to be missed."
- Hiking Trails: There are many trails in the area, including those at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. A camper noted, "The trails and Cumberland falls were awesome."
- Fishing and Swimming: At Baileys Point, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. One family mentioned, "We loved fishing and swimming in the lake."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Old Mill Camp and General Store highlighted, "The bathrooms were immaculate."
- Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave said, "Staff is beyond friendly, lots of activities."
- Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Kendall Campground offer beautiful surroundings. One camper shared, "Our site was shaded and cool, also had a concrete pad and was very long."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, have limited amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "There are no electric hookups."
- Tight Campsites: At My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground, sites can be cramped. One camper noted, "Sites were crammed close together."
- Wildlife: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Kendall Campground. A visitor shared, "I saw 7 deer grazing, multiple squirrels near our spot."
Tips for camping with families
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave, one parent said, "The events and activities scheduled throughout the day were great at keeping the kids busy."
- Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have general stores nearby. A camper at Old Mill Camp and General Store mentioned, "The store offers a delightful array of goods, including handmade crafts and local produce."
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, like Baileys Point. One family noted, "The sites are spaced just right."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Standing Stone State Park Campground warned, "Sites can be tricky to back into."
- Bring Extra Cords: Many sites require long power cords. A camper at My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground advised, "Be prepared for required extensions to your power and water hoses."
- Look for Dump Stations: Campgrounds like Kendall Campground have dump stations, which is a plus for RVers. One camper said, "This campground provides electric and water at most sites, has two dump stations."
Camping around Jamestown, KY, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jamestown, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Jamestown, KY is Dale Hollow Lake - Primitive Camping — Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a 3.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Jamestown, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Jamestown, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.