Tent camping near Kuttawa, Kentucky centers around the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which encompasses 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The area features oak-hickory forests with shoreline campsites that experience moderate humidity during summer months with temperatures typically ranging from 85-95°F. Many primitive camping locations require visitors to obtain backcountry permits, available for $10-15 per night.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling access: Cravens Bay offers excellent water entry points for small watercraft. According to a camper, "Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect!" The bay area features protected water ideal for beginner paddlers.
Swimming in secluded areas: Sugar Bay Campground provides swimming access without lifeguards. A reviewer noted, "Swimming allowed in Sugar Bay and in late September the water was warm. No showers or bathrooms, but each camp spot has a table and fire pit."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers can watch for bald eagles, deer, and turkey throughout the recreation area. A seasonal camper at Cravens Bay observed, "Nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning."
Trail access: Many camping areas connect to the North-South Trail, a 31-mile hiking path spanning the length of Land Between the Lakes. As one camper at Twin Lakes mentioned, "This twin lakes is older, with a boat ramp and ONE port-a-jon... but this one has almost all shade and canopy, has campsites tucked away from the others, sits right on the North-South trail."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Twin Lakes Campground features sites "tucked away from the others" with significant tree cover. Many campsites throughout the area offer isolation, particularly during weekdays.
Waterfront tent pads: The region's dispersed sites often include established tent pads positioned for optimal views. A camper at Forest Service Rd 343 shared, "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app... Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!"
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution makes the area ideal for stargazing. A camper at Sugar Bay noted, "Nice and quiet, beautiful stars at night and good cell service if you needed it."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer tent camping for $10 per night. One visitor to Cravens Bay described it as "cheap and cool... super inexpensive and the camp host is very nice."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to remote sites can be challenging. A camper at Old Boy Scout Campground noted, "I discovered this little gem of a campground in college. This is a primitive site, and is considered back country camping, meaning you will have to obtain a back country pass from the Golden Pond Visitor Center."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the recreation area. A reviewer warned, "Land Between the Lakes tends to be very back country, there is very often not any cell service."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons and skunks frequently visit campsites. A Smith Bay camper reported, "Raccoons and skunks visit the campsites nightly, so you must keep everything put away or risk a big mess like some we saw who had left their food out on a screened gazebo/tent."
Supply planning required: Most sites lack amenities. A reviewer explained, "You have to travel at least 20 miles to a small town if you need anything (but every small town in western Kentucky has a Dollar General!) so you need to pack in everything you need, to include drinking, cooking and cleaning water."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with swimming beaches: Smith Bay Campground features pebble beaches suitable for children. A family noted, "We stayed at a site right off the water. We kayak so it was perfect for us to leave them on the shoreline so we could come and go as we please. It is a rocky beach but very clean. Just a short paddle away are some sandy beaches."
Consider noise levels: Some sites experience higher boating traffic. A reviewer observed, "This out of the way boat ramp stays busy from early until late."
Look for playground access: Sportsman's Anchor Resort provides additional facilities for families. A visitor mentioned, "There's also a playground and pool for members!"
Reserve established sites during peak season: Self-service campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends. A camper noted, "Both tend to be very quiet midweek but fill up on weekend."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many primitive sites have uneven terrain. A camper at Smith Bay observed, "Most campers here are in tents. I suspect this is because the sites are not very level."
Generator etiquette matters: Noise carries across campsites. A tent camper shared this experience: "Our visit last week was cut short by a rude RVer who fired up his extremely loud generator at 11 pm and left it sputtering away until 8 am."
Low clearance concerns: LBL FS154 requires careful navigation after storms. A visitor warned, "Some of the roads are still blocked by trees felled (probably during December 2021 tornados), so you won't want to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak."
