Top Free Dispersed Camping near New Concord, KY

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to New Concord? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Concord, KY (5)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In New Concord

14 Reviews of 5 New Concord Campgrounds


  • Ai-Ai T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Demumber's Bay

    Extreme bug activity - late August

    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. Other than that, good stop for dispersed campers. Bathrooms were vault.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS-326
    Apr. 7, 2024

    LBL FS-326

    Lovely, quiet spot!

    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. Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!! The ground was flat and there was a lot of room. 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! I hope I got the location right… it wouldn’t let me add the exact coordinates I saved when I was there.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    Mar. 28, 2024

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    Several Nice Spots

    I stayed at two difderent spots in March 2024. You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Both spots had fire pits

  • Kari M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Demumber's Bay

    Multiple Great Spots!

    This road is a paved Forest road that leads to a boat ramp. There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by. They have fire rings made by stones from previous campers. Just make sure you get a permit for the few that have the requirement. They have a sign once you get to that area by the boat ramp.

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from LBL FS154 - Dispersed
    Sep. 19, 2022

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    5 Star Dispersed? Planning ahead will make the difference

    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. Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers. The roads coming out to this site are graded graveled roads, and do not require 4WD, however 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.  I traveled in on FS-154 and turned left onto the road that runs next to the site. When leaving, I attempted to continue traveling down the unnumbered road toward FS-134, but both directions in the fork were blocked by trees. This campsite is very popular, even though there are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation ("cat holes") as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets, there is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water. 

    The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle. 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.  Forrest service checks in with dispersed campers often, so staying longer than the time allowed is usually not an option, but there are also other really nice dispersed areas near by to move to,

  • Staci R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Demumber's Bay
    Sep. 2, 2022

    Demumber's Bay

    Basic Campground - Pack in all you need (except toilet!)

    Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel. This is a well maintained campground whose only amenity is a vault toilet, and trash dumpster. 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. 

    A Dispersed Camping (Basic Camping) permit is required to camp here and you must purchase these at any of the three Visitor's Centers PRIOR to coming out! I've been told (by LBL LEO) that if you arrive after the centers are closed, but go get the permit first thing in the morning when they open, you will be good...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Nice quite primitive camping

    Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend.

  • Jason W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Apr. 10, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Neville Bay is A-OK

    Ok, that's cheesy but true. Several groups there when we went. Very clean, well maintained primitive campground on the south end of LBL. Four stars, for what it is. If there was electric and water it would be a solid 5. Secluded but still accessible.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Neville Bay
    Jan. 11, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Great little camp ground

    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 . We went with our 30 ft travel trailer . There is no hook ups . Can run generator until 11pm

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point
    Aug. 26, 2017

    Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point

    Functionality

    Barge Island is boat-ramp and that is all. At the end of Barge Island Rd, to the left, next to Birmingham Point Campground (privately owned) it is functional, has a porta pot, parking and a small dock.

    The sign on the way in has a tent camping symbol but I saw no evidence that anyone has ever camped in the thin strip of grass on each side of the road. It is feasible that you could though.

    If you continue straight on Barge Island Rd it turns to gravel and you end up on a small gravel beach area, good for fishing.



Guide to New Concord

Camping near New Concord, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes 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

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the “nice hiking trails” at Hillman Ferry Campground, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers alike.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or fishing at Energy Lake Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The lake itself is man-made, and motorized watercraft are not permitted, making for great swimming.”
  • Playgrounds and Family Fun: Many campgrounds, like Piney Campground, have playgrounds for kids. A reviewer noted, “The bathrooms were clean and everyone was so nice! We are definitely going to camp here again.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Hurricane Creek, one guest said, “The campground is very clean. Easy hookup for electric and water.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Canal - Lake Barkley. A visitor shared, “Our campsite was level and huge. I did notice a few sites were a little rough though.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Kenlake State Resort Park, one reviewer said, “The camp host and staff are super friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some campgrounds. A family at Hillman Ferry Campground noted, “Please be aware there is very little cell phone service and the internet was down while we were there.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Energy Lake Campground is open from March 1 to November 30.
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Piney Campground mentioned, “We were lucky enough to get a site that does not have water or electric but were able to move after the big weekend to a spot with those amenities.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Outdoor Games: Kids love to play outside, so pack some games or sports equipment. One family at Hurricane Creek enjoyed the “family-friendly” atmosphere with lots of children around.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to bring enough food and snacks. A camper at Energy Lake Campground appreciated the “clean bathrooms” and “electricity” for cooking.
  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer organized activities. At Piney Campground, one visitor mentioned, “We had a great time at Hillman Ferry.”

Tips from RVers

  • Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A reviewer at Kenlake State Resort Park advised, “Secure chock blocks are a must, and pads have a 3-18 inch drop-off around the edges.”
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, make sure to bring extra power cords. A camper at Canal - Lake Barkley noted that “water and electric hook-ups are at least 50 plus feet from your pad.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Paris Landing State Park Campground mentioned, “Marina, disc golf, archery range and more.”

Camping near New Concord, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Concord, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Concord, KY is Forest Service Rd 343 with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Concord, KY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near New Concord, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.